Sermons on Joyful Anticipation:

Restore: Church, Get Right! Series

Contributed by Chris Santasiere on Aug 29, 2001

This is the third sermon in a series conducted by our staff; the other sermons in the series were "Rejoice: Church, be Joyful", "Reflect: Church, be Thankful" and "Reconnect: Church, get Energized".

“Restore: Church, Get Right!” August 19, 2001 Introduction In his book “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”, John Maxwell tells the story of one of the most incredible restorations in American business history. It happened at the Chrysler Corporation in the early 1980’s. Chrysler was in a ...read more

Scripture: James 4:7-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What The World Needs Now... Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Apr 23, 2001

What the world needs most is the impact joyful Christians make; that’s one of the best ways we show God’s love in a practical way.

Introduction - There are many joy-robbers: IRS Form 1040s, pink slips, overtime, unexpected changes. Paul the Apostle experienced many more things than these (2 Corinthians 11) and still rejoiced (Philippians 4). Joy is: A result of trusting Christ that makes us able to see life from God’s ...read more

Scripture: John 15:11, Ephesians 1:3

Denomination: Baptist

Resurrection Reluctance

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 16, 2006

Easter should be a happy day, but for those who first experienced the risen Lord it was anything but joyful. This speaks to how you might experience Jesus at first too.

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when I say the word "Easter"? Outside of a Christian group you’d probably say "The Easter Bunny," or "Easter eggs." Fluffy white bunnies and eggs have become so much a part of secular Easter that it wouldn’t surprise me if little kids thought that the ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Church’s Commitments Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 6, 2011

The church grows when we devote ourselves to living out the truth of God’s Word, to sharing our lives together in genuine fellowship, and to joyful worship.

A few years ago, some wag told his friends he wasn’t going to any more ball games. Why? Well he said… a. Whenever I go to a game, they ask for money. b. The other fans don’t care about me. c. The seats are too hard. d. Coach never visits me. e. The referee makes calls I don’t agree ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Turning Fear Into Joy

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Feb 21, 2024

If we think about it, if we go through a fearful time in our life, when all turns out okay and are settled, we tend to be joyful.

For the past 3 weeks, we have been talking about having a reverent fear of God, about feeling secure from fear in the arms of God, and replacing our fear with courage. Today, we are going to talk about bringing it all together and turning our fears into joy. If we think about it, if we go through ...read more

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:9-20

Denomination: Baptist

Hand Him Your Heart

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 8, 2025

God seeks not our money but our hearts—surrendered lives whose joyful generosity springs from grace, proving that sanctification transforms every part of us.

Proverbs 23:26 > “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” That single verse is a tender invitation. God doesn’t demand—He asks. He reaches out His hand and says, “Give Me your heart.” Not your résumé, not your reputation, not your records of what you’ve given ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:17, 2 Corinthians 8:5, Acts 4:32, Isaiah 1:16-18, Luke 16:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

This Or That PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 23, 2025

Following Jesus means courageous obedience and joyful endurance, even when it brings suffering or opposition, because God’s presence empowers and sustains His people.

There are weeks when life feels like a locked door. You show up with a key that used to work—prayer you’ve prayed, habits you’ve honored—and the tumblers don’t budge. Bills stack up. Sleep slips away. A hard conversation waits across the breakfast table. Your calendar looks like a crowded hallway ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:18-42

Topics: Critical Thinking, Victory

Christmas Expectations Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 8, 2021

There is no other holiday like Christmas, where expectation is so much a part of it's celebration. We look forward to Christmas, longer, and with greater anticipation, then all other holidays combined.

Henry McCushy, of the Texas Employment Commission, said they had a hard time getting men to be department store Santa Clauses, one year. The reason was, the high percentage of children who were kicking Santa in the shins for not coming through the year before. They expected Santa to live up to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-32

Preparing For Christ’s Return

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 20, 2025

The return of Christ is a reality that every believer must prepare for. The signs of His coming are evident, and we cannot afford to be unprepared.

PREPARING FOR CHRIST’S RETURN By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Matthew 24:42-44, Titus 2:11-13, 2 Peter 3:10-14, Revelation 22:12, Luke 21:34-36  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

That's Why We Are Not Discouraged

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 28, 2020

Stress and Disappointment come into every life. Christians are provided a powerful response to such stressors, and this powerful response is revealed in Paul's review of his own life.

“We have this treasure in clay jars to show that its extraordinary power comes from God and not from us. In every way we’re troubled but not crushed, frustrated but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed. We are always carrying around the death of Jesus in our ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Denomination: Baptist

What To Expect And Why

Contributed by Richard Tow on Nov 17, 2003

This sermon examines the Psalmists’ expectations about life as recorded in Psalm 23. Because of the character of our God we should not be dreading tomorrow but anticipating it with great hope.

What to Expect and Why Psalm 23 5-26-02 Intro: Begin by Asking you to consider a QUESTION What do you anticipate happening in Your Life in the Future? What do you see coming your way in the days ahead? 1. We Live in a World that is Constantly ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6, Psalm 37:25

Denomination: Charismatic

Ready To Suffer Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 15, 2011

If we want to be ready to suffer for Christ, we must arm ourselves with His attitude, choose to abandon our sin, expect abuse, and anticipate God's approval.

Recently, I read about a fictitious manual for Peace Corp volunteers headed for South America. It offers advice on how to handle a chance encounter with an anaconda (a large type of boa constrictor). The advice comes under the heading, “What to Do If Attacked by an Anaconda”: #1) If ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical Free

God’s Shepherd Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 26, 2010

We Christians anticipate the return of Jesus the Christ. We are not always clear on what will occur when He returns. The message is a consideration of His purpose in coming again.

“Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Physician

Contributed by John White on Oct 4, 2019

This is the long awaited and anticipated promised Messiah of Israel. He is speaking in the fullness of time to a chosen nation composed of God's precious, peculiar and particular people.

The Great Physician Luke 4:14-21 Jesus stands up in the synagogue in His home town of Nazareth to announce the good news. As the prophets have predicted, the Messiah, Redeemer and eternal King has arrived and is present with His people. (See Isa. 61:1-3) He simply restates the promise and purpose ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon – Overflowing With Confident Hope Through The Power Of The Holy Spirit.

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Dec 3, 2024

First Candle, called the Prophecy Candle, represents hope and the anticipation of Christ's coming, recalling the prophecies about the Messiah and the hope He brings to the world.

Sermon – Overflowing with Confident Hope Through the Power of the Holy Spirit. Scripture Lesson -Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5, Romans 15:13, 2 Corinthians 5:21, John 14:1-3, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist