Sermons on Unexpected Return:

The Importance Of Giving Thanks

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Oct 4, 2019

What does it mean when only one in ten returns to give thanks?

The Importance of Giving Thanks Luke 17:11-19 Leprosy was the worst form of excommunication. Many have criticized the use of excommunication as a means of discipline in the church to cast out members for some heresy or misconduct. But to be excommunicated simply because they caught a disease ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"Seek God"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Feb 26, 2016

A sermon about returning to God when we find ourselves off base.

"Seek the Lord" Isaiah 55:1-9 The older I get the more I become aware of how short this life really is. When we are in our teens, twenties and even thirties it can seem as if we have all the time in the world to waste. Twenty-some-odd years ago I was hanging out with an old high school buddy. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-9

Denomination: United Methodist

Good Times Ahead Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 6, 2016

The prophet calls the people to return to a merciful God and promises and outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Introduction Advent is the season of preparation. Most of us are decorating Christmas trees and putting up angels, nativity scenes, snowmen and Santas , baking Christmas cookies and planning or attending Christmas parties. It is a busy time of year--so busy that we might forget we need to do more ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:12-29

Denomination: Lutheran

To Be Blameless At The Advent

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Nov 25, 2021

Advent is a time in which we reflect upon the return of Christ and prepare for that Day.

To Be Blameless at the Advent 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Advent is a time of reflection. Most people spend the season of Advent contemplating the birth of Jesus Christ. We tend to concentrate on the Baby Jesus in the manger. We wonder why He came to such an awful place as earth, a world filled with ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How To Have Real Hope Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Aug 16, 2022

Looking for, longing for and living for the promised return of Jesus gives real hope.

NOTE: This is a manuscript, and not a transcript of this message. The actual presentation of the message differed from the manuscript through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is possible, and even likely that there is material in this manuscript that was not included in the live ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

And He Shall Reign Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 5, 2022

Utopia on earth awaits the return of Jesus, because He will be the perfect absolute Monarch.

And He Shall Reign (Isaiah 11:1-16) 1. During a service at an old synagogue in Eastern Europe, when the Shema prayer was said, half the congregants stood up and half remained sitting. The half that was seated started yelling at those standing to sit down, and the ones standing yelled at the ones ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Keep The Light On: Living Ready For Jesus

Contributed by Patty Groot on Aug 12, 2025

Live ready for Christ’s return, rooted in trust, generosity, and daily faithfulness.

Let me ask you something: Have you ever had surprise company show up at your door and your house looked like a tornado had just passed through? You’re diving for the laundry basket, spraying air freshener, and whisper-shouting at your kids to "act normal"? Yeah. We’ve all been there. In ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:32-40

Following Jesus Into Abundance Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Jan 27, 2021

Unexpected things happen at weddings. Some are fun and humorous, some are embarrassing and hurtful. As we continue to following Jesus as His disciples, we find ourselves at a wedding where a potentially embarrassing situation turns into an abundant blessing!

Following Jesus Into the Unexpected Intro: • [IMAGE] BIL’s wedding - outside by a lake. Fisherman in boat disrupts the wedding with his outboard motor. • Strange and unexpected things happen at weddings! • As we continue to follow Jesus, we join him at a wedding. o Beginning of his ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11, John 20:31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Way

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Oct 31, 2017

The human race lost its way in the garden of Eden, and for thousands of years a return to the garden was prevented by the flaming sword. But at the proper time, Jesus knocked down the barrier of sin and made a way to return to the state of blessedness.

Note: I have prepared a set of PowerPoint slides that I used in delivering this sermon. If you would like to have the slides you may Email me at sam@srmccormick.net with the words "Slides - The Way" in the subject line and I will send the pptx file to you directly by email. THE WAY I. Sin in the ...read more

Scripture: John 14:3-6, Proverbs 30:18-19, Numbers 11:4-5, Acts 9:1-2, Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 15:4-7, James 5:19-20, Romans 15:5-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Apostles And Others Gathered In Jerusalem Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 22, 2017

Their obedience is remarkable, because they could have returned to their homes; but instead, they went into Jerusalem where more of their enemies lived than in any other place. They were obedient to their Lord, who told them to return to Jerusalem.

May 20, 2013 By: Tom Lowe Lesson I.B.1: The Apostles and Others Gathered in Jerusalem Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1.12-14 Acts 1.12-14 (KJV) 12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. 13 And when they ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:12-14, Acts 1:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas: The Giving Of Gifts Series

Contributed by C Jordan on Dec 14, 2011

It’s good to give gifts. The story of the wise men giving their gifts to Jesus teaches us three things about giving today: Give an unexpected gift, give a gift with genuine joy, and give a gift that will last.

CHRISTMAS: THE GIVING OF GIFTS INTRO TO TOPIC: Have you ever heard anyone say, “Christmas isn’t really about the gifts”? • “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17). God loves to give good gifts! • “Thanks be unto God for His ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: *other

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. 1 - Detour Decisions Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Dec 4, 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?

Detours Pt. 1 – Detour Decisions I know we all have pet peeves. There are certain things that push your buttons and cause your perfect day to become your worst day. I have buttons! I am an ordered person. In other words, I like to travel the same route every day. I don’t like to alter from that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 17:1-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

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