Sermons on Outside Looking In At Joy:

Joy Versus Happiness

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Mar 12, 2015

The world relentlessly pursues self-statisfying happiness with utter disregard for the Joy of the Lord. Even those who authored the declaration of independence thought that the "pursuit of happiness" was a God given right. So ... what does the Bible say?

Let’s take a look at a couple of Scriptures … Ecclesiastes 12:8 (NASB) “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity!” Ecclesiastes 12:8 (HCSB) “Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile.” Ecclesiastes ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2

Denomination: Nazarene

The Joy Of Answered Prayer

Contributed by Casey Sabella on Jan 21, 2016

Jesus promised our prayers would be answered. So why do so many go unanswered?

All religions emphasize prayer. Buddhists pray. Muslims pray. Hindus pray. What makes Christians unique is that we expect and receive results from our prayers because we are praying to the living God. Scripture: John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in ...read more

Scripture: John 15:11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Joy Of Being A Christian

Contributed by Mitch Davis on Jul 15, 2007

Yes, there are difficulties, sacrifices, trials, and persecution that the faithful Christian will face because of His walk with/in the Lord Jesus. Even then, there is great joy in being a Christian!

The Joy of Being a Christian Theme: No matter your trials it is a joy to be a Christian. Acts 16:25-34 INTRODUCTION A. Being a faithful Christian means there are many trials following in the footsteps of our Christ. 1. That is part of the cost of being in Christ. 2. Such is necessary ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus - "I Offer True Joy" Series

Contributed by David Haun on Dec 27, 2003

We tend to look for happiness and joy in the wrong places. This sermon considers some of the hopeless ways we seek joy, comparing them to the true joy offered by Christ.

2003 Christmas Series JESUS "I OFFER TRUE JOY" Hope Christian Church December 28, 2993 Dr. David L. Haun CHRISTMAS - GOOD FOR HEALTH. According to Dr. Harry Sands, director of the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health in New York, the Christmas season can be an emotional pressure valve for us. ...read more

Scripture: John 15:9-11, John 15:22-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Joy - A Fruit Of Companionship

Contributed by John Mitchell on Dec 20, 2024

An advent message on Joy. Joy is not a gift of the Holy Spirit it is a Fruit of companionship with God the Holy Spirit.

Joy is a fruit of companionship with God the Holy Spirit. (Not a gift of the Holy Spirit) Luke 2:9-12 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:9-12, Galatians 5:22-25, Psalm 16:11

A Life Of Peace And Joy

Contributed by Rick Burdette on Jul 16, 2018

Joy, Peace, Prayer, Thanksgiving

WORDS FOR LIFE - A Life of Peace and Joy July 22, 2018 Philippians 4:4-7 (p. 820) Introduction: I remember hearing my mentor Wayne Smith say more than once… “Ministry would be a whole lot easier if people weren’t involved…but it wouldn’t be as fun either.” People are ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Somewhere Over The Rainbow?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Apr 29, 2008

I was not happy over there? I am not happy here? But I will be happy when ... ??? Are you looking for SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW? I will find?

I AM LOOKING FOR THAT PLACE: SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I am not happy here? I was not happy there? But I will be happy over there? I. WHAT IS IN MY REACH? AIM HIGHER! LOVE TO SERVE. Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Joy Of God's Promises

Contributed by Bob Soulliere on Dec 2, 2006

JOY The happy state that results from knowing and serving God. A number of Greek and Hebrew words are used in the Bible to convey the ideas of joy and rejoicing. We have the same situation in English with such nearly synonymous words as joy, happiness, pl

The Joy of God’s Promises JOY The happy state that results from knowing and serving God. A number of Greek and Hebrew words are used in the Bible to convey the ideas of joy and rejoicing. We have the same situation in English with such nearly synonymous words as joy, happiness, pleasure, delight, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-66

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Get Joy For Christmas

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Dec 13, 2011

I. Receiving Joy II. Releasing Joy

ConsumerReports.org Americans' top holiday dreads—being nice makes the list Nov 29, 2011 12:00 PM Crowds and long lines of shoppers are by far what people dread most about this time of year. But more surprisingly, 35 million Americans actually despise "having to be nice" during the holidays, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4

Denomination: Baptist

Complete My Joy Series

Contributed by Matthew Grise on May 20, 2009

Philippians 2:1-8. Paul encourages unity, love, and humility in the body of Christ; while Christ himself exemplifies these qualities.

AGAIN I SAY REJOICE COMPLETE MY JOY PHILIPPIANS 2:1-8 INTRODUCTION - After a bit of time away from the book of Philippians for various reasons; Easter, Mother’s Day, and Small Group preparation; we return to the letter that Paul wrote to the church in Philippi. Turn to Philippians chapter ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Living A Lifestyle Of Joy

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Aug 23, 2003

A message calling Christians to live a life characterized by joy, not grumpiness. This is an expansion on part of the message, "Lighten Up!", also posted on this site.

Living a Lifestyle of Joy Various Scriptures August 24, 2003 Introduction We all like being around people who are generally upbeat, don’t we? I mean, if you had your choice of being with someone who had a smile or someone who looked like he was weaned on sour lemons, who would you most likely ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 28:7, Psalm 118:24

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Joy Of Your Salvation

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Introduction 1.

Introduction 1. Friends, you and me have reasons to rejoice. As believers, we are people who have reason to have joy. * - we have a heavenly father who created us and gave us this rich and bounteous earth to live in * - He has provided all that we need for life and for the enjoyment of life * - ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:1

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When Looks Are Deceiving

Contributed by Kim Gilliland on Oct 18, 2000

.. and when [Goliath] got a good look at David, he was filled with scorn for him because he was just a nice, good-looking boy.

.. and when [Goliath] got a good look at David, he was filled with scorn for him because he was just a nice, good-looking boy. 1 Samuel 17:42 A GOLIATH AMONGST US When Goliath took a good look at David, he was filled with scorn. Why? Because all he saw was a nice young boy whom the Israelites ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:32-49

Look! Up In The Sky!

Contributed by Gary Robinson on Oct 18, 2000

God rescues us from meaningless, purposeless, hopeless living.

You can forget "The New Adventures of Superman." As far as I’m concerned, his old adventures are the greatest. I remember jumping off that big, yellow school bus, racing across the road and into the living room. I’d snap on the TV and wait for the tube to warm up. If I’d gotten home in time, I’d ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 18:3-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When No One Is Looking

Contributed by Don Carpenter on Oct 18, 2000

We know how we out to dress, the tone our voices should take, and all the other Christian trappings that we bring to our public worship, BUT... who are we when no one is looking?

Daniel 1:1-17 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-17

Denomination: Baptist