Sermons on Joyful Anticipation:

The Unexpected Path To Perfection

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Aug 23, 2025

This sermon explains how God purposefully uses the trials of life to refine our faith, produce steadfast endurance, and develop us into spiritually mature believers who are complete in Christ.

If you were to take a survey of every person in this room, and perhaps every person in this city, and ask them, "What is your main goal in life?" you would get a lot of different answers. Some would say to be successful, to provide for their family. Others might say to be healthy, to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

How Do We Live With Joy? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 27, 2025

True joy and belonging are found in knowing Jesus personally, sharing fellowship with God, and experiencing His life-giving presence in everyday moments.

Have you ever noticed how the best news often arrives in the simplest package—a note on the counter, a text from a friend, a voice that says, “I’m here”? First John opens like that. It’s an old apostle’s steady hand reaching for your shoulder, a pastor’s calm voice speaking to a crowded room and a ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

Topics: Joyful Living, Lord's Joy

The Path To God's Joyful Presence Part Ii Series

Contributed by A.t. Stewart on Jul 23, 2004

The path to God’s joyful presence is set forth in this Psalm.

The Path to God’s Joyful Presence PT 2 Ps 16:1-11 I.THIS MONTH WE ARE GIVING SPECIAL EMPHASIS TO SEEKING GODS PRESENCE A. Our verse of the month comes from Ps 16. and deals with the joy of His presence (Read) II. THERE ARE SEVERAL CRUCIAL TRUTHS ABOUT THE BELIEVER’S JOY THAT WE MUST CONTINUALLY ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 16:4-5

The Path To God's Joyful Presence Part Iii Series

Contributed by A.t. Stewart on Jul 23, 2004

Their is a path to God’s joyful presence revealed in Psalm 16

The Path to God’s Joyful Presence PT 3 Ps 16:4-6 I.THIS MONTH WE ARE GIVING SPECIAL EMPHASIS TO SEEKING GODS PRESENCE A. Our verse of the month comes from Ps 16. and deals with the joy of His presence (Read) II. THERE ARE SEVERAL CRUCIAL TRUTHS ABOUT THE BELIEVER’S JOY THAT WE MUST CONTINUALLY ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 16:6-11

Can I Really Be Joyful In All Circumstances? Series

Contributed by Doug Henry on Dec 28, 2006

How to put joy in places it is not often found in.

Great Mysteries of the Faith Am I Really To Be Joyful In All Circumstances? Philippians 4:4 Recently, I came across this little snippet about having a bad day. Let me share it with you this morning. You know it’s going to be a bad day when: 1. You call the phone company and they tell you to ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Four Traits To Embrace For A Joyful Life In Christ Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Jun 26, 2015

PAUL IS NOT IN THE BEST OF PLACES – HOUSE ARREST. HE WAS ALSO NOT IN THE BEST OF HEALTH. YET, PAUL IS NOT DOWN TRODDEN OR MELANCHOLY. IN FACT, IN THIS PASSAGE, HE TAKES THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE A SHOUT TO ANOTHER – EPAPHRODITUS, SAYING SIMPLY LOOK AT HIM.

FOUR TRAITS TO EMBRACE FOR A JOYFUL LIFE IN CHRIST INTRODUCTION: THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS IS A BOOK ABOUT LIVING AND JOY. IT LOOKS AT THE LIFE OF PAUL, AND THE LIVES OF THOSE HE TOUCHES. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THIS BOOK IS A HANDBOOK OF HOW TO LIVE JOYFULLY. PAUL IS NOT IN THE BEST OF PLACES – ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:25-30

Denomination: Baptist

Joyfully Hoping For God (A Joyful Hope)

Contributed by Cesar Datuin on Mar 15, 2022

How did we react when we first met our Lord Jesus for the first time? On this exhortation, we will see the effects of finding our joyful hope when we first met our God.

