Sermons on Unexpected Joy:

We Are Called To Encourage, Not Destroy By Pastor Joseph Ondu

Contributed by Joseph Ondu on Aug 2, 2025

God has not called us to compete with each other, but to complete each other. We are living stones being built together into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Your role matters. Your encouragement matters. And someone’s breakthrough may be waiting on your obedience to speak life.

SERMON TITLE: We Are Called to Encourage, Not Destroy Main Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Introduction: The Power of Words and Attitudes In a world filled with criticism, rejection, and emotional ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Unheard Voices Of Christmas SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 9, 2023

It’s the season of Christmas, filled with joyful sounds of bells ringing, choirs singing, and music in the air. However, amidst these cheerful noises, there are also sounds of sorrow and grief. These are the unheard voices of Christmas.

Introduction: During the Christmas season, we are surrounded by joyful sounds like bells ringing, choirs singing, and music filling the air. However, amidst the celebration, there are also sounds of anguish and grief. Today, we will explore the less talked about sounds of Christmas and what they ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

Topics: Christmas, Grief, Joy

A Virgin Shall Conceive

Contributed by Dr. Robert Crowder on Nov 24, 2025

This is the third Advent sermon in the series, "The Gospel According to Isaiah."

Introduction: When Fear Overrules Faith Isaiah chapter 7 does not open with candles, calm streets, or songs of praise. It opens with fear. King Ahaz of Judah faced an approaching invasion. The northern kingdom of Israel had joined with Syria, and their armies were preparing to overthrow him. When ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

Rejoice, Be At Peace, And Think Excellently PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Mar 6, 2024

This sermon explores how to pursue divine joy, promote peace within the congregation, and ponder on praiseworthy things, as guided by Philippians 4:2-9.

Welcome, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, to this blessed gathering where we come to share in the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We come together, not as strangers, but as a family united under the banner of His grace and mercy. We come to learn, to grow, to be transformed by the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:2-9

Topics: Divine Joy, Peace

First Christmas In Bethlehem PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 22, 2023

This sermon explores the joy and transformation brought by Jesus' birth, emphasizing our dependence on God's Spirit for understanding and living out His Word. Key

Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It is indeed a wonderful blessing to gather together, united in our faith, and eager to immerse ourselves in the Word of God. Today, we stand on the cusp of a great revelation, ready to welcome the wisdom that God has prepared for us. We are ...read more

Topics: Joy, Start Here

Christmas 2010: The Glass Half Full Or The Glass Half Empty Series

Contributed by Steve Fletcher on Dec 15, 2010

We often come to Christmas time overwhelmed, stretched, strained and spiritually dried out. Spiritualy, the glass is half empty. The purpose of this sermon is to discover from the life of Mary and Joseph how can we get more ‘water’ in the glass and find

Introduction Christmas is only 6 days away. At this time of year, do you feel like the cup half full or half empty? My guess is that the cup is half empty – maybe getting more and more empty. About this time, many people are getting pretty drained. Purpose Statement How can we get more ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

A Message For Us

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Mar 27, 2006

A message for believers & seekers alike, regarding how Jesus stands at the door and knocks. The seeker should feel drawn towards Jesus, and the beliver might feel a little ashamed at how we treat Jesus.

Please turn to REVELATION 3:14-22. This is our main text for this message. ‘To the angel of the church in Laodicea, write: ‘These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22

Denomination: *other

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

A Season To Remember

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Nov 23, 2023

We are encouraged to Remember Zion! Remember your past joys! Where does the beginning of the holiday season find you? There is reason to hope!

Subject: A Season to Remember Text: Psalm 137:1-6 “Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept as we thought of Jerusalem. We put away our harps, hanging them on the branches of poplar trees. For our captors demanded a song from us. Our tormentors insisted on a joyful hymn: “Sing us one of those ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 137:1-6, Psalm 27:1-5, Revelation 3:3, Isaiah 26:3, John 14:1-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

Let Us Worship And Bow Down (Iv): In Joy

Contributed by Ken Gehrels on Dec 5, 2001

A message on worship - where the source of true fulfillment comes from, well beyond the outer form.

Let Us Worship And Bow Down (IV): In Joy Bible Reading: Psalm 100 John 15: 1-17 PREPARED BY KEN GEHRELS PASTOR CALVIN CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH NEPEAN, ONTARIO Let Us Worship And Bow Down (IV): In Joy p.1 I’d like to invite you to go back with me, for a moment, to the opening of our service this ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5, John 15:1-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How To Experience Joy In The Midst Of Trials (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Tony Miano on Dec 8, 2000

God does not want you to downplay your trials by comparing them to the trials of others. He wants you to learn and grow through what He is allowing you to endure.

How To Experience Joy During Trials (Part One) James 1:2 Preached by Pastor Tony Miano Pico Canyon Community Church November 5, 2000 Introduction: This morning we’re going to begin a study of James 1:2-4. Over the next two weeks, we’re going to look at three keys to experiencing joy in the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2

Denomination: *other

How To Experience Joy In The Midst Of Trials (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Tony Miano on Dec 8, 2000

Today we’re going to look at how our knowledge of the Truth and the maturity of our faith can determine the level of joy we can experience, even when life seems to be hitting us over the head with a hammer.

How To Experience Joy During Trials (Part 2) James 1:3-4 Preached by Pastor Tony Miano Pico Canyon Community Church November 12, 2000 A Little Levity: With the dust settling from our recent elections, I had an opportunity to review some sound bites that were overlooked by mainstream media. One ...read more

Scripture: James 1:3-4

Denomination: *other

Don't Allow People Rob Your Joy Series

Contributed by Fred Sigle on Feb 13, 2007

Philippians is commonly called the "Book of Joy". But Paul presents several thieves that try to rob us of our joy. The second thief: "Difficult People."

DO NOT ALLOW PEOPLE TO ROB YOUR JOY ILLUSTRATION: A PREACHER told about his nine-year-old daughter who one day JUMPED off the SCHOOL BUS as it stopped in front of her house and SLAMMED her way through the front door. She MARCHED up the stairs into her ROOM and again SLAMMED the DOOR. All the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Allow Stress Rob Your Joy Series

Contributed by Fred Sigle on Feb 13, 2007

Philippians is commonly called the "Book of Joy". But Paul presents several thieves that try to rob us of our joy. The fourth thief: "Stress."

DO NOT ALLOW STRESS TO ROB YOUR JOY A. Have you ever had one of those days when nothing seems to go RIGHT? ILLUSTRATION: The ALARM CLOCK doesn’t go off leaving you only 15 minutes to get to WORK. After getting ready you RUSH to your CAR only to discover a FLAT TIRE. You hurriedly CHANGE the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

In The Middle Of J-O-Y Is A Never-Ending Circle

Contributed by Eric Vertein on Dec 12, 2005

God shows us how to maintain JOY, even when there are many things attacking that joy.

I Thessalonians 5:16-24 3rd Sunday in Advent December 11, 2005 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21 Test ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Denomination: Lutheran