Sermons on Overwhelming Joy:

What's So Great About Gratefulness?

Contributed by Don Jaques on Dec 1, 2005

When we choose to give thanks to God in all circumstances, we reap the benefits of God’s blessings. The hearer will understand WHY he/she should give thanks to God and be motivated to develop the discipline of grateful living.

INTRO In “The Hiding Place”, Dutch woman Corrie ten Boom wrote of her family’s experience undergoing the trial of concentration camps under the Third Reich in World War II. Though not Jews themselves, she, her father, and her sister, Betsie, were sent to a series of prison camps for harboring Jews ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Keys To Joy-- Thanksgiving 4 Of 4 Series

Contributed by David Hodgin on Dec 2, 2005

Living with joy is not easy, but if we pursue joy as God instructs we we can live the joy filled life!

Bible verses mentioned in today’s message 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Hebrews 13:15 Jeremiah 2:32 Acts2:1-4 Romans 12:2 Proverbs 14:12 Matthew 5:21-44 Philippians 4:4-7 1Th 5:16 Be joyful always; 1Th 5:17 pray continually; 1Th 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

A Philosophy Of Gratitude-- Thanksgiving 3 Of 4 Series

Contributed by David Hodgin on Dec 2, 2005

A right philosophy is one that is overflowing with thankfulness. Gratitude is nothing less than the key to happiness.

A Philosophy of Gratitude—Thanksgiving 3 of 4 Col 2:6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, Col 2:7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Col 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-8

Training For Reigning

Contributed by Doug Morrell on Dec 5, 2005

We are never to feign happiness in pain, but if we are growing in Christ-likeness, we should be demonstrating a more eternal, positive perspective (considering it pure joy), because we are realizing that we are training for reigning.

Depth of character is realized under pressure. Anyone can be a Christian when things go well, but how do you do when a little pressure, a little pain, a little discomfort, criticism or gossip, a sick child, loss of income, are applied? When your fruit is squeezed, what kind of juice comes forth? We ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Stopping Sin In It's Tracks Series

Contributed by Gene Gregory on Dec 5, 2005

6th in series on restoring joy. Addresses the problem of sin in a Christian’s life.

RESTORING THE JOY Part 6: Stopping Sin in it’s Tracks I thank the Lord that I had the pleasure of growing up in a godly family, with great parents. Thanks to that, I have many joyous memories of my childhood. Growing up in the country, over the years we had just about any kind of animal you can ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Next Thing You Know Series

Contributed by Jeff Skinner on Dec 5, 2005

We must remian connected to the source of life if we asre to bear fruit and serve our purpose.

Next Thing you know Open with the song- If you have some teens consider having them ham it up during the song-illustrate joy/happiness Note: Several days before locate some kudzu or another plant and leave it somewhere that it will shrivel and die. Why is my Kudzu Dying? 1. No longer ...read more

Denomination: Holiness

Why Be Thankful?

Contributed by Rick Sunstrom on Dec 7, 2005

Discover why we should be thankful to God, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Why Be Thankful? In recognition of the holiday before us, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about being thankful. I’d like to begin with a story. In regions of Mexico hot springs and cold springs are found side by side, and because of the convenience of this natural phenomenon the women ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

Thankful For One Another

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 17, 2002

As we praise God for all things, we are not to forget to thank Him for those fellow Christians who provide blessing and strength in our daily lives.

THANKFUL FOR ONE ANOTHER "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." Philippians 1:3 No man is "an island" unto himself. Our lives touch many others and the lives of many others touch us. For this reason Paul wrote: "that there should be no division in the body (of Christ), but ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3

Denomination: Baptist

Thanks Giving

Contributed by John Beehler on Nov 20, 2002

Who do we owe our thanks to?

Thanks Giving The story is told of two old friends bumped into one another on the street one day. One of them looked forlorn, almost on the verge of tears. His friend asked, "What has the world done to you, my friend?" The sad fellow said, "Let me tell you. Three weeks ago, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5, Isaiah 28:24-29

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Developing True Thankfulness

Contributed by Michael Fogaras on Nov 24, 2002

What were the four desires of the first century church that God would add to their number daily?

DEVELOPING TRUE THANKFULNESS ACTS 3:44-47 INTRODUCTION: As we come to this time of year there are many celebrations coming up. In just a few days we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. This is usually a time when we gather together with family and friends and reflect on the goodness of God. We ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:44-47

Denomination: Pentecostal

Give Thanks: You Are Cleansed And Free

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Nov 26, 2002

Thanksgiving Day: We are cleansed and made pure through Jesus’ Cross and Resurrection. This blessing far surpasses any trials and burdens that may come into our lives!

There’s a story of a man who lived in Budapest. He goes to the rabbi and complains, “Life is unbearable. There are nine of us living in one room. What can I do?” The rabbi answers, “Take your goat into the room with you.” The man just couldn’t believe what he heard. But the rabbi insists. “Do ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Lutheran

The Human Harp Of Praise

Contributed by Bruce Howell on Nov 29, 2002

The role that praise plays in personal and corporate worship.

The Human Harp of Praise I will sing a new song to you, O God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you, Psalm 144:9 Mark Twain had a bad habit of spicing his conversation with profanity. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 144:9

Denomination: Wesleyan

Thanksgiving Catalogue

Contributed by John Beehler on Dec 1, 2002

A Thanksgiving Eve sermon

Thanksgiving Catalogue The biggest Thanksgiving killer, is the day after when Christmas shopping begins in earnest and we stop thinking about what we have and start thinking about what we want. Many of us like to peruse the Christmas catalogue looking at all the neat ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:1-5, Psalm 1:1-5

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed