Sermons on Surprise:

Bless The Lord, Oh My Soul Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 11, 2012

Sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. So what do you have? What blessings has God given you? And are those blessings the same as what David speaks of in this Psalm? The answers may surprise you.

OPEN: Years ago, there was a popular song called “Big Yellow Taxi”, by Joni Mitchell. In the chorus was this memorable line: “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got, till it’s gone.” You don’t know what you’ve got… till it’s gone. You know, there is so much in our lives ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:1-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Cs Lewis Style Observations About Reality

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Dec 28, 2021

If I may make a CS Lewis'esc observation about humanity: No one is really old. Every person ever born was always intended to be forever young, and has a soul which feels a natural inclination to always exist, thus aging and death is a profound surprise to us.

No one is really Old If I may make a CS Lewis'esc observation about humanity: No one is really old. Every person ever born was always intended to be forever young, and has a soul which feels a natural inclination to always exist, thus aging and death is a profound surprise to us. If you see an ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-21

Denomination: Salvation Army

The God Of Great Turnarounds Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on May 22, 2023

The story of Esther and Mordecai is full of plot twists, unexpected outcomes, and surprise endings, all reminding us that we serve a God of great turnarounds. Do we have “Hamans” in our lives? From the story of Esther and Mordecai we can draw encouragement for our lives today.

Introduction Video Ill.: The Story of Esther - Second Look Films (segment 4) We are continuing our study today based loosely on Max Lucado’s book, You Were Made for This Moment. When we started, we saw that Esther and Mordecai just wanted to blend in — to be cosy in the Persian culture. Don’t ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 35:17, Jeremiah 12:1, Acts 17:31, Psalm 7:11, Mark 12:29-31, Matthew 5:43-45, Isaiah 58:6-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Miracle At Cana Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Jan 20, 2003

3rd of 10 in series on Jesus Stories. The main points of this message come from a message by Richard Hall titled "What do you do when the Wine Runs Out" found on Sermon Central. The first miracle Jesus did was one that is rather surprising. He changed

Marriage is a wonderful gift from God to humankind. When we live and love up to the promise of marriage it really is a taste of heaven. Maybe that is why we work so hard to make our wedding day a very special time. Yet life rarely works as smoothly or goes as well as we want it to and that is ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Weeps Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Feb 21, 2007

This picture, much less this statement, surprises a lot of people. Some people think a deity ought to behave differently. Gods, so the popular image goes, sit far off, throw lightning bolts, or send angels. What kind of god would get so close to his su

Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Jesus Wept John 11:25-27; 33-36 Just two little words. In fact it’s the shortest verse in the Bible. That alone gets our attention. Just two little words. But it’s not just the brevity of the statement that gets ...read more

Scripture: John 11:35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Encouragement Among Believers Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Oct 22, 2020

Life is full of surprises. Life is full of stresses and burdens. When we chose to follow God's will, the stresses and burdens of life can pull against His perfect will. That's why believers need each other and need to encourage one another.

Grace Community Church Winchester, VA Rev. Bradford Reaves, Sr. Pastor www.GraceCommunity.com Watch this message https://youtu.be/dmWN4pn5UVY Introduction Have you ever had a situation, where you did the right thing, but the people around you were actually disappointed or angry with you? Over ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:38-56, Galatians 6:2, Romans 8:31, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Mark 10:27, Matthew 17:20, Hebrews 10:24-25, Ephesians 6:10-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

The Da Vinci Code, Part 1: Do The Winners Write History? Series

Contributed by Lee Strobel on May 2, 2006

That’s what we’re going to find out in this new series on The Da Vinci Code. Garry Poole and I traveled to Europe to investigate the sites of Dan Brown’s story, but our biggest surprise occurred in Lincoln Cathedral. That’s where director Ron Howard filme

Cracking the Da Vinci Code Part I: Do the Winners Write History? Lee Strobel Sign up for Lee Strobel’s free e-newsletter Investigating Faith at www.LeeStrobel.com [Note: This message was immediately preceded by the video segment from Session 1 of the Discussing the Da Vinci Code DVD, available at ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Denomination: *other

Elijah: Fighting Depression

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 29, 2016

In a contest on Mt. Carmel, he was God's instrument to prove to Israel that Jehovah was the Lord. But after that amazing victory Elijah sank into the depths of despair. He sat down under a juniper tree and asked God to take his life. Does that surprise you about a man of God? I hope not.

