Sermons on Unexpected Calling:

Ordination Sermon - "that I May Serve You With All My Might"

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Nov 20, 2023

This is the sermon for the ordination of an inner-city pastor who had already been serving as Associate Pastor for 5 1/2 years st an inner-city mission in Toronto, Canada.

Sermon Ordination May this holy flame ever warm my [heart], that I may serve you with all my might; and let it consume in my heart all my selfish desires, that I may in all things regard not myself but you.” - John Wesley That is the favourite quote, outside of Scripture, of Arleen Gomez. If you ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-20, John 15:4-5, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Book Of Mark # 15

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 30, 2022

The calling of the twelve disciples is significant. These twelve men were special in that they were chosen to be the twelve disciples that the Lord Jesus Himself was going to teach and train.

These twelve men had opportunities that no other men who ever lived on this earth have had. Each disciple that Jesus called into the ministry had special skills. Many of them were fishermen, and He took their skill as fishermen and made them “fishers of men.” Let’s look at two things: I. THE ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:13-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Book Of Mark #11a

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 31, 2022

Each year, many of us take a trip somewhere in this country or another country for different reasons.

• Sometimes it is because of business • Sometimes it is because we want to relax in a different environment • Sometimes it is to visit relatives • Sometimes it is because we want to see the beauty of other places Illus: A man and his wife were driving their Recreational Vehicle in Florida, and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:13-22

Denomination: Baptist

Bread Of Life

Contributed by Justin Dietel on Aug 20, 2024

Imagine this: You've just experienced something miraculous. You were part of a crowd of thousands, all of whom were fed from just five barley loaves and two small fish. There’s a sense of awe and excitement, and you can’t help but wonder,

Imagine this: You've just experienced something miraculous. You were part of a crowd of thousands, all of whom were fed from just five barley loaves and two small fish. There’s a sense of awe and excitement, and you can’t help but wonder, "Who is this man who can perform such ...read more

Scripture: John 6:25-35

The Servant Of Isaiah 49 In Luke-Acts Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Oct 19, 2024

Part 2 of a rabbit trail exploring how the servant's calling is picked up not just by Jesus, but also by Ananias, Paul and Barnabas, in Acts. We are all to be lights, and "salvation," up to the ends of the earth.

Two weeks ago, we worked our way through Isaiah 49:1-6. When I taught on it, I said that these are the words of God's exilic prophet. The prophet feels like his ministry has been a waste of his time and energy. It's accomplished nothing. And God responds to him, not by arguing with him, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-6, Luke 2:25-34, Luke 9:28-36, Acts 22:6-16, Acts 13:44-50  (view more)  (view less)

The Birth Of John The Baptist

Contributed by Jaeyoun Chang on Dec 11, 2025

When Mary visited Elizabeth and greeted her, Elizabeth was six months pregnant. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then she returned home (v. 56). Perhaps she returned to Nazareth in Galilee before Elizabeth gave birth to her baby.

I. Birth and naming of John (vv. 57~65) Finally, when Elizabeth’s days to give birth were fulfilled, she gave birth to a son (v. 57). At that time, many neighbors and relatives heard it and rejoiced together (v. 58). Jews circumcise their sons eight days after birth, and at that time, relatives ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:57-80

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Is There Not A Cause?

Contributed by David Dunn on Jan 5, 2026

God’s word is never idle—it creates purpose and calls for response. Like David, we are not defined by the roles others assign us, but by the word God has spoken over our lives. When that word becomes a cause, faith moves from observation to obedience.

As David stood in the Valley of Elah, the battle between Israel and the Philistines was nearing a breaking point. For forty days, the giant Goliath had stepped forward to issue his challenge, defying the armies of the living God. And for forty days, no one answered him. The silence was not caused ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:29, 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, 1 John 2:20, 2 Corinthians 12:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Brought To Life; Brought Together

Contributed by David Taylor on Oct 29, 2024

The gospel unites Jews and Gentiles into God’s new covenant community, the church.

