Sermons on Leap For Joy:

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

Hate The Sin, Love The Sinner

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 10, 2001

I want us to see Jesus - His attitude toward sin, and His attitude toward sinners. And in order to do that, let's look at 3 people and their encounters with Jesus.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2022) TEXT: Matthew 9:10-13; John 4:1-42; Luke 7:36-50, 19:1-10 ILL. There is a story about a pilgrim standing outside heaven, longing to enter, watching as others were ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:10-13, John 4:1-42

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Drive Back Down Memory Lane

Contributed by Abraham Shanklin on May 28, 2003

There is specific memorial I draw your attention to found in the text that was established for the purpose of remembering the God who facilitated their deliverance to the promise land.

A DRIVE BACK DOWN MEMORY LANE Scripture Reference: Joshua 4:1 – 9; 19 –24 Introduction Webster’s defines memorial as… 1. Anything intended to preserve the memory of a person or event; something, which serves to keep something else in remembrance; a monument. –Macaulay 2. Something, such as a ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 4:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Heartbreak Of Frustration Series

Contributed by Stephen Colaw on Nov 29, 2005

Part 3 of 3. God will never waste a hurt. When we are frustrated by life we can be encouraged in the knowledge that God will develop our character through our trials and use them so that we may minister in our world

The Heartbreak of Frustration Scripture: I Corinthians 6:19 Theme: When our hearts are broken by frustration, God will use that pain to teach us faithfulness, brokenness and perseverance, shaping us into what he wants us to be so that he can use us for His glory. Seed: Devotional by Oswald ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan

Christmas: Why Jesus Came Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Dec 15, 2012

Why did Jesus come to earth? Why did God send Jesus to earth? 1- To seek and save the lost 2- To serve and not be served 3- To destroy the devil’s work 4- To show us the Father

INTRO.- ILL.- On Christmas morning a woman told her husband, “I just dreamed that you gave me a beautiful diamond necklace. What do you think it means?” “You’ll know tonight,” he said. That evening just before opening presents, the husband came home with a small package and gave it to his wife. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Time To Engage: "Following Hard After God”

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Feb 9, 2025

The impulse to follow God originates with God, but it’s our responsibility to follow. We are told throughout the Bible that we’re to seek the Lord. As we purpose to follow hard after God, He upholds and strengthens us as seen in the Psalmist description of a deer in search for water.

Time To Engage “Following Hard After God” Watch on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFndeU2Ewgg Let me get this out of the way, and that is, I’m not saying it’s hard to follow God. In fact, God even said it isn’t. In fact,  He said it was downright easy, which is something ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 29:13-14, Psalm 42:1-2, Psalm 63:8

Denomination: Foursquare

The Security We Have In God's Name

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on May 20, 2024

But do you realize how secure we are in God's name? In today’s message, let’s listen while the psalmist tells us how great our God is.

A few weeks ago we talked about how precious God's name is and the love that is expressed to us in His name. But do you realize how secure we are in God's name? In today’s message, let’s listen while the psalmist tells us how great our God is. I'll have to admit, that even as a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

No Greater Reward

Contributed by Efren V. Narido on Apr 14, 2024

Even during our time here on earth, we can already expect a reward from the Great Rewarder. So, what kind of reward can He give now?

“After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: ‘Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.’ But Abram said, ‘O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’ And Abram said, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Walking With God

Contributed by Gene Gregory on Jul 11, 2021

Next in series on Genesis. Examines what it means to walk with God.

Genesis 5 Walking with God Genesis 5 Walking with God - Read Genesis 5: Thank the Lord we didn’t make any memories on this trip, though we almost did. Drew bought a new truck last Monday, and so for the past week, we went out each evening when Drew got off of work, and Drew got to drive his ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 5:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Lifestyle Repentance

Contributed by Eddie Snipes on Oct 18, 2000

Repentance is not just a single act, but a lifestyle choice. This lifestyle is one of fulfillment and joy.

Lifestyle Repentance Repentance is not an ugly word, but it is a positive evaluation that I make so that I can gain God’s plan for my life. Many people have misconceptions of what repentance is. There are three principles of repentance that I want to discuss here. The first two is are a comparison ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:1-5, 2 Corinthians 7:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Rejoice In Hope

Contributed by Travis Moore on Nov 27, 2000

Confidence on God and His plan for our lives produces great joy and contentment.

Rejoice In Hope Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9

Denomination: Baptist

A Bitter Pill To Swallow Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Jul 3, 2001

CAPTIVITY SILENCES THE SONGS OF JOY AS WE WEEP OVER OUR LOST GLORY

BIG IDEA: CAPTIVITY SILENCES THE SONGS OF JOY AS WE WEEP OVER OUR LOST GLORY INTRODUCTION: cf. son Steve hates to swallow pills I. (:1-3) CAPTIVITY IS A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW A. Because of Memories of Lost Glory “By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat down and wept, When we remembered ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 137:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Path To God's Joyful Presence Series

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

There is a path one must follow if he is to find joy in God’s presence.

The Path to God’s Joyful Presence 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) B. Joy is to be a consistent mark of the believer! 1. It is a delight in life that runs ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 16:1-11

A Life That's Focused

Contributed by Andrew Chan on Mar 12, 2003

Focus on God’s joy goes a long way in our troubled times.

A life that’s focused Phil.3:1-16 1Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical Free

"Paul's Prescription For The Blues”

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Jan 29, 2003

Paul gives some timely advice on finding joy in the midst of adverse circumstances.

Remember that ever-present line in the classic Carpenter’s song, “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down”? Why does it seem that life offers us more rainy days and Mondays than clear sunny days? Maybe the reason that they get us down is the fact that they often seem to take us by surprise. We ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