Sermons on High Expectations:

Seventeenth Sunday In Ordinary Time, B- 17th Sunday Year B-- Two Fish

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jul 23, 2021

In Jewish apocalyptic circles, it was expected that fish would be the main dish at the Messianic banquet.

Jonathan Turnbough of Garner, North Carolina, talks about the time when his mother was driving him and his sisters to school and she was pulled over by a policeman and ticketed for speeding. After their little visit with the officer, they took off again, and his mother was very careful to stay ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-15

Denomination: Catholic

Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time- The Opening Up Of A Relational Space By Forgiveness.

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jan 11, 2022

Forgiveness is a conditional gift offered that opens a relational space that expects a reciprocal response.

There used to be a sign in the Princeton University Book Store basement which said: "Love your enemies—it will drive them crazy." Clever but love of enemies and forgiving, commanded by Jesus in our Gospel this Sunday, is not hoping that the other person will change or trying to be ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38

Denomination: Catholic

When Eyes Are Opened

Contributed by Dasol Kang on Jun 8, 2025

We recognize Jesus Christ through the Scriptures, not through our expectations or desires.

Have you ever lost something, but only to realize it was right there with you the whole entire time? I remember one time I was speaking to my wife on the phone—we were just talking about random things—when suddenly, I fell into a panic. I frantically started searching and told my wife, “Emily, I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Righteous One – Propitiation Through The Blood Of The Lamb – 1john 2:1-2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 9, 2022

No only does Jesus plead for us as our Advocate before the Father when we sin, but the grounds for doing so, are His shed blood. Therefore He is the propitiation for our sins through His blood. What a wonderful Saviour we have

THE RIGHTEOUS ONE – PROPITIATION THROUGH THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB – 1John 2:1-2 1John 2:1 “My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin, and if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, 1John 2:2 and He Himself is the propitiation for ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-2, Acts 3:14, Leviticus 16:6-22, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 2:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Plough Ahead!

Contributed by David Zachrich on Jun 7, 2022

In his senior year of high school, my father, Ron Zachrich, was elected president of the Future Farmers of America club at Napoleon High School. It was Dad’s fondest wish to become a farmer. He understood tractors, soils, seeds, and best practices. He loved the work and especially the harvest.

Luke 9:51-62 “Plough Ahead!” Friends in Christ, In his senior year of high school, my father, Ron Zachrich, was elected president of the Future Farmers of America club at Napoleon High School. Since he was raised on a farm by his German immigrant grandparents, it was Dad’s fondest ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

Denomination: Lutheran

An Antidote For Anxiety

Contributed by Gordan Runyan on Mar 23, 2003

On the radio: "Anyone who doesn’t have high blood pressure these days simply isn’t paying attention." Oh, really?

AN ANTIDOTE FOR ANXIETY Psalm 131 I heard a man suggest on the radio that, “Anyone who doesn’t have high blood pressure these days simply isn’t paying attention.” There is plenty to be anxious about in our world today. Nations nobody cared about five years ago are suddenly steering the world ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 131:1-3

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

God Bless America!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on May 15, 2001

The song says, “God bless America, land that I love…” I’m convinced that God has blessed America. But the Bible teaches that to whom much is given, much is expected. If so, then God must expect a lot from America.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK REVISED - 2015) This Wednesday will be Veterans’ Day. As that day dawns, will you pause to think about what it signifies: the men & women who offered themselves in service to their country - & those who made the ultimate sacrifice so ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:8, 2 Chronicles 7:14-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Through The Promises Of Jesus 2nd Coming Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Dec 28, 2019

Joy is found in believing the Promises of God from the Bible and as we progress to the New Year there is a sense of expectation about the future for most. But there should also be an expectation and excitement about the possibility of Jesus second coming in 2020.

Opening video illustration – If Jesus returned today – by skit guys. Series: Find Joy in the Journey in 2019 Thesis of series: Joy needs to be experienced in the journey of life! But Joy, like any other attitude, can come and go. It is not guaranteed simply because we are born again believers. We ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-4, Revelation 22:12-13, Revelation 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Change Agent For Christ / Catalyst

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Aug 9, 2020

When Jesus said Ye are the salt of the earth He was making a proclamation and expectation. He is expecting for us to start something, to ignite a fire in people, to be the catalyst transforming the stinking mess of the world to burn for reconciliation with God.

A Change Agent for Christ By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING:- Earlier this week I posted on my FB page I GOT A TESTIMONY and I told how God orchestrated an encounter this week with 2 young men as I came out of Dollartree, one of whom was a Muslim. The encounter ended up with prayer and ...read more

Scripture: John 3:17, Matthew 5:13

Denomination: Apostolic

The Adoration Of Baby Jesus

Contributed by Paul George on Dec 26, 2003

If Jesus was the promised Messiah one might expect that He would be received with all the ceremony possible.

The Adoration of Baby Jesus Matthew 2:1-12 If Jesus was the promised Messiah one might expect that He would be received with all the ceremony possible, that crowns and scepters would be laid at his feet, and that the high and mighty princes of the world would humble themselves and bow before Him ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Holiness

Access Denied

Contributed by Joe Rowland on Apr 3, 2004

When God speaks, He expects us to listen. If we don’t,there will be consequences.

This isn’t a message where there will be a lot of shouting. Paul said in order to present every man perfect in Christ, you have to do two things: 1. WARN 2. TEACH As children, we don’t usually mind getting taught by our parents. We definitely don’t like warnings. Warnings save our lives. People ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

Looking For The Easy?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jul 4, 2006

We can develop an attitude that looks for and expects every thing to be easy. Easy may not be the best.

WHEN OUR GOAL IS TO TAKE IT EASY? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com TEXT: 1 Cor. 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. KJV 1 Tim. 5:6 But she that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:27

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Following In Jesus' Footsteps Series

Contributed by Derek Melanson on Apr 7, 2006

As Christ’s followers WE should expect persecution and many believers are being persecuted today.

“Following in Jesus’ Footsteps” John 15: 18 – 25; 16: 1 – 4a; Acts 5: 41, 42 Introduction Nov. 26, 2005: Canadians Jim Loney, 41, and Harmeet Sooden, 32, and Briton Norman Kember, 74, and American Tom Fox, 54, all Christian peacekeepers, are kidnapped in Baghdad by a group calling itself Swords ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Isaiah .. In The Past And Today

Contributed by Dove Inspirations on Nov 30, 2021

What are some of the lessons we learn from Isaiah? Are you aware of the value The MOST HIGH has placed on you as HIS servant?

Isaiah .. in the past and today Prophet Isaiah is a well known figure and recognized prophet, a servant of The MOST HIGH. His legacy lives on centuries after his death, much beloved and admired. Almost everywhere you go, you will meet an Isaiah named after this beloved servant of The MOST HIGH. ...read more