Sermons on God Of Surprises:

Welcome To Golgotha

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 2, 2002

According to a recent survey, a surprising number of people admitted that their Christianity would not be changed if Jesus hadn’t died on the cross. What importance was the cross to our faith?

OPEN: A little boy was not exactly happy about going to church on Easter Sunday morning. His new shoes were too tight, his tie pinched his neck, and the weather outside was just too good to be cooped up inside. As he sulked in the back seat of the family car, his parents heard him murmuring: “I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:32-56

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Was Jesus Thinking On The Cross? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on May 11, 2008

Most of us know the crucifixion story and what it means. But have you ever considered what Jesus was thinking and feeling on the cross? It may surprise and comfort you.

Chapter 19 of John is the culmination of Jesus’ life. It is the high point in the story of the universe. Everything before leads up to this event and everything after points back to it. Much of the debate here seems to revolve around whether Jesus is a king and of what? That’s a question each of ...read more

Scripture: John 19:1-42

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

When The Church Needs Intolerance Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jan 23, 2022

Many times churches become stagnant because of intolerance. They will not accept those different from themselves. That is why it seems surprising that Jesus himself delivers a message on intolerance.

Intolerance has a negative connotation. Many times churches become stagnant because of intolerance. They will not accept those different from themselves. That is why it seems surprising that Jesus himself delivers a message on intolerance. But when a church tolerates someone who teaches or ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Baptist

A Novel Idea

Contributed by Andy Smith on Apr 9, 2006

Description of Jesus’ Triumphal ENtry from the raising of Lazarus John 11:45 to John 12:19. as a murder mystery novel witha surprise ending.

A Novel Idea John 11:45 to 12:19 As I was looking at the suggested scriptures in the lectionary; I began to ponder the passage that was suggested. They had suggested the passage that encompassed The Triumphal Entry only (John 12:12-16). But as I looked at it, it seemed so disjointed. As I began ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"What's So Periloous About The Perilous Generation?"

Contributed by Jerry Depoy on Apr 27, 2005

This message will surprise you. What makes living in the last generation so perilous? It is not so much because of "great persecution,: but more over because of the "great temptations!"

Title of the message: “The Perilous Generation” Introduction: What is to be so perilous about living in the perilous generation? What is it that this generation will have to overcome? I have read the Book of Revelations. I know of the horrors that will ensue following the rapture of the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Balak Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 24, 2022

Balak's hired soothsayer tries to curse the Israelites three times, but the words that come forth are a wonderful surprise, which can inspire us all.

Balak [part 1] Balak was a king of Moab described in the Book of Numbers in the Hebrew Bible, where his dealings with the prophet Balaam are the main topic. Religion: Chemosh Born: Moab Died: Moab Parents: Zippor Partner: Amina Family: Zippor (father) Grandchildren: Ruth, Orpah Children: ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 24:5

Denomination: Baptist

The Faces Of Opposition

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Dec 7, 2006

We should not be surprised that the gospel is opposed. We’d like to think that everyone will just accept this wonderful news, but that is not the case. Let’s look at the faces of that opposition.

Passage: Acts 17:1-33 Intro: One of the recurring themes of Acts is opposition. 1. mostly from the Jews, but others as well. 2. it was as well as recurring theme in the life of ministry of Christ. 3. we can draw this principle; that where the gospel goes, opposition will arise in one form or ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-34

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Ready For The Journey Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 26, 2023

The wise men are a surprising twist to the narrative from Matthew. What does their presence indicate and how does getting to know them help us prepare for Christmas?

You may have noticed the chalkboard signs that are scattered around the church building. Each has a different saying- “Be the Branch,” “Catch the Wind,” “Wreck the Roof,” “Grip the Plow,” and “Empty the Jar.” They come from a small group video Bible study our groups participated in a while back. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

You Cannot Do God’s Work Without God’s Power

Contributed by Charles Jones on Jul 21, 2022

Church, if we’re failing today, is it because we’re not waiting on God’s power? If you need the power of God in your life, Jesus has a word for you.

“You Cannot Do God’s Work Without God’s power.” Text: “Then he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts’” (Zech. 4:6 RSV). Scripture Reading: Zechariah 4:1–10 The words of our text were designed to encourage ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 4:6

Denomination: Pentecostal

John 12:1-8 (The Erotic & The Domestic)

Contributed by David Smith on Oct 30, 2007

It doesn’t take long at this dinner party before the chaos breaks out, this time through the surprising appearance of Mary, pouring a ludicrously expensive jar of perfume.

We’re turning to John’s Gospel today, which, quite frankly, is a little unnerving for me, as I find John’s Gospel more difficult to deal with than the other three John retells the story of Jesus in such a way that things are rarely as they appear to be. Jesus speaks of being born ’from above’ and ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Faithfulness Of God

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Dec 14, 2000

God is always faithful to us.

THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD II Tim. 2:11-13 INTRO.- ILL.- An elderly man was crying uncontrollably as he sat on a park bench one day. A sympathetic lady just happened to walk by and stopped to talk to him. “What’s the matter?” asked the woman. “Don’t you have any money?” “Oh, no. It’s not that. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:11-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

To God Be The Glory Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Jun 13, 2004

David, Pt. 9 of 15

TO GOD BE THE GLORY (2 SAMUEL 7) The “toys of the super rich,” as CNN/Money calls them, including their travel, cell phones, diamonds and cars, can be more expensive than a family home. A night at the 2,640 square-foot Presidential Suite at the Mandarin Hotel in Manhattan costs $12,959 per-night, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-21

Denomination: Independent/Bible

To God Be The Glory Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Dec 21, 2007

David, Pt. 9

TO GOD BE THE GLORY (2 SAMUEL 7) The “toys of the super rich,” as CNN/Money calls them, including their travel, cell phones, diamonds and cars, can be more expensive than a family home. A night at the 2,640 square-foot Presidential Suite at the Mandarin Hotel in Manhattan costs $12,959 per-night, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-21

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God's Dramedy Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Sep 27, 2004

In strife or in humorous situations, God is still in control.

SERIES: “LESSONS FROM THE EARLY CHURCH” TEXT: ACTS 12:1-25 TITLE: “GOD’S DRAMEDY” INTRODUCTION: A. Are you confused by the title of this message? 1. It’s probably because you’ve never heard the term dramedy ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Imitators Of God" Series

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Sep 12, 2003

Imitators of God? Mimickers of God? Was Paul kidding? (#1 in "The Christian Victor" series)

“IMITATORS OF GOD” Ephesians 5:1,2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Here at the opening of the fifth chapter of Ephesians, we are confronted ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-2

Denomination: Orthodox