Sermons on Joy In Pain:

Christian Optimism

Contributed by Richard Tow on Nov 17, 2003

Using quotes from sailors who survived the sinking of USS Indianapolis this sermon demonstrates how perspecive and point of reference impact our state of happiness. Several reasons for Christian Optimism are discussed.

Christian Optimism II Tim. 1:12 6-23-02 On July 16, 1945 the USS Indianapolis left the San Francisco Bay carrying mysterious box to Tinian, a small island in the west Pacific. Nobody knew that in the box was the Atomic Bomb that the Enola Gay would soon drop on Hiroshima. After making the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 84:11-12, 2 Timothy 1:12

Denomination: Charismatic

Christian Optimism

Contributed by Richard Tow on Nov 17, 2003

Using quotes from sailors who survived the sinking of USS Indianapolis this sermon demonstrates how perspecive and point of reference impacts our state of happiness. Several reasons for Christian Optimism are discussed.

Christian Optimism II Tim. 1:12 6-23-02 On July 16, 1945 the USS Indianapolis left the San Francisco Bay carrying mysterious box to Tinian, a small island in the west Pacific. Nobody knew that in the box was the Atomic Bomb that the Enola Gay would soon drop on Hiroshima. After making the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 84:11-12, 2 Timothy 1:12

Denomination: Charismatic

His Love Endures Forever Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 18, 2012

Psalm 118 is a powerful song of Praise. But behind this psalm of praise is a great deal of pain. What was the pain that led David to write this hymn to God, and what can we learn from David’s pain that make our song as powerful as his?

(We opened by playing Chris Tomlin’s “Forever” song found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjrAeWCOg6Q&feature=fvwrel. Immediately after the song, I read Psalm 118 in its entirety, and prayed.) APPLY: The Psalm we’ve read today has inspired numerous hymns and contemporary songs. · One ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:1-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Living Through Suffering Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Aug 16, 2012

We look now at a passage, which is startling in both its sobering and exalted view of Christian suffering.

Introduction We look now at a passage, which is startling in both its sobering and exalted view of Christian suffering. Recall once more the context of the letter. The Christians of the scattered churches in northern Asia Minor are facing trials placed on them by their neighbors. Some form of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Singing The Lord's Song

Contributed by John White on Dec 20, 2006

An appeal to God’s people to live a life of real praise, bringing glory to God and a witness to the world around them.

SINGING THE LORD’S SONG Psalm 137:1-4 "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us [required of us] ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 137:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Give Thanks In All Circumstances

Contributed by Bumble Ho on Dec 8, 2004

Give thanks IN all circumstances. A few reasons why: 1) our hope is eternal, beyond any earthly circumstances 2) God work out all circumstances for the best 3) God is with us in the circumstances we are in; 4) it will produce graceful words, 5) it will ch

Why is it that we must be reminded to set aside one day a year to be thankful? Should we not be thankful every day? Yes; but unfortunately we don’t always remember to do what we should. And that’s why many Holiday was setting a day aside to remind us of what we should be doing. We need Mother Day ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Lord, Why Me!? Series

Contributed by Dixon Olu. David on Dec 14, 2004

In every probability, each one of us would have sometimes asked the question, “Lord, Why me?” But, wait a minute. Have you ever look at the other side?With all the blessings, mercies and grace of God all around you, have you ever ask God, “Lord, Why me?”

THEME: OUR GOD IS GOOD TOPIC: LORD, WHY ME!? TEXT: Ps. 139: 1-24; Job 23: 1-17 SPEAKER: Dixon Olu. DAVID DELIVERD: 12th December, 2004 Introduction In every probability, each one of us would have sometimes asked the question, “Lord, Why me?” Consciously or unconsciously, directly or ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-24

Denomination: Foursquare

Living A Life Of Contentment

Contributed by Jason Cole on Nov 26, 2007

we live in a society which craves more yet we are called to be content, how can we be content when we feel we need more.

Living A Life of Contentment John Ortberg’s book "When the Game is Over It All Goes Back in the Box" was a special help and thought sparker. Introduction: There is a disease that many people have here. The men who have this disease can walk into their garage and look at their car which is less ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Ultimate Endgame Series

Contributed by Steve Bond on Oct 31, 2007

Nobody’s perfect. The words are both true and of some comfort. But as Christ followers the Good News is far better. Jesus is perfect. and if we pursue him passionately, that rubs off on us in this life.

Introduction Billy Graham is now in his late 80’s and he suffers from Parkinson’s disease. His worldwide evangelism ministry has spanned more than sixty years. Awhile back, Billy was invited to speak at a luncheon in North Carolina. After many wonderful things were said about him, Billy stepped to ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Making The Most Of The Good And The Bad - Rom 8:28,29

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Apr 15, 2002

Making the Most of the Good and the Bad - Rom. 8:28,29

Making the Most of the Good & the Bad – Rom. 8:28 Illustration: DETOURS The year was 1920. The scene was the examining board for selecting missionaries. Standing before the board was a young man named Oswald Smith. One dream dominated his heart. He wanted to be a missionary. Over and over again, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:28-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Open The Wells

Contributed by Richard Francis on Mar 29, 2008

Our hearts can be wells of salvation, open by faith in Jesus Christ and allowing the waters of life to flow into the lives or all those we meet and know as we walk our lives on this earth, no better reason for being than that.

Wells We don’t tend to think much of wells these days do we We just turn a tap and there’s the water, who needs a well? Holes in the ground with a puddle of muddy water at the bottom, taking effort to draw the water up and potentially having a serious health risk if not looked after properly. But ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 12:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Exalt Christ In Everything Series

Contributed by David Welch on Feb 8, 2018

Second in a series on Philippians where Paul reveals the axis on which his whole life revolves -- Exalting Christ in everything.

REVIEW Given the extended use of the terms “joy” and “rejoice” in four short chapters (12), joy appears to be a central focus of Paul’s letter to the Jesus followers living in the Greek city of Philippi. That is interesting given considerable space also dedicated to the subject of suffering. My ...read more

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Learning Lessons From A Leper

Contributed by Ben Peak on Jan 3, 2008

Who would have thought that we could learn a lesson from a leper? And who would have thought that the lesson we would learn from him would be in the area of gratitude? But somehow the leper in this story today teaches us three important lessons about th

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year. Families gather together for what may be the one time they do so that year. School lets out for a few days. You get a paid day off of work. The fall is here in full force. It’s a great day to sit and watch some football or get out and play some. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Holiness

Trusting God Through Suffering: Accept The Pain And Move Forward Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 4, 2024

“You must be patient in all the suffering that God sends you. If your love for the Lord is pure, you will love Him as much on Calvary as on Mt. Tabor." -Jeanne Guyon

“Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 75 years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10, Psalm 34:19, Revelation 21:4

Denomination: Salvation Army

Finding Joy In Good And Tough Times SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

An exploration of why we should be thankful to God at all times.

Last Thursday, the United States celebrated Thanksgiving, a holiday that is observed every year. It is good to pause and recognize the blessings and favors that the Lord has granted us. Let me share a story to illustrate the importance of gratitude. A woman was waiting for her connecting flight one ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Topics: Joy, Gratitude