Sermons on Shattered Expectations:

Jesus Gets Me : A Christmas Reminder

Contributed by Sean Dees on Dec 22, 2020

Christmas messages usually come with a lot of expectations. There are certain scriptures people expect to hear, certain narratives, mixed with a little pop culture references to help keep things relative.

(10) And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. (11) And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. (12) And he dreamed, and behold ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-12

Fan Or Follower - Which Jesus Am I Following? Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Jan 31, 2011

What do we expect when we follow Jesus? Do we expect Him to meet our physical desires? Do we expect that He must make sure we understand everything and that He makes it easy for us? There are some who want to follow that “Jesus.” But that is not what

Fan or Follower Which Jesus am I following? John 6:30-69 Slide Expectations Have you ever been disappointed? Of course you have. We all have at times. But have you thought of why you were disappointed? Maybe someone didn’t do what you thought they would do. Or maybe, things did not turn out ...read more

Scripture: John 6:25-69

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Life's Short Stay Awake (The Parable Of The Serving Master)

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Aug 4, 2016

The translation we heard states that the servants are waiting for the master a better translation describes servants who are expecting the master.Waiting is passive, much like waiting for a bus or a cab. Expecting denotes excitement, energy, enthusiasm.

For those not familiar with and Anglican Service; There are four Scripture readings directly before the Message: Today's assigned readings are: Isaiah 1:10-20; Psalm 50:1-8,23-24; Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16 and Luke 12:32-40 Bethlehem and Jerusalem are only 7 miles apart. Bethlehem ... the place of the ...read more

Scripture: John 13:6-8, Luke 11:5-6, Luke 12:32-40

Denomination: Anglican

Any Day Now Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Mar 6, 2022

Both Peter and Paul raise the same question: what should we be doing when … not ‘if’ but ‘when’ … the Lord appears? How do you want Him to find you? Vigilant? Full of hope and expectation? Prepared? Ready to greet Him? Or scoffing? Asleep?

[Hold up cell phone.] Yep … we talked a little bit about this handy device last week. More accurately, we talked about one of the apps … the GPS. But there is another little handy app that I use all the time to help me plan my day … The Weather Channel’s Ten Day Weather app which, as the name ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 16:1-3, Matthew 24:29-31, 2 Peter 3:3-4, 2 Peter 3:8-12, Psalm 139:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: United Methodist

Prayer - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Apr 18, 2024

This is the first of a three-part Bible study on prayer. In this first study, we look at the types of prayers and the foundations on which our prayers must rest.

NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The Bible studies teach ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Samuel 1:27-28, Psalm 76:4, Psalm 63:1, Psalm 18:46, Psalm 89:1, Psalm 51:2-4, Psalm 28:2, 2 Thessalonians 3:1, Colossians 1:9, Matthew 15:28, 1 Corinthians 14:14, Hebrews 11:6, Matthew 6:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Preparing For The Glory Of God Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 1, 2025

Preparing for the glory of God is not a casual affair. It involves intentional consecration, obedience to divine patterns, unified worship, joyful expectation, and bold honouring of God regardless of human opinions.

PREPARING FOR THE GLORY OF GOD By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Chronicles 15:1-28 Supporting Texts: Exodus 19:10-11, Psalm 24:3-10, 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 INTRODUCTION: The glory of God is not to be treated casually; it is weighty, sacred, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 15:1-28

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Everybody’s God

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Jan 7, 2018

The story of the wise men reminds us we worship a God above political might, a God over religious complacency, and a God over cultural prejudice. Often God colors outside the lines, moving in ways that shatter our assumptions. Our God is everybody's God!

Matthew 2:1-12 Everybody’s God Today we conclude the “twelve days of Christmas,” that period of time between Christmas day and Epiphany, celebrated just yesterday. In church history, Epiphany marks the arrival of the wise men, the magi from afar bringing gifts to celebrate the newborn king. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Hearing God's Voice Series

Contributed by Matthew Stoll on Apr 10, 2008

Part 3. When we are in relationship with God we should expect to hear God speaking to us.

