Sermons on Joyful Anticipation:

Advent Hope: A Light In The Darkness - The Promise Of Hope - Isaiah 9:2 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Nov 25, 2024

We often see hope as something uncertain—a wish for better days ahead. But biblical hope is different. It’s not a wish; it’s a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God.

Advent Hope: A Light in the Darkness - The Promise of Hope - Isaiah 9:2 Theme: Jesus, the Light of the World, brings hope in the darkness. Key Verse: Isaiah 9:2 – “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 1:26-38, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 9:2, Luke 1:31-33, John 8:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Riverfront Property Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 30, 2026

In these desperate times, swim in the river of life, diving deep into God’s Spirit. Then look forward to the day when you will share in the inheritance God has promised to you.

During the Covid pandemic, the U.S. housing market went haywire. Inventory went down 37% and prices went up 24%, both setting records. The housing market got so bizarre that a Bethesda, Maryland, homebuyer included in her written offer a pledge to name her first-born child after the seller. She ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1-23, John 7:37-39, Ephesians 1:11-14, 1 Peter 1:3-4

Denomination: Evangelical Free

When God's Doings Disappoint Us

Contributed by Donnie Martin on Apr 11, 2003

Responding in angry disappointment when God doesn’t perform in a given situation the way we anticipated, only reveals our lack of surrender, as well as our obvious rebellion.

When God’s Doings Disappoint Us Text: Jonah 3: 10-4:1 Intro: If I were to tell you that people have disappointed me numerous times throughout my life, you wouldn’t likely be surprised. As a matter of fact, you could probably match me, account for account, with like incidents of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Fountain Opened For Cleansing Series

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Oct 25, 2008

Zechariah’s message points to the ’Day of the Lord’ when the climax of God’s plan of salvation comes in the Cross of Christ, tracing The Fountain Anticipated, The Fountain Experienced and The fountain Applied.

A FOUNTAIN OPENED FOR CLEANSING From a casual reading of the prophets of the Old Testament it’s easy to get the impression that they had a gloomy message of doom for the nation of Israel and the surrounding countries. They are certainly strident in their condemnation of sinful practices which ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 13:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Big Story: Nunc Dimittis Series

Contributed by Danny Davis on Feb 7, 2014

The last of Luke's four songs celebrating the incarnation of Christ is the Song of Simeon. The righteous priest long anticipated the birth of the one who would bring salvation to the Jews and to the whole world.

Introduction Well, I was really thinking about another carol for all of us to sing together this morning but I thought maybe I would give you a break. The only reason is because I want your voices rested so you can join us for caroling at the Golden Living Center and Bristol Manor after church ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:21-32

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Narnia: What Are You Waiting For? Series

Contributed by Jeff Thiemann on Nov 26, 2005

Advent is a time of watching, waiting and anticipating Jesus’ activity in our lives as Jesus has turned to each of us, to pull us into God’s great story of salvation for the world.

What are you waiting for? This is an appropriate question to ask on this Sunday as we begin the new church year and as we begin the season of Advent, these four Sundays that lead up to Christmas. Advent is a time of preparation; our preparation often includes much time shopping, decorating, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:24-37

Denomination: Lutheran

Hope Is Restored Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Dec 17, 2017

Hope is oriented toward what God is doing; wishing is oriented toward what we are doing. Choose hope—hope is living in anticipation of what God is going to do next.

Webster defines a patriot as one “who loves and loyally or zealously supports one's own country”. By that definition, Asaph (author of Ps. 80), was both patriot and man of God, burdened for his country. Among all nations of the world, Israel was/is God's crown jewel. For hundreds of years she ...read more

Denomination: Other

The Calm Before The Storm

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on May 9, 2025

There are moments when everything falls silent-a pause filled with anticipation. Revelation 8:1 reveals such a moment, inviting us to explore the profound meaning of the calm before the storm.