Brought to Life; Brought Together The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed Ephesians 3:1-6 December 29, 2019 David Taylor We are back in our series, Brought to Life; Brought Together, based upon the New Testament letter of Ephesians. Today’s message, The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed, is from 3:1-6. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Church

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Nov 13, 2024

The Church will go through many changes in Mark Jesus says the Temple will tumble and other issues will happen such deceivers will come, persecution will come, wars will happen, nation will rise against nation, earthquakes, famine and these are beginning of birth pains.

Mark 13:1-8 The Church The church Jesus says its future is Remarkable, but yet it will be challenging • The Church needs to watch, out Deceivers will come Watch out that no one deceives you. 6Many will come in my name, claiming, `I am he,' and will deceive many. • The Church will go ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:1-8

Denomination: Methodist

The Reluctant Prophet: Lessons From Jonah

Contributed by Jeffrey Sims on Jun 27, 2025

We are a lot like Jonah Reluctant to do God's calling at first... But when we get back on track and follow the directions of God we enjoy the abundance that He has to offer.

Introduction: Jonah was a prophet who runs from God's call and jumps on a ship going in the exact opposite direction than where God told him to go, So then God caused a great storm to come up and it was about to sink the ship… What they thought was going to be the death of Jonah turned into a ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Question That Defines Eternity - Matthew 16:13-28 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jul 7, 2025

WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS IS? THIS IS THE QUESTION THAT DEFINES ETERNITY. True discipleship begins with a right confession of who Jesus is, embraces the necessity of the cross, and responds with wholehearted surrender to follow Him; regardless of the cost.

2025.07.06. Sermon Notes. THE QUESTION THAT DEFINES ETERNITY - MATTHEW 16:13-28 PART 2 William Akehurst, HSWC THE CHRIST, THE CROSS, AND THE CALL - MATTHEW 16:13-28 SCRIPTURES: Matthew 16:13-28, Mark 16:19-20, Ephesians 1:20-23 THE QUESTION THAT DEFINES ETERNITY: "Who Do You Say Jesus Is? ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-28, Mark 16:19-20, Ephesians 1:20-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Nathanael - Come And See Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 11, 2025

Today I want to look at the call of Nathanael to follow Jesus in a little more detail. There are spiritual lessons to be learned here: Reference is from John 1:43-51:

The Disciples of Jesus Sermon: Nathanael – Come and See! Philip (John 1:43-51) from Bethsaida, introduced Nathanael to Jesus! Scripture Text: John 1:43-51 Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael 43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Philip, ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51, 2 Timothy 2:15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Mantle Is Yours

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 7, 2025

God still places His mantle on faithful people who submit at God still places His mantle on faithful people who submit at Gilgal, seek at Bethel, persevere through Jericho, and cross Jordan transformed.

Every culture understands the power of symbolic clothing. When a judge puts on the black robe, authority follows. When a graduate steps across the stage in cap and gown, years of learning find recognition. When a soldier fastens the uniform, identity and duty intertwine. The Bible also speaks of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:19, 2 Kings 2:1-15, Joshua 5:2-9, Genesis 28:10-22

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Oh, To Love

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 25, 2025

Jesus restores us after our failures, renewing our love and purpose, and calls us to love others the same way He loves us.

Picture a quiet moment you wish you could erase from your history. A word you regret. A choice you can’t take back. A time when you told Jesus with your voice, “I love You”… but told Him with your actions, “Not right now.” Every one of us has a chapter like that. Some of us have a whole ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-27, John 21:15-19, Luke 22:31-34, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

When The Devil Knows His Time Is Short

Contributed by Thomas Andrufski on Oct 29, 2025

This sermon explores the spiritual battle between good and evil, emphasizing that Satan’s defeat is certain and his anger is a sign of his limited time. It encourages believers to remain steadfast, understanding that increased spiritual warfare signals the nearness of Christ’s return and victory.

When the Devil Knows His Time Is Short Revelation 12:12 (KJV) Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Introduction – A ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:12, John 12:31, Colossians 2:15, Luke 21:25-26

Denomination: Church Of God