Sermons on Sorrow Turn To Joy:

Lessons From Prison

Contributed by Don Campbell on Jan 12, 2026

Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians while imprisoned in Rome, not knowing whether he would be released or executed (Phil 1:21-26). Despite his imprisonment and the cloud hanging over him, these three epistles were filled with hope and joy:

LESSONS FROM PRISON The Attitude of Gratitude INTRODUCTION A. Some people perpetually cry, “Why me, Lord?” B. Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians while imprisoned in Rome, not knowing whether he would be released or executed (Phil 1:21-26). C. Despite his imprisonment and the ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:3-6, Galatians 5:2-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Show Me That Our God Is In The Camp

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 21, 2012

Today, I will attempt to show you how often, and in how many ways men try to find a cure for what ails them, rather than take the only treatment that will work, to take the case to God.

Show Me That Our God Is In The Camp And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore. (1 Samuel 4:7) The Prince of Preachers had a sermon with a similar name: "Is God In The Camp?" Charles ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:7

Denomination: Baptist

Life Is Beautiful (10)

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Dec 24, 2009

Life is beautiful, and as Christians if we focus on Philippians 4:4-9 we can see that life is beautiful!

INTRODUCTION .SLIDE #1 How many times do we let things cause us to focus in on the difficult times of life? We see war, murder, theft, and other bad things along with job uncertainties, families falling apart among other things. There is so much going on around us that is ugly it can be hard ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unexpected Jesus (Sermon 7): Unshakeable Joy: The Gift Of The Unexpected Jesus Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 7, 2024

Let us explore a profound truth that can change the way we live - the unshakeable joy that Jesus brings.

Unexpected Jesus (Sermon 7): Unshakeable Joy: The Gift of the Unexpected Jesus Introduction: Today, we will be exploring a profound truth that can change the way we live. We’re talking about joy—specifically, the unshakeable joy that Jesus brings. But what makes this joy so special is that it’s ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10, John 16:22, James 1:2-3, Philippians 4:4-5, Romans 8:38-39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Jailhouse Rock"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on May 26, 2004

Turning opposition into opportunity.

Acts 16:16-34 “Jailhouse Rock” Contrary to the opinion of some, Christians are not immune from pain and disappointment. The idea of a cotton-candy theology that promises all health and wealth and no turmoil or tribulation melts away with every tragedy that reeks havoc in our lives. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Denomination: United Methodist

It's A Good Hurt

Contributed by Brian Matherlee on Sep 4, 2008

A message on the good that can come from suffering.

IT’S A GOOD HURT 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Pastor Brian Matherlee I recall a “Far Side” cartoon that has a cowboy filled with arrows and he says to his partner, “It hurts Clem….but it’s a good hurt.” What good can come from suffering? 1. God is the Father of compassion and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Denomination: Wesleyan

Why Is There A Pink Candle (An Advent Sermon About Joy)

Contributed by James Jackson on Dec 9, 2025

Week 3 of Advent is Joy. The Christmas story shows us Joy promised, joy delayed, and joy expressed.

Why’s There a Pink Candle? (An Advent Sermon About Joy) James Jackson / General Adult   Every year during the month of December, we have the Advent wreath onstage. This is my ninth Christmas season as your pastor, and I know we've had it as long as I've been here, and I checked ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Pearls Of Joy In The Ocean Of Pain: Three Reasons For Rejoicing In Suffering Series

Contributed by David Taylor on Feb 6, 2014

Living as a Church in a Foreign Land Pearls of Joy in the Ocean of Pain: Three Reasons for Rejoicing in Suffering

Living as a Church in a Foreign Land Pearls of Joy in the Ocean of Pain: Three Reasons for Rejoicing in Suffering 1 Peter 4:12-19 David Taylor We are in our last mini-series in 1 Peter, “Living as a Church in a Foreign Land,” where Peter tells us how to live life of discipleship ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

America's Only Choice

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jul 3, 2014

America has one choice and one hope, and that is turning from our sins and back to God.

America's Only Choice Text: 2 Chron. 7:14-15 Introduction 1. "It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Denomination: Methodist

What Should I Do When Life Takes A Turn For The Worse? Series

Contributed by Ricky Burke on Dec 8, 2000

This is the fourth sermon in a series of messages called, "When Life Takes a Turn for the Worse."

We are currently doing a series of studies on the book of Job, which records the struggles of a good man whose life took a turn for the worse. You remember. He lost his finances, his children, his health, and his marriage - one right after the other. And this book has helped us answer some ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

How To Turn The "Same Old, Same Old" Into Something Special: Monotony Series

Contributed by Tony Klinedinst on Aug 14, 2002

A Mother’s Day sermon detailing the Proverbs 31 woman’s rise above the daily grind into a life with tremendous impact.

How to turn the “Same Old Same Old” into something special. : Growth through Monotony Proverbs 31:10-31 Introduction: Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948) first suggested the national observance of an annual day honoring all mothers because she had loved her own mother so dearly. At a memorial service for ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 31:1-27

Denomination: Baptist

What Do You Do When It's Your Turn To Pray

Contributed by Ralph Coleman on Jul 8, 2004

Prompts awareness about prayer

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN IT’S YOUR TURN TO PRAY Jeremiah 29:12 Prayer is Serious How is your relationship with God? How is your prayer life? There are some that think that all is in order, but by God’s standards there is much to be done. I stopped by to tell you this hour that if you don’t have a ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:12

Denomination: Baptist

Doesn't "Turning The Other Cheek" Just Make Me A Doormat? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 13, 2010

A look at one of Jesus more difficult teachings and why it's worth our obedience.

- Our first reaction to reading Jesus’ words here is likely to be disbelief. “Is He serious? You’ve got to be kidding me!” - Which leads us to our first question. . . What Was He Thinking? Is Jesus naïve, stupid, or insightful? - Matthew 5:39-42. a. Is Jesus naïve? - ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

When Things Haven't Turned Out The Way You Expected

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 8, 2010

A look at John the Baptist's astonishing admission of doubt about who Jesus is and why we often have similar doubts.

OUR COMPLAINT: “This is not what I signed up for.” - Matthew 11:2a – John in prison. - I cannot read the mind of John, but I can’t help but believe that a prison cell was the last place he expected to end up. - He is the great prophet of God, the forerunner of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Lord Please Free Us From The Machine That Turns Itself Off Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 26, 2020

In ways we do not understand, Our Lord will help us and bring to naught the plans of the murder coalition.

Feast of the Holy Innocents 2020 I first saw one of these toys back in the late 1950s when my uncle brought it to Christmas dinner. It’s been re-invented in the last decade and it’s a robot parallel to modern Western society. In its present incarnation, it’s a black plastic box with a switch on ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:5-10, 1 John 2:1-2, Psalm 124:2-8, Matthew 2:13-18

Denomination: Catholic