Sermons on Joy In The City:

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

Defining Love - Genuine Love Isn't Normal Series

Contributed by Daren Mitchell on Jul 16, 2013

Jesus followers are a weird group of people. We don’t live like other people. We don’t have the same priorities or look at life the same way as everyone else. Genuine love always points people to Jesus Christ.

Let’s just be real here. Jesus followers are weird people. We’re wacked. We say stuff and do things that most people around us find odd, or even dumb. For example, we look for ways to bless the kind of people that others want to avoid. We want to go to prison and love on inmates. ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christmas - A Gift Of Love

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Dec 17, 2020

This message explains that the gift God gave us was based on His love for us and therefore the best gifts that we can give and/or receive in this life is love.

Christmas: A Gift of Love Scripture: John 3:16; First Corinthians 13 John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” On Friday we will celebrate Christmas, that day of the year when ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Word Of Life Celebrated Series

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Feb 1, 2021

John says, “We write this to make our joy complete. He presents Jesus as the source of the completed life. John says, “and the life was manifested.” Jesus is not a mysterious entity that is evasive, he is real, and Christians find their joy through him.

Reality shows continue to draw people’s attention. . . In an article, 10 Reality Shows That Aren't Real At All (And 10 That Totally Are), Chris Littlechild, talks about how they claim to be real; however, “the producers are just looking to stir up drama with fake moments. These shows are ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Reflection A.1 / Coronavirus - First Response / Go To God First

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on May 9, 2020

In Isaiah 22, Isaiah imagines Jerusalem's response to a crisis - an enemy attack. The city prepares - but forgets God.

This is an approximately daily reflection in response to coronavirus. As of 9th May, the number of people infected has passed four million and the number of deaths is 275,000. In the UK, we've passed the peak. But around the world the graph of infections against time is showing little sign ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 22:8-13

Denomination: Baptist

When Technique Eclipses Relationship-Part 2

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Feb 25, 2002

We incur certain liabilities when our relationship to Jesus is eclipsed by technique. Part 2 of a 3 part sermon.

WHEN TECHNIQUE ECLIPSES RELATIONSHIP-II—Revelation 2:1-7 Firstless Love A man who spends all his time at work—Neglecting his family in order to do it—Forgetting that his initial drive for the work is to meet his family’s need. Jesus reprimanded the Ephesian church because their first love for ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

So, You Had A Bad Day?

Contributed by Richard A. Bradley on May 3, 2012

We all have had bad days; even believers. How we react to those bad days testify to the depth of our spiritual maturity.

“SO, YOU HAD A BAD DAY” Acts 16:16-25 16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, "These men are the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-25

Denomination: Baptist

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 10, 2010

Celebrates the literary insights of James Baldwin, who had died shortly before; the privilege of redemptive suffering on the part of a person or a people participates in the suffering of Christ and of His victory. Includes readings from Baldwin’s writing

Nothing is more full of mystery than this – that the suffering of .a few who are oppressed and injured acts to redeem the many, including the oppressors. And yet nothing is more true than this – that from time to time a person, a people, a race receives the awesome privilege of suffering in such ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Religion And Politics - Ecclesiastes 8:1-9:1 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 23, 2025

One of the most aggravating parts of living in a fallen world is dealing with corruption in government and other authorities who misuse their power—especially when that abuse of power hurts you personally. This passage teaches us how to keep enjoying life even in the face of abuse of authority.

8:1 Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man's wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. 2 Keep the king's command because of your oath made before God. 3 Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don't persist in a ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:1

There Is A Great Day Coming Series

Contributed by Grant Adams on Oct 7, 2021

We will look at how an entire city is going to come to earth. Jerusalem will be the center and what will our future home be like?

No matter who we are, the word home conjures up fond memories for many of us. We may think of a mother, a brother, or grandchild and other loved ones bring us joy. We might think of Christmas, a vacation, or many other things when we reminisce of great things. The warmest feelings inside usually ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Intentional Impact Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jan 17, 2008

Exposition of Nehemiah 11:1-12:26 about the measures taken to strengthen the city to the glory of God

Text: Nehemiah 11:1-12:26, Title: Intentional Impact, Date/Place: NRBC, 1/20/08, PM A. Opening illustration: Tell about Armitage Baptist Church reaching out to Muslims in the city in the aftermath of 9/11. “If one percent of evangelicals living outside the inner city had the faith and courage to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Section (5) 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 Believer's Hope Series

Contributed by Luther Sexton on Sep 17, 2018

Paul tries to help Thessalonician about fornication which was taking place in the city and can enter the church

I THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 4 THE BELIEVER'S HOPE I. INTRODUCTION The key word is walk and Paul beseeches them to obey the Word. The Christian's behavior is compared to a walk for several reasons: (1) it demands life, for the dead sinner cannot walk; (2) it requires growth, for a little baby ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

The First Person Jesus Raised From The Dead Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Nov 5, 2025

A widow in the city of Nain had lost her only son to death. Then Jesus came by and performed a miracle!

The first person Jesus raised from the dead Introduction: Jesus had already performed a number of miracles such as the overwhelming load of fish for Peter’s boat (Luke 5) and the healing of a paralytic (Luke 5:17-26). The miracles weren’t limited to men, only, as He had healed Peter’s own ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-17

Denomination: Baptist

Belonging In A Better Place Series

Contributed by Paul Robinson on Sep 14, 2022

King Saul had just died. David had been anointed king for the second time. Now he looked at the city of Jerusalem (a Jebusite stronghold) and said to himself, "I"m going to take that city. That is where I belong as the King of Israel."

This story unfolds in four main points: 1. David’s Desire for Jerusalem (v. 6a) It’s interesting that the Bible does not say anything about David’s desire to take Jerusalem. Verse 6 simply says, “And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites.” However, David was a conqueror, and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Strength Of A Man

Contributed by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid on Dec 6, 2013

Nelson Mandela, a man of strength in the fight for freedom that dealt with poverty and disparagement in South Africa which resonated to the lands of the peoples of the world.

The Strength Of A Man by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid (12/6/2013) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:1-2, King James Version [Faith in the fathers of old]). Greetings in ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-40

Denomination: Friends