Sermons on Unexpected Circumstances:

A King Is Born—in A Dysfunctional Family Series

Contributed by Dustin Boden on Dec 6, 2024

In this message, we dive into the unexpected and imperfect story of Jesus' lineage. From the brokenness of Rahab to the outsider status of Ruth and even King David's failures, we'll see how God uses all things to bring about His perfect plan.

A King is Born—In a Dysfunctional Family Isaiah 9:6 ESV 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Introduction: Good morning! I hope you all ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

The Unexpected Jesus (Sermon 3) Discovering God In Surprising Ways Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 4, 2024

Many of us have had moments when we expected God to act a certain way, only to be surprised by how He actually revealed Himself. Perhaps you were praying for a breakthrough, but God brought transformation in a different form.

The Unexpected Jesus: Discovering God in Surprising Ways Introduction Today, I want to explore a theme that could radically transform your relationship with God: the idea that Jesus often shows up in ways we least expect. Many of us have had moments when we expected God to act a certain way, only ...read more

Scripture: John 4:4-7, Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 139:7-10, Mark 5:25-34, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Luke 5:4-11, Isaiah 6:8, Hebrews 13:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Watchful Servants Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Sep 3, 2014

Jesus wants us to reflect on what we want to happen when He returns and to prepare our self for it right now. If you want to be prepared for Christ’s return you must prepare yourself through faithfulness.

LUKE 12: 35-40. [PARABLES IN LUKE] THE WATCHFUL SERVANTS [Matthew 25:1-13 / John 12:23-26] Jesus has been teaching principles for kingdom living. He is preparing them for His departure and their ministry. He would be leaving His followers but He promised to return again for them at a future ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:34-40, Luke 12:32-40

Denomination: Baptist

Life With The Messiah Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Sep 8, 2011

No matter what life may throw at us, Jesus calls us to remain faithful to the end.

Life With the Messiah Text: Matt. 24:1-14 Introduction 1. What do you remember about Sept. 11, 2001? 2. The things I remember most were... a. The Shock b. The Panic c. The Fear 3. We were all taken completely by surprise, but should we have been? 4. Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NLT) History merely ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-14

Denomination: Methodist

The Gospel Finds A New Audience Series

Contributed by Curtis E. Nester on May 30, 2016

Philip is interrupted by an angel and goes to the desert. An Ethiopian is converted and carries to Gospel home.

SERIES: Adventures in Acts 009 TITLE: The Gospel Finds a New Audience TEXT: Acts 8:26-40 INTRO: Jesus had commanded the Disciples to take the Gospel to the world. (Act 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Baptist

Simply Christmas The 3 Journey's Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Dec 4, 2022

Unexpected Journey’s are part of life – they happen – God is involved in them if you care to see Him

Video Transition: Simply Christmas Sermon: Simply Christmas (The 3 Journey’s, of the Christmas Story) Scriptures: Luke 2:1-7: Journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem Matthew 2:1-18: Journey from Bethlehem to Egypt Matthew 2:19-23: Journey from Egypt to Nazareth Psalm 23 Thesis: Unexpected Journey’s are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7, Matthew 2:1-18, Matthew 2:19-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Uncertainty Principle Series

Contributed by Mark Batterson on Oct 18, 2005

Faith is expecting the unexpected.

The Physics of Faith: The Uncertainty Principle 03.11.05 Pastor Mark Batterson This evotional begins a new series titled The Physics of Faith. Over the next four weeks we’re going to explore four dimensions of faith: expecting the unexpected, seeing the invisible, believing the impossible, and ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Stone Is Rolled Away Series

Contributed by Roberta Karchner on Apr 13, 2020

God is the God of the Unexpected

John 20 (New Living Translation): 20 Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 2 She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Story 20: A Company Of Heroes

Contributed by Perry Greene on Feb 20, 2014

Heroes come in unexpected ways and as unexpected people. Mordecai and Esther become great heroes for God in an unusual way.

1. Heroes If you have been keeping up with the 2014 Winter Olympics you probably know who T.J. Oshie is. After the St. Louis Blues forward scored the clinch goal for Team USA in an Olympic hockey match against Russia in a never-ending shootout, Oshie has quickly become everyone's new favorite ...read more

Scripture: Esther 4:12-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Wise Men Series

Contributed by Leighton (Lee) Vary on Nov 2, 2015

The unexpected journey of the Eastern Wisemen

Introduction: The outline for this sermon was obtained from “The Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible,” Leadership Ministries World Wide. Anxious to include as many minorities, religions and disabilities as possible, the human resources department of the University of Alberta ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

(Lesson 7) Ezekiel: Seeking Visions For God

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 10, 2003

Ezekiel was a priest who was trained for Temple service, but he encountered God in a vision in which he saw extraordinary sights. Out of that encounter, he became a prophet who communicated a vision of Israel’s future Temple.

A. INTRODUCTION: EZEKIEL 1:1-28 1. Age 30. "In the thirtieth year . . . the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God" (1:1). 2. Occupations. "Ezekiel the priest" (1:3). 3. Birthday. "Take the sum of the sons of Kohath . . . from thirty years old and upwards" (Num. 4:2,3). 4. Captive. "I ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 1:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

The Ladder

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012

The experience of Jacob at Bethel, and what it can mean today -- God still extends his staircase down to us at unexpected times.

The story of Jacob and his brother Esau is a tangled one, filled with deceit, intrigue and animosity. Esau despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob for a pot of stew. Jacob then deceived their father and got him to bless him as the ruler and chief heir of the family. So tensions ran high ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22

Denomination: Methodist

Waiting For God's Best Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 23, 2025

Waiting for God's Best and Examples of Faithful Relationships..

As children of the Most High God, we are called to settle for nothing less than His best in every area of our lives, including relationships. In a world where compromise and mediocrity are often accepted, it's essential to remember that God has a plan for us to experience fulfilling and godly ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 24:1-67, Acts 18:1-3

Rx For The Soul - Peace For The Mind Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 25, 2003

Jesus promised a peace unlike that offered by the world. What was the difference between the two, and how can we lay hold of God’s peace?

OPEN: Several years ago, I visited the historic site of Appomattox and heard an amazing story. As I remember it, our guide told of Wilmer McLean who owned a home near Bull Run. His house was seriously damaged during the opening battle of the Civil War, and so, falsely believing he would be safer ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