Sermons on Joy In Pain:

A Story Of Slow, Painful Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 16, 2023

The story of Joseph coming to a place of forgiveness with his brothers is a long story (four whole chapters!) but the story is a great illustration of how difficult forgiveness is.

HOW WE THINK YOU FORGIVE: Say “I forgive you” and move on. - Discuss the fact that “forgive and forget” is not in the Bible. PLOT POINTS: - This is a really long story – basically four chapters! But it’s important that we hit the various plot points because they show the back-and-forth, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Forgiveness In The Midst Of Pain

Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on Apr 17, 2025

The first word of Jesus on the cross

On the blood-stained hill of Calvary, while nailed to a cross between two thieves, Jesus opened His mouth— not to curse His executioners, but to pray. Not to cry out in hatred—but to pray: Not to tear down-but to build up Not to pull down-but to lift up Not to make war-but peace Not to establish ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:34

Denomination: Baptist

Gladness & Joy PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 30, 2024

Explores finding God's presence in times of silence and hardship, understanding the significance of communion, and the mystery of God's kingdom.

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters. It is indeed a blessing to be gathered here today in the house of the Lord, with hearts open and ready to receive His Word. Today, we find ourselves in the heartland of the book of Isaiah, specifically chapter 16, verse 10. It reads, "Joy and gladness are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:26-28, Isaiah 16:10

Topics: Matthew, Isaiah

Joy At Christmas Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Dec 20, 2025

This sermon proclaims that the true joy of Christmas is not found in changing circumstances or earthly comfort, but in the unshakable, eternal joy that comes from God drawing near in Christ—who lived, suffered, died, and rose again to secure our salvation and remain with us through every trial.

To begin our discussion this morning, let’s do a quick, informal congregational survey. I’m going to describe a few scenarios. If the scenario brings you joy, give me a thumbs up. If it brings discomfort, frustration, or sorrow—give me a thumbs down. Just respond honestly. First scenario: ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9

Denomination: Baptist

Joy In Sorrow Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Nov 16, 2023

In your sorrow, find joy in God, the Holy Spirit; find joy in the Resurrection of Christ, God’s Son; and find joy in prayer to your Heavenly Father.

There’s an old and ancient Chinese proverb which says, if you wish to be happy for one hour, get intoxicated. If you wish to be happy for three days, get married. If you wish to be happy for eight days, kill your pig and eat it. If you wish to be happy forever, learn to fish. (Chinese proverb, ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-33, John 14:26

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Present Joy

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Jun 30, 2002

We find joy, not in circumstances, but in knowing and trusting in the present promises of God.

All of us desire to have joy in our lives. No matter what we call it – happiness, gladness, delight, good cheer – we would all like to experience more of it. As we are reminded on this Independence Day, the quest for joy is even enshrined in our Declaration of Independence as a God-given right: "We ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Denomination: Baptist

The Joy Of Suffering Series

Contributed by Eddie Snipes on May 5, 2002

Part 1 of a 3 part series on suffering.

The Joy of Suffering I preceded this series by examining the false view that God guarantees us health, wealth and a carefree lifestyle. This was absolutely necessary for a number of obvious reasons. We are to uphold truth. The belief that our inheritance is in this life distorts the scriptures, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19, James 5:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Stewardship Of Joy

Contributed by Davon Huss on Sep 17, 2016

Let's talk about the pleasures of joy and then the stewardship of joy (Material adapted from Robert C. Roberts' book, Spiritual Emotions, chapter 8 Joy, pgs. 114-129)

HoHum: From Max Lucado- “I have everything I need for joy!” Robert Reed said. His hands are twisted and his feet are useless. He can’t bathe himself. He can’t feed himself. He can’t brush his teeth, comb his hair, or put on his underwear. Strips of Velcro hold his ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Joy To The World Series

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Feb 4, 2021

The purpose behind Christmas is to see in Jesus the joy of salvation and the redemption of man

Rediscovering Christmas #3 Joy to the world Good Morning everyone As the church right now is being restricted by what it can do because of the pandemic, I want you to know that the church is also seeing some miraculous things being done in the life of its people. God has not turned His back on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Nazarene

Joy To The World! Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Dec 7, 2004

Christmas is about the joy found in Christ

(adapted from Bob Russell) SERIES: “CHRISTMAS CAROL THEOLOGY” TEXT: PSALM 98 TITLE: “JOY TO THE WORLD” INTRODUCTION: A. Christmas can be quite stressful --planning parties, buying just the right gifts, preparing elaborate meals ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 98:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Pure Joy Series

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Aug 20, 2008

We are to find joy and grow in faith in all situations. Perhaps when the trials end will be good enough.

Pure Joy James 1:1-8 At Christmas we sing songs like Joy to the world. We exchange gifts and decorate and most people find joy in the season. As Christians we connect all the celebration to the Birth of Jesus…..But the joy of the season often seems to fade very quickly. There are other times in ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8

Denomination: Congregational

The Joy Of Love Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 12, 2016

Do you want to find joy in your relationships? It starts when you open up your heart to receive God’s love for yourself. Then, in the context of that grace and love, feel the same; think the same; and do the same, promoting others above yourself.

A couple had been married for 60 years, and throughout their life they had shared everything. They loved each other deeply. They had not kept any secrets from one another, except for a small shoe box that the wife kept in the top shelf of her closet. When they got married, she put the box there and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Rediscover Joy Series

Contributed by James Jackson on Dec 16, 2020

Joy bubbles up throughout the Christmas story. Does it bubble up from you?

[I am grateful for the Sermon Series Kit Rediscover Christmas. This manuscript relies heavily on that series.] Rediscover Joy Matthew 2, Luke 1 Good morning! Please turn in your Bible to Luke 1. We’re also going to jump over to Matthew 2 for a little bit, but we’re going to mostly camp out in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Joy In The Darkness

Contributed by Don Schultz on Dec 5, 2013

Where does one find real and lasting joy? What about when bad things happen?

Joy in the Darkness: 1 Peter 1:6-9 1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith-- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-- may be proved genuine ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-9

Denomination: Lutheran

The Joy Of Heaven Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 2, 2021

The Scriptures do emphasize the glorious worship we will offer to God in eternity because of the great joy that will be ours, and the everlasting gratitude we will have for the Lamb of God, who died for us.

Two friends were walking along a country road and precisely at the same moment that one saw a lovely wild flower the other spotted a poisonous snake. When the one had killed the snake and the other had put the flower in his button hole, they walked on in silence for a while, and then the one with ...read more