The Calm Before the Storm Introduction In our walk with God, we often encounter moments of profound stillness, times that seem quiet, perhaps even silent, yet carry immense spiritual significance. These moments are not voids but purposeful pauses in God's divine orchestration. Today, we turn ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 8:1, Revelation 4:8, Psalm 46:10, 1 Kings 19:12, Habakkuk 2:20, Ecclesiastes 3:7, Luke 2:19, Revelation 8:6, Luke 6:12, Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah 30:15, Zephaniah 3:17, 1 Kings 19:11-13, Lamentations 3:25-26  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Availability Of A Righteousness From God Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 1, 2018

Paul continues the subject of the guilt of the Jews. He anticipates arguments in rebuttal to his conclusion that neither Israel’s law, her circumcision, or her birth could save her.

(11) Availability of a Righteousness from God Romans 3:1-8 In the first eight verses of chapter 3, Paul continues the subject of the guilt of the Jews. He anticipates arguments in rebuttal to his conclusion that neither Israel’s law, her circumcision, or her birth could save her. These ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Crowns Anyone!

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Sep 4, 2016

I want you to remember that part of that exciting anticipation is His promise to reward His servants for a job well done. Tonight, I want you to see that Scripture not only supports the idea of eternal rewards, it spells out the specifics.

Crowns Anyone! 1 Corinthians 3:10-14NASB Bob Carlyle, who sang Butterfly Kisses a few years back, also sang these words in the song Heaven: “Sometimes this tired old world starts bringing my heart down, but you gotta bear the cross if you want to wear the crown.” To have ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:10-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

From Fear To Joy

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

In this Christmas Day message, we see how the angels appeared to the shepherds, who were afraid when they saw them and teh glory of God. The angels tell them to not be afraid but to joyful.

Introductory Considerations 1. "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." 2. It is with these words that the first newscast was made to the world about the greatest event ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How To Have A Happy Year

Contributed by Gary Smith on Jan 1, 2003

This sermon explains steps neccessary in having a happy year and explains that God wants to effect our lives all year long making the entire year joyful and not just the beginning of the year.

“How To Have A Happy Year” For New Years Day-- night Wed. Jan. 01st 2003, Communion Following Sermon OPENING TEXT: Rev 3:8 (KJV) God says to the Church in Philadelphia 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:8, 1 Corinthians 7:17

Denomination: Church Of God

Live Lives Worthy Of God's Gospel

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Oct 3, 2007

Pentecost 18(A) - Believers can live lives worthy of God’s gospel because they are united by faith to God and other believers. This unity leads to joyfulness in faithful, godly living.

LIVE LIVES WORTHY OF GOD’S GOSPEL (Outline) September 30, 2007 - PENTECOST 18 - Philippians 1:18b-27 INTRO: Every day you and I and everyone else in this world make choices, value judgments. According to our standards we decide what is important or not important. We judge what is ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:18-27

Denomination: Lutheran

Ruth Rejoicing Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Feb 21, 2010

In four short chapters we move from tragedy to triumph, from despair to joy, from emptiness to fullness. This book begins with famine and funerals, and concludes with a wedding and the joyful birth of a son.

The final chapter of this quiet drama takes place before the town gate of Bethlehem, where all important transactions were conducted. Here is where the matter of Ruth the foreigner would be settled. After the late-night rendezvous of chapter 3, Boaz goes right to work; he finds his kinsman and ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 4:1-22

Denomination: Congregational

The Free Gift

Contributed by Herbert Armstrong Bosantog on Nov 5, 2012

Our "SHALOM" was "PAID IN FULL". Hebrew, "SHALOM" (COMPLETENESS, WHOLENESS, NOTHING missing/NOTHING broken). ---BLESSED ---PROSPEROUS ---ABUNDANT ---VICTORIOUS ---SUCCESSFUL ---COURAGEOUS ---STRONG ---PEACEFUL ---JOYFUL ---PROGRESSIVE ---FRU

Our "SHALOM" was "PAID IN FULL". Hebrew, "SHALOM" (COMPLETENESS, WHOLENESS, NOTHING missing/NOTHING broken). ---BLESSED ---PROSPEROUS ---ABUNDANT ---VICTORIOUS ---SUCCESSFUL ---COURAGEOUS ---STRONG ---PEACEFUL ---JOYFUL ---PROGRESSIVE ---FRUITFUL ---INCREASING ---GROWING ---FREE of ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 59:21

Denomination: *other