Sermons on Joy And Meaning:

Glory In Persecution [rated - R]

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Nov 6, 2009

The time is coming when Christians will be persecuted right here. How do I know it? I have already traveled that road before. How will you deal with it? Let us not try to run and find a way to escape persecution but face it like Jesus did.

Opening illustration: Video clip of persecuted Christians worldwide. Let us turn to 1 Peter 4 and check out what to expect while being persecuted for Christ. Introduction: In the nature of things persecution must have been a much more daunting experience for Gentiles than it was for the Jews. The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Power Of Love Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 22, 2012

Jesus highlights the core message of his ministry and his gospel to the disciples and his followers. Jesus' life, ministry and message can be summed up, "Love each other."

John 15:9-17 "The Power of Love" INTRODUCTION Jesus is nearing the end of his earthly ministry. His disciples have been with him for three years. They have seen Jesus cast out demons, heal the sick, give sight to the blind and enable the lame to walk. They have been with Jesus when he ...read more

Scripture: John 15:9-19

Denomination: Lutheran

From Bitter And Better I Series

Contributed by Jeremy Poling on Apr 21, 2012

Trouble will make you better if you do not allow it to make you bitter.

From Bitter And Better Exodus 1:11-14 11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:11-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

What The Light Of Christmas Brings Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Dec 7, 2009

Today, we’re beginning a new three part Christmas series on the first 7 verses of Isaiah 9. Over the next three messages, we will be looking at What the Light of Christmas Brings, Who the light of Christmas is, and What the light of Christmas Promises.

When the winds got up high this past week, I know that some of you lost power. Fortunately, it was during the daytime and it wasn’t too cold out. But even then, it’s not very much fun to lose power. I’ve told you that when Miranda and I were first married, we lived overseas. And in the Azores ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Is Anyone Of You In Trouble? Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jul 23, 2012

James gives us the solution to trouble and several other things that we encounter in life. 1- Are you in trouble? Pray 2- Are you happy? Sing 3- Are you sick? Call (make a phone call)

INTRO.- Trouble. Can life be lived without any trouble? No, it’s an impossibility. ILL.- Mark Twain said, “My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.” I think all parents have some trouble with their kids, but I doubt seriously that they ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18, James 5:13-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Joyful Heart Is Good Medicine

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Aug 31, 2020

Our emotions cause us to sweat, to weep, to tremble. Our emotions cause us to turn white with fear, red with embarrassment, purple with anger, & green with nausea. Our emotions really do effect us physically.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK TEXT: Proverbs 17:22; John 16:33; Matthew 14:27 ILL. This past week I came across an interesting story ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 17:22, John 16:33, Matthew 14:27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

This Is The Day! Rejoice!

Contributed by David Owens on Jan 5, 2026

As we start the new year, it is good to be reminded that each day is a blessing from the Lord and should not be taken for granted. This is the day the Lord has made, so let's rejoice and be glad in it.

Introduction: A. In an article written years ago, a man gave his idea of a perfect world. He said: 1. He wrote: “In a perfect world you would feel as good at 60 as you did at 17. And you would be as smart at 60 as you thought you were at 17. “In a perfect world professional basketball and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:1-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Finding Contentment In A Discontented World

Contributed by Gene Gregory on Aug 12, 2006

Explains how to find contentment. Expanded outline.

FINDING CONTENTMENT IN A DISCONTENTED WORLD The other day I was listening to the radio, and I heard one say that in our country there is a palatable discontent; a palatable discontent. In our country, people are unhappy. There is a spirit of discontentedness. Let’s think about that for a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-23

Denomination: Baptist

Psalm 23 Part Vi "You Prepare A Table Before Me" Series

Contributed by Brad Henry on Aug 8, 2011

How to have joy even when surrounded by an enemy visible or invisible.

Psalm 23:5a “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” King David who wrote this Psalm had quite a history. I think some parts of David’s life we can all relate to. David was also a shepherd and took care of the family sheep. The Lord gave him such strength ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:5

Why Do We Suffer?

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Dec 3, 2009

Why do we suffer? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do are bodies give out on us only after we learn to appreciate what they are capable of? Why do we contract illness in our old age isn’t growing old enough to have to live through without a

Why do we suffer? John Chapter 9:1-11 Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous Jonathan Winters, comedian Boris Yeltsin, former President, Russia Judy Garland, singer, actress Charles Dickens, writer Noel Coward, composer Rosemary Clooney, singer Robert Burns, poet John Bunyan, ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Second Sunday Of Advent, Year C: A Straight, Immovable Section.

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Nov 17, 2024

That dangerous S-curve was removed in 1981 and replaced by a straight, immovable section.

A man named John Hakel says his three-year-old daughter looked at a calendar and asked him, "Daddy, how many BE GOOD days until Christmas?"1 On the Second Sunday of Advent, we meet John the Baptist in the Desert: Luke 3:2: “the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-6

Denomination: Catholic

Preparing The Way: A Joyful Advent Journey"

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Dec 14, 2024

As we embark on the season of Advent, we find ourselves in a space of waiting and anticipation. Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas; it is a time of reflection, hope, and spiritual renewal.

Introduction: As we embark on the season of Advent, we find ourselves in a space of waiting and anticipation. Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas; it is a time of reflection, hope, and spiritual renewal. Today, we turn our attention to the Old Testament prophet Zephaniah, who gives ...read more

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-20

Denomination: Methodist

Thankful Before Thanksgiving Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 1, 2011

Paul shows in Philippians 4:4–7 four basic principles for developing and maintaining a life of thankfulness regardless the circumstances. This can occur through: 1)Maintaining a Spirit of Joy (Phil. 4:4), 2) Learning to be Content (Phil. 4:5a), 3) Restin

Earlier this week the National Post ran an advertisement that has caused some controversy. The ad, bought by the Institute for Canadian Values, argued against aspects of the Ontario school curriculum that include instruction about certain aspects of human sexuality. Specifically, it objected to ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7

Denomination: Other

Focusing On The Positive! Series

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 5, 2001

How you look at something can make a world of difference in how you behave. Life is like that. What you focus upon in life will generally determine the kind of decisions you make.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2011) ILL. Have you heard the story of the farmer who was discouraged with his farm? So he decided to sell out & move somewhere else. He engaged a realtor to look the farm over & prepare a sales ad. But ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26, Philippians 4:8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Faithful Wounds

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Jan 11, 2010

God is working through everything that happens in the lives of those who love Him to help us become more like Jesus.

Faithful Wounds Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend…. [NIV: Wounds from a friend can be trusted….] Romans 8:28-29 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-29

Denomination: Assembly Of God