If we are not experiencing God’s abundant life we need to ask ourselves why? I think we can boil the problem down to one of three issues: 1) We might have a relationship problem with God. Over the last couple of weeks we have looked at the importance of knowing God, having a personal relationship ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-5

Denomination: Methodist

Matthew 6 – Part 7 – How Am I Expected To Live Without A Super Fund? Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Feb 5, 2010

If on the one hand I am to believe that as many Christians do that I should not be rich, then why am I investing in a Superfund and why am I not in India right now caring for the poor.

Matthew 6 – Part 7 – HOW AM I EXPECTED TO LIVE WITHOUT A SUPER FUND? If on the one hand I am to believe that as many Christians do that I should not be rich, then why am I investing in a Superfund and why am I not in India right now caring for the poor, or even better - in Haiti? Why ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Believe Big And Expect The Great! (The Life Of Faith Is A Daring Adventure -Let's Walk On Water) Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 13, 2023

Jesus can use whatever means and make whatever way he pleases to save his people. God shows up in unexpected ways, with an unfamiliar appearance, to deliver his people. His acts of deliverance sometimes trouble and perplex His people. He is the "I AM that I Am!"

Sermon: Believe Big and Expect the Great! Scripture Lesson: Matthew 14:22-33 “Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 37:4, Isaiah 58:14, Mark 9:35

Denomination: Methodist

The Magnificat

Contributed by Larry Grant on Dec 25, 2022

In one great act, God has reversed the order of society. Only those who are willing to humble themselves before the Lord can expect anything from the Lord. Those who are willing to admit their sin can expect to be saved. Those who are willing to admit their need can expect to be blessed.

Luke 1:46-49 THE MAGNIFICAT "My soul magnifies the Lord" December 25, 2022 The Setting: Mary has just been visited by the angel Gabriel and told of the miraculous life that is now in her womb. She has just made the journey to her cousin Elizabeth, who is also expecting, in her ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-49

Denomination: Baptist

The Wildcard That Shook Hell Series

Contributed by Danielle Jeremiah on Apr 1, 2025

Jesus—The Ultimate Wild Card" Jesus didn’t just die—He descended, took the keys, and rose in victory. Now, He’s handed that power to us.

🔥 INTRODUCTION: THE WILD CARD THAT SHOOK HELL There is a moment in the Gospel story—a moment that shifted eternity forever. Not when Jesus turned water into wine. Not when He opened blind eyes. Not even when He calmed the raging storm with three words: “Peace, be still.” As powerful as ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:18

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ

Unexpected Messiah

Contributed by Charles Scott on Feb 24, 2006

Those who were expecting God’s deliverer, the Messiah, were confused when Jesus came on the scene offering a Kingdom, not of this world as they expected, but a Kingdom to Come of Peace and Trusting Service.

I Corinthians 4:1-5 St. Matthew 11:2-10 Unexpected Messiah During the Advent Season we sang hymns and read lessons about the promised Christ, the Messiah who would deliver the Children of Israel from bondage. Many First Century followers of St. John the Baptist as well as followers of our Lord ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-10

Denomination: Anglican

Study God's Word Faithfully Series

Contributed by Jason Cole on Mar 12, 2007

We expect the members of the church to be growing and maturing in Christ, we expect them to be students of the Word who crave the solid food and not just the spiritual milk for faith come from hearing...

“What is Expected of a Church Member: Study God’s Word” Introduction: Perhaps one of the things that there is the most confusion among people claiming to be Christians is church membership. Many people assume that since their name is on the church role book or because they go to church on ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Program Of Progress Series

Contributed by Donny Granberry on Sep 23, 2008

Just as we expect our children to grow, mature, and excell, God expects the same from His children. We can either falling back, or"Take it to the next level."

Taking It To The Next Level “Program of Progress” By:Pastor Donny Granberry For the next couple of weeks or so we are going to be looking at different means of taking it to the next level. When many students graduate High School, they will go to a College or University to further their education ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:1

Denomination: Assembly Of God