Sermons on Joy In The City:

Pressing Towards The Goal

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Oct 2, 2023

Do you have a faith that is worth dying for?

Pressing Towards the Goal Philippians 3:4-14 We live in a world today in which many people have to motivations other than to get through another day. People seem to have nothing to live for. Drug abuse, alcoholism, homelessness, suicide, fear, and a general sense of despair has gripped the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Christmas Story Was In Unimpressive Surroundings - Yet A Spectacular Event

Contributed by Tim Baker on Dec 19, 2017

The birth of Christ was in an unimpressive city, with an unimpressive birthing room, with an unimpressive crib, with unimpressive visitors, for the most impressive event in human history. Why did Jesus start with such humble beginnings?

This message can be heard at https://www.buzzsprout.com/132453/611501-unimpressive-surroundings-spectacular-event Disclaimer. I do frequent Sermon Central and borrow from others works, but often don't remember who. Some parts in here are from the great works of others. This message has been ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:4-11, Philippians 2:6-8, Isaiah 53:2-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Enjoy Your Ice Cream Cone - Ecclesiastes 1:1-3, 2:24-25 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 11, 2025

No matter how wisely you live, you can’t control outcomes. The world calls it bad luck. Christians call it hard providence. Whatever you call it, this sermon will help you learn how to enjoy whatever moment of God’s perfect plan you are currently in.

Ecclesiastes 1:1 The words of the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 "Absolute futility," says the Preacher. "Absolute futility. Everything is futile." 3 What does a man gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? 2:24 There is nothing better for man ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-3, Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Borrowed Joy: How Future Grace Steadies Your Soul - 2 Samuel 7:8-11 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 23, 2025

Prophets, psalms, and Jesus Himself—all echo one covenant. See how 2 Samuel 7, one of the most important chapters in the Bible, ignites the Bible's greatest explosion of hope.

For free audio or video download of this message, visit https://www.treasuringgod.com/sermons-by-scripture or my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson. Introduction How are you doing this morning? Are you up? Or are you kind of down? And if you are up, or down – why is that? ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:8-11

Under Trials Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Sep 9, 2024

When trials come, we have a choice to trust God in joy or wallow in bitterness.

James: Practical Faith  James 1:1-8 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church  09-08-2024 Dancing in the Rain  I watched the sky grow darker and felt the wind kick up.  I checked the radar, and sure enough, a thunderstorm was about to let loose.  Maxine and I ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Philippians Background And Greetings Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Mar 4, 2023

The following sermon is going to reflect on the historic, social, political background of the book of Philippians. This is the first part of a 16 part sermon series on Paul's letter to the church of Philippi.

Background and Greetings of Philippians Philippians 1 :1-2 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 It was around the year AD 52 during Paul’s first visit to Europe that his journey to Philippi began. Though he and his travelling companions Timothy and Silas wanted to go ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Finding Encouragement Through Discouraging Times

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Sep 12, 2004

When you’re depressed, remember to take advantage of the spiritual antidepressants in the words of Jesus. Find your joy, hope, and friendship in the Lord Jesus and speak against the sadness that seeks to steal your joy.

Finding Encouragement Through Discouraging Times (John 15:11-15:13)"These things I have spoken to you so my joy may be in you." Illustration: David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. --1 Samuel 30:6 Talking to oneself is something many people ridicule in others and vow they’ll never do ...read more

Scripture: John 15:11-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Parting Words

Contributed by Craig Condon on May 16, 2015

When we die to our earthly lives, we live for Christ. Happiness depends on happenings in our lives, but joy depends on Jesus. Submission leads to happiness and joy. It mends our wounded souls.

What would you say to someone if you knew that you were seeing them for the last time? If you were dying, what would be the last words you would say to your family and friends? If you’ve ever thought about the answers to these questions, then you can appreciate what was going through ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

Meaningful Work Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Mar 3, 2023

If you want to find meaning in your work, don’t work for posterity or profit. Instead, work for the Lord.

Kung Fu Panda is a movie about a panda named Po who desperately wants to learn kung fu. His father, though, wants him to take over the family business someday. In one scene, Po is late coming down the stairs from his room, where he was working on his kung fu moves, to work in his father’s ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:18-26, John 11:18-30, 1 Corinthians 15:58

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Moving Closer To The Cross - Part 2

Contributed by Rick Crandall on May 24, 2007

*We must move closer to the cross to find the victory and joy God wants us to have.

Moving Closer to the Cross - Part 2 Matt 27:11-54 Sermon by: Rick Crandall McClendon Baptist Church - April 1, 2007 *Today we will look at the darkest day in human history, the day when the holy Son of God was nailed to a cross for our sins. *Max Lucado wrote: The Cross... -It rests on the time ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:11-54

Denomination: Baptist

What Are You Thankful For?

Contributed by Gerald Steffy on Sep 9, 2009

A Christian can experience joy and thank God even under the most difficult and extreme circumstance.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Philippians 1:3-8 Proposition: A Christian can experience joy and thank God even under the most difficult and extreme circumstance. Objective: My purpose is to challenge people to be thankful even under the most difficult circumstance in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-8

Denomination: Baptist

Running With A Limp

Contributed by Ty Tamasaka on Sep 9, 2011

4 Points on learning how to deal with the "Wilderness Seasons" of our lives. 1. GOD WANTS TO DEVELOP A STEADFAST HEART WITHIN ME. 2. God leads us into seasons of growth and not gratification. 3. GOD WANTS TO DEVELOP THE COURAGE OF A WARRIOR. 4

Running with a Limp The Role of the Wilderness When Jesus comes into our lives, things sure do change don’t they? I recall when I was a new believer, I used to work out at the gym all the time, and there was one occasion when a I wanted to use a rowing machine and noticed a towel on the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 13:17-18

Denomination: Other

What Makes A Dynamic Church?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Nov 14, 2001

I’m convinced that when the 6 characteristics of the early church are put into practice, & are evident in our lives, then God will use us to build a great church that brings glory & honor to Him.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2011) A. I’m sure that most of us here this morning would agree that the greatest single event in human history is the resurrection of Jesus. Just seven weeks ago much of the world celebrated that occasion. And today we’re ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:4-11, Acts 2:1-47

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Choosing Your Lamb - Peer Pressure

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Apr 29, 2006

Peer pressure - the Psalm Sunday entry - shouts of joy - cries for Crusifiction - Made bigger by peer pressure.

Choosing your lamb - Peer pressure Mark 11:1-11 A little boy was sick on Palm Sunday and stayed home from church with his mother. His father returned from church holding a palm branch. The little boy was curious and asked, "Why do you have that palm branch, dad?" "You see, when Jesus came into ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-11

Denomination: Congregational

A Meditation On The Parable Of The Prodigal Son

Contributed by Dan Funk on Aug 23, 2014

I believe Jesus is drawing our attention to the father and his compassion and joy in order to give us a a deeper understanding of the nature of God and His Kingdom; of our calling to be instruments of His life-giving compassion, and to share in His joy.

We heard in today’s Gospel reading the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and I am sure most of us have read and heard it numerous times. And we all perhaps have lost count of the sermons we have heard on this parable. You may be wondering what on earth I can say on this that is new or unique. I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Anglican