Sermons on God Of Surprises:

Spring Forward

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 31, 2023

There’s a surprising freedom that comes from following God unto the unknown. Enjoy it.

If you look back on the last 10 to 50 years the amount of change we have experienced in this country is pretty staggering, isn’t it. From propeller planes to space shuttles, from Ozzie and Harriet to Ozzie Osborne, from the Cold War to the War on Terror. But at least we’ve had the same government, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Starting Point Of Salvation Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 21, 2023

Paul starts his gospel presentation at a surprising point: the wrath of God. Is it justified? If so, why?

- Last week’s sermon was Paul’s introduction, which gave a summary. Now we are starting to work through what Paul shares as an explanation of the gospel. WHAT IS THE BIG QUESTION PAUL IS STARTING WITH? Is the wrath of God justified? - Romans 1:18a. - The first four words are “the wrath of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Let Me Die The Death Of The Upright!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 17, 2023

Surprised by the intervention of God, Balaam pronounces one of the great aspirations of all who know and worship the Lord God.

“Who can count the dust of Jacob. or number the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the upright, and let my end be like his!” [1] King Frederick the Great of Prussia is reported to have once asked his physician to provide proof for the existence of God. The physician is said to have ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 23:10

Denomination: Baptist

Habakkuk Part Two Series

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Sep 24, 2018

This is the second in a series on the Book of Habakkuk. In this sermon I discuss how God's ways are not always our ways, but even when He surprises us, we must still trust in Him.

Habakkuk (Pt. 2) Text: Habakkuk 1:5 – 11 Well good morning everyone… it’s good to see faithful people eager to hear what God would say to them. And we’re in the book of Habakkuk this morning. We started this series last Sunday, and we’re going to pick up right where we left off in verse 5. ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:5-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"I Never Knew You!"

Contributed by John Gaston on Oct 26, 2015

Many people will be surprised at the Judgment Seat that they aren't accepted by Christ. The criteria won't be our works, or zeal, or even cooperation in the supernatural. It will be whether we are known to Jesus in relationship!

“I NEVER KNEW YOU!” Matt. 7:21-23 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. Dick Van Dyke once described Mahatma Gandhi. 2. He said, “Gandhi walked barefoot everywhere, ate very little, and often fasted, leaving him thin and with very bad breath.” 3. Thus he is often thought of as a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God Is At Work

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 7, 2004

Message aimed at helping people see beyond the present circumstances to what God is doing.

God is at Work Romans 8:28-30 Introduction How many of you have heard the phrase, “All things work for good.” Yeah – me too. How many of you believe it? Go ahead, be brave! Show me your hands. Good. Well, let me ask you something. How about when your tire goes flat in the middle of a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-30

Denomination: Wesleyan

Falling In Love With Jesus Series

Contributed by Bob Soulliere on Nov 20, 2004

Two surprising announcements. How would you react?

Falling in love with Jesus Luke 1:1-4 Part II Based on the book by the same name by: Rubel Shelly The nature of the Gospels is summed up best by John; “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Many People Go To Heaven? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 3, 2010

A look at the surprising, scary words of Christ that few will be saved.

“Everyone Goes To Heaven, Right?”: One of the most telling, surprising, shocking statements that Jesus ever made is that only a few find salvation. - Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 13:22-30. - You could say that this section (along with vv. 24-27) is the “invitation” of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

Bearing With One Another, And What It Does Not Mean Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Apr 16, 2023

Christ’s appearances shocked and surprised His disciples.

Sunday After Easter Office of Readings (Col 3: 1-17) We have been, as St. Paul attests, raised up in company with Christ, and must set our heart on what pertains to higher realms, things above rather than things of earth. Now as earthly creatures, coming from other earthly creatures and set in the ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17, Mark 9:10

Denomination: Catholic

Habits That Honor God.

Contributed by Melvin Shelton on Sep 20, 2003

Genuine love knows how to hate an evil act while loving the one who has done it.

Habits that honor God. Rom. 12:9 -- 21. 09/21/03 Paul, in the previous chapters, told us how we can be saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. In this chapter, he tells us how we can live for God through Jesus Christ. Paul, in verse 9,tells us the theme of this section. The theme is love. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Baptist

A Wee Little Man Meets A Great Big God Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Mar 18, 2018

Zacchaeus was rich, greedy, corrupt…and short. And he knew something was missing from his life. What happened when Jesus passed by surprised him and deeply disturbed the great throng of people following Jesus to Jerusalem.

A Wee Little Man Meets a Great Big God Easter Series: On the Way to the Cross, #2 Chuck Sligh March 18, 2018 NOTE: A PowerPoint presentation is available for this sermon by request at chucksligh@hotmail.com. This is a shorter adaptation of a sermon from an Easter series by Brian Bill found on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Managing Money God's Way: Sharing Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Mar 24, 2022

Money plays a big role in our lives, so it shouldn't surprise us that the Bible has a lot to say about it. In this sermon, we discover that sharing our money should be purposeful, pleasant, and productive.

Managing Money God’s Way: Sharing Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 10/9/16 Most of us have probably heard the saying, “Money talks.” Someone once said, “If money talks, all it ever says to me is good-bye!” I heard a story recently though about some talking money. A well-worn ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-10, Luke 16:11, Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:26, Proverbs 11:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian Church

Part 3 - Matthew 9:14-17 - Surprise! I'm Already Here! Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Mar 21, 2010

Why are people still turning up to Jesus as John's disciples and wanting TO KEEP ON PREPARING THE WAY. Jesus has come. The Bridegroom has arrived. Get with the plan, people! He's here. All that is left is to celebrate the wedding!

Part 3 - Matthew 9:14-15 - SURPRISE! I'M ALREADY HERE! My youngest grandson had his first birthday recently. My daughter wanted to make it special for him and she invited all her friends with young children to come. SHE SPENT WEEKS PLANNING THIS PARTY. We spent a good week just setting it up. We ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In The Fire! Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jun 24, 2021

Don’t be surprised or ashamed by the fire. Instead, be glad in the fire, glory in the fire, and give yourself to God in the fire.

Kathryn Leatherwood from Washington, Ohio, recalls spending a week with a roomful of VBS preschoolers. Many of them had been first-timers and attended with loud protests. Toward the end of the week, she noticed Jessica adjusting her colorful headband with a look of frustration. After quieting yet ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:48, 1 Peter 2:5, Acts 26:28, Acts 11:26, Acts 7:55, Exodus 40:34, Romans 8:18, Revelation 20:14-15, 1 Peter 4:12-19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Only Thing Worth Wanting - Psalm 25 Pt.2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 17, 2025

When life falls apart, David doesn't ask for relief from his trouble—he asks for God's love. Discover the surprising strength that comes from wanting nothing but God.

Of David. To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; 2 in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3 No one who waits for you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. 4 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach ...read more