Sermons on the unexpected: showing 421-435 of 5,960

There's A Song In The Air Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Apr 7, 2013

This is the first of a series of messages based on some of the most popular Christmas hymns.

Nothing has the ability to communicate a message as powerfully as music. In fact, Martin Luther wrote, “Next to theology I give music the highest place of honor.” It is the music that we hear that lets us know that Christmas is right around the corner. There are more songs written about ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Table - Pt. 3 - Dinner Dates Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on May 5, 2012

A common everyday item. Every house has one. A simple table or a meeting place. Perhaps a classroom. Could it be that a simple table is really a blank canvas?

The Table Pt. 3 - Dinner Dates I. Introduction In week one, we learned that the table is set. From the beginning moments of time God has been working on the table so that we might join Him there in fellowship and communion. He was so determined to have us as dinner guests that He sent His own son ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:15-24

Denomination: Pentecostal

Be Ready Part 1 Series

Contributed by Doug Fannon on Feb 22, 2021

Are you ready for Jesus to come or to give you your last heartbeat? Either way, you will meet Jesus and give an account. All Biblical quotes are from the NASB unless otherwise indicated.

What would you do different if you knew Jesus was coming for you today. Think about it. Whether Jesus physically returns as we have read about, that he will come for His people, the church, or Jesus grants you your last breath, your last heartbeat? If you knew that was going to happen this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:42-51

Denomination: Baptist

What New Life Are We Birthing? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 22, 2023

This sermon invites reflection on the transformative power of Christ's birth and encourages openness to the Spirit's guidance during the Christmas season.

Good morning, beloved. I am so thankful to see each of you here, gathered in our Father's house. The warmth of our fellowship, the shared smiles and laughter, the collective sighs and tears; these are the threads that weave us together, forming a tapestry of faith, hope, and love. We are family, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-14

Topics: Deliver, Child

(Lesson 1) Jacob: Motivated By Fear

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 10, 2003

Jacob wrestled all night with God and wouldn’t let Him go. Because of Jacob’s tenacity, God blessed him and changed his name to Israel, i.e., a Prince with God.

A. INTRODUCTION: GENESIS 32:22-32 What an encounter is not. 1. Not a greeting, i.e., when we talk to God. 2. Not a thought, i.e., when we meditate on God. 3. Not a meeting, i.e., our scheduled communion. 4. Not incidental, i.e., something we do every day. 5. Not an answer to prayer. B. WHAT ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:22-32

Denomination: Baptist

Church On The Edge

Contributed by David Slone on Mar 25, 2007

A sermon encouraging our church to step out in faith and get off the edge. A message for a church that is sitting on the fence or a church that is ready to move into the direction God has called them.

A church on the edge God’s relationship with us seems to be one of “edginess” of a risk taking journey- at least according to Scripture. it’s risky “to truly love” isn’t it? It’s risky to confess. It’s risky to forgive, it’s risky to truly care, it’s risky to surrender, confront, risky ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Empowered By The Holy Spirit

Contributed by Mary Erickson on May 23, 2022

A sermon for the 6th Sunday of Easter, Year C

May 22, 2022 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Acts 16:9-15; John 14:23-29 Empowered by the Holy Spirit Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:9-15, John 14:23-29

Denomination: Lutheran

Moses And The Burning Bush PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

Explore Exodus 3, emphasizing God's divine presence, Moses' call to leadership, and the significance of the burning bush, and remind us that God is never in a rush and has a purposeful call for each of our lives.

Good morning, Church family. Today, we're gonna dive into a pretty familiar passage of Scripture, but as we do, let's ask God to open our eyes anew to the timeless truths He wants to communicate to us. We'll be hanging out in Exodus 3, where Moses has an unexpected encounter with God in the form of ...read more

Topics: God, Exodus 3

Boat In The Middle Of The Sea

Contributed by Bala Samson on Mar 3, 2014

Come on, we cannot be expecting to see miracles and supernatural events everyday! We got to move with faith now! Are you listening?

Boat was now in the middle of the sea… Mathew 14:24”…the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.” We need to know how to deal with unexpected scenarios! "Who would expect to face a complex day? None of us! We expect smooth, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:24

Denomination: Pentecostal

Looking Ahead To 2014

Contributed by Richard White on Dec 27, 2013

HOw will we approach the new year? What if this is the year the Lord returns?

What are our goals for 2014? 1 Thess 5:1ff Remember those videos of returning heroes? The ones where a loved one was deployed away from home and returns unexpectedly to their family? Some of my favorites are one called “The Poppies.” The girls are a British group and sing their hearts ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"the Power Of True Friendship"

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Feb 22, 2024

“ We love quoting the scripture that the Lord sticks closer than a brother”

When God gives us an assignment that is not according to our own plans, it can be confusing and challenging. We may feel unprepared, overwhelmed, or even resistant to the idea of stepping out of our comfort zone. However, it is important to remember that God's plans are always greater than our ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Methodist

Detecting The Fingerprints Of God Series

Contributed by Joel Smith on Nov 11, 2008

Learn to pick up the C.L.U.E.s of our invisible God.

I think it’s safe to assume that everyone here believes that God exists. (Why waste your time in a Sunday morning worship service if you don’t have faith that He is real?) What Christians aren’t always convinced of is the reality of God in their every day lives. For most of us God exists, but ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 24:1-67

Denomination: Baptist

Gaining Discernment From David Part 2 Series

Contributed by Trae Durden on Aug 29, 2014

Learning from the mistakes of others is the best way to learn. These two lessons consider David's great life and some of the roots behind his worst failures. Based on the book by Charles Swindoll, "David: A man of passion and destiny"

“A tree is best measured when it’s down.” David was a man after God’s own heart. And yet, he made tons of mistakes. As we learn from his mistakes, let’s also learn from his response to those mistakes! Not only did David leave us a lifetime of lessons about things ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Being And Becoming

Contributed by Michael Hopkins on Feb 2, 2009

A sermon on the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (also called Candlemas)

I wonder if you’re familiar with fresh lychees? The fresh fruit is much more pleasant than the tinned variety. They are small fruit about the size of a walnut. On the outside is rough and robust skin, which might lead you think it wasn’t worth opening, but when one peels it, inside is a soft, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:21-40

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Surprised By An Angel

Contributed by Mathew Philip on May 4, 2020

God's surprises come in various ways and places

Someone said, “I don't like surprises. I am afraid of them because surprises are either too good to believe, or too bad to accept.” Like them or not, surprises are inevitable in this world. God gives us some surprises throughout our lives. Abraham was surprised by three visitors while he was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:5-6

Denomination: Other