Sermons on Unexpected Results:

Unexpected Hope Series

Contributed by Rich Mccaskill on Jul 21, 2020

In our confusing and broken world, we can still have hope because of Jesus.

My own journey of hopelessness began when I was 15. As much as I wanted to believe in God, I could not. I could relate to Tolstoy who recounts an "old Eastern fable about a traveler who was taken by surprise in the steppes by a raging wild beast. Trying to save himself from the beast, the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:24-25, Isaiah 7:14, Romans 8:18-24

The Unexpected Visitor

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jan 30, 2023

A Sermon for the 4th Sunday of Epiphany, Year A

January 29, 2023 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12 The Unexpected Visitor Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus opens up his Sermon on the Mount with a real show-stopper. The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, 1 Corinthians 1:18-21

Denomination: Lutheran

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 Hero Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Apr 3, 2025

We are in dire need of integrity in our society, and it begins and ends with Jesus Christ and the foundation of Scripture.

Paul the Ringleader Text: Acts 24:1-9 Introduction 1. “Integrity, the choice between what is convenient and what is right” (Tony Dungy). 2. “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching” (C.S. Lewis). 3. “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will ...read more

Scripture: Acts 24:1-9

Denomination: Methodist

An Unexpected Journey

Contributed by Curtis Mathis on May 20, 2022

The reasons we journey are as numerous as the places to which we travel… But regardless of the where, how, and when, all our journeys have something in common…they provide us with opportunities to see, hear and learn new things…some expected…some not!

Introduction: Many things factor into the direction I take as I prepare my weekly messages. Foremost is the direction the Holy Spirt leads as I pray and seek God’s will concerning these words. 0ther factors like the Jewish calendar that leads us to Advent, Lent, and Easter as well as the changing ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Baptist

It Is Results That Cancels Insults

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 28, 2025

This message is about understanding that no matter the mockery you face, God is not finished with you.

IT IS RESULTS THAT CANCELS INSULTS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Isaiah 61:7 Supporting Texts: Psalm 23:5, 2 Samuel 7:9, Proverbs 16:7, Matthew 5:44, 1 Peter 2:9 INTRODUCTION: In the journey of life, every individual faces challenges that test their faith and character. Sometimes, these ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

The Unexpected Miracle In Zarephath Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 16, 2025

God's miracles do not always come from obvious places or expected methods. In Zarephath, He used a poor widow to provide for His prophet and turned her last meal into a river of abundance.

THE UNEXPECTED MIRACLE IN ZAREPHATH By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Kings 17:8-16 Supporting Texts: Psalm 37:19; Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 11:6; Philippians 4:19; Luke 4:25-26 INTRODUCTION: When the brook Cherith dried up, God redirected Elijah to a place no one would expect—Zarephath, a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Unexpected Path To Perfection

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Aug 23, 2025

This sermon explains how God purposefully uses the trials of life to refine our faith, produce steadfast endurance, and develop us into spiritually mature believers who are complete in Christ.

If you were to take a survey of every person in this room, and perhaps every person in this city, and ask them, "What is your main goal in life?" you would get a lot of different answers. Some would say to be successful, to provide for their family. Others might say to be healthy, to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Faith In Unexpected Places Series

Contributed by Joel Preston on Jun 24, 2012

In our text today, Jesus visited 2 predominantly Gentile regions, Tyre and Sidon (vs. 24-30) and the Decapolis (vs. 31-37). There He ministered to a desperate mother and a disabled man.

The Gospel of Mark #19 – “Faith in Unexpected Places” Mark 7:24-37 Intro – 1. We humans are a strange breed, aren’t we? 2. ILL – A pastor was once looking through some old church records of a Norwegian congregation which listed its membership as: “52 souls ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-37

Denomination: Evangelical Free

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

Gideon - An Unexpected Hero Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Jan 23, 2001

Gideon wasn’t a natural hero, but God used him to save his people. God often uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things

Gideon isn’t exactly your Hollywood image of a hero is he? In fact he’s the exact opposite. He’s much more the indecisive, timid type. He’s one of those people who want every i dotted and every t crossed before they make a decision and even then they won’t be able to make up their mind. You can see ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

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

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