Sermons on Unexpected Joy:

Joy In Troubled Times

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Dec 15, 2024

The Challenge of Joy in Troubled Times Church, this third Sunday of Advent—the pink candle Sunday—ushers us into joy. But how do we celebrate joy in a world so gripped by fear and trauma?

Sermon Joy in Troubled Times Zephaniah 3:14-20 The Message 14-15 So sing, Daughter Zion! Raise your voices, Israel! Daughter Jerusalem, be happy! celebrate! God has reversed his judgments against you and sent your enemies off chasing their tails. From now on, God is Israel’s king, ...read more

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-20

Denomination: United Methodist

Joy - A Fruit Of Companionship

Contributed by John Mitchell on Dec 20, 2024

An advent message on Joy. Joy is not a gift of the Holy Spirit it is a Fruit of companionship with God the Holy Spirit.

Joy is a fruit of companionship with God the Holy Spirit. (Not a gift of the Holy Spirit) Luke 2:9-12 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:9-12, Galatians 5:22-25, Psalm 16:11

Great Joy In That City Series

Contributed by Ricky Tuttle Thd on Jan 9, 2025

Not everything, that we call bad, is bad! There are times when God moves in the lives of others in order to direct the lives of His children.

“Great Joy In That City” Acts 8:3-8 In our text we see the work of the Lord in the life of the believers. Not everything, that we call bad, is bad! There are times when God moves in the lives of others in order to direct the lives of His children. We need to overlap a couple verses from last ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:3-8

Denomination: Baptist

Live Life With Joy Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Oct 28, 2024

You are not prepared to live until you are prepared to die.

Live Life with Joy Ecclesiastes 9:1-18 Rev. Brian Bill October 26-27, 2024 A common question often used in an icebreaker is this, “What advice would you give to your younger self?” Here’s how some people answered that question. 1. You are perfect just the way you are. 2. Stop being lazy! Get ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

From Sorrow To Joy Series

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Nov 12, 2024

Knowing Jesus brings joy. Joy that does not fade, nor can it be taken away.

From Sorrow to Joy Text: John 16:16-24 What is Joy? My Uncle used to ask people if they wanted to see a picture of his pride and joy, and of course, people being kind, would say, “Yeah, of course.” And he’d pull out a picture of Pride furniture wax and Joy dishwashing soap. But seriously, what ...read more

Scripture: John 16:16-24, John 20:19-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Received With Joy, Not Rejected

Contributed by David Zachrich on Aug 9, 2023

Rejection is painful, especially when you had hoped to be warmly received. It is the issue that Jesus addressed while in the Temple days before His arrest, persecution, and crucifixion.

Jesus concluded, “’The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore, I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” Matthew 21:33-43 Friends ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-43

Denomination: Lutheran

Everything Will Be Alright: Joy

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Oct 14, 2023

JOY IS A CHOICE. Circumstances and emotions should never override our JOY. Joy is a free gift. The blood of the lamb is victorious.

EVERY THING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT… PURE JOY By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) *JOY: Assurance that God is in control. Quiet confidence. Joy is an emotion of something good or satisfying, delight, a feeling of wellbeing, gladness, pleasure and happiness. ...read more

Scripture: John 16:22, Romans 15:13, Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Joy Despite Persecution

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 16, 2023

What is good to remember in persecution?

What is good to remember in persecution? Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Finding Joy In The Dark Series

Contributed by Chris Anderson on Mar 20, 2023

Message 1 in an overview series through Philippians focusing on the theme that joy is not based on circumstances.

I hope that since we gathered together last time that your week has been filled with perfect people, perfect circumstances, a stream of positivity coming from your favorite news source. But just in case that is not reality for some of you, you are in luck. Here’s why. We are beginning a new series ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Developing A Mindset Of Joy Series

Contributed by Chris Anderson on Mar 20, 2023

Message 2 in an overview series through Philippians focusing on the theme that joy is not based on circumstances.

Ray Stedman, who is now with the Lord, was one of the greatest Bible teachers in the past 50 years. In his teaching on chapter 1 verses 12-26, he opens up with these words. “I love this passage from the letter to the Philippians because it depicts the unmistakable marks of authentic ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Mirror Effect: No Joy?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jun 19, 2024

Where there is little joy there will be great strife. Joy is a daily choice. You must learn the value of daily choices.

THE MIRROR EFFECT? WHERE THERE IS NO JOY STRIFE THRIVES! By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com There are two approaches to life. 1. DO I HAVE TO… 2. I GET TO, I WANT TO, I GET TO… Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 30:11, Isaiah 40:30, Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Discipline And The Joy Of Following Christ

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 19, 2025

We must all accept discipline so that we will receive the “peaceful fruit of righteousness” owed to those who are trained by discipline.

Twenty-first Sunday in Course 2025 As a teacher, I used to tell my students there’s a good way to find out what the teacher finds important in a lesson. Here’s the rule: write down anything the teacher says more than once. That’s what is likely to be on the test. Today St. Luke shares a question ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 66:18-21, Psalm 117:1-2, Mark 16:15, Hebrews 12:5-7, Hebrews 12:11-13, Luke 13:22-30  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

What Happened To Your Joy?

Contributed by Ken Pell on Aug 2, 2010

A communion sermon emphasizing joy as a barometer of our walk with Christ;

WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR JOY? Galatians 4:15 NOTE: This sermon was preached in tandem with Pastor Ken's associate pastor of Congregational Care. Pastor Gary's portion is provided only in rough outline. Sermon Objective: A communion sermon emphasizing joy as a barometer of our walk with Christ. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:15

Denomination: Nazarene

Bear All Adversity With Joy

Contributed by Kyle Foley on Jan 5, 2007

This sermon inspires the reader to accept adversity more cheerfully.

do not complain. your ever constant prayer must be: thy will, Lord, not mine be done, it is your wisdom that irradiates blissado, not my limited, human intellect. it is your love unfathomable, Lord, that decrees the shape and the shine, not my frailties and shortcomings. whatever obstacles you set ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"Hope And Joy....resurrection Reality"

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Apr 24, 2018

This is a funeral sermon. God is not the author of death but that Satan is. Many families will ask "Why"... I try to answer that question.... noting that at death the body is separated from the soul and Jesus has overcome. I add the story of the "fork"

In Jesus Holy Name Text: John 14:1-3 “Hope and Joy – Resurrection Reality” As a congregation we just celebrated one of the two most important events in Christianity. Easter. The day Jesus rose from death and the grave. ______ loved Jesus. He was at his church ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-3, Luke 8:40-52

Denomination: Lutheran