Sermons on Surprise:

The Persecution Paradox Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Jul 30, 2020

We shouldn’t be surprised when persecution comes. In fact, Jesus closes out the section of the Beatitudes with a paradox. We will be persecuted. It’s inevitable. But the blessing we will receive is out of this world!

The Jesus Manifesto: The Persecution Paradox Matthew 5:10-12 Chenoa Baptist Church Pastor Jefferson M. Williams It Has Begun It’s been fourteen months since that fateful day in September 2026. In a landmark, unprecedented seven to three vote, the Supreme Court labeled Christianity a “hate ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Confronts Adultery Series

Contributed by Jerry Owen on Mar 30, 2017

Who is guilty of adultery? Jesus gives us the answer in the Sermon on the Mount and what He reveals might just surprise us; but, if it doesn't, it certainly ought to change our behavior.

JESUS CONFRONTS ADULTERY Matthew 5:27-32 INTRODUCTION ** We introduced this sermon with a 4 minute drama of the woman caught in adultery ** A. WHO IS AN ADULTERER? 1. Those Who Practice Wicked Deeds. Mt 5:27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; Jesus chose murder ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-32

Denomination: Baptist

Little Things Add Up: The Test Of Little

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Mar 15, 2025

Often we miss how important little things can be. Behind every successful man is a surprised moth-in-law? To be successful we must be faithful to finish little task.

LITTLE THINGS ADD UP…. THE TEST OF LITTLE THINGS… By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) (Two part) A man works at a car factory… getting paid a fair wage for a fair day’s work. His job is to grease the u-joint on the drive train. He gets busy joking ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:15-23, 1 Kings 17:5, Matthew 5:23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"a Friend Who Harms You"? Is There Such A Thing?

Contributed by Saumiman Saud on Jun 12, 2025

Isn’t a friend supposed to treat you well? Why do friends quickly turn into enemies? Don’t be surprised, because incidents like this have happened since ancient times

"A Friend Who Harms You"? Is There Such a Thing? Isn’t a friend supposed to treat you well? Why do friends quickly turn into enemies? Don’t be surprised, because incidents like this have happened since ancient times. Look at these Bible verses I quote: Proverbs 18:24 in various versions ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 18:24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Joseph Of Arimathea: The Secret Disciple Of Jesus And His Legacy Today

Contributed by B. D. B Moses on Mar 7, 2003

What motivates a secret disciple of Jesus to remain underground? Where do you find those who are secret disciples of Jesus? The answer to these questions about secret disciples may surprise you.

Intro Have you ever wondered how a secret disciple of Jesus thinks and acts? What motivates a secret disciple of Jesus to remain underground? Where do you find those who are secret disciples of Jesus? The answer to these questions about secret disciples may surprise you. If there is any passage ...read more

Scripture: John 19:38-42, Isaiah 53:9, John 19:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Glory Of God

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Sep 2, 2004

Second only to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, this was the greatest day in history of the N. T. church. This may come as a bit of surprise to some of you, but did you know that this had happened once before?

Isn’t it wonderful to sense the awesome presence of God? There really is nothing else like it. I think I speak for most of us when I say that. The Glory of God is greater than being anywhere else this morning. Text: Acts 2:1 thru 4, 12 thru 21 Second only to the crucifixion and resurrection ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

An Obedient Heart - A Man After God's Own Heart Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 28, 2005

Why did God strike Uzzah dead? Because he touched the ark... but why hadn’t they carried the ark the way God told them to? The answer may surprise you.

OPEN: Several years ago, Reader’s Digest told of a young couple who had just bought a water bed. While assembling the bed, the couple realized they would need a hose to fill it with – and they didn’t own one. So, the husband went to the hardware store and bought one. They attached the hose to the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:1-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Multiple Meanings Of Marvelous Grace Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 30, 2021

Most often Christians define grace as only unmerited favor, but this is putting a limit on the word which the New Testament does not do. It should not be surprising that grace can also mean merited favor.

