Sermons on Designed For Joy:

Looking For Pennies

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Nov 19, 2001

Looking for Pennies (story from Annie Dillard) is important because: 1. The created world is a window into the heart of God. 2. The created world provides opportunities to praise the goodness of God. 3. The created world is a source of joy for thankful

Annie Dillard, in her wonderful Pulitzer Prize winning book Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, tells a story about pennies. It was in her chapter entitled “Seeing” that I read her wonderful childhood story. I will let her tell it in her own words: “When I was six or seven years old, growing up in ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:15-17

Denomination: Methodist

How Can I Ever Thank You?

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Nov 20, 2001

Gratitude of the Believer demonstrated in Christian walk.

HOW CAN I EVER THANK YOU LORD? Colossians 2:6-7 Introduction: Andrae Crouch in his song My Tribute wrote, "How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me. Things so undeserved, yet You give to prove Your love for me. The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

He Worshipped

Contributed by Richard Rutledge on Nov 20, 2001

Job’s first reaction to the devastating news of his servants was to worship.

Job 1:13-20 Text: He Worshipped Perhaps of all the accounts given us in Scripture, few paints a more vivid picture of total devastation and tragedy as the story of Job. Most of you are familiar with this passage but for the benefit of those who may not be, let me share a little background. Job ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:13-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lighten Up!

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 5, 2001

A message encouraging Christians to live lives characterized by joy rather than grumpiness.

Lighten Up! Various Scriptures Introduction We all like being around people who are generally upbeat, don’t we? I mean, if you had your choice of being with someone who had a smile or someone who looked like he was weaned on sour lemons, who would you most likely pick? I’d pick the smiley guy ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 7:12

Denomination: Wesleyan

What's Below The Surface?

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Aug 1, 2003

There are plenty of comparisons in our world, but what we is true of us as believers is beyond comparison! Let’s be encouraged by what we have in Christ

July 20, 2003 "What’s Below the Surface?" Colossians 2:6-15 Pastor Jon MacKinney ______________________________________________________________________________________ This morning it’s my purpose to encourage you. I have to begin, therefore, with recognizing those things that can ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-12

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Being Thankful By Thursday

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Aug 6, 2003

Being thankful is critical to being a whole/well person.

"Being Thankful By Thursday" November 24, 2002 FBC, Chester, Illinois Mike Fogerson, Speaker Introduction: A. The world celebrates Easter with Easter bunnies & Easter eggs & new clothes & spring breaks - heralding the coming of spring. But Easter is a holy day for Christians, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Baptist

A Memorable Church

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Aug 11, 2003

Thankfulness -- As Paul remembered his support by the believers in Thessalonica, and how they are part of his ministry, we also must live a life of gratitude for our support system.

THE PASTOR’S POINTS sermon ministry of CEDAR LODGE BAPTIST CHURCH Thomasville, NC A fellowship of faith, family and friendships. ------------------------------------------------------- Russell Brownworth, Pastor A Lord’s Supper Meditation August 10, 2003 1This letter is from Paul, Silas, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4, Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: United Methodist

Giving With Thanksgiving

Contributed by Richard White on Sep 13, 2003

What is our attitude when the collection plate is passed?

Giving with Thanksgiving Romans 12:8-9; Acts 2:45; 4:32 Attitude of gratitude is the catch phrase for giving. We should give with a humble and contrite heart. Giving is attitudinal; we received from God, and share with the people. We are a Restoration Movement Church; we are looking to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:8-9, Acts 2:42-46

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"The Christian And Thankfulness" Series

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Sep 19, 2003

True thankfulness to God, is the fruit of accurate knowledge of what God has done, is doing and will do, so far as is revealed in His word. (#2 in The Christian Victor series)

“But do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:3-5, Colossians 3:15-17

Denomination: Orthodox

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Contributed by Bobby Mcdaniel on Sep 29, 2003

A study of joy vs. happiness and the scriptural support that joy is not subject to emotions or external stimuli.

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee Scripture Ref: Psalm 71:23 Romans 15:13 Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, 7:6, 11:9 John 15:10-11, 16:24, 17:13 Proverbs 14:13 Psalm 16:8-11 Job 20:5 Acts 2:28 Other Ref: Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary Webster’s 1828 Dictionary New Bible Dictionary, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 71:23

Reasons To Rejoice

Contributed by Leo Launio on Oct 14, 2003

In spite of difficulties, God has given us reasons to rejoice.

November 9, 2002 I. Introduction A. Theme for this month of November is Praise and Thanksgiving B. Fitting theme 1. In the month of October, we celebrated thanksgiving here in Canada 2. In the month of November, our neighbor south of the border is celebrating thanksgiving. 3. As we approach the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:10-11

Denomination: Adventist

Whatever Happened To Hope

Contributed by David Parks on Aug 15, 2002

There is no doubt in Hope.

Whatever Happened To Hope? (Note this text was used with the power pont slide available at Sermon Central) And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) What Is It? "Thus ELPIDZEIN means expectation with the nuance of counting upon... If ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:5, 1 Corinthians 13:13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Joyful Christian

Contributed by Troy Mason on Aug 23, 2002

A call to be joyful in our walk with the Lord

The Joyful Christian Psalm 100 Introduction: Several years ago, the #1 song on the pop charts was titled “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. It had a snappy, tropical sort of beat, and left people with the feeling that everything was okay. It left them feeling relaxed and good about themselves and their ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1

Denomination: Baptist

Let Your Balloons Sail Free

Contributed by Karl Eckhoff on Aug 26, 2002

Seeing how God has acted to give us all we have and how He has kept His promises we’re moved to offer Him thanks and praise.

Pentecost 14 A Exodus 6:2-8; Romans 11:33-36 Let Your Balloons Sail Free! Based on Joachim Neander’s Hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty 08/25/02 “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord.” These are not expressions that ordinarily used in the Lutheran Church. Not because there’s anything wrong with ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 6:2-8, Romans 11:33-36

Denomination: Lutheran

What Would Jesus Say To Those Whose Well Has Run Dry?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 30, 2002

This message on reclaiming joy in your life deals with the sources of joy as well as paths toward recovering joy in your life.

- When we’re stressed and distressed by the state of our lives, we find ourselves in pathetic condition: - we’re irritated by even the smallest inconveniences and problems, - we rarely laugh, - we’re quick to snap at people, - we flop into bed each night, exhausted, - we have no joy in our ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:12, Psalm 51:1-19

Denomination: Baptist