Sermons on Surprise:

The Faces Of Opposition

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Dec 7, 2006

We should not be surprised that the gospel is opposed. We’d like to think that everyone will just accept this wonderful news, but that is not the case. Let’s look at the faces of that opposition.

Passage: Acts 17:1-33 Intro: One of the recurring themes of Acts is opposition. 1. mostly from the Jews, but others as well. 2. it was as well as recurring theme in the life of ministry of Christ. 3. we can draw this principle; that where the gospel goes, opposition will arise in one form or ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-34

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Why?

Contributed by Ian Biss on Oct 16, 2001

What sort of attitude do you have concernong those who attacked the U.S., You may be surprised with God’s attitude towards them.

Why? By Ian Biss (9/16/01) Tuesday’s chronology of terror - September 11, 2001 8:45 a.m. (all times are EDT): A hijacked passenger jet, American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston, Massachusetts, crashes into the north tower of the World Trade Center, tearing a gaping hole in the building and ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 24:15-20, Romans 4:5

Denomination: Grace Brethren

John 12:1-8 (The Erotic & The Domestic)

Contributed by David Smith on Oct 30, 2007

It doesn’t take long at this dinner party before the chaos breaks out, this time through the surprising appearance of Mary, pouring a ludicrously expensive jar of perfume.

We’re turning to John’s Gospel today, which, quite frankly, is a little unnerving for me, as I find John’s Gospel more difficult to deal with than the other three John retells the story of Jesus in such a way that things are rarely as they appear to be. Jesus speaks of being born ’from above’ and ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

What Was Jesus Thinking On The Cross? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on May 11, 2008

Most of us know the crucifixion story and what it means. But have you ever considered what Jesus was thinking and feeling on the cross? It may surprise and comfort you.

Chapter 19 of John is the culmination of Jesus’ life. It is the high point in the story of the universe. Everything before leads up to this event and everything after points back to it. Much of the debate here seems to revolve around whether Jesus is a king and of what? That’s a question each of ...read more

Scripture: John 19:1-42

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Jesus Is Our Good Shepherd, But What Does That Really Mean?

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Apr 27, 2015

Jesus the "Good Shepherd"; is a very under estimated phrase. What does this truly mean, and where is the power in this expression? Does the enemy have a similar policy? You will be surprised.

Welcome Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen Today we look at that passage again where Jesus tells us that he is the Good Shepherd, and there are a lot of references to sheep, so I warn you before hand, ... it has a powerful ending though. The 23rd Psalm is ...read more

Scripture: John 10:11-18

Denomination: Episcopal

John Chapter 3 Part 1 Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Nov 12, 2013

Nicodemus. The first three verses of this chapter contain a surprising exchange between Nicodemus and Jesus. It is almost as if they are having completely different conversations. What is this all leading up to???

John 3:1-15 “Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-3

Denomination: Nazarene

Suffering, Carrying Your Cross And Denying Yourself.

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Mar 2, 2015

This sermon it is about suffering, and taking up our crosses, and denying ourselves, and loosing our lives. Where is the honour and hope and victory and glory in that one? Well you will be surprised!

Welcome Grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Today is the 2nd Sunday in lent; and the theme of today’s service is about suffering, … about taking up our crosses, … and denying ourselves, … while loosing our lives. This was a very difficult ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Episcopal

Pilate's Wife

Contributed by Claude Alexander on Apr 2, 2022

It is surprising, and sad, that the only testimony (in effect) on Jesus’ behalf during the trial was made, not by any of Jesus’ disciples, nor apostles, nor followers, but by Pilate’s wife.

Pilate's Wife Matt. 27:11-26 The chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole council of the Sanhedrin had decided to put Jesus to death. They had Jesus brought before Pilate the governor to pronounce the death sentence. (Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; 23:1) Pontius Pilate was the fifth ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:11-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Violent Battle Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Oct 22, 2020

So many of the Christmas stories happen at night. The shepherds are surprised at night by an angel. Jesus is born at night in a filthy manger. The Magi see a star that leads them to Jesus.

The Last Word – Revelation 12 The Violent Battle of Christmas October 11, 2020 So many of the Christmas stories happen at night. The shepherds are surprised at night by an angel. Jesus is born at night in a filthy manger. The Magi see a star that leads them to Jesus. Revelation 12:1-6 NIV A great ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:1-6, Matthew 2:13-16, 1 Peter 4:12-13, Revelation 12:17, Revelation 17:14, 1 John 4:4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Battle Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Dec 18, 2019

So many of the Christmas stories happen at night. The shepherds are surprised at night by an angel. Jesus is born at night in a filthy manger. The Magi see a star that leads them to Jesus.

The Battle of Christmas December 22, 2019 So many of the Christmas stories happen at night. The shepherds are surprised at night by an angel. Jesus is born at night in a filthy manger. The Magi see a star that leads them to Jesus. This is not a message about public nativity scenes or arguments ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-16, Revelation 12:1-6, 1 Peter 4:12-13, Revelation 12:17, Revelation 17:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Good Can Come From This? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 6, 2025

God invites us to move beyond cynicism, trust His surprising work, and expect transformation when we honestly bring our doubts and hopes to Jesus in prayer.

Some of us carry a quiet weariness. We scroll headlines, hear hard news, and think, “Here we go again.” Cynicism creeps in like a cold draft. We start to shrink our hopes, trim our prayers, and settle for safe, small expectations. We wonder if real change is possible. We wonder if God still ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-50

Topics: Brokenness, Perspective

Providence Through Women Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 21, 2021

The surprising thing is you have what you have because of the providence of God in the lives of women like Vashti. She was used to save Judaism, and this is our heritage as Christians.

Paul Aurandt tells this fascinating true story that deals with the paradox of positive rebellion. In April of 1847 it looked as if Mexico was ready to make peace with the United States. President James Polk chose Nicholas Trist to go as a peace commissioner. On his way Trist spoke to reporters ...read more

Scripture: Esther 1:10-22

Does This Describe Me (Hix)

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Jan 12, 2015

Why is Paul telling us all this? Because of two reasons: 1-Don’t be like these people! 2-Don’t be surprised there are people like this in church!!

2 Timothy 3:4-Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (KJV) 4-traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (NKJV) 4-They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. (NLT) 4-They ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Does A Christian Look Like? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 25, 2005

Do you know what a Christian should be like? It may surprise you to learn what God approves of and what He wants to take out of your character.

What is your idea of what a Christian should be like? I did a Google search using those words the other day and came with the most unbelievable site I think I have ever seen. I won’t mention the name of the church but the page that came up was entitled: "How does God spot a Christian?" I thought ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

One On One With Jesus In Mark Part 1 Series

Contributed by Greg Nance on Oct 27, 2007

Let’s open up the world of Mark and walk in to see the one he’s proclaiming! Jesus will surprise us if we honestly look at him and listen to him.

Present Mark 1-3 dramatically, by memory if possible. First Encounter with Jesus I’ve been spending time with the Lord in Mark’s gospel this week and I can’t wait to tell you what he has shown me. But let me warn you up front, it hasn’t been easy. We’ve been in a hurry. I’ve never seen such ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