Sermons on Unexpected Joy:

Unity PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 25, 2024

Emphasizes the reality of sin, the cleansing offered through Christ's sacrifice, and the joy found in the resurrection of Jesus.

Good morning, dear friends. It is indeed a joy to gather with you today, in this house of worship, united under the banner of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are here today, not by accident, but by divine appointment. God has a message for us today, a message that will speak into our ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:32-35, John 20:19-31

Topics: Sin, God's Light

Wait And Don't Wait PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 14, 2025

Trusting God in seasons of waiting renews our strength, turning weariness into endurance and hope, as faith refuses to panic amid uncertainty.

Some of us walked in today with a wait in our bones. We’ve stood in waiting rooms, stared at silent phones, counted ceiling tiles in the midnight hours. We’ve waited for a call back from a doctor, a prodigal to come home, a door to open, a cloud to move. Life can feel like a long line at the DMV of ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

Topics: Perseverance, Endurance

The God Of Great Turnarounds Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on May 22, 2023

The story of Esther and Mordecai is full of plot twists, unexpected outcomes, and surprise endings, all reminding us that we serve a God of great turnarounds. Do we have “Hamans” in our lives? From the story of Esther and Mordecai we can draw encouragement for our lives today.

Introduction Video Ill.: The Story of Esther - Second Look Films (segment 4) We are continuing our study today based loosely on Max Lucado’s book, You Were Made for This Moment. When we started, we saw that Esther and Mordecai just wanted to blend in — to be cosy in the Persian culture. Don’t ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 35:17, Jeremiah 12:1, Acts 17:31, Psalm 7:11, Mark 12:29-31, Matthew 5:43-45, Isaiah 58:6-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Singing Praises To Our God Psalm 68:4 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jun 4, 2024

Psalm 68:4 invites us to praise God with joy and exuberance, recognising His mighty works and glorious presence. Through this scripture, we will delve into three transformative truths: the power of praise, the majesty of our God, and the joy of His presence.

Singing Praises to Our God Psalm 68:4 Introduction: Today, we are going to explore the richness of Psalm 68:4. This verse invites us to praise God with joy and exuberance, recognising His mighty works and glorious presence. Through this scripture, we will delve into three transformative truths: ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 68:4, Psalm 100:1-2, Isaiah 40:22, Psalm 16:11

Denomination: Pentecostal

God Moves In Mysterious Ways Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 11, 2006

Many people think God’s ways are so mysterious, they are beyond our understanding. Perhaps the phrase “God moves in mysterious ways” was coined because in the Bible, God often did the UNEXPECTED. God seldom acts or moves the way we think He should.

INTRODUCTION Over the past few weeks we’ve been studying popular sayings people think are in the Bible–but they aren’t. We’ve already discussed several pseudo-scriptures including, “God helps those who help themselves” and “God won’t put more on you than you can bear.” Today, we are focusing on ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Creative With God

Contributed by Bradley White-Findeisen on Feb 7, 2001

God continues his creativity through us.

GETTING CREATIVE WITH GOD If one were to ask an unbiased observer to name that institution in our society which clearly espouses creativity, we can be sure that he would not name our twentieth-century church. This is an indictment of how we Christians feel about the mandate God has given us for ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A King Is Born—in A Dysfunctional Family Series

Contributed by Dustin Boden on Dec 6, 2024

In this message, we dive into the unexpected and imperfect story of Jesus' lineage. From the brokenness of Rahab to the outsider status of Ruth and even King David's failures, we'll see how God uses all things to bring about His perfect plan.

A King is Born—In a Dysfunctional Family Isaiah 9:6 ESV 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Introduction: Good morning! I hope you all ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Our God Reigns Supreme! Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jun 25, 2008

A new awareness of what God is going to do bursts upon God’s people. Those who understand it as good news will celebrate in its glory & joy. Such news would be cause for the greatest joy & the greatest glory is for who causes it to become reality.

ISAIAH 52: 7-12 OUR GOD REIGNS SUPREME! [Romans 10: 11- 17] A new awareness of what God is going to do bursts upon God’s people. Those who understand it as good news will celebrate in its glory and joy. As marvelous as this ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 52:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Ultimate Royalty Wedding!

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Aug 29, 2010

If you know Jesus Christ, the joys that await you exceed your wildest dreams. Excitement and joy awaits us as we begin to recognize what we have in Jesus Christ. We are rich, we are significant, we are secure, and we are royalty.

The Ultimate Royalty Wedding! (Psalm 45) 1. We like to joke about marriage. Married for many years, Paul had been ignored by his wife, Liz, for some days, so eventually he confronted her with what he perceived as the problem. 'Come on Liz, admit it,' he ranted, 'You only married me because my ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 45:1-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Go! And Weep For The Lost: A Palm Sunday Call To Action - Luke 19:41-44. Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Apr 8, 2025

Palm Sunday, a day where we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It’s a day filled with joy, but beneath the shouts of joy, beneath the praise and worship, there was something deeper going on—a deep, heartfelt sorrow in the heart of Jesus.

Go! And Weep for the Lost: A Palm Sunday Call to Action Introduction: Today is Palm Sunday, a day where we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It’s a day filled with joy, with crowds shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” It’s a day of excitement, as ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:41-42, John 14:27, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Philippians 4:7, John 3:36, John 14:6, Mark 16:15, Romans 3:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Prayer For Boldness Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 10, 2017

It was with great joy that Peter and John (and in all likelihood the lame man was with them) went to the place where “their own company” of fellow believers (the whole church) had assembled—and I am sure they were received with great joy.

October 21, 2013 By: Tom Lowe Series: The Early Church Title: The Prayer for Boldness (4.23-31) Acts 4.23-31 (KJV) 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Holy Spirit Filled Faith

Contributed by Samuel M on Jun 25, 2024

When God gives a promise or a word, and when situations becomes completely opposite (to God’s promise) and very difficult, but there is joy that God will surely fulfil it, this is Holy Spirit-filled (or given) faith. Faith is reflected or manifested as joy.

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 When God gives a promise or a word, and when situations becomes completely opposite (to God’s promise) and very difficult, but there is joy that God will surely fulfil it, this is Holy Spirit-filled (or given) faith. Faith is reflected or ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7

Living Under The Shadow Of The Almighty

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Jan 21, 2003

What a privilege and joy for the believer to live in the every day recognition of the presence of God in his or her life.

LIVING UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress: My God. In Him I will trust.” Psalms 91: 1-2 I. HOW THIS HIGH PRIVILEGE IS OBTAINED: Through ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Draw Water From The Wells Of Salvation

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Apr 2, 2003

LENT 4(C) - With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation both constantly and thankfully.

DRAW WATER FROM THE WELLS OF SALVATION ISAIAH 12: 1—6 MARCH 30, 2003 ISAIAH 12 1In that day you will say: "I will praise you, O LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. 2Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 12:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

I Love A Parade!

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Apr 12, 2003

Palm Sunday - moving quickly from the joy of the moment to the Journey of Jesus life. From Light to heavy.

I love a Parade! Mark 1: 1-11 Palm Sunday always reminds me of parades when I was a kid in Douglasville and especially since I have lived here. Personally, I don’t like being in them as much as watching them. This week I immediately thought of my favorite parade. It was on the Fourth of July ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11

Denomination: Congregational