Sermons on Joy And Meaning:

The Search For Happiness

Contributed by Bruce Willis on May 22, 2007

This sermon seeks to get to the root of where true happiness is found and in doing so presents the love of God in the gospel of Christ.

Graduates we’re all proud of the milestone that you’ve reached as of May 2007. A lot of hard work and determination has gone into the goals that you have achieved. However, the life long search for meaning, purpose and fulfillment has only just begun. In fact, the search for happiness began the ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

A Lazy, Hazy Day Series

Contributed by Bobby Daniel on Oct 27, 2007

Sermon #4 in a series about joy from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Previously preached for another congregation, but reworked and retooled for this series.

A lazy, hazy day Phil 4:10-23 Goal: How to find contentment and peace so that we can enjoy life. Intro: I grew up in South Louisiana…less than a 20 mile distance from the Gulf of Mexico…and more often than not the weather could be described as hot and humid. Obviously the heat and humidity would ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-23

Denomination: Baptist

Celebrate God's Grace This New Year's Eve

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Jan 4, 2002

Isaiah invites us to look back on a year of God’s grace drawing to a close and to look ahead to another year of God’s grace that is just beginning.

In the ancient calendar used by the Romans, from which our calendar was created, the name of each month had a meaning. For example the month of February was so named because that was the time of the year for a feast called Februa. Some of the months were named for the false gods that the Romans ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 63:7-9, Isaiah 63:1, Isaiah 63:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

Be Joyful Always Series

Contributed by James Jack on Nov 29, 2007

The key to being joyful always and being thankful in all circumstances is to humbly rely on God.

A few weeks ago James Rogers, our senior minister, spoke about songs he hated. I’ve got a number of songs I hate. I can’t really share them with you now because they’ve normally got some sort of profanity in the title as well as in the lyrics themselves. Then there’s the songs that I just can’t get ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Denomination: Anglican

Pursuing "Happyness" Series

Contributed by Eyriche Cortez on May 7, 2007

Happiness is a choice, not a consequence. It is centered on God’s rule in our lives and it is connected to what Christ has done for us.

Last December 2006, Columbia Pictures released the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith and his son Jaden Christopher. Christopher Gardner inspired the movie. He was a salesman struggling to provide for his family until he finally makes it big in the stock brokerage business in San ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Developing True Thankfulness

Contributed by Michael Fogaras on Nov 24, 2002

What were the four desires of the first century church that God would add to their number daily?

DEVELOPING TRUE THANKFULNESS ACTS 3:44-47 INTRODUCTION: As we come to this time of year there are many celebrations coming up. In just a few days we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. This is usually a time when we gather together with family and friends and reflect on the goodness of God. We ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:44-47

Denomination: Pentecostal

Rejoicing In Christ Alone

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Apr 9, 2008

Philippians 3:1-12 verse upon verse weekly study. Good solid Bible teaching.

Rejoicing in Christ Alone Philippians 3:1-12 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Does It Mean To Seek First The Kingdom? Series

Contributed by Jason Cole on Apr 18, 2007

Often times we say things without understanding their meaning. Often times we quote, "seek first his kingdom and his righteosness," but what does that really mean for us?

What Does it Mean to Seek First the Kingdom? Introduction: One night, a group of thieves broke into a jewelry store. But rather than stealing anything, they simply switched all the price tags. The next day no one could tell what was valuable and what was cheap. The expensive jewels had suddenly ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lord Of The Dance

Contributed by Kevin Taylor on Oct 28, 2001

Get back your dance once again and rejoice in the Lord!

I. Dancing in the Ditch? A. Text: II Kings 3:9-20 B. There were only two reasons why people danced in the OT (1) At a time of celebration because of a victory. (2) Or in the presence of God (as with David and the Ark of the Covenant). C. Dance represents joy. D. The Psalmist David spent much time ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 3:9-20

Grace On The Bottom Line Series

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Jun 22, 2004

Part 10 of study of Philippians

THE PASTOR’S POINTS Bible-Teaching Ministry of CEDAR LODGE BAPTIST CHURCH Thomasville, NC Dr. Russell Brownworth, Pastor The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Phil 4:23 (NIV) All throughout this letter to the Philippian church Paul’s theme has been joy. Indeed, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:14-23

Denomination: United Methodist

The Fruit Of Justification

Contributed by Ian Lyall on Oct 28, 2005

The doctrine of Justification by Faith has to be understood and applied in order to enjoy the fruit of this liberation truth

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith. This is one of the great �therefores� of Romans. Chapters 5, 8 and 12 all begin with those great �therefores�. They mark off sections of Paul�s great epistle. There are many other �therefores� as Paul argues ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Give Thanks: You Are Cleansed And Free

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Nov 26, 2002

Thanksgiving Day: We are cleansed and made pure through Jesus’ Cross and Resurrection. This blessing far surpasses any trials and burdens that may come into our lives!

There’s a story of a man who lived in Budapest. He goes to the rabbi and complains, “Life is unbearable. There are nine of us living in one room. What can I do?” The rabbi answers, “Take your goat into the room with you.” The man just couldn’t believe what he heard. But the rabbi insists. “Do ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Lutheran

The Wait Of Glory

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Jun 19, 2007

MP: God has nothing against pleasure – he’d just rather give you joy.

Long Branch Baptist Church Halfway, Virginia; est. 1786 Sunday, June 03, 2007 Enter to Worship Prelude David Witt Meditation Invocation Michael Hollinger *Opening Hymn #182 “For the Beauty of the Earth” Welcome & Announcements Morning Prayer [See Insert] *Hymn #541 “The Joy of the ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:9-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Gratitude

Contributed by David Swensen on Nov 20, 2001

Life is tough. As a result, there is need for us to reach out & touch a life. The heart that regularly gives thanks is the heart that serves God by faithfully ministering to others.Such is the power of gratitude

THE POWER OF GRATITUDE Colossians 3:12-17 INTRODUCTION Mildred Hondorff, a former elementary school music teacher from Des Moines, Iowa, tells of life-changing experience she had with a pupil. Supplementing her income by teaching piano lessons she taught a “musically challenged” pupil ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Give Thanks! (Thanksgiving)

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Jul 13, 2004

In Psalm 9, David’s psalm of thanksgiving, the King reveals for us how to live a more thankful and appreciative life: by Witnessing, Worshipping, and Waiting.

Give Thanks! by Scott R. Bayles, preacher Church of Christ ------------------------------------------------------ Among the lessons Viktor Fankl learned in the Nazi death-camp, Auschwitz, was to take time to be thankful and to count your blessings. He wrote that prisoners in the camp dreamed at ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 9:1-10

Denomination: Christian Church