Sermons on Joyful Anticipation:

Rules Are Rules Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 1, 2014

The Pharisees of Jesus' day died long ago. But their spirit lives on in congregations across the land. How can we recognize if we have become like the Pharisees, and what did Jesus teach us about what we need to know to avoid becoming like those men?

(Before reading the text I noted that the stories in this section of Mark detailed the conflict between Jesus and a religious group known as the Pharisees… and I emphasized the word "Pharisees" as I read through the text) OPEN: Back in the 1980’s, the Minnesota Twins had this ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Have Some Questions, Part Three Series

Contributed by Greg Surratt on Apr 17, 2009

This is Part Three of a six-part series where Pastor Surratt answers "God questions" collected from the congregation. This third message answers questions about Heaven, the Second Coming of Christ, views on the end-times, and others.

We’re in a series that we’re calling "Questions That I Have," questions that I have for God or about God. Boy, do you guys have questions. I’m telling ya. I’ve asked you to e mail me at pastorgreg@seacoast.org, and so far, I have over 1,000 e mails just about that, and nearly 1,000 text ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Song Of Solomon - Chapter 7 – The Passion Of God Revealed Series

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Sep 28, 2024

The Bride is now ready to serve.

V.7:1 How beautiful are your feet in sandals, O noble daughter! Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of a master hand. 2 Your navel is a rounded bowl that never lacks mixed wine. Your belly is a heap of wheat, encircled with lilies. 3 Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a ...read more

Scripture: Song of Songs 7:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be The One (Who Gives Thanks) Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Dec 2, 2019

Be the One (Who Gives Thanks) Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) Brad Bailey – December 1, 2019

Be the One (Who Gives Thanks) Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) Brad Bailey – December 1, 2019 [This message fell on the Sunday following Thanksgiving and led to a time of open giving of thanks from those in attendance.] Today… we are going to have an opportunity to share ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Peace, Be Still Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 14, 2013

Jesus was asleep. The boat was going down. But didn’t Jesus know there’d be a storm? Then why would He ask His disciples to sail into the teeth of this terrible storm in the middle of the night?

OPEN: A mother and her young daughter were at home alone. The father was gone on a trip for his company and night was coming on. Outside, it became increasingly dark and disturbing. The moon was out, but the wind howled menacingly in trees and the branches of some of those trees brushed ominously ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sustaining Christian Ministry-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jan 6, 2025

1 of 4. The apostle Peter concerned himself with sustaining Christian ministry. Christian ministry must be sustained indefinitely. But, ?What sustains Christian ministry? Or: ?How is Christian ministry sustained? Christian ministry is sustained thru...

SUSTAINING CHRISTIAN MINISTRY-I—2Peter 1:12-15 So far in our analysis of 2Peter, we’ve discovered some provisions for God’s people that are ACQUIRED Thru FAITH(1:1-4)... Those being: 1. TRUSTWORTHY APOSTLES(:1a) 2. CHRISTIAN FAMILY(:1b) 3. The SINGULAR, PERFECT SAVIOR(:1c) 4. MULTIPLIED GRACE ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:12-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Ultimate Adventure Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 28, 2016

What is the best way to get people to come to church? Is inviting good enough, or is there a better way?

OPEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI7ox_0j-Y0 (First 40 seconds) Back in early 1960s, President John F. Kennedy set a vision before America “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:17-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Message For Those Living In The Land Of Shadows

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Dec 14, 2002

Third Sunday in Advent: We live in a land of shadows. But God calls us to live joyfully - to let Christ’s light come into our land of shadows.

Have you ever walked into a room and said, “Good morning” only to receive a roomful of, “What’s so good about it?” It’s that way in the land of shadows – people live with anger and frustration. Yesterday I was driving up West Avenue. I signaled to make a left-hand turn. A lady driving an SUV from ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Denomination: Lutheran

The Blessings Of Believing Series

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Jun 10, 2003

Just as there are blessings of Justification (Romans 5), there are also blessings that God pours out because of our faith.

The Blessings of Believing Romans 15:1–13 INTRODUCTION Just as there are blessings of Justification (Romans 5), there are also blessings that God pours out because of our faith. MAIN BODY I. We are filled with Joy. A. An example of Joyful believers. Acts 8:5, 8, 39 1. Philip proclaimed ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Transformed By Truth: Secure In His Keeping Jude 24-25 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on May 1, 2024

In the final doxology of Jude, we are reminded of God's faithfulness to keep us secure in His love and the profound assurance we have in Christ as believers, anchored in the truth of God's Word.

Transformed by Truth: Secure in His Keeping Jude 24-25 Introduction: Today, we explore the profound assurance we have in Christ as believers, anchored in the truth of God's Word. In the final doxology of Jude, we are reminded of God's faithfulness to keep us secure in His love. Jude 24-25 ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:6, 1 Peter 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Revelation 5:13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Rejoice! I Say Rejoice!

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Feb 12, 2024

On this third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday), we change from penitence to rejoicing for what is to come.

John 1:6-8, 19-28 The shortest and darkest day and longest night of the year – the Winter Solstice – occurs this week. It is the onset of the winter season when the sun is the furthest from Earth and is often a time of darkness, doubt, and fear. And yet, Sunday is Gaudete Sunday - a beloved day ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-5, Matthew 22:37-40, Matthew 1:21, John 14:2, Isaiah 61:1, Isaiah 61:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Luke 1:46-49, John 1:6-8, John 1:19-28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Episcopal

"Celebrating The Season Whatever Your Circumstances" Series

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Mar 23, 2003

We can have the joy of the Lord no matter what our circumstances

Iliff and Saltillo UM Churches Third Sunday of Advent Joy December 15, 2002 “Celebrating the Season Whatever Your Circumstances” Psalm 126 INTRODUCTION: No Christmas This Year We won’t have a Christmas this year, you say For now the children have all gone away And the house is so lonely, so ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 126:1-6

Denomination: Methodist

"joy's Light Outshines Mere Happiness"

Contributed by John Huyser on Dec 20, 2022

Compared to the other holidays, why is it significant the words Merry and Christmas are tied together?

This morning, seeking joy’s light, I selected a prophecy from the minor prophet Habakkuk. Given his prophecies are unfamiliar, a quick overview is in order. Habakkuk lived in Israel’s Southern Kingdom as the countdown clock to the Babylonian invasion and their exile was hitting 0. The Northern ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-19

The Work Of The Holy Spirit In Jesus' Ministry Series

Contributed by Todd Riley on Dec 11, 2001

An examination of the work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life and ministry

Islington Baptist Church December 9, 2001 Isaiah 11:1-9 Scriptures: Luke 10, Jeremiah 33, Psalm 89, Isaiah 10, I Corinthians 12:1-11 Jesus in the book of Isaiah As you know, Isaiah is filled with references and allusions to Jesus Christ. 700 years before Jesus came down to the earth from ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

So You Want To Have Joy? Series

Contributed by Tim Norman on Nov 15, 2002

We all want satisfaction and fulfilment - happiness is not enough. Jesus tells us how to know joy in our lives, joy that is with us whatever happens in life.

Opening jokes - notice sheet howlers 1. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. 3. Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones. 6. For those of you who have children ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-42, Galatians 5:22-26

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican