Sermons on Unexpected Joy:

Laughter

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Oct 26, 2022

Today we are going to talk about “Laughter.” If we define laughter, we might say it is the quick breath resulting in a series of short vowel-like sounds usually "ha-ha," "ho-ho" or "hee-hee" which we call laughter.

Laughter “Then was our mouth filled with laughter.” Psalm 126:2 “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh.” —Psalm 2:4 Intro: A elderly couple were home The wife softly said to her husband Do you remember when we used to just sit and you would hold my hand The man reached over and held her ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 126:2, Psalm 2:4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Making My Living Hope Real Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Aug 8, 2016

Living hope is a matter of looking ahead rather than looking around

ENGAGE/TENSION In general, I tend to be a pretty optimistic person. But I’ve got to admit that it is getting harder and harder to be hopeful about life here on earth in the 21st century. Let’s face it, 2016 didn’t exactly get off to a great start: • This week, the stock ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-12

Denomination: Baptist

Enjoy Your Trials

Contributed by Eric Grenier on Feb 6, 2018

Finding joy in our trials

Enjoy your Trials James 1:2–4 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, when you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. The Point: ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Promises Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Dr. Dave Hartson on Dec 12, 2022

God is totally trustworthy when He makes a promise.

Introduction This sermon is going to start off a little different from my usual sermons because right from the beginning, I am going to share with you a Scripture. It is found in the Book of Micah Chapter 5. Please stand as we read just one verse-verse two. Micah 5:2 (NKJV) The Coming Messiah 2 ...read more

Scripture: Micah 5:2

Denomination: Baptist

"joy's Light Outshines Mere Happiness"

Contributed by John Huyser on Dec 20, 2022

Compared to the other holidays, why is it significant the words Merry and Christmas are tied together?

This morning, seeking joy’s light, I selected a prophecy from the minor prophet Habakkuk. Given his prophecies are unfamiliar, a quick overview is in order. Habakkuk lived in Israel’s Southern Kingdom as the countdown clock to the Babylonian invasion and their exile was hitting 0. The Northern ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-19

Reasons To Rejoice

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Feb 21, 2022

It is interesting to see how some people can always find things to rejoice about and other people can never find anything to rejoice about.

Illus: It reminds me of the fellow who went to get his driver's license renewed. There were many others there doing the same thing. The line inched along for almost an hour, until the man finally got his license. He inspected his photo and complained to the clerk who took his picture, "I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Precious Seed Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 3, 2022

God's ability for reestablishing life is outside our ability to grasp. We should be patient as we pause and wait upon God.

God's ability for reestablishing life is outside our ability to grasp. Woodlands burn to the ground and can develop back. Broken bones recuperate. Indeed, even anguish and grief are anything but a long-lasting condition. Our tears can be seeds that will develop into a harvest of joy and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 126:6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Whole-Hearted Praise

Contributed by Dan Parton on Mar 12, 2013

The older David became, the more pronounced his praise became.

Whole-Hearted Praise Psalm 138:1-8 Introduction: This marvellous Psalm was penned by King David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We never have to worry about the content of the Bible! It is all God-breathed, it is all profitable, and it is all good! When God breathed out each and every ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 138:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The New Way Of Fasting

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Apr 7, 2010

Fasting has been around a long time, but Jesus brought new light to an old practice.

Passage: Matthew 9:14-17 Intro: New things can be really scary. 1. as a man born in 1952, I have seen many new things. 2. I wasn’t around for TV’s invention, but was 2 when it was first broadcast in color. PP early color TV broadcast 3. was 9 when the Russian Yuri ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:14-17

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Great Greetings! Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Apr 10, 2010

God offers his church the grace to rejoice.

Scripture Introduction Last year I had heated arguments with The Berry Company over the church’s Yellow Pages advertising. They confirmed, in writing, that our contract ended in June. But the small print allowed them to continue billing us if they were late publishing the new phone books. When ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-2

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why Is There Often So Little Joy Among Christians?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 12, 2014

A look at our frequent lack of joy and how more clearly understanding what God has done for us can remedy that.

A QUESTION: Why is there often so little joy among Christians? - Luke 1:14. - This verse highlights the joy that John will bring: “a joy,” “delight,” “rejoice.” - Is that atypical? Is joy supposed to be a standard part of the Christian life? - I believe that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:11-14

Denomination: Baptist

It's A Wonder-Filled Life

Contributed by Mark Otero on Dec 21, 2010

A Christmas message. Most people have no problem getting up for Christmas but what about the day after? This message is based on Luke 2:20 from what I see as the shepherds return to "normal" after God has broken into their lives.

"It's A Wonder-filled Life" Luke 2:20 "Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them." Intro: Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" is, by far, my all time favorite Christmas movie. George Bailey finds out that even ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:20

Denomination: *other

Choosing The Best Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 27, 2013

Paul penned this letter to the Philippians from a prison. Yet he was overjoyed at how God was his adverse circumstances to advance the Gospel. Paul's joy was completely centered in His realtionship with Jesus.

Intro: An old dog was watching a young dog chase his tail. The young dog stopped to rest, and told the older dog, “I believe happiness is in my tail, and if I catch it, then I will have happiness!” The older, wiser dog said, “I caught mine once. . . and I found out that happiness ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Forgetting, Focusing And Fixing

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Sep 24, 2020

Oftentimes a crisis, like COVID-19, directs a person’s thoughts, words and actions, rather than Christ. Today I will try to share what Scripture teaches about how we can order our mindset which will impact our mood and direct our movements.

Oftentimes a crisis, like COVID-19, directs a person’s thoughts, words and actions, rather than Christ. Today I will try to share what Scripture teaches about how we can order our mindset which will impact our mood and direct our movements. In your Bible, the book of Philippians is a thank-you ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

My Foot Almost Slipped - Dealing With Doubt As A Child Of God

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Oct 4, 2020

Have you ever been to the point where you find yourself struggling not with right and wrong, not with rather democratic or republican, not with Pepsi or Coke, but struggling with what you have been taught and believe in your heart and what you are experiencing in your life.

“My Foot Almost Slipped” Dealing with the Temptation of Doubt as a Child of God By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: - Today I want to deal with something that we all have either had to face or at some time will have to face and that is the temptation of doubt. QUESTIONS:- Have you ever ...read more

Denomination: Apostolic