Sermons on An Unexpected God:

Surprise: It's Not What I Expected

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Jun 15, 2018

Life does not always happen the way we plan it or expect it to follow. We have to remember that God's plan is for us to decrease so that Jesus might increase. We Look at the life of John the Baptist

Surprise--It’s Not What I Expected by Rick Gillespie-Mobley Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 Luke 1:5-25 and 1:57-66 6/10/2018 Text Matthew 11:1-11:11 Surprised, It’s Not What I Expected! Have you ever been surprised, but in a negative sort of way. Your hopes got really high for something, but when it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What Is God Doing? Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Nov 26, 2024

God often works in unexpected ways and through unexpected means. We need to watch for His surprising actions and join Him in His mission to change the world.

You know the Christmas story, right? Baby Jesus, manger, shepherds, wise men - the works. But imagine being there. It was all so unexpected and weird. They must've been like, "What's God up to?" What's God up to? Imagine you're expecting a package. You're super excited, but when it arrives, it's in ...read more

Scripture: John 5:16-21

Topics: Divine Plans, Spiritual Growth, Faith Challenges, Miracles

When Little Is Big

Contributed by Paul Decker on Dec 24, 2007

God uses the insignificant and the unexpected to bring significance and purpose to our lives. [Christmas Eve Meditation]

WHEN LITTLE IS BIG Luke 2.1-7 S: Christmas Eve C: Bethlehem Pr: GOD USES THE INSIGNIFICANT AND THE UNEXPECTED TO BRING SIGNIFICANCE AND PURPOSE TO OUR LIVES. Type: Topical; inductive I. PLACE OF SUFFERING (Genesis 35.16-20) II. PLACE OF REDEMPTION (Ruth 4.7-12) III. PLACE OF ROYALTY (I Samuel ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Story 20: A Company Of Heroes

Contributed by Perry Greene on Feb 20, 2014

Heroes come in unexpected ways and as unexpected people. Mordecai and Esther become great heroes for God in an unusual way.

1. Heroes If you have been keeping up with the 2014 Winter Olympics you probably know who T.J. Oshie is. After the St. Louis Blues forward scored the clinch goal for Team USA in an Olympic hockey match against Russia in a never-ending shootout, Oshie has quickly become everyone's new favorite ...read more

Scripture: Esther 4:12-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

4 Unexpected Truths To Understand Why God Allows Suffering Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

Lots of people turn to this book in crisis. Recently, Vanderbilt basketball coach, Scott Drew, was asked how he is weathering such a terrible season – his team is winless in league play. The coach said that his father, also a coach, told his son to read the book of Job

Job is one of the most unique stories you’ll hear – not just inside the Bible but anywhere. It’s the story of man named Job, a man whose character was tremendously strong but suffered exceedingly. But one day Satan says to God, “The reason Job follows you is because you’re so good to him. Stop ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Unexpected Jesus (Sermon 3) Discovering God In Surprising Ways Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 4, 2024

Many of us have had moments when we expected God to act a certain way, only to be surprised by how He actually revealed Himself. Perhaps you were praying for a breakthrough, but God brought transformation in a different form.

The Unexpected Jesus: Discovering God in Surprising Ways Introduction Today, I want to explore a theme that could radically transform your relationship with God: the idea that Jesus often shows up in ways we least expect. Many of us have had moments when we expected God to act a certain way, only ...read more

Scripture: John 4:4-7, Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 139:7-10, Mark 5:25-34, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Luke 5:4-11, Isaiah 6:8, Hebrews 13:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Travelling With Jesus: Capernaum – An Unexpected Entrance Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Mar 12, 2017

Capernaum – an unexpected entrance – sermon by Gordon Curley PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info

SERMON OUTLINE: (1). Capernaum Facts & Trivia (2). The People Involved. • The friends. • The paralysed man. • The Scribes and Pharisees. • Jesus. SERMON BODY: Ill: • In 1885 Anne Isabella Ritchie, came up with the phrase ; • "Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day; teach him how to fish, and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

Denomination: Brethren

“an Unexpected Hour” Series

Contributed by Charles J. Tomlin on Nov 29, 2013

A serious look at Jesus words about his coming from a biblical rather than dispensational perspective.

“AN UNEXPECTED HOUR” A Sermon Based Upon Matthew 24: 36-44 By Rev. Dr. Charles J. Tomlin, DMin Flat Rock-Zion Baptist Partnership Advent 1-A, December 1, 2013 "Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour (Mat 24:44 NRS). “I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44

Denomination: Baptist

What To Say When We Don't Know What To Say - Funeral Sermon

Contributed by Duane Wente on Jun 30, 2021

When someone passes away unexpectedly, we often are left without knowing what to say. Through the story of Lazarus' death, we can see some things we can say when we do not know what to say.

“What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say” Introduction There are not many times when I am left speechless. I’m often told that I have a tendency to not be quiet and listen — that I actually talk too much. When I first heard of Debbie’s passing, however, I found myself without words to say. ...read more

Scripture: John 11:17-36, John 14:1-6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Can I Say? A Graveside Service

Contributed by Perry Greene on Dec 6, 2021

What do we do or say when someone is taken from us unexpecrtedly?

There are times that we don’t know what to say. This is one of those times. ___ died unexpectedly and we are speechless. • We don’t understand why this happened. • We can speculate but we don’t know. • We are left frustrated, angry, and sorrowful. Words seem inadequate, even well-intentioned ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:26-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Lessons From Malta: Dealing With Unexpected Situations

Contributed by Randy Bataanon on Oct 4, 2017

Have you ever been in situations like Malta? Paul is travelling for Rome but a mighty typhoon sends him to Malta. In the cold of the night and unfamiliar people, he learned to trust God in Malta and deal with unexpected situations.

THE LESSONS FROM MALTA: DEALING WITH UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS ACTS 28:1-10 Have you ever been in situations like Malta? Paul is travelling for Rome but a mighty typhoon sends him to Malta. In the cold of the night and unfamiliar people, he learned to trust God in Malta and deal with unexpected ...read more

Scripture: Acts 28:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Losing Track Of God Series

Contributed by John Allen on Jun 10, 2025

Sometimes God does such unexpected things that we get confused and frustrated with him.

[Statements in brackets are for the preacher not the preaching. They are notes that reflect ideas based on the homiletics recommended in "Preach with No Pants" (https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/preach-with-no-pants-john-allen-sermon-on-inductive-250167) which proposes an ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Reach Out Your Hand Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon introduction discusses the story of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing the unexpected compassion of the Samaritan and encouraging the congregation to use their God-given tools to bring reconciliation to a divided world.

Good morning church, so glad that you came to worship with us today. Last week we kicked off our series called Bridge Builders and discussed having the right blueprints that make all the difference in the process of forgiveness. As we continue through our Bridge Builders series today we’re going to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Topics: Compassion, Breaking Barriers, Unexpected Heroes

Sermon Series: Bridge Builders

The Ladder

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012

The experience of Jacob at Bethel, and what it can mean today -- God still extends his staircase down to us at unexpected times.

The story of Jacob and his brother Esau is a tangled one, filled with deceit, intrigue and animosity. Esau despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob for a pot of stew. Jacob then deceived their father and got him to bless him as the ruler and chief heir of the family. So tensions ran high ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22

Denomination: Methodist

Never Happy PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 28, 2023

Explore and understand God's unexpected, sufficient, and unconditional provision.

Good morning, everyone! I'm so thankful we've gathered together today to dig into God's Word and discover new truths about His unfailing love and provision for us. Elizabeth Barrett Browning once said, "God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame." That quote perfectly captures our discussion today ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:2-15

Topics: God's Provision