Sermons on Unexpected Places:

Christmas: God… Is… Now… Here!

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Dec 19, 2020

We can greet each other—instead of with “Merry Christmas,” we could shout instead, “God chose flesh,” “God became one of us!”

The Christmas story confirms one pattern of God—He shows up in unexpected places. Maybe you have heard that popular story about an atheist who had a big poster hanging on the wall in his living room, which said: “God is nowhere.” One day, while he was reading the newspaper, his little daughter, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-14

Denomination: Catholic

Christmas And Culture

Contributed by Major Gerardo Balmori on Apr 2, 2011

Christmas is about God breaking through at surprising times, and showing up in unusual places in the world. You never know when, where, or how God is going to show up. The Bible is full of stories of how God broke into the world at the very time that pe

Mayor Gerardo Balmori The Salvation Army Christmas is about God breaking through at surprising times, and showing up in unusual places in the world. You never know when, where, or how God is going to show up. The Bible is full of stories of how God broke into the world at the very time that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-32

Denomination: Salvation Army

Another Kind Of King Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Mar 12, 2003

Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem reveals Jesus as the promised king, the humble king, and the unexpected king.

Note: This sermon was introduced with scene 49 from the play "Traveling Light." As Americans, most of us don’t like kings very much. After all, that’s why we fought a revolutionary war in 1776, to be free of the tyranny of a king. Even though the king might be a benevolent king, he’s still a king ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Encountering Jesus - Thinking Clearly - Realising The Truth. Series

Contributed by Mark Van Cuylenburg on May 18, 2020

We all have loved ones who die. Grief drags us down.

Encountering Jesus - Thinking clearly - Realising the truth. Luke 24:36-49 The passage from Luke's Gospel chapter 24 about the two distraught disciples on the road to Emmaus and the happenings in the upper room keeps playing on my mind, and I find myself returning to it on a daily ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-49, John 14:16, Luke 10:9

Denomination: Baptist

Be Willing Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Oct 28, 2022

Naaman is about to face an unexpected challenge to test his willingness to hear and do what God said.

Be Willing 2 Kings 5:1-15 Introduction In our series on Signposts for the Journey we have looked at some major Bible characters to learn that to follow God we must be Obedient, Courageous, Penitent, Wise - and today we conclude this series with a truth that brings them all together. Be ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What's In Your Lamp? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 8, 2023

This sermon explores the importance of spiritual readiness and preparation for God's unexpected interventions and the eventual return of Christ, the Bridegroom.

Good morning, everyone! It's a joy to be with you all today. I'm so glad to see each and every one of you here. We're here to chat about something that is not only important but also deeply personal. It's about being ready, being prepared, and most importantly, about being awake. Before we start, I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Topics: Watch, Unknown Hour

Are You Prepared To Meet With Jesus; You Might Find That You Are?

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Aug 11, 2019

We are to be in a constant state of reading for the Lords return. This worries many Christians but although some need to change, others are more ready than they think and they need to know.

This sermon was delivered Gordon McCulloch to the congregation at Holy Trinity in Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland on the 11th August 2019; Holy Trinity is a Scottish Episcopal Church in the Dioceses of Glasgow and Dumfries. Genesis 15:1-6 Psalm 33:12-22 Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Luke 12:32-40 “Please join me ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:32-40

Denomination: Episcopal

The God Of Obededom

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 18, 2025

The story of Obededom, a seemingly obscure figure in the Bible, is a powerful example of how God's presence can transform an ordinary life into one of extraordinary blessing.

TITLE: THE GOD OF OBEDEDOM   By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Samuel 6:10-12  Supporting Texts: 1 Chronicles 13:13-14, Psalm 24:7-10, Isaiah 55:9 INTRODUCTION  The story of Obededom, a seemingly obscure figure in the Bible, is a powerful example of how God's presence can ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:10-12, 1 Chronicles 13:13-14, Psalm 24:7-10, Isaiah 55:9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Better Soil, Better Outcomes

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Jun 10, 2025

This spring, I undertook a simple lawn project that would teach me an unexpected lesson about spiritual growth.

This spring, I undertook a simple lawn project that would teach me an unexpected lesson about spiritual growth. I planted grass seeds in two places in my lawn. In one of those places the ground was lower, so I added some topsoil. In the other place I simply tilled up the existing ground. I spread ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Look For The Miracle!

Contributed by James Tino on Mar 20, 2008

When life changes in unexpected ways, don’t keep looking in the grave - look for the miracle! An Easter sermon.

Rev. James Tino New Life Lutheran Church Miramar, FL April 2007 John 20:1-18 Easter Sunrise Look for the Miracle! Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father, and from our resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Amen. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ; (explain “Type A” and “Type ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Useless Gifts

Contributed by Chris Hughes on Dec 4, 2006

Unexpected gifts, gifts that go beyond the usual fare, surprise our sensibilities and wake up our spirits.

Matthew 2:1-12 Useless Gifts We’ve all gotten them. We’ve all given them. probably have ½ dozen on top shelf of closet, in box under the bed. Useless gifts. Unusual & unusable. knickknacks serve no purpose. Generations of parents & grandparents joyfully received lopsided handmade ashtrays from ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Methodist

I Need A Refill

Contributed by Kraig Pullam on Feb 17, 2014

As Jesus turns water into wine as a symbol of bringing joy, He specializes in re-filling life's empty places.

Re-Filling Your Empty Life by Kraig Pullam John 2:1-2:1 One of my favorite movies of which I will boldly, blatantly and unashamedly admit is the sequel “Bad Boys II.” It is a funny/amusing/somewhat comical/quite insightful movie whether you like or not with Martin Lawrence (of which ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1

Denomination: Baptist

Lord, This Really Hurts

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Mar 13, 2004

This sermon deals with the stress we face when unexpected losses come into our lives. Job is the chief character.

Lord, This Really Hurts NLF 2/8/2004 Job 1:6-22 Matthew 11:25-30 Our Bible Study this week involves the stress of loss. Today’s message is entitled, “Lord this really hurts.” Have you ever had to say to the Lord, or to someone else, “now this really hurts?” We are all going to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30, Job 1:6-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Journey Of Mary & Joseph Series

Contributed by Dwight Gunter Ii on Dec 20, 2000

How can we deal with the unexpected curves along the journey of life? Mary and Joseph serve as a model for us.

Introduction… Life is a journey/ an adventure. And as we journey on the road of life we sometimes encounter unexpected curves: · The medical report you didn’t expect · The accident you didn’t see coming · The job being over · Having a baby · Losing a baby · Losing someone without ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: *other

The Unexpected Jesus (Sermon 5) Living Today For Christ: Trusting In God’s Timing - Proverbs 27:1 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 4, 2024

Proverbs 27:1 reminds us of a truth that often catches us off guard: We are not in control of tomorrow.

The Unexpected Jesus (5) Living Today for Christ: Trusting in God’s Timing - Proverbs 27:1 Introduction: Today, we turn to a verse that carries both wisdom and a call to action: Proverbs 27:1, which reads, "Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring." ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 27:1, James 4:14, Matthew 6:34, 2 Corinthians 6:2, Ecclesiastes 11:6, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Hebrews 13:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal