Sermons on Surprise:

The Third Commandment Series

Contributed by Hugh W. Davidson on Mar 28, 2009

Teaching on the third commandment

The third commandment Exodus 20:1-7 Here are two Christmas stories and they’re both a play on words. “There once was a czar in Russia whose name was Rudolph the Great. He was standing in his house one day with his wife and as he looked out the window and saw something ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Stretching My Imagination

Contributed by Randy Hamel on Sep 15, 2008

Sermon shows how God wants to use ordinary people based on Joshua 1:5-9; and shows how we will have success based on the promises of God. Acknowledgement: Rick Warren

STRETCHING MY IMAGINATION 50 Days of Faith Part 2 of 8 - Joshua 1:5-9 Last week we launched our 50 days of faith series. The keynote passage is ‘Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).’ I am asking God to stretch my faith, your faith, and our faith as a Faith Community. Have ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:5-9

Practising Serving Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 25, 2017

The model that is frequently brought into the church is provided by this world. That model drives the disciple to step on others in order to advance himself. The model Jesus provides, though often neglected, is quite different; it teaches us to serve.

“A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

Excluded From The Celestial City

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 6, 2018

Everybody talkin' 'bout Heaven ain't goin' there. The Word of God is quite clear that many will be excluded from Heaven. The message is a plea to those who are casual about God to avoid this condemnation.

“[Christ, seated on His throne] said to [John], ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

Perhaps Today

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 27, 2013

How shall the child of God live until the Master returns? That is the consideration in this message.

“Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Amazing Unremarkable Healing - Mark 1:28-34a Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 3, 2023

The people were amazed at Jesus’ authority, but that response is inadequate. Only repentance and faith are sufficient.

Mark 1:28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:28-34

Preachers In Perdition

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 6, 2024

Many professed Christians will be turned away from Heaven because they have trusted an act rather than trusting the Son of God.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Baptist

God's Glory And Man's Dominion Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

GOD DESIGNED SEEMINGLY INSIGNIFICANT MAN TO REIGN OVER THE EARTH IN MAJESTY

BIG IDEA: GOD DESIGNED SEEMINGLY INSIGNIFICANT MAN TO REIGN OVER THE EARTH IN MAJESTY I. (:1-2) GOD REIGNS IN MAJESTY A. His Intrinsic Majesty “O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Thy name in all the earth, Who hast displayed Thy splendor above the heavens!” B. His Rightful Dominion over all ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 8:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Is God Smiling Down On You? Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

SEEKING GOD’S FAVOR IS THE FIRST STEP IN SPIRITUAL REVIVAL

BIG IDEA: SEEKING GOD’S FAVOR IS THE FIRST STEP IN SPIRITUAL REVIVAL I. (:1-3) SEEKING THE FAVOR OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD Trying to get God’s attention ("Oh, give ear, Shepherd of Israel") tender, compassionate shepherd A. (:1a) The Good Shepherd Can Provide Guidance and Direction "Thou who dost lead ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 80:1-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Faces In The Mirror

Contributed by Danny Thomas on Oct 9, 2001

A message on our reflection in the mirror of the Word.

Faces in the Mirror James 1:22-25 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22-25

Denomination: Pentecostal

Interpreting The Ministry Of Jesus

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Aug 21, 2007

Being a follower of Jesus will bring us into conflict with those who are not his followers. However, being his follower means that we are called to help others to interpret his ministry so that they might become his follower too.

On and off, for the past 19 years Moira and I have been delighted to be able to spend time at her parents’ time-share apartment in Spain. The weather is predictably hot and the sun shines brightly! However, I was careless in packing my case. I was disappointed to arrive in Spain and discover that I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Denomination: Anglican

The Victory Of F-A-I-T-H

Contributed by Ron Crow on Mar 7, 2003

Our faith in God brings victory in life.

The Victory of F-A-I-T-H Selected Scripture “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith.” 1 John 5:4 Introduction I. F-reedom in Christ “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 A. Some ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:4

Denomination: Baptist

Great Expectations Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 9, 2007

The disciples were confronted with what to do with an empty. Seeing the power of the resurrection in their lives gives us cause for great expectations.

John 20:1-8 “Great Expectations” INTRODUCTION What do you do with an empty tomb? John is very brief in his description of the events of Easter morning. Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and found it empty. She ran to Peter and the beloved disciple to tell them that someone had stolen Jesus’ ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Empowered Lives Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 9, 2007

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest watershed event in human history. Our world will never be the same, and living in the reality of the resurrection our lives will never be the same either.

John 20:1-8 “Great Expectations” INTRODUCTION What do you do with an empty tomb? John is very brief in his description of the events of Easter morning. Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and found it empty. She ran to Peter and the beloved disciple to tell them that someone had stolen Jesus’ ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

"Are You A Basket Case?"

Contributed by Jerry Depoy on May 8, 2006

After the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus told his disciples to pick up the fragments and place them into a basket. Why? Three thoughts: To remind them of their miracle, their mission, and of their Manna from Heaven.

Title: “A Basket Case” After the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus told his disciples to pick up the fragments and place them into a basket. Why? Here are three simple, but profound, thoughts that God laid upon my heart to share with you today. 1. To remind them of the Miracle. In Mark 8, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:14-22

Denomination: Baptist