Sermons on Expectant Faith:

Not What They Expected Series

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Dec 30, 2019

How much do you remember about John the Baptist? Camel hair clothing, locust diet, or loaner lifestyle? While those are memorable, John is arguably one of the most significant people in Jesus’ life and ministry. See how the unexpected surrounded John's birth.

While at the children’s hospital this summer in California, my wife Nikky and I were sitting in the atrium to the main entrance one day when I noticed a man in a black suit and an ear piece walking around. He was looking all over the place and talking to people. As I watched him I leaned over to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:39-45, Luke 1:57-66, Luke 1:67-80

Denomination: Lutheran

Expect The Unexpected

Contributed by Paul Robinson on Sep 27, 2022

Life is full of unexpected moments—it would be boring without them. But what happens when that unexpected moment is huge? It affects you personally, and it’s something that seems unbearable. It causes you to doubt. That’s what we find in Luke 7 with John the Baptist.

Has something unexpected ever happened to you? —you find a 20 dollar bill in between the cushions on your couch —you bump into someone at the store that you haven’t seen in 5 years —the forecast says it’ll be sunny, but it pours —the dog decides to bring you a gift from the outside world, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Expect The Unexpected Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on May 6, 2023

Life is unpredictable, so expect to be surprised.

A few years ago (2017), authorities apprehended a group of Minnesota teens for attempting to steal a cake from a local grocery store. The teens were embarrassed, but even more so when they discovered the cake was fake—it was a cardboard display cake. The grocery store owner decided not to press ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:11-18, Ecclesiastes 10:1-20, Romans 8:28

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Reasonable Expectations

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 25, 2022

Life has become very frustrating for many professing Christians, primarily because their EXPECTATIONS ARE NOT REASONABLE.

Illus: Reaching the end of a job interview, the Technical Recruiter asked a young Engineer fresh out of college, "And what starting salary were you looking for?" The Engineer said, "In the neighborhood of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package." The recruiter ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Realistic Expectations Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Feb 6, 2019

The RYR approached Jesus with some expectations. Jesus also had expectations of him. The application for us is that we have expectations from God (some realistic and some unrealistic) and He has expectations of us which he will not alter.

1. Obsession There was a preacher who was an avid golfer. Every chance he got, he could be found on the golf course swinging away. It was his obsession. One Sunday was a picture-perfect day for golf. The preacher was in a quandary as to what to do. The urge to play golf overcame him. He called his ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Be Expectant Of Jesus

Contributed by Richard Papafio on Apr 30, 2018

Without expectations you would receive nothing here on earth

May the peace of the Lord be with you. Topic: BE EXPECTANT OF JESUS Acts 3:5-7 King James Version (KJV) 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:5-7

Denomination: Charismatic

The Pitfalls Of Expectation Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 27, 2025

Here are biblical examples that illustrate the importance of tempering our expectations with reality.

Expectations can be a double-edged sword in relationships. While they can inspire hope and anticipation, they can also lead to disappointment and heartache. The Bible offers valuable insights into the complexities of human relationships and the dangers of unchecked expectations. Here are biblical ...read more

Scripture: John 5:39-40, Matthew 26:33-35

Faith PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

Explore the nature, source, and power of faith, emphasizing that faith is not just belief, but a confident expectation and profound assurance in things unseen.

Good morning, Church family! Today, we find ourselves in the heart of Hebrews 11:1-13, a passage that has been described as the "Hall of Faith". And why not? It's here that we are given a clear and compelling description of faith, its source, and its power. As a reminder of the text we're ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-13

Topics: Who Is Faith

My Year Of Greater Expectations Series

Contributed by Rudolf E. Y. Mensah on Jan 2, 2022

There is no need for humanity that God cannot meet.

OASIS WORDBANK - HEAVEN ON EARTH CONGREGATION: Oasis Potterlight Chapel International THEME: My Year Of Greater Expectations TEXT: Ephesians 3:20, KJV: "Now unto him, that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20, 1 Kings 3:5

Denomination: Charismatic

Come, Long Expected Jesus

Contributed by Craig Condon on Jul 8, 2015

If we obey God’s will for our lives like Mary and Elizabeth did, we will be richly blessed like they were because we will be blessed by the light and life of Christ-a light that shines brightly in our dark, sinful world.

Anne couldn’t think of a good reason that God should give her a grandchild. And even though it was one of her deepest desires, she had almost given up on the idea. God had already blessed her with two wonderful children. Her son decided to remain single and had devoted his life to Bible ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-45

Denomination: Anglican

Be Faithful Messengers Series

Contributed by Jason Smith on Oct 19, 2013

What is expected of God's Messengers? Faithfulness in life and doctrine.

live the life Ezekiel 2:8 But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house Our fate will be the same as those who are rebellious in the world if we ourselves are rebellious. There is not a place in the church for hypocrites. I heard someone say a ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 3:4-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Amazing Wonder Of Exaggeration

Contributed by James Snyder on May 27, 2017

If you earn it, you can spend it any way that you want to. The great joy of life comes from reaping what you sow.

I once asked my father if he would give me a weekly allowance. After all, many of the kids in my school were getting allowances from their parents and I thought I deserved an allowance as well. I was surprised by my father’s response. “I give you a great allowance here everyday.” ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Dealing With Disappointment

Contributed by Paul Robinson on Sep 16, 2022

We’ve all been disappointed at times in life. Disappointment can only happen if there is some kind of expectation. When that expectation is not met, disappointment occurs. Unlike discouragement, disappointment is not a sin. Even Jesus was disappointed at times with the disciples.

Many have set out to accomplish great things, but have been disappointed in the outcome. It is said that Alexander the Great wept because there were no more worlds to conquer. Alexander was disappointed. Hugo Grotius, the father of modern international law, said, “I have accomplished nothing ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 3:10-13

Denomination: Baptist

Is There Evidence Of Our First Love?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Apr 10, 2021

We face great dangers when our first love grows dim. We shall stand at the bema seat of God. Guard your passion and zeal to be ready for the imminent return of Jesus Christ.

IS THERE EVIDENCE OF OUR FIRST LOVE? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (Two part) Text: Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. WE SO TEACH A GOD OF LOVE, GRACE AND MERCY THAT WE TEND TO BYPASS THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:4, Jeremiah 20:9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Why Are You Here?”

Contributed by Sean Dees on May 3, 2021

From this text we are given a chance to see what the people were expecting from Jesus.

INTRO: From this text we are given a chance to see what the people were expecting from Jesus. Early in chapter 6 Jesus had feed a multitude with only five loaves and two fishes, and after the multitude was filled they among themselves ...read more

Scripture: John 6:26-35, John 6:60-69