Sermons on Expectations For Clergy:

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 19, 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

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

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

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

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

The Prodigal Son: Are You The Younger Or Older Brother?

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 18, 2026

Lifestyle contradicts family expectation.

I. The Prodigal Son Prodigal, adj. (1) wasteful, reckless, or extravagant, (2) giving into desires or weaknesses, (3) spend resources unnecessarily, i.e., spend thrift ~Webster II. Picture of the Younger Son To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Jesus Lifestyle - Serving Others

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on May 2, 2010

What can you expect when you decide to follow Jesus?

17As for us, brothers and sisters, when, for a short time, we were made orphans by being separated from you—in person, not in heart—we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face. 18For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, wanted to again and again—but Satan ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Denomination: United Methodist

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

Palm Sunday - What Is It All About?

Contributed by Colin Coombs on Jun 10, 2007

The expected Messiah, brought an emotional response, and disappointment as the expected results were not forthcoming, but there was an exciting reality - life through death!

A Composite Reading of the Palm Sunday Record Matthew 21:1-11 – Mark 11:1-11 - Luke 19:29-44 - John 12:12-26 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

A Quality Servant

Contributed by Sylvester Fergusson on Nov 3, 2007

What type of servant are you? God expects a certain type of servant. Are you living up to God’s expectations

Qualities of a Good Servant Opening Song Closing Song Scripture Reading: Mat. 24: 45-51 Objective: to influence members to give all they have to the Christian work. To be dedicated servants of God. Commitment It was probably a warm sunny afternoon as Abraham sat and considered his legacy. As ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:45-51

Denomination: Adventist

Learning How To Walk A New Way – Part Three Series

Contributed by Tim Vamosi on Apr 6, 2010

Our response is all about conforming our life to God’s expectations not God conforming to our expectations.

“Learning How To Walk A New Way” – Part Three Ephesians 4:1-7 OPEN: So today we want to continue on our study of Eph. in the fourth chapter. Paul says we are to walk worthy of the calling we have received. We’ve noted that if we are truly going to respond properly – ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Pathway To Success - Beyond Uncertianty

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Apr 28, 2020

Someone has well said, “Nature forms us. Sin deforms us. Education informs us. BUT ONLY CHRIST TRANSFORMS US.” The Lord doesn’t expect us to do everything, but He does expect us to do something. He expects us to be more alert to the opportunities around us to pray, live and witness for Christ.

The Apostle Paul who had invested so much in the life of young Timothy, helps him prepare for a new beginning by offering him a pathway to success. I believe this is also a pathway for our success as we prepare the church to make its own mark. Timothy had been left at Ephesus to manage the affairs ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-6

Denomination: Methodist