Sermons on Unexpected Joy:

Angels Part 1

Contributed by Jack Graham on Nov 16, 2016

That’s speaking of Christ who was full of joy. The “oil of gladness” means leaping for joy. Jesus was full of life and joy. Never think that Jesus was a pale, sanctimonious recluse. He was a Man among men, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

This is from a transcript of a sermon preached by Dr. Jack Graham on June 5, 2016 Hebrews, chapter 1, verses 6 through 9: 6) And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7) Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

Different Expectations Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 13, 2010

Jesus didn't fit John's idea of what the Messiah would be like. Jesus stressed love rather than judgment. Jesus moves in surprising ways and communicates God's grace in unexpected situations.

Matthew 11:2-11 “Different Expectations” INTRODUCTION The family gathers around the newborn’s bassinette. They marvel at this squirming gift of life, and give thanks for health and wholeness. As they gaze upon the baby’s features they wonder what the child will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Detours - Pt. 2 - Detour Details 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. 2 – Detour Details Interruption. A cancelation. A meeting moved. A delay. A different route. Sickness. Lack. Brokenness. All of these things have one thing in common . . . they are detours. They knock us off our intended and preferred route. They force us to adjust and go a different ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:1-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

Be Willing To Be Available Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Oct 30, 2021

The disciples were tired and worn out from ministry; however, Jesus challenged them to put aside their own needs to love and serve others. As a result, the disciples were refreshed and strengthened in an unexpected manner.

The apostle Paul once informed the believers of Galatia, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:30-44

Denomination: Baptist

Finding God In The Future Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jun 1, 2017

This series was designed to help people find God in unexpected places. Also that advent isn't a season that comes and goes. If you linger over the birth of the Savior Jesus it should create and attitude of celebration.

Intro: For the past six weeks we have discovered some amazing truths about finding God in Unexpected places. I hope that you have discovered that advent isn’t simply a season that comes and goes. As we linger over the memory of the birth of our savior it produces in us an attitude of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:32, Acts 1:7

Denomination: Baptist

Balaam And His Unforgettable Ride! Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Mar 5, 2025

While on his way to Balak, king of Moab, Balaam experienced two things that he probably never forgot! He heard a message from the Angel of the LORD--and from another, unexpected source!

(Based on a message preached Sunday evening, March 2, 2025 at New Hope Baptist Church near Fulton, MO; this is not an exact transcription.) Introduction: The story of Balaam and his donkey (I choose to use the word “donkey” or “beast” simply to avoid being accused of using vulgar terms) is one of ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 22:22-35

Denomination: Baptist

The Storm Calmer Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 21, 2025

Life is often filled with unexpected storms—financial crises, emotional distress, family troubles, and health battles. But as believers, we have a Saviour who speaks peace in the midst of storms—Jesus, the Storm Calmer.

THE STORM CALMER By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Mark 4:39 Supporting Texts: Psalm 107:28-30, Isaiah 43:2, Matthew 8:23-27, Nahum 1:3, John 14:27 INTRODUCTION: Life is often filled with unexpected storms—financial crises, emotional distress, family troubles, and health battles. These storms ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:39, Psalm 107:28-30, Isaiah 43:2, Matthew 8:23-27

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Is Lord's Hand Shortened In 2026? Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Dec 19, 2025

The Lord is so powerful. He does according to his will and purpose. Nothing is too great or too small for God. He is ready to bless you in unexpected ways and means. Look for things to change in 2026.

01.01.2026 AMC NEW YEAR SERMON Number 11:18-23 - Is the Lord's hand shortened?   Greetings: The Lord is good; and His Love endures forever! Happy New Year 2026! Introduction: Tonight, I would like to introduce the theme for the year with a promise in the forms of a question. Is the ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 11:18-23

Denomination: Methodist

Stop Putting God On Trial

Contributed by Caleb Onwuka on Jan 25, 2026

A moment comes in every believer’s life when the weight of unanswered prayers, delayed promises, or unexpected storms tempts us to drag God into the courtroom of our emotions. But God is not the accused, and we are not the judge.

Today I come to you with a Message the Lord laid in my heart last night; Faith is trusting God's character when His methods confuse us. Instead of putting God on trial, we step back from the witness stand and remember who He is. Let me ask you something this morning… Have you ever noticed how ...read more

Scripture: James 2:17

Denomination: *other

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season Series

Contributed by C Jordan on Dec 31, 2012

Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and experiencing His joy, peace and hope.

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON (Dec. 2012 – Beausejour Church – Pastor Chris Jordan) OPENING THOUGHT: Christmas… is it really the most wonderful time of the year? • Many people find this season stressful and depressing. Remembering the loss of a loved one, or the pressure to have the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-21

Denomination: *other

Rtd (Religiously Transmitted Diseases) - Pt. 1 - Discipleship Dyslexia Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Aug 24, 2019

Religion promises life and then it sickens! It steals hope, joy and eventually life! Are you contaminated with an RTD? The cure is

I. Introduction Bojana Danilovic, 28, sees everything upside down because of an abnormal connection in the way her brain processes images. Danilovic has to have a special upside down computer screen and keyboard and reads papers from the bottom up. At home, she watches one TV balanced on its top ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:1-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

Let All Creation Sing Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Dec 26, 2021

In this sermon, I link Psalm 98 with the Isaac Watts' hymn "Joy to the World." The Advent theme is joy, so I ask: Do you want to have a merry Christmas? Do you want to have a joy-filled Christmas? Then look to Jesus.

T-minus 6 days, amen? Christmas is next Saturday … it’ll be here before we know it, amen? How many of you have all your Christmas shopping done? How many of you have all your presents wrapped and under the tree? How many of you still have to put up your tree, amen? Over the past few weeks ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 98:1-9, Micah 5:2, Micah 5:4-5, Luke 2:10-11, Romans 8:18-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: United Methodist

Letting Go Of Loneliness

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 4, 2005

Loneliness and feelings of abandonment can rob us of life’s joys. The Bible offers clear paths that we can take to overcome loneliness and regain the joy of life.

Psalm 22:1-2, 19-21, 27-31 “Letting Go of Loneliness” INTRODUCTION In the book, Clan of the Cave Bear, by Jean Auel, the main character Aila commits an unpardonable sin. She is a woman, but she likes to hunt, which is the domain of the men. The Clan passes a death sentence on her, and cast ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 22:1-31

Denomination: Lutheran

The Great Impressionist Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Aug 15, 2013

Good impressionists are a joy to watch, and they command our attention. But the greatest impressionist of all is not a joy to watch, but still commands our attention. We meet him in the book of Revelation.

“The Great Unveiling: The Great Impressionist” Revelation 12:1-13:18 I’m always captivated by good impressionists – people who can mimic the voices, quirks, and facial nuances of others. It’s a tremendous talent and takes a great amount of study and work to do it ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed