Sermons on Unexpected Joy:

Jesus' Water Is That Good (John 4:1-15) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 15, 2022

Jesus is greater than Jacob; his water is also better. It gives joy, and an abundant life, and leads to knowing Jesus and his Father (John 17:3).

Let's start this morning by simply rereading 4:1-3. These three verses mark a transition in John to a new story: (4:1) Then, when Jesus knew that the Pharisees heard that Jesus, many more disciples he is making and baptizing than John-- although Jesus himself was not baptizing, ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-15, John 17:3

For God So Loved The World: A Sermon For The 4th Sunday Of Advent

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Dec 16, 2024

How is the great love of God expressed to us?

For God so Loved the World: a Sermon for the 4th Sunday in Advent John 3:16 NKJV For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. We now come to the 4th and last Sunday of Advent, a season in which we prepare ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Grace By Association - 1 Peter 4:12-16 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 2, 2025

The gospel is about grace by association - receiving favor from God solely because of association with Christ. And that involves suffering.

1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice to the degree that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-16

Overcoming Depression Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Sep 29, 2024

In times of deep sorrow and mental struggle, it's easy to drown in waves of despair, feeling as if joy has completely vanished. Yet, we can speak hope into our hearts by fixing our gaze on God (Ps 42), trusting that even in the darkest moments, we will once again find strength and praise in Him.

Overcoming Depression Online Sermon: www.mckeesfamily.com/sermons/ “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Psalm 46:1, Job 3:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

A Faith That Does Save Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Oct 5, 2024

Acts 8:26-40 teaches us about a faith that does save.

Introduction John Newton was born in 1725 in England and lived a rebellious life. As a young man, he worked on ships, including slave ships, transporting enslaved people across the Atlantic. He was notorious for his wild behavior, harsh personality, and lack of faith. His life, dominated by ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Enjoy Your Ice Cream Cone - Ecclesiastes 1:1-3, 2:24-25 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 11, 2025

No matter how wisely you live, you can’t control outcomes. The world calls it bad luck. Christians call it hard providence. Whatever you call it, this sermon will help you learn how to enjoy whatever moment of God’s perfect plan you are currently in.

Ecclesiastes 1:1 The words of the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 "Absolute futility," says the Preacher. "Absolute futility. Everything is futile." 3 What does a man gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? 2:24 There is nothing better for man ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-3, Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Don't Doubt It!

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on May 19, 2024

It can be hard to convince some people. Like doubting Thomas, they say, “I won't believe it until I see it!” Even then you can't convince some people. As they say, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”

Alba 5-19-2024 DON'T DOUBT IT! I John 1:1-4 The following statements were taken from official documents, newspapers and magazines widely read during their day. Listen to what the "authorities" had to say: 1840 - "Anyone traveling at the speed of thirty miles per hour would ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

David The Musician Series

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Sep 7, 2024

In this talk we look at why music and song are so important for Christians.

Note: this was a family service in which children stay in the service. We have a ‘main’ children’s item earlier in the service but also a short talk later in the service. This is to give something for the adults but which is hopefully not too difficult for children. Because it was about music ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 105:2

Denomination: Baptist

Taste And See: Experiencing God's Goodness Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 17, 2024

God’s goodness is not something distant or abstract but something real and personal, something we can experience in our everyday lives.

Taste and See: Experiencing God's Goodness Psalm 34:8 (NLT): “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Introduction: An Invitation to Experience God’s Goodness How many of us love the taste of a good meal? Whether it's a warm, home-cooked meal ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:8, Jeremiah 29:13, Psalm 34:9-10, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 46:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Strength In Weakness: Embracing God's Grace Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 6, 2023

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, we discover that our weaknesses are not hindrances but opportunities for God's grace and power to shine. Let us embrace our vulnerabilities, boast in our weaknesses, find joy in adversity, and become sources of comfort to others.

"Strength in Weakness: Embracing God's Grace" Introduction: Today, we delve into a profound message found in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT): "Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 2 Corinthians 12:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Crazy Happy Satisfaction Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

True joy and happiness are found in living according to God's plan, which includes showing mercy, having a pure heart, being a peacemaker, and standing firm in the face of persecution.

Today, we're going to talk about something we all want - happiness. But not just any happiness, we're talking about the real, deep-down, soul-satisfying happiness. You know, the kind that doesn't depend on how many likes you get on Instagram or whether your crush texts you back. We're talking about ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:7-12

Topics: Divine Joy, God's Plan, Spiritual Happiness, Faithful Living

Pure Happiness Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

To be happy, we need to avoid wickedness, delight in God's Word, and be like a tree planted by streams of water, constantly nourished and fruitful.

You know how we all love a good song, right? Well, the Bible has its own playlist called the book of Psalms. It's like the ultimate playlist for every mood and moment in our lives. But some of us don't jam to it because it feels like trying to understand Shakespeare. So, let's break it down ...read more

Topics: Biblical Happiness, Psalm 1, Spiritual Joy, Divine Contentment

The Pursuit Of Happiness Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Jul 22, 2024

True happiness and contentment can only be found in God, not in worldly possessions or achievements.

You know what's funny? We've been chasing happiness in the USA for 248 years. But are we any closer to finding it? It seems like we're less happy now than we were 250 years ago. Instead of happiness, we see stress, anxiety, anger, and despair. So, what's up with that? We've been chasing happiness ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:12-22

Topics: Biblical Happiness, Spiritual Pursuit, Divine Joy, Faithful Living

Your Place To Give With Open Hands Series

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Aug 21, 2016

God has a place for the unlikely, places where the Lord will direct us to GIVE. Let’s look quickly at seven unlikely and perhaps unexpected ways we can give: Unlikely places to give because your sins are forgiven.

UNLIKELY - Your Place to Give with Open Hands John 3:7-8 MsgB “So don’t be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be ‘born from above’—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Mary, Now You Know Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 12, 2024

Mary was surprised when Gabriel visited her and gave her some unexpected news. Now Mary knew exactly what the Lord wanted her to do. Best of all, she agreed to do God's will for her life!

Mary, Now You Know (Edited from a sermon preached December 8, 2024 at New Hope Baptist Church, Fulton, MO. This is not an exact transcription). Introduction: Mark Lowry’s Christmas song, “Mary, Did You Know?” has been a blessing for several years now. It’s a song which, I think, captures the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist