Sermons on Surprise:

Romans In Isaiah 48 Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Apr 22, 2013

Much of what Paul writes in Romans comes from Isaiah: God’s truth is eternal, so it is no surprise that we see the major tenants of the Christian faith are found in the Old Testament.

Romans in Isaiah 48 (Isaiah 48:1-19) 1. This has been an eventful week. We were shocked by the Boston Marathon bombing; floods reminded us of 2003, and many of you had flooded basements and streets. 2 The church had a number of water issues. 4. Our motto this week was “Let’s get it ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 48:1-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Romans In Isaiah 48 Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Apr 22, 2013

Much of what Paul writes in Romans comes from Isaiah: God’s truth is eternal, so it is no surprise that we see the major tenants of the Christian faith are found in the Old Testament.

Romans in Isaiah 48 (Isaiah 48:1-19) 1. This has been an eventful week. We were shocked by the Boston Marathon bombing; floods reminded us of 2003, and many of you had flooded basements and streets. 2 The church had a number of water issues. 4. Our motto this week was “Let’s get it ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 48:1-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

When Hell Comes To Planet Earth

Contributed by John Gaston on Aug 27, 2012

We shouldn't be surprised by the increase of evil in the world today; it was predicted by the Apostle Paul in 2 Thess. 2:1-12. Its growth indicates how close the Rapture of the Church is.

WHEN HELL COMES TO PLANET EARTH 2 Thess. 2:1-12 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: WE’LL CALL YOU It's tough enough getting a job. Try not to commit these interview gaffes, as reported by actual hiring managers: "The candidate arrived in a cat suit." "The candidate sent his sister to interview in his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

Little Things Add Up: The Test Of Little

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Mar 15, 2025

Often we miss how important little things can be. Behind every successful man is a surprised moth-in-law? To be successful we must be faithful to finish little task.

LITTLE THINGS ADD UP…. THE TEST OF LITTLE THINGS… By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) (Two part) A man works at a car factory… getting paid a fair wage for a fair day’s work. His job is to grease the u-joint on the drive train. He gets busy joking ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:15-23, 1 Kings 17:5, Matthew 5:23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

Jesus Confronts Adultery Series

Contributed by Jerry Owen on Mar 30, 2017

Who is guilty of adultery? Jesus gives us the answer in the Sermon on the Mount and what He reveals might just surprise us; but, if it doesn't, it certainly ought to change our behavior.

JESUS CONFRONTS ADULTERY Matthew 5:27-32 INTRODUCTION ** We introduced this sermon with a 4 minute drama of the woman caught in adultery ** A. WHO IS AN ADULTERER? 1. Those Who Practice Wicked Deeds. Mt 5:27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; Jesus chose murder ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-32

Denomination: Baptist

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

"a Friend Who Harms You"? Is There Such A Thing?

Contributed by Saumiman Saud on Jun 12, 2025

Isn’t a friend supposed to treat you well? Why do friends quickly turn into enemies? Don’t be surprised, because incidents like this have happened since ancient times

"A Friend Who Harms You"? Is There Such a Thing? Isn’t a friend supposed to treat you well? Why do friends quickly turn into enemies? Don’t be surprised, because incidents like this have happened since ancient times. Look at these Bible verses I quote: Proverbs 18:24 in various versions ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 18:24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

"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

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

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