A snowstorm made it impossible for a guess speaker to get to the church where he was to preach. Therefore, a local man was asked to come in as a substitute. The speaker began by explaining the meaning of substitute. If you break a window he said, and then place a cardboard there instead--that is ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:2

A Memorial To James Stamper

Contributed by Jesse Bennett on Feb 1, 2009

My friend Mike desperately wanted to share his testimony before he left us. This may come as a surprise to you but most people really don’t know what it is to be a “Christian”.

Memorial to James Stamper Opening Prayer: Oh Lord God we know our brother is now safely in your loving arms, I humbly ask you Father to ease the suffering of everyone here today morning the loss of a true friend of the faith. Father may your Spirit guide us as we reflect on Your work in the life ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

It's What You Are On The Inside: Shrek Series

Contributed by J John on Dec 20, 2007

Shrek is directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, and is based on the children’s book by William Steig. This is an astonishing, delightful computer animation, and it’s no surprise that the film took five years to make.

--note-- 2001, PDI/Dreamwork Director: Andrew Adamson & Vicky Jenson Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow - - - - - Shrek is directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, and is based on the children’s book by William Steig. This is an astonishing, delightful computer ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7

Denomination: *other

God Is In The Detours Too

Contributed by John Gaston on Feb 9, 2015

Life is full of surprises. With observation, we see that the Holy Spirit is as much in the detours as He is in the plans we carefully map out. Two passages in the New Testament & one in the Old demonstrate the truth of this insight.

GOD IS IN THE DETOURS TOO Prov. 3:5 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: DECISIONS 1. Harry and Kitty are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. 2. Max and Betty said, “You must let us in on your secret - how have you managed to stay married for so long?" 3. Harry turns to Kitty and asks, "OK for ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:1-40

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Cross-Purposes

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Aug 29, 2011

Jesus was dead, so what is to be done with the body. Watch how God makes sure that His Son is honored, and how that is with cross-purposes with what men want to do. Is it any surprise that God wins?

Passage: Matthew 27:57-66 Intro: So Jesus is dead, the crowds are gone, the drama is over, ( or so most thought) 1. the sun has reappeared, but for just a few more hours 2. the earth has stopped shaking, and there is nothing left but the sad sight of three mutilated corpses on crosses. 3. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:57-66

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Disciples' Future

Contributed by Gordon Weatherby on May 6, 2013

As a farmer separates the sheep from the goats, so on the day of Judgment God will separate the wicked from the righteous. On that day there will both the wicked and the righteous will be surprised at the revelation that what we have done on earth, and h

The Disciples’ Future Matt. 25:31-46 Dorn Ridge March 11, 2012 INTRODUCTION: 1.) Jesus commenced his final week of life and ministry with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 2.) This morning, and for the next number of weeks, I would like us to look not at His triumphal entry, but in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:41-46

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Different Expectations Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 13, 2010

Jesus didn't fit John's idea of what the Messiah would be like. Jesus stressed love rather than judgment. Jesus moves in surprising ways and communicates God's grace in unexpected situations.

Matthew 11:2-11 “Different Expectations” INTRODUCTION The family gathers around the newborn’s bassinette. They marvel at this squirming gift of life, and give thanks for health and wholeness. As they gaze upon the baby’s features they wonder what the child will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Part 3 - Matthew 12:9-14 -Deformities Of The Heart And Hand Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Sep 19, 2010

The CLAWED FINGERS of their law system were DISTORTED AND MALFORMED and particularly difficult to uproot. It is not at all surprising that Jesus uses a man with a DEFORMED HAND to illustrate what needed to be done if ever they were to be healed of their D

Part 3 - Matthew 12:9-14 -DEFORMITIES OF THE HEART AND HAND Yesterday, with the encouragement of my wife, I got rid of some THORNY WEEDS growing like trees in the back garden. The thorns were now like razor sharp nails and so it was difficult to get to the roots without punctures, scratches and a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:9-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational