Sermons on Unexpected Journey:

How To Begin A Spiritual Journey: The Call To Adventure Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 5, 2021

We’ve gone through a crazy time in our lives over the past few months. Many of us I’m sure are feeling isolated and alone. It really made me realize just how much I need other people in my life. And do you know what else it made me realize? That I need God.

We’ve gone through a crazy time in our lives over the past few months. Many of us I’m sure are feeling isolated and alone. It really made me realize just how much I need other people in my life. And do you know what else it made me realize? That I need God. Sometimes it seems like we can turn to ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:7-13

Denomination: Salvation Army

Detours - Pt. 3 - Detour Deliverance Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Dec 18, 2012

A wandering from a direct route. A different path. Unexpected turns and obstacles. What do you do when your life takes you down a path for which you didn't plan?

Pt. 3 – Detour Deliverance Detours are despised by every path loving, calendar driven, time conscious people worldwide. However, as deeply as we despise detours they continue to be a part or our life and as we have seen over the last two weeks God is involved in the detours that we face. So ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Not What I Expected Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Feb 19, 2012

That's what the Christmas event is all about - God showing up in the midst of the unexpected.

Not What I Expected Isaiah 9:1-2 When I was in seventh grade, like so many youth at that age, music became a huge part of my life. I was awakened to the sounds of music of Elton John’s Greatest Hits, SuperTramps’ Breakfast in America and Led Zepellin 2. So my hope and dream was to build ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Methodist

Is This A Curve Ball? (Advent 2009)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Dec 1, 2023

This sermon is about being surprised by tbd unexpected things much like Jesus seems to have surprised John the Baptist.

IS THIS A CURVE BALL? Text: Matthew 11:2-11 I read about someone’s recollection of a performance that he (Tom Wright) had been rehearsing for on stage at an earlier time in his life. He mentions that all had been going according to plan most of the time. “We had all rehearsed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: United Methodist

It’s Not What I Expected

Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on May 19, 2023

Things are not what they seem to. It's not what I expected.

As we look at our story, we see that John had been in the desert disciplining himself waiting for this special moment. And when the Word of God came to him, he came out of the desert preaching up a storm. And let me drop something in your spirit early this morning and that is whenever those who are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1

Denomination: Baptist

Encountering The Gospel Of Jesus Christ At The Most Unexpected Time And In The Most Unexpected Place. Series

Contributed by Mark Van Cuylenburg on May 11, 2020

We preach The Gospel Of Jesus and we live The Gospel Of Jesus, and because of who we are we can do both even when we don't realise it.

Last week I preached about the two men who encountered Jesus as a stranger on the road to Emmaus, and how we too can encounter Him in the most unexpected place and at the most unexpected time. It seems to me though that something else unexpected also happened that day. The two men, both disciples ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:35-49

Denomination: Baptist

Abraham: A Journey Of Faith - A Journey That Begins With God Series

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Sep 11, 2016

Our journey of faith begins with God, not our efforts.

Can you finish this well-known saying? “A journey of a thousand miles begins with…a single step.” That’s what the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu observed 2600 years ago and the point of the saying is to encourage action when facing a daunting task which threatens to paralyze ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Into The Wilderness: Strengthened For The Journey Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Sims on Apr 21, 2025

This is the follow up to "The Wilderness Test" It helps us understand where our strength comes from and how it helps us when we are on a journey through the wilderness

The wilderness is not just a place of testing; it’s also a place of provision. God doesn't leave us empty in our struggles; He strengthens us for the journey ahead. Introduction: We have already talked about how the wilderness is a place of testing, a place where God refines us, shapes us, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:2-4, Exodus 16:13-25, 1 Kings 19:1-8, Luke 4:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The God Who Heals In Unexpected Ways Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 16, 2025

Naaman’s story teaches that healing is not about status, expectations, or emotions. It is about humility, obedience, and faith.

THE GOD WHO HEALS IN UNEXPECTED WAYS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Kings 5:1-14 Supporting Texts: Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3; Matthew 8:1-3; Isaiah 55:8-9; James 5:14-16 INTRODUCTION: Naaman was a highly decorated military general—valiant, respected, and a man of influence. Yet, behind the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

Journey Back To Joy

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Feb 6, 2012

The restoration of joy in David's life.

While sports fishing off the Florida coast, a tourist capsized his boat. He could swim, but his fear of alligators kept him clinging to the overturned craft. Spotting and old beachcomber standing on the shore, the tourist shouted, "Are there any gators around here?!" ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:12

Denomination: Baptist

"In A Good Way Expect The Unexpected"

Contributed by Brad Henry on Oct 7, 2011

This is a story that God is still in the miracle business if we slow down and trust Him.

I want to thank you for all your prayers and support yesterday. Yesterday was one of the toughest and rewarding days of my life. I woke up in the morning to see our bank account in the red with no hope in sight. BUT, I know God. I have set my hope on the One who is faithful and I will not question ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

What To Say When We Don't Know What To Say - Funeral Sermon

Contributed by Duane Wente on Jun 30, 2021

When someone passes away unexpectedly, we often are left without knowing what to say. Through the story of Lazarus' death, we can see some things we can say when we do not know what to say.

“What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say” Introduction There are not many times when I am left speechless. I’m often told that I have a tendency to not be quiet and listen — that I actually talk too much. When I first heard of Debbie’s passing, however, I found myself without words to say. ...read more

Scripture: John 11:17-36, John 14:1-6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Songs For The Journey - Psalm 120 Series

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Feb 16, 2002

The Olympic judging scandal reminds us that this world is not our home.

This past week, the eyes of the whole world were focused on Salt Lake City. The winter Olympic games are being held there, of course, and normally that would be enough to draw attention and provoke discussion. But this week, the drama was heightened even more because of the controversy over the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 120:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

When Life Takes An Unexpected Turn Series

Contributed by Rodney Kelley on Sep 7, 2009

When life takes an unexpected turn, will we trust God?

Intro. Last week we saw that Jacob’s life changed before Joseph was born. Joseph had been trained well by his father. Not the same could be said about the rest of the sons. Jacob had been very passive in the lives of Joseph’s older brothers, but apparently more involved in the life of Joseph. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-36

Denomination: Baptist