Sermons on Unexpected Return:

Needled In A Haystack

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jun 27, 2025

God works in unexpected ways, as in the case of the Haystack Prayer Meeting.

Needled from the Haystack Adoniram Judson was a 19th-century American Christian missionary who worked in Burma (now Myanmar). He is best known for translating the Bible into Burmese and for his enduring contributions to the Southeast Asian missionary efforts. Later, after a period away from his ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Boat Was Now In The Middle Of The Sea…

Contributed by Bala Samson on Nov 25, 2012

We need to know how to deal with unexpected scenarios!

Boat was now in the middle of the sea… Mathew 14:24”…the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.” We need to know how to deal with unexpected scenarios! "Who would expect to face a complex day? None of us! We expect smooth, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:20-32

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Can Anything Good Come From There?"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Jan 10, 2018

A sermon about good coming from unexpected places.

“Can Anything Good Come from There?” John 1:43-51 A week and a half ago I drove my mother back to Northern Kentucky. It’s a drive I have made many, many times. It’s a drive through the Cumberland Mountains of Northern Tennessee and Kentucky. I’ve driven it in the summertime and in the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51

Denomination: United Methodist

Never Happy PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

Explore and understand God's unexpected, sufficient, and unconditional provision.

Good morning, everyone! I'm so thankful we've gathered together today to dig into God's Word and discover new truths about His unfailing love and provision for us. Elizabeth Barrett Browning once said, "God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame." That quote perfectly captures our discussion today ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:2-15

Topics: God's Provision

Just Like That

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Nov 3, 2025

God can turn years of stagnation into moments of transformation: suddenly, instantly, and miraculously, just like that!

JUST LIKE THAT By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Acts 3:1-10 Key Verse: “And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” (Acts 3:7) Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:19; Mark 10:46-52; John 5:8-9; Psalm 126:1-2 INTRODUCTION: Life can ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Live Ready Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 8, 2023

This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, being prepared for His return, and placing our faith in His work on the cross to live fearlessly through life's ups and downs.

Good morning once again, friends! I’m thankful you decided to join us either in person or online today as we begin a brand-new sermon series. Over the next four weeks we will be talking about how to Live Ready… As we all know, life can throw some pretty wicked curve balls our way. Not to mention, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:42-44, John 16:33

Topics: Saving Relationship, Faith And Trust, Jesus' Return

Sermon Series: Live Ready

What Is God Doing? Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Nov 25, 2024

God often works in unexpected ways and through unexpected means. We need to watch for His surprising actions and join Him in His mission to change the world.

You know the Christmas story, right? Baby Jesus, manger, shepherds, wise men - the works. But imagine being there. It was all so unexpected and weird. They must've been like, "What's God up to?" What's God up to? Imagine you're expecting a package. You're super excited, but when it arrives, it's in ...read more

Scripture: John 5:16-21

Topics: Divine Plans, Spiritual Growth, Faith Challenges, Miracles

Glory Of The 2nd Coming Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 30, 2010

Glory of the 2nd Coming (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Reading: John chapter 14 verse 1-6. This is our last but one study in the series ‘The Glory of Christ’”. • We have covered: • Glory in his Childhood – Jesus was a boy aged 12. • Glory by the River – his baptism. • Glory in the Wilderness – his temptation. • Glory at the Wedding – his first ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-6

Denomination: Brethren

What Do You Hunger And Thirst For? Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Oct 3, 2024

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of hunger and thirst but threw in an unexpected twist:

October 05, 2024 What images come to your mind when you hear the 2 words hunger and thirst? Are they pleasant images? Probably not. • Hunger, by definition, is a feeling of discomfort or weakness caused by lack of food, coupled with the desire to eat. • Thirst, by definition, is a feeling ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6, Psalm 42:1-2, Matthew 13:43-46, Luke 18:18-23

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Faithful Servants Are Blessed

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Dec 15, 2022

We are waiting and watching for Jesus' return. We are expecting Jesus to return.

FAITHFUL SERVANTS ARE BLESSED (Outline) November 20, 2022 – Pentecost Last – LUKE 12:35-43 INTRO: The Lord calls us to be his servants. The Lord also calls us his children. We are servants and children of the Lord. Our lives are guided by the Lord’s Word. Not the world’s words. There is a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:35-43

Denomination: Lutheran

Betrayed By How Many?

Contributed by Allan Quak on Dec 15, 2005

Jesus has reached the point of no return – the cross was going to be inevitable. However, despite the fact that it is Judas who is betraying Him Jesus still calls Judas “friend”. Such actions help us to know what to do when we are betrayed.

Matthew 26:47-56 “Betrayed by how many?” Scripture Readings:- John 18:1-11 Matthew 26:47-56 Congregation in the Lord When you go to the top part of the Niagara Falls there is a point which you can reach which is called “the point of no return”. No boat, no matter how powerful the engine, is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:47-56

Denomination: Baptist

The Fury Waits Series

Contributed by Christopher Lanham on Jul 22, 2010

God tarries, but does that mean he is faithful to his promise to return soon?

The Fury Waits 2 Peter 3:1-18 Cascades Fellowship CRC, JX MI May 3, 2009 Series: Little Letters – The Forgotten Wisdom of the Bible There is a play out there by Samuel Beckett called Waiting for Gadot. In the play, two derelicts sit and discuss rather mindlessly their deplorable condition ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

That’s Not Fair!

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 21, 2010

That’s not fair! (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Reading: Malachi chapter 2 verse 17 to chapter 3 verse 15. Ill: A socialist once came to see Andrew Carnegie; • Who was an American businessman, the founder of Carnegie Steel Company; • Which later became U.S. Steel. • A socialist once came to see Andrew Carnegie; • And ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

Enoch: The One Message Preacher

Contributed by Ron Theis on Jul 8, 2010

A look at Enoch's only message, the resurrection.

ENOCH: THE ONE MESSAGE PREACHER JUDE 14,15 INTRODUCTION A. The demands upon a pastor today are very unique. 1. In interviews with speechwriters today, most say they can be counted on to write 12-15 really good speeches every year. a. These are professional writers. b. Some of the best in their ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

O 'r' E Lima Mai Le Fofoga O Le Tu I Le Va O Tuugalamepa E Fitu Series

Contributed by Robert Fa’atoia-Collins on Dec 1, 2009

Afai e afio mai Iesu a nanei, mata ua e mautigoa ua e maua le Ola e Faavavau?

Afai e afio mai Iesu i le afiafi a nanei, mata ea ua e mautinoa e te maua le Ola e Faavavau? Toatele tagata o loo pisi solo i mea faaleolaga nei, ae le sei faatali tasi lava ma toe manatunatu i le mafuaaga na alai ona soifua mai. Tagai i le Faaaliga 2:1-7, o loo i ai R e 4 mai le fofoga o le Agaga ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist