Sermons on Surprise: showing 391-405 of 27,805

God Has Some Big Windows...

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Nov 19, 2014

GOD IS NEVER CAUGHT BY SURPRISE.Do we really trust his plan? The plan may take us to the back side of the desert? Is that still God? Beware the negative message can be deadly?

GOD HAS BIG WINDOWS... IN ONE DAY... ACCEPT NOTHING LESS... By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. 2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. Job 14:14 If ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Deadly Character Flow - Pride - Genesis 11 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 24, 2021

I’m surprised that my wife married me. Because if you hear our story of how we met, the very first time that we met Carrie was impressed with my arrogance.

Today I’d like to talk to you about pride. How many of you would say you have a problem with the sin of pride? I find it hard. It's kind of frustrating. Can I just say it’s a frustrating topic to preach about? I think it’s frustrating to preach about it because the people who need to hear about ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What Faith Looks Like Series

Contributed by James Wallace on May 11, 2021

This is a reality check. When you're surprised by the challenges of the Christian life and even tempted to quit, consider how the people who are part of Faith's Hall of Fame lived.

This past week we all heard about another horrific tragedy on the border. Three people died and 25 were injured as smugglers attempted to bring dozens of illegal immigrants into the U.S. via boat along the California Coast. The 40-foot boat broke up on a reef just west of Point Loma off the San ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-16, Romans 1:18-20, Matthew 6:33

Denomination: Bible Church

The Persecution Paradox Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Jul 30, 2020

We shouldn’t be surprised when persecution comes. In fact, Jesus closes out the section of the Beatitudes with a paradox. We will be persecuted. It’s inevitable. But the blessing we will receive is out of this world!

The Jesus Manifesto: The Persecution Paradox Matthew 5:10-12 Chenoa Baptist Church Pastor Jefferson M. Williams It Has Begun It’s been fourteen months since that fateful day in September 2026. In a landmark, unprecedented seven to three vote, the Supreme Court labeled Christianity a “hate ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

Multiple Meanings Of Marvelous Grace Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 30, 2021

Most often Christians define grace as only unmerited favor, but this is putting a limit on the word which the New Testament does not do. It should not be surprising that grace can also mean merited favor.

A snowstorm made it impossible for a guess speaker to get to the church where he was to preach. Therefore, a local man was asked to come in as a substitute. The speaker began by explaining the meaning of substitute. If you break a window he said, and then place a cardboard there instead--that is ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:2

Standing Firm In Trials Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 19, 2003

Persecution is promised to believers; therefore we should not be surprised when we encounter trials of various kinds. In the midst of difficulties, we must continue to increase in love for people as we anticipate the return of Christ.

Standing Firm in Trials Here are a few breaking prayer needs that have been compiled by a ministry called “Open Doors.” (Taken from the Pastor’s Guide for the “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church,” www.opendoorsusa.org). Vietnamese authorities recently arrested a pastor and held ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Handling The Power Encounter

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Dec 7, 2006

As Paul and his team went out into a dark world, it was no surprise that there were times when the light came smack up against the darkness. These "power encounters" are inevitable. How do we handle them?

Passage: Acts 16:16-41 Intro: When we hear the word power, certain pictures come to mind. 1. huge guns, bombers, nuclear warheads. 2. human beings are obsessed with power, we love to be the ones with more. 3. every Sunday in the Fall, teams walk onto the football field for a “power encounter,” to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-40

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Have You Lost The Wonder In The Wonderful Counselor?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 11, 2008

Today it seems that many Christians have lost the sense of excitement, surprise and curiosity to know more about the wonderful Counselor? Here are nine ways to rejuvenate that sense of wonderment about the Lord we love.

How to Regain the Sense of Wonder of the Wonderful Counselor (Isa 9:6-15) His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa 9:6) In the context of this chapter the Israelites are going through a period of darkness, despair and depression. In our ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Does The Bible Mean, To Be Born Again?

Contributed by William D. Brown on Jan 1, 2009

We might be surprised if we really knew how many people there are that really don’t understand, what being “born again” really means, and what being “saved” really consists of.

John 1: 12-13 WHAT DOES THE BIBLE MEAN, TO BE BORN AGAIN? 1-3-09 I believe this is the appropriate message to start the New Year out with, becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus. Listen as I read today’s text found in JOHN 1:12-13 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become ...read more

Scripture: John 1:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Last Word Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Mar 16, 2005

Though everyone had written Jesus off after He was crucified, He surprised them all through rising from the dead. Through His resurrection, Jesus had "The Last Word!"

Pastor Craig Baynham, tells the story of an uncle who one day was leisurely driving his convertible in the mountains. He had his top down, his radio turned up loud, and was enjoying to the full the beauties of the winding mountain road on which he was driving. So intent was he on the scenery, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

What Do I Really Need This Christmas? Series

Contributed by Mike Quinn on Jan 19, 2006

God knows what we need, at Christmas and throughout the year. The birth of Jesus caught the Hebrew people by surprise. The gift of the Messiah was different than what they expected, but God knew what they really needed.

What do I really need this Christmas? “A Reel Look At Christmas” Luke 2:1-20 Intro idea: Funny Christmas presents, lots of times people don’t know what we really need. Sometimes we don’t even know… First movie clip of pink outfit… Luke 2:4-17 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Very Naughty Figs..." By Dr. Winson Butler

Contributed by Winson Butler on Nov 9, 2004

When you give a lesson in MEANESS to a critter or a person, don’t be surprised if they learn their lesson. The same goes for the children of Israel as they discovered the truth behind the "Naughty figs.." let’s examine it together!

Introduction What a contrast. I can hear Israel now, "We’ve been called many things, but, naughty figs, that takes the cake..." Jeremiah was his name. Called tyo proclaim the message that Judah would be destroyed by a foe from the north. God promised that he would protect Jeremiah as he became ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 24:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Part 3 - Matthew 12:9-14 -Deformities Of The Heart And Hand Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Sep 19, 2010

The CLAWED FINGERS of their law system were DISTORTED AND MALFORMED and particularly difficult to uproot. It is not at all surprising that Jesus uses a man with a DEFORMED HAND to illustrate what needed to be done if ever they were to be healed of their D

Part 3 - Matthew 12:9-14 -DEFORMITIES OF THE HEART AND HAND Yesterday, with the encouragement of my wife, I got rid of some THORNY WEEDS growing like trees in the back garden. The thorns were now like razor sharp nails and so it was difficult to get to the roots without punctures, scratches and a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:9-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Different Expectations Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 13, 2010

Jesus didn't fit John's idea of what the Messiah would be like. Jesus stressed love rather than judgment. Jesus moves in surprising ways and communicates God's grace in unexpected situations.

Matthew 11:2-11 “Different Expectations” INTRODUCTION The family gathers around the newborn’s bassinette. They marvel at this squirming gift of life, and give thanks for health and wholeness. As they gaze upon the baby’s features they wonder what the child will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Who's Righteousness Is It Anyway?

Contributed by Rick Young on Dec 1, 2004

What the real difference in being righteous in God’s eyes and in mans eyes? Why are we sometimes made to feel we have to GET righteous, in order to BE righteous? The answer may surprise you.

Have you ever felt rejected by a church or group simply because you weren’t "good enough"? Have you ever been told by someone you were living in sin because you couldn’t seem to live up to certain rules or guidelines? Have you ever wondered why it is that many times we are made to think we must ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 4:6

Denomination: Pentecostal