Sermons on Expectation Vs Reality:

Praying In Frustration

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 11, 2010

Like Samuel, we are often frustrated in our intentions. But turning to prayer, as he did, will help us remove the blame from ourselves, will help us understand the motives of others, and will help us accept reality and move on toward something better.

Takoma Park Baptist Church, Washington, DC September 14, 1986 Some weeks ago I told you that one of my principal projects in starting my service as your pastor would have to be spending time trying to learn my way around the city of Takoma Park. DC I can handle and Silver Spring is a breeze, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

I Am The Resurrection & The Life Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Apr 15, 2017

In showing forth the implications of the Resurrection, in John 11:25-27, Jesus explains the 1) Reason (John 11:25) the 2) Reality (John 11:26) calls for a 3) Response (John 11:27) to the fact that He is the Resurrection and the Life.

One of the most unsettling aspects of death is that people have no control over it. As the writer of Ecclesiastes said: Just as “no one has authority to restrain the wind,” so also no one has “authority over the day of death” (Eccl. 8:8). When that day comes people are: “torn from the security of ...read more

Scripture: John 11:25-27

Denomination: Other

Go! And… Rest In His Unfailing Love - Psalm 94:18–19 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 23, 2025

God’s unfailing love catches us. And this love is fully revealed in Jesus Christ, who came to save us from the ultimate fall: eternal separation from God.

Go! And… Rest in His Unfailing Love - Psalm 94:18–19 Introduction: When the Ground Shakes Beneath Your Feet Have you ever felt like life was falling apart beneath you? Maybe it was a medical diagnosis you never expected. Maybe it was a job loss that shook your confidence. Or perhaps the ache of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 94:18-19, Romans 3:23, Lamentations 3:22-23, Romans 6:23, John 14:16-17, 1 Peter 3:18, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Romans 10:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Kingdom Of God In Contemporary Society: The Earthly Conflict Between Babylon And The Kingdom

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 9, 2021

It's all around us though we may not see it. It's built into our lives though we don't see more than fading glances of it's reality.

It's all around us though we may not see it. It's built into our lives though we don't see more than fading glances of it's reality. It's torn at us for all our lives, our hearts ache against it, but it remains. It climbs upon our backs, it whispers into our ears of things we ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 17:5

Denomination: Salvation Army

Faith In Action Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Feb 20, 2021

God expects: “Faith in action” that Believers Must Respond with: 1) Hope (1 Peter. 1:13), 2) Holiness (1 Peter 1:14-16), and 3) Honor (1 Peter 1:17).

1 Peter 1:13-17 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-17

Denomination: Other

Wise Or Fool Series

Contributed by Rule Digal on Aug 11, 2008

Jesus consistently and continually preached that we need to be ready. Over and over again we hear him say, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Wise or Fool Matthew 25:1-13 NOte: Some materials of this sermon are taken from sermoncentral.com Now, let’s continue on in our series on the Parables of Jesus. Let’s open our Bible to the book of Matt.25: 1-13, and study the Parable of the Ten Virgins. The main emphasis of this parable is the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Thanksgiving: Much Obliged!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Nov 18, 2012

I am convinced that we have been given far more than most of the people of the world, & therefore in God’s sight we are "much obliged." God has given much to us & therefore He expects much from us.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK Please turn to the 12th chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Our text for this morning is found in this chapter & we will be looking at several parts of it before we’re finished. I really do love ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:15-48, Luke 12:47-48, Luke 12:48

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Defense Of Marriage: What Is God's View?

Contributed by Terry Frazier on Apr 27, 2013

America is the midst of a major culture war and a big battle in this war is occurring over marriage: traditional marriage Vs. alternative definitions of marriage such as same sex marriage. What does God have to say about marriage and what its definition s

The Defense Of Marriage: What Is God’s View? Traditional marriage is under attack like never before. People not only in America but all over the world are debating and arguing over what a marriage is and what a marriage isn’t. As Christians it doesn’t really matter what our ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:21-25

Denomination: Baptist

Hope Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 5, 2021

How can you tell if a Christian is exercising this living hope? They will be expecting good to come out of all circumstances. They will be focusing on the best and not the worst. They will seeking for ways to do instead of grumbling about what can't be done.

Billy Graham in his book Hope For The Troubled Heart tells the story of the lone survivor of a shipwreck who was marooned on an uninhabited island. He managed to build a hut in which he put everything he had saved from the wreck. He prayed to God for rescue as he daily scanned the horizon for a ...read more

The King Is Coming Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jan 13, 2021

As Paul continues to encourage and exhort the Thessalonian believers, he offers guidance regarding the Lord's return. His wise instruction reveals what to expect as we draw nearer to the Lord's coming.

The King is Coming 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-7 In our last study Paul dealt with the comfort and assurance of the rapture of the church that would include all of those who have been born again, living and dead alike. Now he turns his attention to the Day of the Lord. Apparently after Paul’s departure ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Do You See? Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Jul 29, 2009

When we look through the eyes of God at the people around us, we don’t see the surface. We don’t see the socially acceptable or expected. We don’t see just the past and the mistakes. We see a lost child of God, and we see an opportunity to share a stor

Do You See? Breaking Boundaries 4 Feb 8, 2009 Luke 7:36-50 Intro: Charlie chaplin face illusion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_vtZXELRK8&eurl=http://www.moillusions.com/2006/06/charlie-chaplin-hollow-face-illusion.html&feature=player_embedded The British guy narrating the clip makes a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Worry! Series

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Feb 24, 2020

This Old Testament lesson shows us a man who learned how not to worry while not denying the realities of life and using common sense. Isn't this what Jesus was teaching in his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:24-34?

“Here's a little song I wrote You might want to sing it note for note Don't worry, be happy. In every life we have some trouble But when you worry you make it double Don't worry, be happy” You might recognize those lyrics from the song released in 1988, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:6-12, Matthew 6:24-34

Denomination: Lutheran

Living A Fantasy

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jul 9, 2017

God had sent one prophet after another to warn Israel of impending judgment. Rather then heeding the many warnings, they continued to live in a fantasy world, void of reality. Sadly many today continue this path, refusing to admit their great need.

Living a Fantasy Hosea 6:4, 7:8ff As you study the book of Hosea, God’s love for His people is easily discovered. While they had turned their backs on him, seeking the gods of this world and the pleasures of the flesh, God continued to pursue them by His grace. In the chapters between our last ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 6:4, Hosea 7:8-9, Hosea 7:11, Hosea 7:16

Denomination: Baptist

Death And Life? Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on May 12, 2014

Death, it’s not something we think about very often but it’s something that we spend the majority of our lives trying to deny and to postpone. But the reality is it’s always looming over us.

Death and Life? Luke 9:51-52 What would you do if you only had one month to live? Would any of your priorities change? These are the questions that pastor Kerry and Chris Shook ask in their book, One Month to Live: 30 Days to a No-Regrets Life. The catalyst for the book was encountering people who ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-52

Denomination: Methodist

Ask And You Shall Receive Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jan 5, 2024

Jesus tells us how to pray in a way that leads to receiving an answer. We will learn that when we pray according to God’s will, that He hears and answers; but it might not be what we expect. However, it will be exactly what we need.

This morning, we are going to look at what Jesus has to say about how to pray in a way that leads to receiving an answer. In his song “Good, Good Father,” Chris Tomlin says, “I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide, but I know we’re all searching for answers only You provide. ‘Cause You ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-12

Denomination: Baptist