Sermons on Unexpected Circumstances:

Making The Most Of Every Opportunity

Contributed by Selvan John on Aug 8, 2008

Opportunities in life are not to be missed since it might bring in unexpected blessing.

The sermon that I want to preach to you today will be on “Making the most of every Opportunity.” I remember someone tell me about the Japanese culture of eating, their ways of doing it will surely give an insight into how best we make use of the opportunity. When they sit around the table, they ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Living In Expectation Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 29, 2010

God surprises us and show up at the most unexpected times.

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT NOVEMBER 28, 2010 Matthew 24:36-44 “Living In Expectation INTRODUCTION Living in expectation is a natural experience in life. It is also an important part of life, because it brings with it hope and excitement. Millions of people have been living in expectation ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44

Denomination: Lutheran

Faith Of A Foreign Woman

Contributed by Troy Borst on Apr 22, 2013

Bitter Beginnings, Kindness Shown, Redeemer Found, Unexpected Endings

THE FAITH OF A FOREIGN WOMAN CHAPTER 9, “THE STORY” RUTH 1-4 INTRODUCTION We are studying the Bible this year from the beginning to the end. We are watching as God enfolds His Story for us to see. We are seeing how God weaves together lives, purpose, sin, attitudes, mistakes, humble ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Needled In A Haystack

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jun 27, 2025

God works in unexpected ways, as in the case of the Haystack Prayer Meeting.

Needled from the Haystack Adoniram Judson was a 19th-century American Christian missionary who worked in Burma (now Myanmar). He is best known for translating the Bible into Burmese and for his enduring contributions to the Southeast Asian missionary efforts. Later, after a period away from his ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

(Lesson 9) Peter: A Backslider Restored To Service

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 10, 2003

Peter denied the Lord through boasting and pride. After breakfast on a beach, Jesus restored him to service and he became a bold preacher on the day of Pentecost.

A. PETER’S BACKSLIDING 1. Cause boasting. "I will lay down my life for thy sake" (John 13:37). 2. Jesus’ response warning. "Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily Verily, I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow till thou hast denied me thrice" (John 13:32). 3. Effort flesh. "Smote the ...read more

Scripture: John 13:32-37

Denomination: Baptist

Backslidden Peter Experienced Jesus For Return To Ministry Lesson 2 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 13, 2023

Good intentions are not enough to keep us faithful to Christ.

A. WHY DID PETER BACKSLIDE? 1. Cause boasting. “I will lay down my life for Your sake” (John 13:37). 2. Jesus’ response warning. “Jesus answered him, ‘Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times’” (John ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:12, Philippians 4:13, Luke 22:61-62

Denomination: Baptist

Rest Assured Series

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Jan 20, 2004

Sometimes we can be left in hard circumstances so long we start believing that a momentary realization that we are indeed alive is only a sadistic pause until the next car breakdown, pipe breaking, kid-sickness, roof leaking, job layoff or unexpected bill

THE PASTOR’S POINTS sermon ministry of CEDAR LODGE BAPTIST CHURCH Thomasville, NC January 18, 2004 Paul was very encouraging with his words to the church at Thessalonica. Sometimes, however, even words of grand encouragement can leave you wondering. I have counted for many years upon the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, James 1:2-4

Denomination: United Methodist

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

Just Like That

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Nov 3, 2025

God can turn years of stagnation into moments of transformation: suddenly, instantly, and miraculously, just like that!

JUST LIKE THAT By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Acts 3:1-10 Key Verse: “And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” (Acts 3:7) Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:19; Mark 10:46-52; John 5:8-9; Psalm 126:1-2 INTRODUCTION: Life can ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

(Lesson 5) Isaiah: Destroyed Dreams

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 10, 2003

Isaiah put his dreams in a king who died, then he saw the Lord. That encounter changed him forever, and he became God’s prophet who wrote one of the most beautiful books in the Bible.

A. INTRODUCTION: ISAIAH 6:1-13 1. Spiritual prosperity. Uzziah was one of the great kings of Judah that restored the glory and power of David. "He did right in the sight of the Lord" (II Chron. 26:4). 2. Healthy prosperity. "Sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

(Lesson 10) Mary Magdalene: Taught By Christ

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 10, 2003

Mary came to the garden to care for a corpse. When she saw Jesus, she hung on to His physical feet to renew the love she had for Him before the cross. In an encounter with Christ, she learned that she would relate to Him "in the Spirit" in the future.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. Women came to the tomb. "Very early in the morning they (the women (23:55) came early unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain other women with them" (Luke 24:1). 2. Mary Magdalene was the leader. She was mentioned first (Mark 16:1 and Matt. ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

(Lesson 11) Saul: Becoming A Follower Of Christ

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 10, 2003

Paul hated Christians, yet encountered Christ on the road to Damascus where his life was transformed. Paul received his commission from this experience.

A. BACKGROUND 1. Perfect birth. "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews" (Phil. 3:5). 2. Perfect life. "As touching the law, a Pharisee . . . touching righteousness which is in the law, blameless" (Phil. 3:5,6). 3. Best teacher. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:5-14

Denomination: Baptist

Peter Denies His Lord Lesson 31 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 14, 2017

Jesus Encounters Peter

A. PETER’S BACKSLIDING 1. Cause boasting. “I will lay down my life for Your sake” (John 13:37). 2. Jesus’ response warning. “Jesus answered him, ‘Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Mma In The Womb Series

Contributed by Troy Luttrell on Sep 29, 2014

Jacob has a unique calling from God upon His life. Despite his combative nature, God will still use him as an instrument of His grace.

Introduction: Ill: Have you ever known someone when you heard they were dating (so&so); or even going to marry (so&so), you thought “How could they fall in love with________?” Background: • In Romans 9:10-13 we read the following verse, “Esau have I hated, and Jacob ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:21-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Shekinah, The Shepherds, And Shiloh

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Dec 12, 2001

The unexpected appearance to an unlikely audience bringing an astonishing message of an unusual arrival.

THE SHEKINAH, THE SHEPHERDS, AND SHILOH LUKE 2:8-18 INTRODUCTION: CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE ON THAT NIGHT WHEN CHRIST WAS BORN? THE LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM WAS BUZZING WITH ALL THE NOISE AND CLAMOR OF AN OVERCROWDED LARGE METROPOLIS, THE RESULT OF A POLL TAX DECREED BY CAESAR ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Baptist