Sermons on Easter Joy:

What's So Great About Gratefulness?

Contributed by Don Jaques on Dec 1, 2005

When we choose to give thanks to God in all circumstances, we reap the benefits of God’s blessings. The hearer will understand WHY he/she should give thanks to God and be motivated to develop the discipline of grateful living.

INTRO In “The Hiding Place”, Dutch woman Corrie ten Boom wrote of her family’s experience undergoing the trial of concentration camps under the Third Reich in World War II. Though not Jews themselves, she, her father, and her sister, Betsie, were sent to a series of prison camps for harboring Jews ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Keys To Joy-- Thanksgiving 4 Of 4 Series

Contributed by David Hodgin on Dec 2, 2005

Living with joy is not easy, but if we pursue joy as God instructs we we can live the joy filled life!

Bible verses mentioned in today’s message 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Hebrews 13:15 Jeremiah 2:32 Acts2:1-4 Romans 12:2 Proverbs 14:12 Matthew 5:21-44 Philippians 4:4-7 1Th 5:16 Be joyful always; 1Th 5:17 pray continually; 1Th 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

A Philosophy Of Gratitude-- Thanksgiving 3 Of 4 Series

Contributed by David Hodgin on Dec 2, 2005

A right philosophy is one that is overflowing with thankfulness. Gratitude is nothing less than the key to happiness.

A Philosophy of Gratitude—Thanksgiving 3 of 4 Col 2:6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, Col 2:7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Col 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-8

Training For Reigning

Contributed by Doug Morrell on Dec 5, 2005

We are never to feign happiness in pain, but if we are growing in Christ-likeness, we should be demonstrating a more eternal, positive perspective (considering it pure joy), because we are realizing that we are training for reigning.

Depth of character is realized under pressure. Anyone can be a Christian when things go well, but how do you do when a little pressure, a little pain, a little discomfort, criticism or gossip, a sick child, loss of income, are applied? When your fruit is squeezed, what kind of juice comes forth? We ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Stopping Sin In It's Tracks Series

Contributed by Gene Gregory on Dec 5, 2005

6th in series on restoring joy. Addresses the problem of sin in a Christian’s life.

RESTORING THE JOY Part 6: Stopping Sin in it’s Tracks I thank the Lord that I had the pleasure of growing up in a godly family, with great parents. Thanks to that, I have many joyous memories of my childhood. Growing up in the country, over the years we had just about any kind of animal you can ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Next Thing You Know Series

Contributed by Jeff Skinner on Dec 5, 2005

We must remian connected to the source of life if we asre to bear fruit and serve our purpose.

Next Thing you know Open with the song- If you have some teens consider having them ham it up during the song-illustrate joy/happiness Note: Several days before locate some kudzu or another plant and leave it somewhere that it will shrivel and die. Why is my Kudzu Dying? 1. No longer ...read more

Denomination: Holiness

Why Be Thankful?

Contributed by Rick Sunstrom on Dec 7, 2005

Discover why we should be thankful to God, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Why Be Thankful? In recognition of the holiday before us, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about being thankful. I’d like to begin with a story. In regions of Mexico hot springs and cold springs are found side by side, and because of the convenience of this natural phenomenon the women ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Let The Attitude Of Gratitude Elevate Your Altitude

Contributed by Johann Neethling on Feb 14, 2006

The attitude of gratitude is a conscious choice the Believer makes to the greatest event our world has known - the death and resurrection of Christ. That attitude enables us to live as overcomers irrespective of our circumstances.

LET THE ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE ELEVATE YOUR ALTITUDE Philippians 4:4-13 1. The cartoon by Mike Baldwin on the cover of your bulletin this morning (cartoon shows a long line of people at the "Complaints" window and none at the "Gratitude" window)is an apt description of and sad commentary on the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-13

Denomination: United Methodist

"Thank You"

Contributed by Emil Boniog on Mar 5, 2006

Gratitude is good to your soul.

INTRODUCTION We are a society of complainers. We find fault with everything from the environment to the way our government is handling foreign affairs. We are never satisfied--the economy is bad, gas is expensive, my third wife is the same as my first two ex-wives. Consequently, we are not a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is My Honor?

Contributed by Tony Skaff on Mar 18, 2006

Give back God the honor He deserves.

1stBBC Where is my honor? Mal 1:6 A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master: if then I am a father, where is mine honor? and if I am a master, where is my fear? To a skeptical, disobedient and careless audience, this was the last message. 1. It is a sacred obligation Psa 103:13 ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 1:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Reasons For Rejoicing

Contributed by Colin Coombs on Mar 19, 2006

Showing from Philipians chapter 4 how a Christian can rejoice in God’s Purpose; Peace; Power and Presence.

REASONS FOR REJOICING IN PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER 4 I. REJOICING IN GOD’S PURPOSE v. 3 I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life. [NIV] A. CHOSEN OF ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How Can I Be Happy?

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Mar 27, 2006

Happiness blockers: 1. A demanding spirit that insists life should be good and easy. 2. A lack of play. 3. Basing your happiness on circumstances rather than trust.

Singer and diva, Madonna, is one of the wealthiest people in show business and has openly flaunted her self-indulgent lifestyle. A couple of years ago she was asked in an interview if she was happy. Her response was: “I don’t even know anybody who is happy!” Not only was she not happy, but she ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

The Prescription For An Anxious Heart. Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Apr 4, 2006

You see anxiety is like a sickness. It is a spiritual illness that needs a cure. And we have in these verses Philippians 4:4-7 the prescription that God gives for an anxious heart.

Do people really struggle with anxiety? Is that something that is real or are we just talking when we say people in our day have anxious hearts? You have heard of Ann Landers, she got about 10,000 letters a month about people’s problems. She was asked, what is the number one problem that people ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7

Denomination: Baptist

How To Be Thankful

Contributed by Steve Hereford on Sep 7, 2006

Do you know that you have been called to be thankful? In fact the Apostle Paul says that we are "always" to be thankful. Join Pastor Steve as he shares "How to Be Thankful" from 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Apostle Paul says to the believer"s at Thessalonica, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing: in everything give thanks; for this is God"s will for you in Christ Jesus." God"s will is that we always "rejoice, pray and give thanks." Erwin Lutzer, said, "You can learn to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Following Hard After The Lord.

Contributed by Gerald Van Horn on Sep 12, 2006

How beautiful are the Words of the Lord in this Psalm.

Following Hard After The Lord Scripture setting Psalms 63:1-11 Text. Psalms 63:8 “My soul followeth hard after Thee.” How beautiful the Words of the Lord. David the king of Israel utters them. This Psalm is a song that he sang to the Lord. It was often sung by Israel. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 63:1-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God