Sermons on Expectations:

Growing In God's Image SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 9, 2023

God created us in His image and commanded us to grow and multiply. Our spiritual growth and fruitfulness are conditions to remain in Christ. We can only grow and be fruitful by staying connected to Him. We are expected to show growth and fruitfulness in every area of our lives to glorify Him.

The purpose of God for us as Christians is to be ambassadors of heaven on Earth, ensuring the realization of the Kingdom of God. God wants us to be fruitful and multiply in all areas of our lives: spiritually, intellectually, physically, maritally, professionally, financially, ministerially, and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:27-29

Topics: Spiritual Growth, Fruitfulness In Christ

God's Timing: Perfect And Worth The Wait SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

Life often presents us with situations where our desires are not met in our expected time, even after prayers. It's during these times that God is patiently waiting for a reason. Don't give up, but rather, wait for Him. His timing is perfect and always worth the wait.

Introduction: In the story of Lazarus' resurrection found in John 11, we see that Jesus performed a great miracle by raising him from the dead. However, there are deeper lessons to be learned from this story. One important lesson is found in verse 6, where Jesus waits for two days before going to ...read more

Scripture: John 11:6

Topics: Faith, Patience

Clergy In Conflict

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 18, 2019

Honouring the Son of God who appoints to holy service may well bring the servant of God into conflict with those who are seeking an easy religion. The one who will serve God, must maintain perspective and remain focused on pleasing Him who appoints to His service.

“Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, ‘Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said, ‘“Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from his ...read more

Scripture: Amos 7:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

Unanswered Prayer

Contributed by Richard Tow on Aug 7, 2024

What do we do when we have prayed and prayed for something with seemingly no results? Do we just keep repeating the prayer? Or is there a better way? In this message, we examine Jesus's teaching about prayer to discover answers to those questions.

Intro Unanswered prayer is an issue we all face at one time or another. What do we do when we have prayed and prayed about something, and seemingly there are no results? I have a couple of situations like that going on in my life right now. Some of you may be dealing with the same thing in your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Isaiah 56:7, Ephesians 2:1-10, Proverbs 9:10, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 John 5:1-15, Matthew 5:23-24, Mark 14:38, 1 Peter 3:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Using What God Has Given Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 26, 2003

God gives each of special abilities and expects us to be faithful in using what we’ve been given. Instead of “hiding” our gifts we’re to invest them in kingdom service. There’s no getting around the fact that we are responsible for what we’ve been given

Using What God Has Given A man from out east had always dreamed of owning a cattle ranch and had finally saved enough money to buy his dream spread in Wyoming. His best friend flew out to visit and asked, “So, what’s the name of your ranch?” His buddy told him that he had a really hard time ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30, Matthew 25:14-25, Romans 12:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

"We Need To Remember That God Is In Control Of Our Lives.”

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Dec 27, 2001

Epiphany of our Lord January 6th, 2002 Isaiah 60: 1-6 Heavenly Father, what makes us miserable is not so much the circumstances of our lives, but our expectations of what and how life should be. Empower us Lord to see your reality. Amen.

Epiphany of our Lord January 6th, 2002 Isaiah 60: 1-6 Heavenly Father, what makes us miserable is not so much the circumstances of our lives, but our expectations of what and how life should be. Empower us Lord to see your reality. Amen. Title: “We need to remember that God is in control of ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

When Deliverance Is Delayed

Contributed by Thomas Dibble on May 29, 2003

What about when the answer doesn’t come right away? What happens when we get a different answer than the one we expected to get? What happens when we pray and things get worse instead of better? What happens when deliverance is delayed?

