Sermons on Exceeding Expectations:

Praying Expectantly

Contributed by John Gerald on Sep 15, 2004

How to pray, and expect an answer.

PRAYING EXPECTANTLY Rev. John W. Gerald INTRODUCTION One of the greatest hindrances to answered prayer is lack of faith, and since faith is difficult to fully understand, and its laws so complex, few people really know how to pray in faith. Ones own ethnic background may produce tremendous ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:14

Denomination: Methodist

How To Defeat Temptation Series

Contributed by Jimmy Chapman on Nov 12, 2010

Expect, detect, and reject temptation

I. EXPECT TEMPTATION A. Even the godly are tempted. B. Even the guarded are tempted. II. DETECT TEMPTATION A. Recognize the source of temptation B. Realize the force of temptation. III. REJECT TEMPTATION A. To Overcome The Flesh We Need FLIGHT B. To Overcome The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus The Christ Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Nov 12, 2007

The Jews expected a Messiah, was it Jesus?

Jesus Who? November 11, 12, & 15, 2007 Jesus The Christ Jesus the Messiah It may be surprising, but “Christ” is not Jesus’ last name. It is a title, and a description. “Christ” is from the Greek word that translated the Hebrew word “Messiah:” They both mean “Anointed One.” In Jesus’ day, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:18-20

Denomination: *other

An Open-Ended Prayer

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 20, 2018

Waiting faith and expectant trust.

AN OPEN-ENDED PRAYER. Psalm 123:1-4. This is a short, impassioned prayer: a plea for help in the face of adversaries. It begins with adoration, with an abrupt “Unto You…” (PSALM 123:1). This is a song of Ascents and its opening may be paralleled to another: ‘I to the hills will lift ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 123:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Are You Looking For The New Year

Contributed by Luther Sexton on Jun 22, 2018

A discussion of expectations for the New Year

WHAT ARE YOU “LOOKING FOR”? SCRIPTURE: Titus 2:13 “Looking for (4327 wait for) that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;” Hebrews 10:26 “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:13, Hebrews 12:2

Denomination: Pentecostal

Witness Series

Contributed by Stephen Sheane on Aug 19, 2020

The example, expectation and examination of witnessing

WITNESS In 1965 lyricist Hal David and music composer Burt Bacharach teamed up to write a song which was recorded and released and quickly rose to #7 on the US charts. The title of that song was “What the world needs now is love.” The lyrics were very simple, “What the world needs now is love ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-22

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Why Did The Jewish Public Not Believe Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 12, 2025

It has to do with Messianic expectations.

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter 2025 Why is it, do you think, that the vast majority of the Jews living in the early days of the Church found themselves unable to believe in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God, the answer to their prayers and the fulfillment of the OT? After all, He had lived ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:26-33, Psalm 2:6-11, John 14:1-6, Matthew 28:17

Denomination: Catholic

Opposition (Ezra 4)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 29, 2025

Should churches expect opposition?

When we are building something for God, should we expect opposition? Do we sometimes have to wait patiently for God’s hand? Let’s look at Ezra 4. Do enemies sometimes pretend to be friends? What happened as former exiles began to rebuild the temple? Then the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Ask God To Take The Phyiscal Challenge

Contributed by D. Marie Hamilton on Feb 2, 2007

Asking God to manifest His presence in our lives and expect for it to happen.

Asking God to Take a Physical Challenge Let us pray. I want to ask the kids a question. By a show of hands, how many of you know about or have watched the show Double Dare on Nickelodeon? Well, I’m here to let you know that show is about 15 years old. I remember when that show first came ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:3-35

Denomination: Methodist

The Vision Specific Church Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Apr 2, 2007

A Vision Specific Church will show evidence of the reign of the Holy Spirit by a devotion to "Teaching, (true) Fellowship, Worship, and Evangelism".

INTRODUCTION A. Began Series “Accomplishing The Vision” March 1 1. “Offer God Your Best” – Mark 14:3-11 a. Saw the Principle that God will use Our Best to Accomplish His Purpose b. We must be available. 2. “Are You Robbing God” – Malachi 3:7-12 a. Reminded that God expects us to take care of his ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Baptist

Between Two Worlds

Contributed by Chris Tiller on Nov 1, 2005

The values, priorities, and expectations of the kingdoms of this world are completely at odds with the values, priorities, and expectations of the Kingdom of God. Conflict is inevitable.

During his last night with his disciples, before his arrest, Jesus concluded his teaching with these words: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) In his Second Letter to the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:19-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When God Says No

Contributed by Luther Sexton on Mar 26, 2019

What is it that you expect from God when you pray? What answer do you expect to receive?

WHEN GOD SAYS NO Introduction: What is it that you expect from God when you pray? What answer do you expect to receive? Surely most of us phrase our prayers in such a way that all God has to do is say, "Yes, yes my child." Most of the testimonies that we hear are such that God says, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:16, 2 Corinthians 12:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Building Dynamic Faith: Lesson 4: Thinking The Unthinkable

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jun 23, 2006

God has promised to do the impossible in response to prayer. Let us recognize that throughout life, God has already done the humanly impossible. Realize God wants to do exceeding and abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.

A. STATEMENTS ON PRAYER BY JERRY FALWELL (as taught by Jonathan Falwell). 1. Prayer can do anything God can do . . . and since God can do anything, prayer is omnipotent. 2. “Nothing of eternal significance ever happens apart from prayer.” 3. “Faith begins where man’s power ends.” 4. There are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Baptist

Power For Last Day Ministry

Contributed by Larry Meador on Nov 2, 2000

A challenge to the church to preach the word of God expecting confirmation.

POWER FOR LAST DAY MINISTRIES 2 Timothy Chapter Three (1) This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2) men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) Without natural affection, truce breakers, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

What Do You Want From God?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jan 4, 2008

God has a plan and purpose for each person. What are you expecting from God? Expect nothing? Get nothing!

WHAT DO YOU WANT? What are you expecting? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. INTRODUCTION: A. The Jewish Talmud suggests: 1. Moses gave 613 laws and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:16

Denomination: Assembly Of God