Sermons on Lack Of Expectations:

A New Take On The "Doubting Thomas” Story.

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Apr 25, 2017

However you look at this story, the emphasis always appears to Thomas or us doubting, suggesting that we lack faith. It is not all to do with us; God has a role in our faith and we must let him work through us. We just cannot carry that burden alone.

This sermon was delivered to the congregation in Holy Trinity, in Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland on the 23rd April 2017: by Gordon McCulloch (A Scottish Episcopal Church in the Dioceses of Glasgow and Dumfries). Our reading this morning are: Acts 2:14a,22-32 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31 Psalm ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Episcopal

Lose Your Lonliness Series

Contributed by Steve Meenho Kang on Jan 31, 2022

Loneliness is real. Loneliness is normal. Loneliness is pervasive. Even some very socially connected people can feel deep loneliness at times. Therefore, loneliness is a common problem. It is the painful awareness that we lack meaningful contact with others. So how should we handle our loneliness?

Lose Your Loneliness Habits of Happiness Part 6 Luke 19:1-10 Steve Meenho Kang www.evergreencommunity.org Happiness is a choice. If we want to be happy, we must choose to be happy. And today we will talk about the importance of losing our loneliness. We are living in the age of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

He Restores My Soul

Contributed by John Gaston on Aug 10, 2022

God has given many animals the ability to regrow limbs. He's a GOD WHO RESTORES! Our souls can be depleted through sin, trials, pressures, life's rollercoasters & lack of spiritual nourishment. Let God restore your soul!

HE RESTORES MY SOUL PSALM 23:3 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A priest had been to the church bazaar where there had been wine and he had a couple of bottles in the back seat of his car. A cop pulled him over for swerving a little and saw the jugs in the back seat. 2. “Father, have you been ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:3

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Beware Of Mammon

Contributed by Pastor Renji George on Jul 10, 2024

Have you ever wondered, if you take away the music and the money power from today’s churches what will remain? How many people will still be attending the assemblies? God’s work does not suffer because of the lack of money as some money loving preachers say.

Our Lord said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24). When God and mammon become rivals, one or other will inevitably be rejected. In spiritual ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:24, Acts 3:1-11, 1 Corinthians 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 6:10, Luke 12:15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Solitude Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 21, 2010

1) The Straining from a lack of Solitude (1 Kings 19:1-4), 2) The Strengthening from Solitude (1 Kings 19:5-8), 3) The Searching from Solitude (1 Kings 19:9-14), &, 4) The Sending from Solitude (1 Kings 19:15-18)

With the conclusion of the Olympics and Paralympics, one of the most trying adjustments that athletes and spectators alike claim is an emptiness after the games. With such preparation and excitement, it really means a change of gears for people. Likewise, the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19 was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Other

What Makes Jesus' Yoke Light? (Matthew 11:1-30) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Feb 7, 2022

Jesus' expectations are high (Matthew 5-7). So how can he say his yoke is a light burden? Jesus' yoke is not optional, and not secondary. You come to Jesus, in part, by taking on his yoke.

What makes Jesus' yoke light? (Matthew 11:1-30) We were doing family devotions the other night, and I was so proud of two of them, and found their insights so helpful, that I thought I'd sidetrack for a week and just make a record of this for myself. And the best way I know to do that, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-30, Matthew 5:17-48, Matthew 6:19-34, Matthew 7:21-29

Living A Sanctified Life

Contributed by Pastor Steve Zimmerman on Jan 17, 2011

Many of us, after we have accepted Jesus Christ into our lives expect to live without sin and are disappointed in the result. This sermon helps to explain the addition of the Holy Spirit into our life and show us the power that is brought by the

The Bible is a book offering the good news of salvation from sin. It is also a book that presents the bad news of condemnation for sin. No single book or collection of writings on earth proclaims so completely and vividly the totally desperate situation of people who are apart from God. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-3

Denomination: Independent/Bible

New Year's Reflection & Preparation

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Dec 30, 2019

As you consider the last 12 months, was it what you expected? Life is turbulent, but our God prepares us for it all. See how the words of Psalm 46 calm troubled hearts, give Godly perspective, and prepare us for the future.

