Sermons on Surprise:

Why Be Baptized? 2023 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Oct 13, 2023

Paul tells us Romans 6 that Water Baptism has a 4-step process to it immersion, submersion, emergence and living the life of baptized saint. Saints die in Water Baptism and emerge resurrected in the Lord Jesus to live a righteous life in Christ.

“Why Baptism?” Opening Illustration: I have decided baptism clip. Thesis: Paul tells us Romans 6 that Water Baptism has a 4-step process to it immersion, submersion, emergence and living the life of baptized saint. Saints die in Water Baptism and emerge resurrected in the Lord Jesus to live a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-14, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Cure For Troubled Hearts Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Nov 1, 2023

Jesus’ cure for the troubled heart is to look ahead to the place Jesus is preparing for you, look up in prayer to your Heavenly Father, and look within at your Partner, the Holy Spirit. Look to the Triune God: God the Father; God the Son; and God the Holy Spirit.

Turbulence is the number one concern of anxious flyers. So much about it seems dangerous, but Patrick Smith, a commercial airline pilot who flies Boeing 757’s and 767’s, assures flyers that turbulence seems a lot worse than it actually is. Smith writes: “For all intents and purposes, a plane ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Joy In Sorrow Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Nov 16, 2023

In your sorrow, find joy in God, the Holy Spirit; find joy in the Resurrection of Christ, God’s Son; and find joy in prayer to your Heavenly Father.

There’s an old and ancient Chinese proverb which says, if you wish to be happy for one hour, get intoxicated. If you wish to be happy for three days, get married. If you wish to be happy for eight days, kill your pig and eat it. If you wish to be happy forever, learn to fish. (Chinese proverb, ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-33, John 14:26

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Suicide And The Brain Series

Contributed by Fresh Hope For Mental Health on Dec 16, 2022

Today we begin a series of sermons on mental health and caring for yourself, understanding the brain, and understanding it from God’s perspective and how He created us.

It’s difficult these days to listen to any news reports without hearing the phrases ‘mental illness’ or ‘suicide’. I’m convinced that there are many unnecessary deaths by suicide. Just consider that phrase for a moment. It doesn’t make sense. But given the rates of depression — 80% of all ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-13

"spiritual Stability"

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Aug 14, 2025

Expository Series on Philippians

Title: “Spiritual Stability” Script: Phil. 4:1-6 Type: Series Where: GNBC 8-17-25 Intro: The Church of Jesus Christ is under attack. We should not be surprised. Our Lord said it would be. In Jn. 16:33 He said: “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

When C Is Not Average PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 30, 2025

God sees and values our hearts over outward appearances, choosing and loving the overlooked and ordinary to accomplish extraordinary purposes through His grace.

Maybe you walked in today carrying the sting of being overlooked. You’ve watched others get the nod, the promotion, the platform, while you’ve kept the sheep, cleaned the messes, showed up in quiet faithfulness where no one was clapping. If that’s you, take heart. Our God loves to surprise us. He ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Topics: God's Choice, Divine Selection

Feasting In The Kingdom Of God

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

Context: Chap.

Context: Chap.14 begins with a dinner invitation that turns out not to be a very relaxing time vs.1-6 dropsy is not a very attractive disease -- various parts of the body puffed up with a lot of extra fluid -- the type of person not likely to be offered a seat at this exclusive country club but ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:15-24

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Protecting Your Torch Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Feb 21, 2001

How to keep our light shining

There is a sense of finality to the scene in Survivor when Jeff Probst walks over to someone’s torch, says, “The tribe has spoken” and snuffs out the persons flame. There is a sense of finality when as believers we see another believer whose life style is in direction contradiction to the commands ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Wesleyan

The W.h.o.l.e. Tithe

Contributed by John Parker on Nov 17, 2000

Looking at tithing from an aspect of Worship, Holiness, Obedience, Love and Evangelism

The WHOLE Tithe I know what you're thinking. He sure talks a lot about this whole money, offering and tithing thing. He must just be another of those money-hungry, hands-always-out preachers. My response to that is -YES! I do believe it's necessary to teach on God's Word regarding the issues of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 50:12, Psalm 12:1

Denomination: Baptist

Surely Not

Contributed by Edgar Mayer on Nov 19, 2000

A sermon on Luke 20:9-19 preached in a Sunday morning worship setting.

Meditation on Luke 20:9-19; Pastor Edgar Mayer; Wilsonton/Glencoe Parish; 29.3.98; 5th Lent "Heavenly Father, in this time of Lent help us to confront our shortcomings before you. Amen." Surely Not! We know that Australia has its share of corrupt politicians. That's not especially new and we ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Blessed Are The Persecuted

Contributed by Kiley Garrison on Feb 19, 2007

The Bible promises that everyone who follows Jesus will face persecution. If we aren’t facing any opposition for our faith, maybe we should ask ourselves why.

Small Group Discussion Questions When you hear the word "persecution," what do you think of? What images come to mind? What are some ways Christians are persecuted today? Do you think persecution is worse for Christians in other countries than in the United States? Why or why not? Can you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Glimpse Of Coming Disaster

Contributed by Paul Wallace on Sep 19, 2006

The World Wide Flood fortells the coming World Wide Judgement of fire.

A Glimpse of Coming Disaster Genesis 6 There has been a tremendous attack on the biblical account of Noah and the Flood in Genesis 6. It has been called a myth, just a local flood in the Mesopotamian region, etc. But why? Why all the concern. To put it simply if it is true, and it is, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 6:1-22

Denomination: Wesleyan

Easter

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Sep 22, 2006

It is an event ROOTED IN TIME AND HISTORY, AND YET TIMELESS IN ITS IMPACT. This week you may have seen cover stories in magazines noting the most recent archeological findings related to some of the very details of this event, and reminding us just how r

We are celebrating an event that over a billion people around the world are gathering this day to celebrate An event more people will bet on than the Super Bowl An event more people will cheer than the Oscars An event more people will partake of then the O.J. trial. (Now that’s a miracle in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Cheers, Jeers, And Tears Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jul 20, 2006

That first day of Jesus’ last week was a day of mixed emotions. There were cheers and jeers and tears. We won’t understand what happened unless we see all three.

Day by Day with Jesus Series Cheers, Jeers, and Tears Luke 19:29-44 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Everybody loves a parade. Most parades are celebrations. Big celebrations call for big parades. Some of you will remember the big parade ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:29-44

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is It Practical To Know Jesus Is Coming?

Contributed by Mark Adams on Nov 11, 2006

This is my attempt at an inductive-style sermon dealing with the coming of Christ.

ILLUS: I have a friend that I respect a lot. Just this last week, he told me that he’s coming to see me. He says he’s coming soon! -This is a person of high status, so I want to do my best to be ready for him, so I asked, “When are you coming? What day” - He said , “I can’t tell you that. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