Sermons on Unexpected:

The Almost Forgotten Man: Joseph

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Dec 17, 2013

Joseph seems almost forgotten in the Christmas story. A look at Joseph's faithfulness in the midst of unexpected situations.

The Characters of Christmas: Joseph Matthew 1: 18-25 There is no greater Christmas classic than Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, and there is no greater Christmas character than poor George Bailey. He’s even referred to several times throughout the film as “poor ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Methodist

Call Waiting Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 27, 2022

If God puts unexpected obstacles in your path to ministry, how should you handle it?

When I graduated from seminary, I had no idea when or where I would be called into ministry. Many of my classmates were luckier. They knew where they were going. They had received a call. I, on the other hand, would not even be eligible to receive a call for at least one year, perhaps two or more. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:8-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

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

The Parable Of The Workers In The Vineyard PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Explore and understand God's boundless generosity, grace, and unexpected provision, as illustrated in the parable of the workers in the vineyard.

Good morning, church family! Today, we are diving headfirst into the depths of God’s boundless generosity, his unfathomable grace, and his unexpected provision. There’s a quote by Charles Spurgeon that I think perfectly encompasses our topic today. He said, "That truth is that it is beyond the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Topics: God's Provision

Making Sense Out Of Suffering

Contributed by Owen Lukins on Nov 15, 2000

Making sense out of suffering as a result of an unexpected disaster. While we are helpless Christ comes to the rescue.

17th August 1997 Tathra/Bega UCA SCRIPTURE: Romans5:1-8 SUBJECT: Making sense out of suffering INTRODUCTION: I will never forget the scene …. I had just entered the Thredo Alpine Hotel which had been transformed into the Disaster Welfare Centre. I was not really that sure of what my role as ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-8

Denomination: *other

Your Tomorrow Has Been Cancelled

Contributed by Danny Anderson on Sep 16, 2006

Everyday, unexpecting people receive this message: Your tomorrow has been cancelled! The fact is that everyone here....

Your Tomorrow Has Been Cancelled! Introduction: Earlier this week, an Australian icon who has touched the lives of many Americans, left home, boarded a boat and ventured out to the Great Barrier Reef with his camera crew in tow. Another marvelous adventure for Steve Irwin - the Crocodile Hunter. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:16-21

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

"Were Can I Find The Intelligent Designer?”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Dec 21, 2020

I love Christmas. But this is a difficult, unexpected kind of Christmas.Christmas is the celebration of the entrance of the “Intelligent Designer” of the Universe.

In Jesus Holy Name December 24, 2020 Christmas Eve–Matthew 1:20b-21 Redeemer “Were Can I Find the Intelligent Designer?” I love Christmas. But this is a difficult, unexpected kind of Christmas. Families have had to make adjustments. Churches ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:4-7, Matthew 1:20-21

Denomination: Lutheran

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

The Heart Of Faith: When Love Transcends Duty Series

Contributed by Dr Fr John Singarayar Svd on Oct 30, 2024

We are called to let love guide our actions, even when it takes us in unexpected directions.

The Heart of Faith: When Love Transcends Duty Intro: We are called to let love guide our actions, even when it takes us in unexpected directions. Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:2-6, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 12:28-34. Reflection Dear Sisters and Brothers, In a quiet town, an older woman named ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:2-6, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Other

Help From Unlikely Sources

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 29, 2025

In times of great need and uncertainty, God often chooses to provide help in the most unexpected and unusual ways.

HELP FROM UNLIKELY SOURCES By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Kings 17:4-6 "And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there." (1 Kings 17:4) Supporting Texts: Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 147:9, Luke 12:24, Matthew 6:26, 1 Corinthians ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:4-6, Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 147:9, Luke 12:24, Matthew 6:26, 1 Corinthians 1:27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What's In Your Lamp? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 9, 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

Seeking The Unexpected Jesus (Sermon 6): The Urgency Of God’s Invitation Isaiah 55:6 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 5, 2024

Isaiah 55:6 is a divine invitation for every one of us to draw near to God, not later, not tomorrow, but right now.

Seeking the Unexpected Jesus (Sermon 6): The Urgency of God’s Invitation Isaiah 55:6 Introduction: Today, we will explore a verse that speaks to the urgency of seeking God—Isaiah 55:6, which says, “Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.” (NLT) This is a divine ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:6, Matthew 6:33, John 14:23, Proverbs 27:1, Matthew 1:23, Hebrews 3:15, John 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Divine Helpers In Unlikely Places Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 11, 2025

God often provides help from unexpected sources and through people we least expect. Divine helpers do not always come as wealthy benefactors or influential figures. Sometimes, they are found in unlikely places—individuals whom society has overlooked, rejected, or considered insignificant.

DIVINE HELPERS IN UNLIKELY PLACES By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Samuel 22:1-2 "David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 22:1-2

Denomination: Assembly Of God