Sermons on Maximize Joy:

Been There, Done That, Got The T-Shirt

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 9, 2001

This sermon was done while peeling off T-shirts, one by one. The focus is that the presence of the Lord in our lives, as an active participant, drives out cynicism and preserves our joy.

I wish I had bought stock in the T-shirt industry. Of the making of souvenir T-shirts there is no end. People are using T-shirts to send all sorts of messages. Some T-shirts advertise products. Some T-shirts identify the work places. Some focus on the club memberships. And then some T-shirts ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Rejoice In The Lord / Put No Confidence In The Flesh Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Jul 14, 2001

REJOICING IN CHRIST MEANS TURNING OUR BACK ON EVERYTHING THAT WOULD EXALT OUR FLESH

BIG IDEA: REJOICING IN CHRIST MEANS TURNING OUR BACK ON EVERYTHING THAT WOULD EXALT OUR FLESH I. (:1) REMEMBER THE COMMAND A. Point of Emphasis -- "Finally, my brethren" Carson: "What Paul is doing is picking up the theme of rejoicing he introduced in 2:17-18." Gromacki: "… designates an abrupt ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Grace Discerned: Gratitude Demonstrated

Contributed by Dana Chau on Sep 3, 2001

When we discern God’s grace, we will demonstrate gratitude to God.

We are looking at Psalm 116 this morning. The content and relationship described in this Psalm cause one to think that the psalm writer is King David. This psalm is a personal testimony of thanksgiving to God. Over 30 times, the writer uses "I," "me," and "my." The words contrast the difficulties ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 116:1-19

Denomination: *other

To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain Series

Contributed by Craig Simonian on Sep 4, 2001

This sermon demonstrates that the abundant life really can only happen in Christ.

FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN 1. If we could interview anyone… - I wouldn’t have chosen Paul b/c intimidation. Now I see him as a man who loved J. - Tell us about yourself, Paul? - Can you tell us your favorite HS story? - What were some of your toughest times? - How would ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:19-20

Live As God's Children

Contributed by Jason Zahn on Sep 6, 2001

God has set us free from the control of sin so that we might freely live as his children.

When Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation he freed the slaves. They could live as free people. Their whole lives had changed. They were no longer subject to the oppression of their masters. They would no longer be punished by the authorities if they chose to leave their ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:11-19

Denomination: Lutheran

Boast In The Lord

Contributed by Jason Zahn on Sep 28, 2001

Christians boast loudly and proudly in what their Savior has done for them.

“My dad is bigger than your dad.” “I’ve got Nintendo 64 and you don’t.” “I scored more points than you.” Any of these phrases sound familiar? Maybe you’ve heard them from the mouths of your kids. Or maybe you have uttered a phrase like that sometime in your life. It seems that childhood is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Denomination: Lutheran

Rejoice In Our Risen Lord

Contributed by Jason Zahn on Sep 28, 2001

Christians rejoice always because Jesus isn’t dead - he’s risen!

In the late 1800’s, no business matched the financial and political dominance of the railroad. Trains dominated the transportation industry of the United States, moving both people and goods throughout the country. Then a new discovery came along – the car – and incredibly the leaders of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Denomination: Lutheran

Honor And Glory To Our Patient King!

Contributed by Jason Zahn on Oct 1, 2001

We are moved to honor and glorify our King because of his incredible patience - both directly in the life of the Apostle Paul and as his pattern for our lives as well.

Osama bin Laden. That may be the most reviled name in America today. That name arouses anger and incites rage in many American hearts. For many Americans that name represents the physical manifestation of evil. I’m guessing that the thoughts of many Americans concerning Osama and his ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Denomination: Lutheran

An Attitude Of Gratitude

Contributed by John Beehler on Oct 11, 2001

When was the last time you thanked God for all that He has done for you?

An Attitude of Gratitude One day a woman was rushing home from a doctor’s appointment. The doctor had been somewhat delayed at the hospital, and the lab work took a little longer than usual so by the time she left the clinic she was running quite a bit behind schedule. She still had to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Five Reasons For Giving Thanks Unto God

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Nov 3, 2002

This sermon is about five reasons to give thanks unto God namely for His 1. WORDS 2. WORKS 3. WILL 4. WONDERS 5. WAYS

FIVE REASONS FOR GIVING THANKS UNTO GOD OUTLINE 1. WORDS 2. WORKS 3. WILL 4. WONDERS 5. WAYS THE MESSAGE FIVE REASONS FOR GIVING THANKS UNTO GOD 1. WORDS: Psalms.119:105. Luke: 4:4. We should thank God for his word which guides us and strengthens us. The Bible says that Man ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:89-112, Psalm 119:89-93

Denomination: Pentecostal

Praise The Lord Anyway

Contributed by Billy Kryger on Nov 11, 2002

Over 300 verses in the Word of God command us to praise the Lord. It is the theme of the Bible. God delights to have His children praise Him.

Introduction: 1. Poem: Praise The Lord 2. 17 Old Testament books refer to praising the Lord. 3. 11 New Testament books refer to praising the Lord. 4. 300 verses refer to praising the Lord 5. We must praise the Lord: I. BECAUSE HE IS GOD---Verse 3 A. cf. 1 Kings 18:39 “The LORD He is God…” B. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5

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

Lord Of The Dance

Contributed by Kevin Taylor on Oct 28, 2001

Get back your dance once again and rejoice in the Lord!

I. Dancing in the Ditch? A. Text: II Kings 3:9-20 B. There were only two reasons why people danced in the OT (1) At a time of celebration because of a victory. (2) Or in the presence of God (as with David and the Ark of the Covenant). C. Dance represents joy. D. The Psalmist David spent much time ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 3:9-20

Grumpy Old Christians

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Oct 31, 2001

There are too many grumpy old Christians in this world that are hurting the spread of the Gospel and not helping the spread of the Gospel. Remember Gospel means Good News- not Bad Critical News!

Grumpy Old Christians Thesis: There are too many grumpy old Christians in this world that are hurting the spread of the Gospel and not helping the spread of the Gospel. Remember Gospel means Good News- not Bad Critical News! Texts: Phil. 4:8 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:8, 1 John 4:16-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Be A Happy Christian

Contributed by Bruce Allen on Sep 13, 2003

How are you expressing yourself to a lost world? Christians ought to be the happiest people around. Our text looks at how to be a happy Christian.

How to be a Happy Christian 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. INTRODUCTION Who here today wishes to be happy? – (Just raise your hands.) “Several years ago the #1 song on the pop charts was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Denomination: Baptist