Sermons on The Unexpected:

Our Greatest Hope Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

God may not meet our expectations in every situation, but He ultimately fulfills our greatest hopes and is always present with us, even when He seems distant.

Hey guys! Today, we're going to talk about something we all experience: disappointment. You know, those times when things don't go the way we want or expect them to. And sometimes, it feels like God isn't showing up when we need Him the most. But I want to share a story from the Bible that shows us ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Topics: Unexpected Joy, Hidden Blessings, Unseen Opportunities, Hopeful Discoveries

A New Way Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Jesus shows us that true blessings and happiness come from recognizing our need for Him and living out Kingdom values, even in difficult situations.

Hey everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important, and I promise it's going to be interesting. We're going to look at a part of the Bible that's all about how Jesus sees us and what it means to be truly blessed. It's called the Beatitudes, and it's found in Matthew 5:1-12. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Topics: Unexpected Blessings, Hidden Blessings, Blessings In Disguise, Unforeseen Gratitude

The Surprising Kingdom - Palm Sunday Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Mar 4, 2024

The Kingdom of God is full of surprises, and we should be open to receiving it in unexpected ways. This is evident in the story of Palm Sunday, where Jesus enters Jerusalem in a way that no one expected.

Hey guys, today is Palm Sunday, the kick-off of Holy Week, when Jesus cruised into Jerusalem on a donkey. This was a total curveball because people were expecting a different kind of king. God's Kingdom is full of surprises, and we gotta be ready for them. God's Kingdom is full of surprises, and we ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-44

Topics: Divine Kingdom, Unexpected Grace, God's Sovereignty, Kingdom Parables

The Call Of Mary Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on May 8, 2024

Mary is unexpectedly chosen to be the mother of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Despite feeling unprepared, Mary humbly submits to God's plan. Mothers, like Mary, can handle their many roles with grace by having a humble spirit and being open to God's call on their lives.

Hey guys, happy Mother's Day weekend! Today, we're giving a shout-out to all the moms, grandmas, and all the women who make a difference in our lives. You know, life can be like a surprise pop quiz. You think you're ready for math class, and then BAM! You're hit with a history test. That's kinda ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Topics: Unexpected Calling, Mary's Journey, Divine Intervention, Life Changes

Healing Gifts

Contributed by Eric Sellgren on Mar 19, 2001

Some experiences of God`s Healing Gifts given through the most unexpected people.

"HEALING GIFTS" I became interested in the Healing Ministry through something that happened in my first Parish as a Vicar in England in 1970. The doorbell of my Vicarage rang one day and I found a local shopkeeper standing on the doorstep. She said, "My son Ian`s been in a Motor ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

So You've Got Plans?! Series

Contributed by Ewen Huffman on Nov 7, 2003

How to plan prayerfully and have an attitude that still leaves room for God to do the unexpected

So you¡¦ve got plans?! Jas 4:13-17, WBC 9/11/03pm In Ills to keep folder- Professions_1.pps [PowerPoint of ’what should I be when I grow up?’ (babies all dressed up in adult clothes relating to certain professions)] Great, eh? But as David Simpkin says ¡¥If you want to make God laugh, tell Him ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

Evidence Of Christ's Return

Contributed by Grant Adams on May 20, 2023

The resurrection of Jesus was unexpected, and beyond human explanation and understanding, and in violation of all-natural laws.

The resurrection of Jesus was unexpected, and beyond human explanation and understanding, and in violation of all-natural laws. But it was true. It was what God did to give proof and power to all of the life and ministry of Jesus. On the first Easter, those who were the closet to Jesus were the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-53

Denomination: Baptist

Finish Strong PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

The themes of God's unexpected calling, the consequences of unbridled passion, and the importance of enduring till the end.

Good morning, church family! Today, we're diving into the heart of the Old Testament, focusing on 1 Samuel chapters 16 and 17. This is the story of a young shepherd boy named David who was called, anointed, and chosen by God to become one of the most influential kings in Israel's history. As we ...read more

Topics: King David

The Journey PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Emphasize the importance of always being spiritually prepared and vigilant for the unexpected return of Jesus Christ.

Good morning, beloved members of our church family. Today, we are going to explore a message from the Gospel of Luke that encourages us to always be ready, prepared, and on our toes for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Luke 12:40, it is written, "You also must be ready, because the Son of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:40

Topics: Preparation, Jesus' Arrival

Not What They Expected Series

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Dec 30, 2019

How much do you remember about John the Baptist? Camel hair clothing, locust diet, or loaner lifestyle? While those are memorable, John is arguably one of the most significant people in Jesus’ life and ministry. See how the unexpected surrounded John's birth.

While at the children’s hospital this summer in California, my wife Nikky and I were sitting in the atrium to the main entrance one day when I noticed a man in a black suit and an ear piece walking around. He was looking all over the place and talking to people. As I watched him I leaned over to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:39-45, Luke 1:57-66, Luke 1:67-80

Denomination: Lutheran

4 Unexpected Truths To Understand Why God Allows Suffering Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

Lots of people turn to this book in crisis. Recently, Vanderbilt basketball coach, Scott Drew, was asked how he is weathering such a terrible season – his team is winless in league play. The coach said that his father, also a coach, told his son to read the book of Job

Job is one of the most unique stories you’ll hear – not just inside the Bible but anywhere. It’s the story of man named Job, a man whose character was tremendously strong but suffered exceedingly. But one day Satan says to God, “The reason Job follows you is because you’re so good to him. Stop ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Footprints Of Faith Series

Contributed by Todd Stiles on Nov 29, 2006

Discover the impact Mary’s faith had on her and how it is a model for us in unexpected times.

“Footprints of Faith” Luke 1:26-38 [Come in from “Life of Mary” video clip] INTRO: When I think about Mary, one word blankets my mind: F-A-I-T-H! Every step of the way was a step of faith. Think about it – from… • The angel’s announcement • The public’s response • Joseph’s surprise • Joseph’s ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

When Little Is Big

Contributed by Paul Decker on Dec 24, 2007

God uses the insignificant and the unexpected to bring significance and purpose to our lives. [Christmas Eve Meditation]

WHEN LITTLE IS BIG Luke 2.1-7 S: Christmas Eve C: Bethlehem Pr: GOD USES THE INSIGNIFICANT AND THE UNEXPECTED TO BRING SIGNIFICANCE AND PURPOSE TO OUR LIVES. Type: Topical; inductive I. PLACE OF SUFFERING (Genesis 35.16-20) II. PLACE OF REDEMPTION (Ruth 4.7-12) III. PLACE OF ROYALTY (I Samuel ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Admist The Storms Series

Contributed by Larry Turner on Aug 26, 2015

Satan often sends unexpected storms into our lives but Jesus counters with a commanding word of peace.

A wife woke up one morning and said, “Honey, I just had a dream that you bought me a new gold necklace. What do you think it means?” “I don’t know, but Valentine’s Day is coming soon. Tuesday, you’ll know,” He replied. A few nights later, she again woke ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-39

Denomination: Foursquare

The Almost Forgotten Man: Joseph

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Dec 17, 2013

Joseph seems almost forgotten in the Christmas story. A look at Joseph's faithfulness in the midst of unexpected situations.

The Characters of Christmas: Joseph Matthew 1: 18-25 There is no greater Christmas classic than Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, and there is no greater Christmas character than poor George Bailey. He’s even referred to several times throughout the film as “poor ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Methodist