How many know that we serve a mighty God? Does everyone agree with that statement, this morning? We all love to talk about the wonderful miracle working power of almighty God. Truly He is a mighty God. He has all power in His hand. There is nothing that is too hard for God to do. ∑ Any ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 5:22-23, Exodus 5:22-24

Denomination: Pentecostal

Five Sticky Fingers

Contributed by Scott Ridout on Oct 21, 2009

Where did that come from? That horrible, sinking feeling you have when something comes out of your mouth that you didn’t expect - that thing is just so “unlike” you. Did you know those words are just a reflection of what lurks beneath the surface? The sca

Everything we think, say and do flows out of our hearts. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 The second big monster is GREED. Greed says, “I owe me”. Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Hidden Chamber Series

Contributed by Chad Moore on Oct 21, 2009

Where did that come from? That horrible, sinking feeling you have when something comes out of your mouth that you didn’t expect - that thing is just so “unlike” you. Did you know those words are just a reflection of what lurks beneath the surface? The sca

What Lies Beneath The Hidden Chamber Matthew 15:16-20; Proverbs 4:23 What is the difference between a moralist and a Christian? A moralist follows rules. A Christian follows Jesus. 16"Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. 17"Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 15:16-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Shadows Series

Contributed by Chad Moore on Oct 21, 2009

Where did that come from? That horrible, sinking feeling you have when something comes out of your mouth that you didn’t expect - that thing is just so “unlike” you. Did you know those words are just a reflection of what lurks beneath the surface? The sca

What Lies Beneath The Shadows 1 John 1:5-10; James 5:16 Everything we think, say and do flows out of our hearts. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 The first big monster is GUILT. Guilt says, “I owe you”. 5This is the message we have heard from ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:5-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Straight Talk About Crooked Teachers Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Aug 12, 2010

Paul presents several pictures of how we can be deceived by false teaching. Just as Eve was deceived, so may we be deceived. Don’t expect to see Satan as some hideous monster, he and his servants may fool you with their masquerade, stay connected to those

INTRODUCTION We all know sometimes people don’t always get along together in church. A man was shipwrecked on a deserted island for several years. He was finally rescued and as he was leaving, one of the rescuers asked him about the three grass huts he had built. He said, “The first ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Ruth - Life Lessons During Difficult Times Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Apr 5, 2013

We all face difficult times in life. It is helpful to know what to expect when we face difficult times so we can prepare to respond in a way that will glorify the Lord and be beneficial to us. What can we learn from the story of Ruth so that we can face

Ruth – Life Lessons during difficult times Ruth 1:1 – 4:21 Running from God does not prove beneficial (Ruth 1:1-5) Following God will lead to… Times of Sacrifice Provision of Needs The Hope of Redemption Intro Slide Good Evening/Morning, We are so glad you are here today. ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When A Beggar Got More Then He Asked For

Contributed by Spencer Miller on Jan 20, 2013

Acts 3 tells us of a beggar who received much more than he expected. We live in a world where silver and gold has become a god to and for many people; if they only knew that the Lord has much more to offer than the world could ever give them.

INTRODUCTION: When Jesus called on His disciples, He did not sit them down one by one to negotiate their salary. He did not ask them for a resume, He did not ask them for a reference because no one knew them better than He did. There’s no explanation in the Bible as why He chose His 12 disciples, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming The Real Deal Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Mar 10, 2021

Watch out for fakes! Whether we're talking about counterfeit products from the internet or people, the results are similar. We're disappointed, angered, distrustful. Fake stuff doesn't live up to our expectations. Become the "real deal."

Authentic: Becoming The Real Deal   • Fake Rolex in NYC for $50. (real deal is anywhere from $10-$15K USED) That street corner Rolex will eventually turn your wrist green and quit right after that. • If you shop online at all, chances are good you’ve bought counterfeit or fake ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:11-24, Matthew 23:3-7, 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Ephesians 4:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Abundance- Traits

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jan 21, 2011

Solomon and the people of God are dedicating God’s temple. God is well pleased, so He gives Solomon some instructions pertaining to His expectations on how His people should live and obey in and out of His temple. God even tells Solomon how the Hebrews sh

Abundance- Traits 2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Solomon and the people of God are dedicating ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Denomination: Pentecostal