Sermons on Unexpected Circumstances:

The Gift Of Pain

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Jul 4, 2009

Pain is one of the unexpected gifts that God can use in our lives.

The Gift of Pain Text: Luke 5:12-16 Luke 5:12-16 -- "And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." "And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:12-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Power Of Earnest Prayer Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 7, 2020

God often does the unexpected when we’re earnest in prayer.

A week ago, I listened to the Voice of the Martyr’s podcast called VOM Radio and learned about Petr Jasek, a believer from the Czech Republic, who was imprisoned in Sudan for 14 months. He served as the Africa Regional Director for Voice of the Martyrs and traveled to Sudan on their behalf. BTW, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

What Do You Hunger And Thirst For? Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Oct 3, 2024

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of hunger and thirst but threw in an unexpected twist:

October 05, 2024 What images come to your mind when you hear the 2 words hunger and thirst? Are they pleasant images? Probably not. • Hunger, by definition, is a feeling of discomfort or weakness caused by lack of food, coupled with the desire to eat. • Thirst, by definition, is a feeling ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6, Psalm 42:1-2, Matthew 13:43-46, Luke 18:18-23

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

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

(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

(Lesson 3) Moses: His Face Shown

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 10, 2003

God said Moses was the meekest man on the face of the earth, yet Moses boldly asked to see God’s glory. When he saw the backside of God, his face shone for 40 days.

A. INTRODUCTION: EXODUS 33 and 34 What frustration drove Moses to seek and encounter God? 1. Murder. "Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, (Moses killed a guard) he sought to slay Moses" (Ex. 2:15). 2. Inability. "I am not eloquent" (Ex. 4:10). 3. Complained. "The people murmured against Moses" ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Woman With The Issue Of Blood Lesson 3 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Dec 4, 2023

After your life falls apart, you can be changed by an encounter with Christ.

A. WHY DID SHE TOUCH JESUS: MARK 5:24-35? 1. She did not want Jesus to touch her. She thought Jesus might become unclean if He healed her with a touch. “Whoever touches her shall be unclean” (Leviticus 15:19). 2. She wanted contact. She did not want to touch Jesus, just His clothes. “… anything ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:43, Mark 5:28, James 5:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

Funeral Sermon: When Good People Die Young Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 5, 2025

As we reflect on the untimely death of a good person, let us remember that their departure is not in vain, and God has a purpose that is beyond our understanding.

Funeral Sermon: WHEN GOOD PEOPLE DIE YOUNG By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Isaiah 57:1-2 (KJV) The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace: they shall ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 57:1-2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Divine Helpers In Unlikely Places Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 11, 2025

God often provides help from unexpected sources and through people we least expect. Divine helpers do not always come as wealthy benefactors or influential figures. Sometimes, they are found in unlikely places—individuals whom society has overlooked, rejected, or considered insignificant.

DIVINE HELPERS IN UNLIKELY PLACES By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Samuel 22:1-2 "David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 22:1-2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

From Empty To Overflowing Series

Contributed by Kory Labbe on Dec 13, 2025

Sometimes the greatest gifts God gives us come through the interruptions we never planned. At a well in Samaria—and in the middle of our own lives—Jesus shows up to turn emptiness into overflowing life.”

From Empty to Overflowing (Expected the Unexpected — Week 3) John 4:5–30 (NLT) Theme: “Sometimes the greatest gifts God gives us come through the interruptions we never planned. At a well in Samaria—and in the middle of our own lives—Jesus shows up to turn emptiness into overflowing life.” ...read more

Scripture: John 4:5-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Transformed By Truth: "be Patient When It Gets Weird" Matthew 1:18-25 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jun 12, 2024

Matthew 1:18-25 teaches us about patience, trust, and obedience when life takes unexpected turns. Joseph waited for God's guidance even when things got confusing.

Transformed by Truth: "Be Patient When It Gets Weird" Matthew 1:18-25 (NLT) Introduction Today, we are going to delve into a story from the Gospel of Matthew that teaches us about patience, trust, and obedience when life takes unexpected turns. Our focus will be on how Joseph reacted ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 1:18-19, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 1:20-21, Psalm 32:8, Matthew 1:24-25, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Journey To The End Of Yourself

Contributed by Gary Washburn on May 16, 2002

You are on a journey with God. Where are you going? You are on a journey to the end of yourself. Can you hear that annoying child in the backseat saying, "Are we there yet?"

The Journey to the End of Yourself Ruth 1 Intro: A test is coming to you and me. All our religious talk is about to be examined. What we really believe God already knows. The problem is we don’t know it. Pressure, disappointments, trials will reveal to others and us what we really believe. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Recognize The Opportunity! Seize The Moment!

Contributed by Victor Ramlall on Apr 20, 2013

The thief on the cross found his opportunity in the most unlikely and unexpected place but he recognized and seized on it!

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:39-43

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Kingdom Like Malformed Mustard

Contributed by Timothy Darling on Mar 27, 2009

Like an unexpectedly huge mustard plant, the kingdom will grow and comfort, in unexpected ways.

Like Malformed Mustard Mark 4:30-32 The kingdom of God is like a VW Beetle. It is one of the smallest cars you will ever see. It is not very comfortable or powerful. It is not very stylish or practical. It is very cheap and not impressive in any way. There is no status with owning one. And yet, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:30-32

Denomination: Mennonite

Expect Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Daniel Austin on Feb 27, 2010

We can expect forgiveness from God: unexpected, undeserved, unearned, and unlimited.

Expect Forgiveness Faith Expectations Part 2 05/04/08 PM Reading: Luke 15:11-24 Text: Luke 15:11-32 [This lesson and this series are drawn from the writings of Tom Allen in his book “What to expect now that you believe.”] Faith Expectations This lesson is another in the series I call Faith ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