Intro: Many people were touched by God after they met Him. A living testimony is none other than ourselves. We are a living testimony to everybody that after we met Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have that hope and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. But before knowing and accepting ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Persecuted & Joyful (2 Thessalonians 1)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 1, 2024

Can a church be both persecuted and joyful? Can they be faithful? Let's find out in 2 Thessalonians 1.

Paul, Silas, and Timothy encouraged the church in Thessaloniki during persecution. They encourage the saints not to be shaken by those who say that the day of the Lord has begun but to stand firm. They encouraged the brethren to work to earn a living and not live an idle life. Let’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Forget About Heaven

Contributed by Richard Tow on Nov 24, 2003

This sermon encourages believers to live in a joyful expectation of heaven. The daily challenges and trials of life should be viewed from an eternal perspective. Some exciting reasons for this expectation are explored.

Don’t Forget About Heaven Matthew 6:19-21 7-7-02 I. Importance of Anticipating Heaven 1. Ever notice in the Bible when people get visions of Heaven? a. Ezekiel saw the heavens when he was at the banks of the river Chebar. He was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21, John 3:1-2

Denomination: Charismatic

The Anticipation Of Christ's Return Is A Vital Encouragement To Live Holy

Contributed by Clarence Clough on Aug 24, 2013

The return of Christ to earth

ANTICIPATING HIS RETURN TEXT: John 14:3 (KJV), "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also." INTRODUCTION: "Biblical prophecy provides some of the greatest encouragement and hope available to us today."__Sandra ...read more

Scripture: John 14:3

Denomination: Church Of God

The Joy Of Advent: Anticipating Christ’s Coming With Joy

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Dec 4, 2024

Advent is a time of hopeful expectation, but it’s also a season of deep, abiding joy. But what is this joy, and where does it come from?

The Joy of Advent: Anticipating Christ’s Coming with Joy December 15, 2024 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship Romans 15:13, James 1:2, 1 Peter 1:8-9, Luke 15: As we continue our Advent journey, our focus shifts toward joy—the joy that comes with anticipating the coming of Christ ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:13, James 1:2, 1 Peter 1:8-9

Denomination: Brethren

"what Shall We Do? Restoring Joy In Advent"

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Dec 14, 2024

As we immerse ourselves in the Advent season, we find ourselves in a time of preparation—preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Introduction: As we immerse ourselves in the Advent season, we find ourselves in a time of preparation—preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. This season also invites us to reflect on what it means to have joy. Today, we will explore two powerful scriptures: Luke 3:7-18 and Zephaniah ...read more

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-20

Denomination: Methodist

Taking The Ho Hum Out Of Heaven Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Nov 25, 2009

A clear glimpse of the heaven God has promised will stir us with anticipation of the future and change the way we live in the present.

Title: Taking the Ho Hum Out of Heaven Text: Revelation 21:1-5 Thesis: A clear glimpse of the heaven God has promised will stir us with anticipation of the future and change the way we live in the present. Series: The Bible in 90 Days Whole Church Challenge In the first chapter of the bible God ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Ready!

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Aug 5, 2010

Contemporary Christians tend to be complacent about the return of Christ. Will we be ready for His return?

Luke 12: 32 – 40 – Ready! Intro: Have you ever been caught sleeping in church? . . . I’m going to give you 10 good excuses to use the next time you are caught sleeping in church: 1) They told me at the blood bank this might happen. 2) I was just taking a power nap. 3) It must ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:32-40

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Christmas Expectation

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Dec 25, 2016

A 10-15-minute Christmas Eve devotional

Christmas Expectation A 10-15-minute Christmas Eve Devotional Chuck Sligh December 25, 2016 TEXT: Turn in your Bibles to Luke 2 Illus. – Do you remember the anticipation you had as a child when you went to bed on Christmas Eve? (ELABORATE) Clement Clarke Moore captured that sense of anticipation ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-32

Denomination: Baptist