I want you to think back to one year ago, December 29, 2018. At that point in time, what were you expecting or hoping 2019 would bring? Maybe you were hoping that it was going to be the year to lose a few of those unwanted pounds, to start exercising more, to eat healthier. Maybe you hoped that ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Plateau? Accepting The Little?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Dec 9, 2015

I use a rubber band to illustrate how faith must stretch us... Will we keep doing things the same old way and expect a different outcome. Lot settled for less than what God had planned. Faith reaches beyond...

PLATEAU? CHOOSING TO LIVE IN ZOAR, THE PLACE OF LITTLE... By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com Thanks Garry Brackett for the trail to this lesson... I USE RUBBER BANDS FOR THIS LESSON... The real value of a rubber band is when you STRETCH IT. Discuss how a rubber band must feel when ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Grumbling In The Camp

Contributed by Shawn Miller on Sep 7, 2014

As the Israelites left Egypt, we expect them to be overjoyed and happy because their prayers for deliverance were finally answered, but instead we find an ungrateful and irreverent nation. How often we grumble between Egypt and the promised land.

Grumbling in the Camp Introduction: There is always something to complain about, even when there isn't. We can find a grievance if we want to. No matter how unreasonable it is. We grumble when its too hot, we grumble when it's too cold. We grumble when it rains. We grumble when it snows. We ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-36

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who Can Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven? Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Dec 10, 2017

Being a citizen of the Kingdom of God is the most important decision anyone will ever make in their life. However, along with citizenship comes responsibility. God expects us to Embody Christ’s name, Embrace His mission,and Obey His Word.

Kingdom of Heaven Series-Lesson #6 Title: Who Can Enter the Kingdom of Heaven? June 23, 2013 Text: Matthew 7:15-29 For six weeks now we have been discussing a wonderful place called the Kingdom of God. But, as we have discovered, this Kingdom is more than just a place; it is a lifestyle, a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:15-29

Denomination: Baptist

A Call To Generous Giving

Contributed by Carolyn Malaika Foster-Brooks on Jun 6, 2003

Have you ever witnessed a Christian becoming jealous because another Christian received a financial blessing and they didn’t? Everyone has a responsibility to be generous in their giving without expecting anything back and this sermon speaks about what th

Evangelist Carolyn Malaika Foster-Brooks THE MINISTRY OF S.A.R.A.H. (serenity*atonement*restoration & healing) Lyons, Georgia May 2003 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, My God above, thank You once again for a day in Your kingdom and the memories of days gone by . Lord I know my life is in Your hands ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:15

Denomination: Baptist

Understanding Communication Assumptions

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 15, 2001

The real problem was failing to first understand the presuppositional perspectives of the people before the outsiders conducted their experiment. Speakers need to understand their audience’s assumptions before they can expect solid receptivity. This invol

UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION ASSUMPTIONS Case Study - To successfully understand the presuppositions of people you must know what values they hold at their sub-conscious level. Several years ago agricultural experts from the U.S. taught men in Transkei, South Africa, how to use modern fertilizer. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Everyone A Leader?

Contributed by Victor Nazareth on Sep 24, 2002

Can everyone become a leader in the local church? The writer of Hebrews is bemoaning that after so much time the saints were still immature. Is that the case of the church today? Everyone is expected to be and can be a leader!

Introduction: The fervor of the early church was already dwindling by the time of the writing of this later book of the New Testament. Persecution was causing many to fall away. The writer is bemoaning the fact that by this time many of them should have been teachers. They were still spiritual ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 5:11-14

Denomination: Charismatic

How The Lord Uses Pain For Our Good

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. God used pain in Job's life to correct many mistaken beliefs about his own rights, expectations, assumptions, relationships, health, prosperity, controls, family, friends, faults, & securities.

1. God used pain in Job's life to correct many mistaken beliefs about his own rights, expectations, assumptions, relationships, health, prosperity, controls, family, friends, faults, & securities. The Lord wonderfully used pain in Job's life to purify him of anything that would keep him from ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational