Sermons on The Joy Before Jesus:

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

Delight Greatly In The Lord

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Jan 12, 2003

CHRISTMAS 2(C) - Believers delight greatly in the Lord because they are clothed with garments of salvation and can also share God’s crown of glory.

DELIGHT GREATLY IN THE LORD ISAIAH 61:10---62:3 JANUARY 5, 2003 ISAIAH 61:10-62:3 10I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

All Day Delight

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Dec 2, 2002

There is a way to find all day delight.

INTRO.- ILL.- Dennis Wholey, author of "Are You Happy?" reports that according to expert opinion, only 20 percent of Americans are happy. One prominent psychiatrist said, "Happiness is an imaginary condition, formerly attributed by the living to the dead, now usually attributed by adults to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 16:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

Christian Optimism

Contributed by Richard Tow on Nov 17, 2003

Using quotes from sailors who survived the sinking of USS Indianapolis this sermon demonstrates how perspecive and point of reference impact our state of happiness. Several reasons for Christian Optimism are discussed.

Christian Optimism II Tim. 1:12 6-23-02 On July 16, 1945 the USS Indianapolis left the San Francisco Bay carrying mysterious box to Tinian, a small island in the west Pacific. Nobody knew that in the box was the Atomic Bomb that the Enola Gay would soon drop on Hiroshima. After making the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 84:11-12, 2 Timothy 1:12

Denomination: Charismatic

Christian Optimism

Contributed by Richard Tow on Nov 17, 2003

Using quotes from sailors who survived the sinking of USS Indianapolis this sermon demonstrates how perspecive and point of reference impacts our state of happiness. Several reasons for Christian Optimism are discussed.

Christian Optimism II Tim. 1:12 6-23-02 On July 16, 1945 the USS Indianapolis left the San Francisco Bay carrying mysterious box to Tinian, a small island in the west Pacific. Nobody knew that in the box was the Atomic Bomb that the Enola Gay would soon drop on Hiroshima. After making the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 84:11-12, 2 Timothy 1:12

Denomination: Charismatic

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

Looking For Pennies

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Nov 19, 2001

Looking for Pennies (story from Annie Dillard) is important because: 1. The created world is a window into the heart of God. 2. The created world provides opportunities to praise the goodness of God. 3. The created world is a source of joy for thankful

Annie Dillard, in her wonderful Pulitzer Prize winning book Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, tells a story about pennies. It was in her chapter entitled “Seeing” that I read her wonderful childhood story. I will let her tell it in her own words: “When I was six or seven years old, growing up in ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:15-17

Denomination: Methodist

Thanks Giving & Thanks Living

Contributed by Mark Roper on Nov 20, 2007

Thanking God daily enables us to live a life of Thanks Living

Thanks Giving & Thanks Living Things to be thankful for The freedom and liberty to worship God without government oppression. The freedom to proclaim the gospel of Christ. The forgiveness, mercy, and grace, that comes from God. The love of God which reconciles me to him. The transforming ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Denomination: Church Of God

Rejoice In The Lord Always

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Dec 16, 2005

Advent 3(C) - Believers are reminded to rejoice in the Lord always: with a gentle spirit, with a prayerful life, and with the peace of God.

PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7 - ADVENT 3 - December 11, 2005 (Outline) INTRO: This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it proclaims the psalm writer. Are you happy? Are you happy enough to be constantly rejoicing? At times earthly sorrow sometimes saps the joy of salvation. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7

Denomination: Lutheran

"What Makes God Smile?"

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Aug 19, 2004

What are things in our life that can make the smile of God present upon our lives.

Iliff and Saltillo UM Churches August 22, 2004 “What Makes God Smile?” Psalm 119:135 Msg. Bible “Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live.” Numbers 6:25 NLT “May the Lord smile on you.” INTRODUCTION: Have you ever thought of God as a HARSH God toward you? Maybe someone who ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:135, Numbers 6:25

Denomination: Methodist

How Can I Be Happy?

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Mar 27, 2006

Happiness blockers: 1. A demanding spirit that insists life should be good and easy. 2. A lack of play. 3. Basing your happiness on circumstances rather than trust.

Singer and diva, Madonna, is one of the wealthiest people in show business and has openly flaunted her self-indulgent lifestyle. A couple of years ago she was asked in an interview if she was happy. Her response was: “I don’t even know anybody who is happy!” Not only was she not happy, but she ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

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

Living A Life Of Contentment

Contributed by Jason Cole on Nov 26, 2007

we live in a society which craves more yet we are called to be content, how can we be content when we feel we need more.

Living A Life of Contentment John Ortberg’s book "When the Game is Over It All Goes Back in the Box" was a special help and thought sparker. Introduction: There is a disease that many people have here. The men who have this disease can walk into their garage and look at their car which is less ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Would Be Happy If ---?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Sep 22, 2006

Do we have a real understanding of what happiness and joy are? Can joy be a choice? On what does your joy hinge?

I WOULD BE HAPPY IF ---- ? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com A marriage can be made in heaven, but we must learn to maintain it here on earth. Can marriage become a duel instead of a duet? I. CAN HAPPINESS AND JOY BE A CHOICE? A. Let us ask some questions and you ponder the answers ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God