Sermons on Expectation Vs Reality:

Are You Expecting God?

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Nov 26, 2018

A prelude message to Christmas 2018 challenging us all to look ahead willingly, expectantly, at what God might do this holiday season.

- In the coming weeks, Pastor Joey will be preaching about Christmas -- So, this message is not specifically on Christmas – rather, it’s one of preparation -- It is a message of expectation – prayerfully it’s one of faith in action -- Big Idea (up front): As you sit here today … are you expecting ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-26, Matthew 25:45, Matthew 18:19-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Expect The Unexpected This Christmas”

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Jan 2, 2023

As some of said, “If we expect to hear the Christmas gospel without the Advent call to repentance, we will find ourselves surprised by John and unprepared for Jesus.” So, we ask the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the message and ministry of both John and Jesus.

“It wasn’t what I expected.” Whether you are young or old, a man or woman, a girl or a boy, you have probably experienced something that caused you to have that reaction. Perhaps it was connected to some food that you tried. You were feeling a little adventurous and you ordered something at a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Is Yours An Expectant Faith?

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Apr 23, 2024

Faith means maintaining our trust in God, even when He makes us wait.

Have you ever watched the surfing contests in Hawaii? From what I read, surfing is all about the timing. The environment for surfing is dynamic with the waves, wind, and conditions constantly changing. It doesn't matter how long you spend in the water if you don't have the right timing. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:40-56, 1 John 3:1

Denomination: Baptist

Harnessing The Power Of Expectation SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

To invite God's intervention in our lives, we must harbor expectation. Elevate your expectations this year.

In order for God to intervene in our situations, we must have a sense of expectation. This year, let us raise our level of expectation and anticipate God's intervention in our lives. There was a woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for twelve years. She had sought help from many ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:25-29

Topics: Expectation, Divine Intervention

I'm Expecting PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 15, 2023

This sermon explores Mary's faith journey, emphasizing her divine favor, courageous fight, and steadfast faith in God amidst trials, as an inspiration for believers.

Welcome, dear friends, to this sacred space where we gather in fellowship and faith, where we seek solace and strength, where we find comfort and courage in the Word of God. As we gather today, let's remember that we are not alone in our journey of faith. We are bound together by the love of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:30-31

Topics: Handling, Carrying, Bigger

Religion Vs. Relationship

Contributed by Johnny Carver on Apr 9, 2002

Religion has been replacing a solid relationship with God ever since Satan has been in business and too many Christians are not aware of it.

Scripture: Luke 11:37-12 Title: “Religion vs. Relationship” Introduction: It has been said, “The number one cause of atheism is Christians. Those who proclaim God with their mouths and deny Him with their lifestyles is what an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable.” (Christianity Today, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:37-38

Denomination: Pentecostal

Religion Vs. Relationship

Contributed by Johnny Carver on Jun 29, 2001

This message compares the lifelessness of religion to the power of being in a relationship with God.

Scripture: Luke 11:37-12 Title: “Religion vs. Relationship” Introduction: It has been said, “The number one cause of atheism is Christians. Those who proclaim God with their mouths and deny Him with their lifestyles is what an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable.” (Christianity Today, ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Astrology Vs Christianity

Contributed by Steven Ostrowski on Apr 24, 2008

Astrology and Christianity are not compatible. The Bible holds truths to how we should reject astrology’s false hopes and prophecies.

Astrology is the belief system that one can discover future events by how the stars and planets move in the sky. It is based on the idea that information on one’s life can be revealed through the heavens. Many people around the world have come to believe in astrology for one reason or another. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 47:13-15

Denomination: Catholic

Commitment Vs. Convenience

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on May 19, 2007

Sermon on serving Jesus, no matter the cost or what is convenient to us.

“Serving Jesus, Is It A Commitment or A Convenience?” (Matt 19:16; 21-24) Read passage Many today do not want to be totally committed to the Lord because it demands too much of them. Let’s be honest here, commitment is sometimes something for someone else to do because it interferes with our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lust Vs. Chastity Series

Contributed by Ryan Akers on Jul 18, 2007

Continuation of our series on seven deadly sins. We must learn to overcome lust with virtuous living or chastity.

Me- Quick Review (Pride vs.Humility, Envy vs. Kindness, Gluttony vs. Abstinence) Survey(How many have ever been greedy, angry, lazy?) Everybody would have no problem admitting that they have done at least one of these sins. But I would bet that nobody here would raise their hands to admit lust. ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:15-17

Denomination: Wesleyan

Promise Vs. Poison PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

Encourage believers to immerse themselves in studying the Scriptures, to understand God's promises, discern lies, and find strength, wisdom, and comfort in God's Word.

Good morning, beloved family in Christ. Today, we are going to dive deep into God's word, exploring the immense power of His promises, the deadly poison of lies, and the life-giving habits of Scripture study. Listen to what Charles Spurgeon once said. "A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2, Psalm 19:7-14, Psalm 119:97

Topics: Habits

The Two Most Powerful Realities Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

We’ve got to understand the twin realities of God’s wrath against sin and God’s mercy to the sinner.

Zephaniah / Romans 3.23-24 Wrath There are some pretty difficult words in Zephaniah. Listen to a few: “I will sweep away everything… those who turn back from following the Lord and neither seek the Lord or inquire of Him, be silent before the Sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near! … ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Church Vs. The Church

Contributed by Jack Russell on Feb 7, 2004

Man’s view of the church is often very different from the one Jesus demonstrated and Paul described.

I can stand anywhere in my back yard and see my church. It sits rather majestically at the apex of our little town. Its stained glass windows chronicle its founders. Inside, a huge chandelier hovers over our pew. I don’t know who appointed us to sit in that particular pew, but it must have been ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:13-22, Matthew 13:16-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Law Vs Circumstance Series

Contributed by Joseph Mngenela on Apr 19, 2023

Jesus invites us to overcome this world so we can sit on His throne. How do we overcome this? By living according to the law. How do we live by the law when there are circumstances tat challenge the law?

As I read the readings for today, I got to realise the assumptions that we make as people. I once asked my nine-year-old grandson why he comes to church and he said “I come to church to see you Gogo”. It was an honest answer from a child. Before becoming a priest, I used to come to church to ...read more

Faithfulness Vs. Fruitfulness

Contributed by Davon Huss on Oct 9, 2015

Examinations for times of unfruitfulness (Material adapted from MATT PERMAN at: http://whatsbestnext.com/2011/08/does-god-require-faithfulness-or-fruitfulness/; and Jimmy Larche at: http://www.jimmylarche.com/fruitfulness-abiding-in-christ/)

HoHum: Struggling church- “God has not called us to be successful. He has just called us to be faithful.” This one is in the same vein: “God wants faithfulness, not fruitfulness.” WBTU: These statements are half true. There is a Yiddish proverb that says: “A ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