Sermons on Trail To Joy:

Blossom Time

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 30, 2023

Love and life are two sides of the same coin, that where love is life springs up, and life is a sign that love has been there.

This week the flowers decorating the altar are poinsettias. Do you know why? Pepita was a poor Mexican girl who had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve services. As she walked to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy. “I am sure, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Discipline Of Celebration

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Aug 9, 2023

Celebration should be a normal part of the Christian life. This sermon borrows heavily from Richard Foster's book "Celebration of Discipline."

The Discipline of Celebration “The Christian should be an alleluia from head to foot!” (Augustine of Hippo) Celebration: the action of marking one's pleasure at an important event or occasion by engaging in enjoyable, typically social, activity. Celebration is at the heart of God’s way of ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Lord's Presence

Contributed by Rich O' Toole on Sep 11, 2024

David desired to spend all of his days in the presence of the Lord

The Lord’s Presence Psalm 27:4-9 I was thinking about my best day on Planet Earth. I can think of many good days. I remember skiing on Lake Berryessa, I remember my first big buck on my first day ever hunting, and I have had many good days of horseback riding. I remember buying our wholesale ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:4-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sermon: Something New, And Extraordinary Is On The Way

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Sep 19, 2024

A new beginning can start right where you are, in this present moment. A new beginning awaits anyone who is willing and wanting to make Jesus Christ the Lord of their life.

Sermon: Something New, Extraordinary Is On The Way Text: Isaiah 43:14- 21“This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sakes I will send an army against Babylon, forcing the Babylonians to flee in those ships they are so proud of. I am the Lord, your Holy One, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:14-21, Ecclesiastes 3:1-5, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Isaiah 32:2-3

Denomination: Methodist

Mission Of Christmas

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 24, 2024

The story of Christmas shows how God's missionary heart sent Jesus to be our Savior. You can share that message of hope this Christmas with your congregation.

Opening illustration: Play video of Office Christmas. Introduction: We know that the church is supposed to be about Christ's mission on earth - preaching the gospel, making disciples, baptizing and teaching them. But have you considered that it is God who is the true Missionary? The story of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Persecuted & Joyful (2 Thessalonians 1)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 1, 2024

Can a church be both persecuted and joyful? Can they be faithful? Let's find out in 2 Thessalonians 1.

Paul, Silas, and Timothy encouraged the church in Thessaloniki during persecution. They encourage the saints not to be shaken by those who say that the day of the Lord has begun but to stand firm. They encouraged the brethren to work to earn a living and not live an idle life. Let’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How To Enjoy Life- A Strong Finish Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on May 19, 2024

This is the 199th sermon in the series "Action". This is the 7th sermon from Philippians.

Series: Action [#199] HOW TO ENJOY LIFE- A STRONG FINISH Philippians 3:12-21 Introduction: This is a Summer Olympics year. There are many athletes from all over the World training and competing to represent their Country in Paris, France. I remember how crazy 2016 was for Tharon. Tharon was ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-21

Denomination: Baptist

How Can We Be Blessed?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 14, 2023

To be blessed is to have been brought contentment or good fortune. So what is "to be blessed" to us?

Undoubtedly everyone has heard the story of Jabez. There have been countless sermons, articles, opinions stated, and books covering the topic of the prayer of Jabez. I did not intend to add to that list, but as I was researching for a sermon out of the book of First Chronicles, I landed upon this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Sermon – Invitation To The Lord’s Salvation

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Jun 28, 2024

An invitation to deliverance and wholeness which offers every spiritual blessing from God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. Every hungry and thirsty soul can find satisfaction.

Sermon – Invitation to the Lord’s Salvation (Hope in The Day of Adversity) Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 55:1-13 “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink, even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk, it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-13, Psalm 16:11, Ecclesiastes 7:13-14, Romans 12:2, Matthew 11:28-29  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

"unshakeable - Forging Strength In The Fires Of Adversity"

Contributed by Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr. on Jul 29, 2024

In a world filled with challenges and trials, we are called to stand firm in our faith, finding joy and growth even in the midst of hardship.

Focal Scripture: James 1:2-4 (CSB) "Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Other

The Power Of Peace, Contentment, And Strength

Contributed by Antonio Manaytay on Aug 24, 2024

This sermon delves into Philippians 4 where Apostle Paul provides timeless wisdom how to find peace, joy, and strength no matter the circumstances.

There in a small village was a poor farmer named David. He lived a simple life, but it was filled with hardships. His crops often failed due to droughts, and his old plow broke down frequently. Despite this, David always had a smile on his face. His neighbors, who lived in more comfortable ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

From Although To Yet

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Aug 21, 2025

Based on the prophet Habakkuk's journey from honest complaint to unshakable praise, this sermon explores how faith can find joy not by denying suffering, but by making a radical choice to rejoice in God even when everything has fallen apart.

From Barren Fields to High Places: The Unshakable Joy of Faith Text: Habakkuk 3:17-19 Introduction: A Prophet's Honest Struggle I want to invite you into the world of a man who was not afraid to argue with God. His name is Habakkuk. We often come to the prophets and see them as untouchable ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

Guard Your Heart

Contributed by Dwight Davis on Sep 5, 2025

God, through His servant Solomon tells us in Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.." Why is this important advice? How can we successfully do it?

Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23, Philippians 4:4-9, Hebrews 12:2, Habakkuk 3:17-19, Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Why Are You Downcast?

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 7, 2025

Many Christians stumble, not because they never believed, but because they stayed too close to the place where they first got in. God calls us not only to begin the journey of faith but to grow in joy, perseverance, and victory through Christ.

Introduction: Too Close to Where We Got In A mother tucked her little boy in bed. She kissed him goodnight, pulled up the covers, and went downstairs. Not long after, she heard a loud thump and then crying. She hurried upstairs and found him on the floor. “What happened?” she asked. Through ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7, Nehemiah 8:10

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Treasury Of Heaven Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Sep 8, 2025

This sermon reveals that praise should be our primary response to God, who has already provided every spiritual blessing we will ever need.

Introduction We often think of blessings in terms of what we can see and touch—health, a good job, a happy family. But the Apostle Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by lifting our eyes to a higher reality. He erupts in praise not for earthly comforts, but for a vast, inexhaustible spiritual ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3

Denomination: Baptist