Sermons on Surprise:

Culture's Favorite Biblical Misunderstanding Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Mar 8, 2007

The most popular and misunderstood and misused verse and principle in all of scripture is what Jesus has to say about "judging"

• Today, we live in a culture which is given to universalism. • The thinking goes something like this: “if’ there is a God, He is a good God who lives in a good place which is designed for good people. Since we all are pretty good and God is good, logically – one day ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

If Necessary, Use Words

Contributed by Terry Barnhill on May 9, 2009

Ours is a living God who can only be known through relationship.

This morning I’ld like to focus on three words from John 15 – the words of Jesus, “Abide with me”. In John 15, Jesus talks about three vital RELATIONSHIPS. Our, • RELATIONSHIP to Christ (Jn 15:1-17) • RELATIONSHIP to other believers (Jn 15: 12-18) • RELATIONSHIP to the world (Jn 15:19-27) If I ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Independent Jonah And The Rescue From Doom Series

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Sep 15, 2008

God mercifully rescues Jonah in a specatular way showing his control over all things.

Last week we started a sermon series on the life of the prophet Jonah. Independent Jonah, as we’re calling him for his I-know-what’s-best attitude, shares some similarities with the Indiana Jones character from the Steven Spielberg movies. Both got into their share of tight spots and both managed ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

"Gaudete!” Better Than "Gesundheit!”

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Dec 14, 2009

“Gaudete!” Better Than “Gesundheit!” 1) Because the Lord’s joy, and not your health, is your strength 2) Because the Lord’s Word, and not man’s pious wishes, is your confidence

It starts with a tickle, then a quiver, followed by a gulp of air as if you’re getting ready to swim the length of a pool in one go, but then suddenly, violently that air gets expelled in a loud “Achoo!” I don’t like to sneeze. Every time I do, it feels like I pop a blood vessel. That’s why I’m ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:9-18

Denomination: Lutheran

God’s Son, Not Your Kids, Is Your Salvation

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Dec 21, 2009

Like the replacement bulb that came with your Christmas lights a generation ago, Jesus took his place among us "duds" and gave us the light of life.

Apparently he could putt a golf ball before he could even walk. Then when only three years old he beat the noted comedian and avid golfer, Bob Hope, in a putting contest on TV. By age eight he had won the first of many golf tournaments. Even if you don’t know anything about golf, you’ve heard of ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

House - Part 8 - House Calls Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Jan 21, 2010

Is God’s house a building? Does His house have rules, systems, or structure? How can we be His house unless we know?

House “House Calls” I. Introduction Over the last month and half or so we have been talking about how to guarantee a move of God. Such a guarantee only comes when we build the house God’s way. God is not obligated to move into what He has not designed. When we follow His ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Visit To The Upper Room

Contributed by Rick Pendleton on May 23, 2008

A dramatic monologue to use at communion.

A Visit to the Upper Room A Dramatic Monologue The setting is the upper room. The character is Thaddeus, one of the 12. He is straightening the room. Opening: Thaddeus turns is acts surprised to see someone. Oh, Hi there! You startled me. I did not expect anyone to be up here with me. My name ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Prayer: #1-Access Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Sep 2, 2009

The first message in a series on the Power of Prayer written by Max Lucado, This message deals with our access to the throne room of Heaven showing that Father, Son, and Spirit all work together to give you access in prayer.

Power of Prayer #1:ACCESS Ephesians 2:18 CHCC: June 7, 2009 (from Discover the Power of Prayer by Max Lucado) VIDEO: Break Down the Wall INTRODUCTION: St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome has a holy door called the “Porta Sancta” which is only opened during a Holy Year of Jubilee which occurs ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Will Come Again!

Contributed by Chris Layton on Sep 3, 2009

The Fact That Jesus WILL Come again

Jesus Will Come Again! Acts 1:4-11 There are seven truths about Jesus that every Christian must accept, without any doubt, because they are the basis for salvation of one’s soul and are necessary for faith. • Virgin Birth – conceived of the Holy Spirit; born of a virgin. • Sinless Life – Not even a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:4-11

Denomination: Baptist

How Big Is Your God? Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Sep 14, 2009

Pray and expect great things from God. Have faith in the positive because God is good. Believe in the unseen power of prayer.

Peter was in a crisis. The church responded appropriately – they pray! • Yet when the news was told that “Peter is at the door!” their response was, “You’re out of your mind.” • The servant girl insisted but they resisted, and gave the excuse, “It must be his angel.” • You see, they even tried ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Crucified With Christ Series

Contributed by Wes Richard on Jul 9, 2009

The Bible makes clear that it is not what we do that gives us merit, it is what we are because of the blood of Jesus.

If you are like me, sometime in your life you have received a letter from some place you did not expect and you wondered, “What in the world is this?” A couple of years ago, we received a letter from city Code Enforcement. All kinds of questions went through our heads. What had we done? Is ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:15-21

Denomination: Brethren

Understanding Salvation Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jan 28, 2009

This gives us a good understanding of Paul’s teaching about salvation

UNDERSTANDING SALVATION Romans 10:1-13 * One of the saddest and greatest tragedies in history is recorded in April of 1912. The much heralded and unsinkable Titanic sank in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. The lost of life was tremendous. In the aftermath of this tragedy, I am told that a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

What’s In It For Me Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jun 13, 2010

Taking this popular mantra and applying it to James 1:12, the message brings to light how thin and shallow this approach to life really is.

How to Do Life What’s In It for ME? James 1:12 * (Show the title on the screen.) Please read this phrase with me (read). Last week I Googled this phrase and returned 414,000,000 hits. We live in a “What’s in it for me (WIIFM)” culture. It begins with people’s approach to government which only ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12

Denomination: Baptist

Doctrine Is Important Series

Contributed by Duane Smith on Apr 11, 2011

This message is intended to help us understand doctrine is important and that how we understand the doctrines of the Bible influences how we live.

DOCTRINE IS IMPORTANT 1 Timothy 1:3-5 INTRODUCTION: A. We live in troublesome times: not just as a nation but as the church 1. People are asking all kinds of questions: a. Is Jesus the only way to heaven? b. Are tongues still operable? c. Are heaven and Hell real places? d. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

"From Religion To Relationship"

Contributed by David Henderson on Apr 12, 2011

We come this morning to one of the most familiar passages of scripture in the Bible. Certainly most of us have memorized John 3:16 than any other verse ion the Bible. Preschoolers can recite it. Football fans paint it on signs and sit in the end zone.

“From Religion to Relationship” John 3:1-16 Billy Graham tells the story of the time early in His ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a revival meeting. He had arrived a bit early so he decided to finish a letter he was writing and get it in the mail. He finished the ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-16

Denomination: Baptist