Sermons on Surprise:

The Clanging Gongs & Crashing Symbols Of Christmas

Contributed by Charles Newman on Dec 12, 2009

When Christians get caught up with the traditions of Christmas, we have a tendency to forget the real reason behind this special celebration - LOVE. If we removed the commercialism from Christmas, would it be the same? I don’t think the world would know w

Illustration - For Always In 1994 two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on Biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments, and a large ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

The Unspoken Essentials Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Aug 23, 2010

If we are to meet the challenge of reaching this culture, we need to be authentic people who possess at least 3 essentials.

Meeting The Challenge “The Unspoken Essentials” Colossians 3:1-17 * Let’s begin this morning with repeating our 5 core beliefs. While some might know these, mom told me that ‘repetition was the mother of learning.’ (say) * Turn your attention to #5, “The Local Church is the hope of the world.” ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Home Work - Pt. 1 - Working Dads Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Sep 12, 2011

Every home needs work! It is a good thing that there is a blueprint we can follow to build strong homes!

Home Work Pt. 1 – Working Dads I know very few people who ever enjoyed home work. I am sure that many of you, like me, did everything you could do to avoid homework! Make up lame excuses like my dog ate it! It wasn’t something that was fun. If you didn’t do it you got in trouble ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Marriage, Divorce And Singleness Series

Contributed by Antonio Silveira on Feb 12, 2011

In 1 Corinthians 7 Paul talks about marriage and divorce. The Bible has very specific instructions in many different books and passages. This Chapter is a bit mysterious because it talks about special historical events that where happening in Corinth and

Barna research shows: That divorce in the church is just as common as outside the church. In the church 33%, outside the church 34%. Protestant churches overall is at 25%. The divorce rate amongst the generations is also a bit of surprise: Seniors (73+) = 18% Builders (53-72) = 37% Boomers = ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:1-34

Denomination: Baptist

Facing The Roaring Lion

Contributed by Larry Wise on Aug 1, 2010

A message that tells us to be alert to what Satan is doing to oppress us.

Facing the Roaring Lion I Peter 5:8-10 "Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom" -- a familiar saying in our country. We remember from Pearl Harbor what it's like to get caught off guard. The enemy can be so deceptive: Japan's peace envoys were seated at the negotiating table at the very moment ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Maximum Exposure

Contributed by Horace Wimpey on May 4, 2012

In the parable of the tenants we see the characteristics of God Man and Jesus

Maximum Exposure Mark 12:1-12 Intro: One day, a bus driver was driving along his usual route. He didn’t encounter any problems for the first few stops; a few people got on, a few got off, and things went generally well. At one stop, however, a big hulk of a man got on. He was 6’ 8" ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas: Different Strokes

Contributed by Suresh Manoharan on Dec 12, 2012

To focus on how differently people respond to Christmas very much like they did 2000 years ago!!!

CHRISTMAS: DIFFERENT STROKES Its quiz time, folks! What is the significance of April 2nd 1984 in Indian History? Pat yourself on the back, if you have hit upon the right answer. Cheer-up, if you are still clueless for here comes a clue... well, well, well, the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: *other

You've Got Mail: Smyrna Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Nov 8, 2009

The second in a series of seven. This is an expository, alliterated sermon with practical application based on the letter to Smyrna in Revelation. PowerPoint is avialable if you e-mail me.

You’ve Got Mail: Smyrna Scott R. Bayles, preacher First Christian Church, Rosiclare, Illinois Several years ago, my life was a mess. After enduring a painful divorce, I was jobless and living with a friend. I was an emotional wreck. I couldn’t understand why all these bad things kept happening to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Christian Church

The God Moment Of Holy Attraction Series

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Feb 10, 2010

THIS MESSAE IS ABOUT THOSE SPECIAL MOMENTS IN OUR LIVES WHICH WE RECOGNIZE ARE FROM GOD AND DRAW US APART FROM THE CONCERNS OF THE WORLD AND CLOSER TO HIM

THE GOD MOMENT OF HOLY ATTRACTION LUKE 15:11-32 INTRODUCTION: I’VE BEEN TRYING OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS TO INTRODUCE YOU TO AN UNDERSTANDING OF SOME OF THE MANY WAYS THAT GOD HAS BEEN RADICALLY EFFECTING YOUR LIVES. THEY ARE CALLED GOD MOMENTS. THESE ARE MOMENTS WHEN GOD INTERVENES IN YOUR ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

How Do You Respond To The Jesus Of The Book? Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jun 2, 2010

God confirms gospel benefits in the resurrection of the Christ.

Scripture Introduction People write for many reasons. Some seek fame or wealth, others self-fulfillment or to aid in their own learning. Some books teach skills, others simply entertain. The Apostle John’s purpose was: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah” – God’s promised redeemer. ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Parable Of A Broken Covenant Series

Contributed by Wes Richard on May 12, 2009

God uses Hosea’s broken marriage to paint a picture of covenant unfaithfulness, but the story doesn’t end there because God is a pursuing God.

This is one day when our nation pays special attention to the importance of motherhood. Many of you have planned some special way to observe this day with a meal, a gift, or a visit. And it is wonderful that you can do that. I also recognize that Mother’s Day is not easy for a lot of ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 1:1-11

Denomination: Brethren

James 4

Contributed by Kyle Gray on May 20, 2009

James tells us how to turn hatred into humility, judgment into justice and boasting into belief.

There is a stark contrast in tone from chapter 3 to chapter 4 Chapter 3 (taming the tongue) closes with words like peace, gentleness, mercy, good fruits…it kind of ends on a good tone…but CH 4 contains words like fights, quarrels, lust, hate, envy, pride and sin. In CH 4 James gives clear advice on ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Transforming Moment Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Jun 3, 2009

These is sermon 1 in a series of sermons on moments with Master, as Jesus teaches us crucial life lessons. This sermon deals with the need of the transforming touch of Jesus.

Moments with the Master Series Series Introduction: As one reads the Gospels; it quickly becomes apparent that the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ was a people centered ministry. There are two verses that declare, in detail, our Lord’s mission statement. 1.) Luke 19:10, “For the Son of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:40-45

Denomination: Baptist

When God Spoke Through An Ass

Contributed by Jeffery Russell on Dec 6, 2007

Don’t Worry, its not what you think. The Biblical (KJV) word for donkey is often a synonym for a fool. But as we will find, Balaam’s talking donkey was more wise than he was, and wiser than some we may meet.

When God Spoke Through An Ass Joshua 13:22, Num 22:21-35 How would you feel if an animal spoke to you? The story is told of a man who bought a beautiful, exotic, tropical parrot from a local pet store. The pet store owner said that the parrot could talk and after demonstrating a few sentences ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 22:21-35

Denomination: Baptist

Showing Up At The Gym Series

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Dec 17, 2010

Discipleship will not happen by accident. It requires meaningful practices. It requires meaningful progress. And it requires a meaningful process.

SHOWING UP AT THE GYM Talking and Listening to God -- Part 4 Isaac Butterworth December 19, 2010 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV) 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed