Sermons on Designed For Joy:

The Grinch . . . Named Herod

Contributed by Arthur Page on Dec 20, 2004

Why is it our Christmas joy, peace, and hope are so fleeting? Perhaps, as nearly happened 2000 years ago, someone or something is trying to steal our joy.

A favorite bed time story at this time of year is the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss. It begins . . . Every Who Down in Who-ville Liked Christmas a lot... But the Grinch, Who lived just north of Who-ville, Did NOT! The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Methodist

Spirit Poured Out (Pentecost Sunday) Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on May 22, 2021

Pentecost worship is about joy, and the invitation is to let the Spirit be poured out on “you” is plural. It was because they were gathered together that this happened. This is a Devine hug of welcome and Joy.

Sermon “What does this mean?” This is a story of the Spirit poured out—like water from a pitcher or from a hose. Yeah, from a hose, with a thumb pressed against the opening so it shoots across the yard and soaks the giggling, screeching children who are running with glee from the icy spray but ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: United Methodist

My Month Of Walking In Grace

Contributed by Pastor Amos Dele Dada on Mar 25, 2020

It is with great joy and delight that I welcome you to our month of walking in grace! Anytime the word grace is mentioned it elicits some joy deep in my heart

It is with great joy and delight that I welcome you to our month of walking in grace! Anytime the word grace is mentioned it elicits some joy deep in my heart. It soothes my heart, my soul is thrilled, it is like me wearing an expensive garment that someone has just given to me! I believe that is ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

No Satisfaction

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 10, 2025

Solomon’s relentless search for meaning—in wisdom, work, and wealth—ended in emptiness, proving that life “under the sun” cannot satisfy the human heart. Lasting joy and fulfillment come only from God through Jesus Christ, who alone turns life’s vanity into eternal victory.

Introduction When “More” Is Never Enough It was the six-year-old boy’s first day of school. His one life ambition? Have as much fun as humanly possible. He marched through the gate with the bold confidence that only a child possesses, ready to squeeze joy out of every moment. But at noon there ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17, Mark 8:36

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Spiritual Disciplines Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jan 15, 2008

An introduction sermon for a 13 week series on exploring various Spiritual Disciplines, designed to help the church draw closer to Christ and grow in Christlikeness.

Spiritual Disciplines: Introduction January 6, 2008 1 Timothy 4:7-8 John 10:10 {Video of me shooting free throws and talking about spiritual disciplines} Not a bad basketball player, even when the camera is on me. I was hitting in crunch time, the pressure was on and there were no retakes. Just ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Denomination: Baptist

Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut -Filled To The Brim

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Feb 9, 2010

In the Scriptures "Water" is often a symbol of .the "Word of God". It is important to understand that Wine often times in Jewish literature is a reference or a symbol of joy. Do you need to be filled anew, to be filled to the brim with joy? Updated August 2020.

If you are a follower of the Christ, ...... you know... ...that your life should be filled ... Filled with ... and overflowing ... with joy. You probably also know ...... that you should experience joy ... in spite of ... life's circumstances. The Scriptures clearly teach us... that the ...read more

Scripture: John 17:13, Matthew 11:18-19, Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 51:12, John 15:3, Ephesians 5:26, John 19:26, John 2:1-11, 2 Corinthians 4:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

Living For One Purpose

Contributed by Jon Miller on Mar 1, 2011

This message is part of a series through the Gospel of John and sows how God has designed us to live for one purpose: to Give Him GLory

Living for One purpose John 17:1-5 Today I want us to think about the one sole purpose, the one passion that we live for. What is it that gets us out of bed in the morning and motivates us through the day at the same time I want you to consider if that purpose is bringing you joy and ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-5

Angels Part 1

Contributed by Jack Graham on Nov 16, 2016

That’s speaking of Christ who was full of joy. The “oil of gladness” means leaping for joy. Jesus was full of life and joy. Never think that Jesus was a pale, sanctimonious recluse. He was a Man among men, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

This is from a transcript of a sermon preached by Dr. Jack Graham on June 5, 2016 Hebrews, chapter 1, verses 6 through 9: 6) And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7) Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

All Things Work Together For Good - Short Homily

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Jan 28, 2016

Romans 8: 28-30 shares with us at least two truths: Our bad things, which are bad things, work together for good, and Our good things which are transforming cannot be lost. Full Message - "All Things - Work Together For Good / Predestined To Be Transformed " July 2020.

If you are a follower of the Christ, ...... you know.... .....that your life should be filled .... Filled to overflowing ... with joy. You probably also know ...... that you should experience joy ..... in spite of .... The circumstance. The Scriptures clearly teach us.... that the joy of the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:35, Matthew 5:45, John 16:22, John 17:13, Romans 8:28-30  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

Psalm 2 Series

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Feb 25, 2020

The first two psalms are often considered to be designed as a pair serving as an introduction to the 150-psalm collection. The first psalm describes the difference between the blessed man and the evil man, and Psalm 2 is about triumph over the forces that oppose the faith.

For Sermon Central researchers: I have posted a series of 15 sermons on the Psalms. In recent personal studies I have found the psalms to be richer and more thought-provoking than I had fully appreciated. I had too often swept swiftly through psalms without slowing down to inquire as thoroughly as ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 2:1-12, Acts 4:27-28, Hebrews 1:6, Daniel 7:13-14, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 103:8, Psalm 145:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Dry Bones

Contributed by Ken Harris on Jan 16, 2001

This sermon is designed to encourage the hearers to move away from a backsliding stage of life to accepting God’s invitation for New Life & Spirit.

U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris, Jr. True Saints C.O.G.I.C. Bamberg, Georgia Scriptural references: SPP (Suffering; Profit; Pleasure); EAI (Expository; Application; Illustration) Rom. 12: 1 ( I Beseech thee …my the mercy of God …); Romans 15: 15:1 (We then that are strong …); 2 Kings ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-10, Ezekiel 37:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Christian Suffering Is--And Isn't

Contributed by Daryl Bahn on May 9, 2002

Christians can expect to suffer, but in Christ suffering is a time for joy, praise, humility, and faith.

WHAT CHRISTIAN SUFFERING IS—AND ISN’T 7th Sunday of Easter (1 Peter 4:12-17; 5:6-11) Introduction: “OK, Doc, give it to me straight.” When you go to the doctor, do you want him to only hint that something might be wrong, or do you want him to honestly and clearly discuss the details of your ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-11, 1 Peter 4:12-17

Denomination: Lutheran

The Nearness Of God!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jul 2, 2002

God sometimes passes so near that you can feel His presence. You can know that He is there. Let me share 4 areas where I think we can sense the nearness of God.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2015) A. In Exodus 33:15-23 we have a conversation between Moses & the Lord God Himself. Listen as I read from that passage. Exodus 33:15-19 says, "Then Moses said to Him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 33:15-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Broken

Contributed by Rich Hadley on Dec 16, 2001

Designed to be used in conjunction with CeCe Winan’s song "Alabaster Box", this sermon challenges the Pharisee in us all.

Luke 7 "The Alabaster Jar" 36. Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37. When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Holiness

Stoke The Furnace

Contributed by Duane Brown on Mar 27, 2002

Sermon designed to evaluate the spiritual commitment level of the Christian, and to prevent us from becoming lethargic in our service to God!

The past couple of weeks worth of weather has brought back to our attention, the fact that fall is indeed here and in just a few short days or weeks the furnace will become very important to each of us. Imagine to your dismay, if on that cold fall morning you hasten to the thermostat turn the dial ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6-9

Denomination: Holiness