Sermons on Unexpected Situation:

The Shekinah, The Shepherds, And Shiloh

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Dec 12, 2001

The unexpected appearance to an unlikely audience bringing an astonishing message of an unusual arrival.

THE SHEKINAH, THE SHEPHERDS, AND SHILOH LUKE 2:8-18 INTRODUCTION: CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE ON THAT NIGHT WHEN CHRIST WAS BORN? THE LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM WAS BUZZING WITH ALL THE NOISE AND CLAMOR OF AN OVERCROWDED LARGE METROPOLIS, THE RESULT OF A POLL TAX DECREED BY CAESAR ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Baptist

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

Not What They Expected Series

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Dec 30, 2019

How much do you remember about John the Baptist? Camel hair clothing, locust diet, or loaner lifestyle? While those are memorable, John is arguably one of the most significant people in Jesus’ life and ministry. See how the unexpected surrounded John's birth.

While at the children’s hospital this summer in California, my wife Nikky and I were sitting in the atrium to the main entrance one day when I noticed a man in a black suit and an ear piece walking around. He was looking all over the place and talking to people. As I watched him I leaned over to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:39-45, Luke 1:57-66, Luke 1:67-80

Denomination: Lutheran

The Kingdom Like Malformed Mustard

Contributed by Timothy Darling on Mar 27, 2009

Like an unexpectedly huge mustard plant, the kingdom will grow and comfort, in unexpected ways.

Like Malformed Mustard Mark 4:30-32 The kingdom of God is like a VW Beetle. It is one of the smallest cars you will ever see. It is not very comfortable or powerful. It is not very stylish or practical. It is very cheap and not impressive in any way. There is no status with owning one. And yet, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:30-32

Denomination: Mennonite

Expect Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Daniel Austin on Feb 27, 2010

We can expect forgiveness from God: unexpected, undeserved, unearned, and unlimited.

Expect Forgiveness Faith Expectations Part 2 05/04/08 PM Reading: Luke 15:11-24 Text: Luke 15:11-32 [This lesson and this series are drawn from the writings of Tom Allen in his book “What to expect now that you believe.”] Faith Expectations This lesson is another in the series I call Faith ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

You Are Highly Favoured

Contributed by Lola Olanrewaju on Sep 1, 2017

To be higly favoured means an uncommon, an unusual and an unexpected  blessings will pursue and locate you.

YOU ARE HIGHLY FAVOURED ! I've heard people saying this words lots of times when greeting each other . Most of us even say it without realising the power behind the words. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HIGHLY FAVOURED? Favour is defined as approval, a kindly helpful act beyond what you deserve or ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

An Unlikely Faith Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Aug 22, 2007

God can use unexpected people with extraordinary faith to do extraordinary things.

An Unlikely Faith Text: Joshua 2:1-24 Introduction 1. Illustration: A wife woke up one morning and said, “Honey, I just had a dream that you bought me a new gold necklace. What do you think it means?” “I don’t know, but Valentine’s Day is coming soon. Tuesday, you’ll know,” He replied. A few ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 2:1-24

Denomination: Methodist

Losing Track Of God Series

Contributed by John Allen on Jun 10, 2025

Sometimes God does such unexpected things that we get confused and frustrated with him.

[Statements in brackets are for the preacher not the preaching. They are notes that reflect ideas based on the homiletics recommended in "Preach with No Pants" (https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/preach-with-no-pants-john-allen-sermon-on-inductive-250167) which proposes an ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Unseen Potential Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Apr 30, 2013

The series of appearances by Jesus after his resurrection culminates in a most unexpected way with a most unexpected person -- Saul of Tarsus. The impact that this made on the primer persecutor of the Way changed his life and the lives of others forever!

1. Jeremy Lin clip ¨C Unseen potential http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUViw41Q7Hs&feature=related (We used the first 2:17 minutes of this online video. It¡¯s a series of highlights of Jeremy Lin¡¯s powerful game-winning performance against the New Jersey Nets February 4th, 2012) What you just ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:3-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Footprints Of Faith Series

Contributed by Todd Stiles on Nov 29, 2006

Discover the impact Mary’s faith had on her and how it is a model for us in unexpected times.

“Footprints of Faith” Luke 1:26-38 [Come in from “Life of Mary” video clip] INTRO: When I think about Mary, one word blankets my mind: F-A-I-T-H! Every step of the way was a step of faith. Think about it – from… • The angel’s announcement • The public’s response • Joseph’s surprise • Joseph’s ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

Back To The Basics

Contributed by Johnny A. Palmer Jr. on Mar 15, 2019

The Situation.

I. THE SITUATION A. God’s Perfection Intro: 1. The March/April 2016 issue of Psychology Today attempted to give readers several reasons to cultivate a sense of awe and wonder with their article "It's Not All About You!" The article mentioned the following secular sources about our ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Recognize The Opportunity! Seize The Moment!

Contributed by Victor Ramlall on Apr 20, 2013

The thief on the cross found his opportunity in the most unlikely and unexpected place but he recognized and seized on it!

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:39-43

Denomination: Pentecostal

Facing Life's Challenges

Contributed by Sheila Bowling on Jan 20, 2017

challenges, life situations, confession

Facing Life’s Challenges Nehemiah 1: 4-6 Most of us right now, are consumed with enormous challenges in our personal lives. We may appear to live carefree lives, and we look good on the outside, but on the inside, we are consumed with dealing with this over here and that over there, and it seems ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4-6

Denomination: Baptist

Behold, The King Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Dec 22, 2023

The birth of Jesus in Matthew 1:18-25 shows us that Jesus was the unexpected king of the Jews.

Introduction Our Advent Sermon Series this year is called, “Advent: The Unexpected King.” The Bible contains a record of some remarkable births. So far this Advent, we have examined the births of Isaac, Moses, and John the Baptist. Each of these births foreshadow the greatest birth of all, the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How To Leave A Legacy Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

In this message the example of Paul is used to show us how we can leave a legacy of faith to those who come behind us

INTRODUCTION * Think of the people who’ve made a lasting impact on your life (i.e., grandparent, teacher, close friend, etc.) * Why we remember them: they made a significant impression upon us and did something that changed our lives - they left a legacy * We’re always thankful for ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:1-35

Denomination: Baptist