Sermons on Unexpected News:

An Unexpected Honor Series

Contributed by Diana Tyler on Jul 8, 2023

No good deed goes unnoticed.

In Esther 6, King Xerxes was having trouble sleeping so he asked that the book of the records of the chronicles be read. During the reading, it was discovered that Mordecai was the one who had told of the plot to assassinate King Xerxes from Esther 2:21-23. King Xerxes asked what honor or dignity ...read more

Unexpected Advice

Contributed by Rich O' Toole on Jun 2, 2025

A Pharisee offers sound advice to the council

Unexpected Advice Acts 5:29-42 Does the LORD ever use non-believers or pagan people to speak truth or accomplish His will? In the Old Testament prophecy of Habakkuk, the LORD said He would use Babylon, which was a “ruthless” and “dreaded” nation, to achieve His purposes and correct Israel. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:29-42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Finding God In Unexpected Places"

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jun 26, 2012

The Gospel of Mark is answering the question "Who Is Jesus". The disciples had to answer it as well. Is Jesus the new prophet or the real Messiah. (another reference Matthew 14)

In Jesus Holy Name June 24, 2012 Text: Mark 4:35,37-39 Pentecost IV Redeemer Finding God in Unexpected Places (read the text) Eight top recently reviewed books about Jesus: 1) The Resurrection of Christ: A Historical Inquiry 2) Jesus after 2000 Years 3) American Jesus: How the Son ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-39

Denomination: Lutheran

Not What You Expected

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Dec 7, 2015

Have you ever gotten something for Christmas that was totally unexpected? It could’ve been a special gift or a visit from someone. There were some things that happened on that first Christmas that were quite unexpected.

NOT WHAT YOU EXPECTED Have you ever gotten something for Christmas that was totally unexpected? It could’ve been a special gift or a visit from someone. On the flip side have you ever expected a certain gift or visit from someone and ended up being disappointed? I was looking at this online ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Keys To Responding To The Unexpected Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Oct 14, 2025

This is a Bible study lesson. In this lesson we review the keys to appropriately responding to the unexpected - moving beyond our initial fear, despondency and worry.

Keys To Responding To The Unexpected (Rev. Rodney Johnson and Rev. Barry Johnson) NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:14-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Unexpected Journey: Abraham

Contributed by Dr. Ken E. Squires, Jr. on Jun 5, 2013

A look at the Unexpected Journey that God sent Abraham on.

1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Blessed In Unexpected Ways

Contributed by John Dobbs on May 7, 2020

How the Beatitudes are a guide to Christian living in troubled times.

BLESSED IN UNEXPECTED WAYS: The Beatitudes as a Guide For Troubled Times The Beatitudes are found in their fullest form at the beginning of the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ in Matthew 5:3-11. A Beatitude is “an exclamation of the inner joy and peace that comes with being right with God. Happiness may ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Unexpected Jesus - Intro Series

Contributed by Raymond Perkins on Jun 13, 2001

This is an introductory lesson for this series designed for Bible Class use.

THE UNEXPECTED JESUS - INTRO Luke 4:16-21 INTRODUCTION: Maybe some of you have heard of Norm Evans. He was an all-pro lineman for the Miami Dolphins. Several years ago he wrote a book titled On God’s Squad, in which he discusses his faith, his conversion and his view of football as a result. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:16-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Unexpected Jesus - Intro Series

Contributed by Raymond Perkins on Jun 13, 2001

This is an introductory lesson for this series designed for Bible Class use.

THE UNEXPECTED JESUS - INTRO Luke 4:16-21 INTRODUCTION: Maybe some of you have heard of Norm Evans. He was an all-pro lineman for the Miami Dolphins. Several years ago he wrote a book titled On God’s Squad, in which he discusses his faith, his conversion and his view of football as a result. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:16-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unexpected Journey: Joseph

Contributed by Dr. Ken E. Squires, Jr. on Jun 5, 2013

A look at the Unexpected Journey that God sent Joseph on.

7 “But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.” (Genesis 45 - NIV) The Big ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 45:7-8

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God Uses The Unexpected

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 6, 2022

Many times those who are underestimated and considered failures go on to accomplish great things in society. The same principle is true in the kingdom. The Lord oftentimes uses people who are rejected to bring glory to His name.

Once we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and as we come to know the Lord by spending time with Him, we will reach a point in our life where our love will overflow in a desire for service. It’s at this place that many believers come to a screeching halt. They look at themselves ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

How To Handle The Unexpected Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Dec 18, 2018

Mary serves as an example of how to handle life when life doesn't go as expected--a great example. We all experience this sort of thing, and we find out--life doens't go as expected all the time. How would God have us respond?

The Divine Advent(ure) How to Handle the Unexpected Luke 1:26-56 Have you ever noticed how life never seems to going exactly, or sometimes, even close to your plans? One of my favorite quotes is this one, apparently from an unbeliever: “Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.” And ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-56

Denomination: Bible Church

Be Ready For Unexpected Challenges Series

Contributed by Cameron Conway on Feb 5, 2019

Those who have been given a call and purpose from God will inevitable find themselves facing decisive and unexpected challenges which will determine the course of their lives.

For more information and other teachings, podcasts, videos, books and study guides visit https://conwaychristianresources.com Those who have been given a call and purpose from God will inevitable find themselves facing a great decisive and unexpected challenges which will determine if they will ...read more

Denomination: Foursquare

"Expect The Unexpected This Christmas”

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Jan 2, 2023

As some of said, “If we expect to hear the Christmas gospel without the Advent call to repentance, we will find ourselves surprised by John and unprepared for Jesus.” So, we ask the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the message and ministry of both John and Jesus.

“It wasn’t what I expected.” Whether you are young or old, a man or woman, a girl or a boy, you have probably experienced something that caused you to have that reaction. Perhaps it was connected to some food that you tried. You were feeling a little adventurous and you ordered something at a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Unexpected Journey: David

Contributed by Dr. Ken E. Squires, Jr. on Jun 5, 2013

A look at the Unexpected Journey that God sent David on.

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16 - NIV) The Big Idea: God's Unexpected Journey ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7

Denomination: Assembly Of God