Tom Lowe 6/26/16 ELIJAH: FIGHTING DEPRESSION (Text: 1 Kings 18-19) Depression is the common cold of our emotions. Eventually it touches everyone—even God's people. I know this because I am a born-again Christian who has battled depression for many years. Just recently, I passed through a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Sovereignty Of God Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Mar 8, 2015

God’s the infinite Ruler of all; He is “running the show.” Nothing can prevent His predetermined plan. Nothing takes Him by surprise. Those who see God’s hand in everything can best leave everything in God’s hand.

It’s been said, “How do you make God laugh? Tell Him your plans” (G.K. Chesterton). Our plans aren’t always in line with God’s. We may try to fight God’s will, but someone pointed out, “Your arms are too short to box with God” (J. W. Johnson). The ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 47:1-9

Denomination: Congregational

From Fear To Faith

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Apr 15, 2018

Jesus shows up to the disciples behind locked doors and reminds us: 1) Don't be surprised when he shows up in our lives. 2) Allow him to meet our doubts. 3) Allow him to open our minds to scripture, and 4) Take the witness stand for him.

Luke 24:36-48 From Fear to Faith Rev. Roy Almquist shares a peculiar story from the bloody second Battle of Bull Run in the Civil War. Captain Robert Clark and his men were surrounded by the Confederate forces but refused to surrender. In the terrible battle that ensued, Clark’s entire detachment ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-48

Denomination: Baptist

The Truth About Grace

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Oct 13, 2023

I spent years in Church not understanding what God's grace does in the life of a Christian. I was surprised when I learned grace DOES NOT COVER my sins. Before you stop reading here, read the message and then decide for yourself what grace is doing in your life.

The Truth About Grace Scripture: Romans 1:17-18; Titus 2:11-12; Ephesians 3:20; Hebrews 13:9 When Paul opened his letter to the Christians in Rome, he wrote, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.’” (Romans 1:17) ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:17-18, Titus 2:11-12, Ephesians 3:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

It Takes Faith (Part Eleven) Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Sep 18, 2017

We've looked at many people on our journey through the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. And while it wouldn't surprise us to see names like Noah, Abraham and Moses, the next name on our list might raise a few eyebrows. Today we'll look at the faith of Rahab

IT TAKES FAITH (part eleven) Hebrews 11:31 INTRODUCTION: We've looked at many people on our journey through the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. And while it wouldn't surprise us to see names like Noah, Abraham and Moses, the next name on our list might raise a few eyebrows. Last week I talked about ...read more

Scripture: James 2:24-25, Joshua 6:22-25, Joshua 2:1-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Does God Really Love Least Things Series

Contributed by William Fix on Feb 4, 2002

Does God really love least things? Have you ever thought of yourself as insignificant? Least probably in all of God’s creation? What does God’s Word say about the least? Who are they? It may surprise you that if you are least by your own choosing, Go

This is the final message from the series entitled Does God Love These Things. We have explred the following: 1. "Does God Love Laughter?" 2. "Does God Love Lost People" 3. "Does God Love, Love Making?" Today we are going to look at a forth question. "Does God Really Love Least Things?" I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-45, Luke 15:19

Denomination: Methodist

Cool To God, Not So Cool To Us Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 10, 2003

God’s Idea of Cool Sometimes Surprises Us. Sometimes what is cool to God is not so cool to us. We must learn to understand God’s way of thinking and adjust our minds to tune in with His revealed will. Let’s note three qualities that are so essential t

Cool To God, Not So Cool to Us (Luke 18:1-14, Matt. 20:1-16) INTRO 1. It amazes me how little has changed in the teen world since I was a teen. I reached the age of 20 in the Fall of 1976, by the way. 2. The music doesn’t sound much different, except for rap---which is not new; it is simply old ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-14, Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Getting That Camel Through That Needle Series

Contributed by David Asch on Jan 18, 2005

Today we will observe Jesus being asked this question: “What must I do to live forever?” Even if you think you know what’s coming, hang on, you may be surprised! There may be some facets to the answer that you aren’t familiar with, and they may explain w

GETTING THAT CAMEL THROUGH THAT NEEDLE Mark 10:17-31 INTRO: Throughout his history, man’s quest has been the answer to this question: “How can I live forever?” It used to be mummification and the fountain of youth. Today, for $100,000 you can be frozen ($50,00 for head only) SI reports that Ted ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational