Sermons on Surprise:

"Lame Excuses" Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Mar 27, 2017

Seems like a surprising question when Jesus ask someone who has been sick for 38 years...."Do you want to get well?" Honestly some people do now want to.

“Lame Excuses” John 5:1-15 So it is an interesting question to pose to someone when we ask a person who is been critically sick for 38 years... In that entire time he could not walk. Now someone asked him, hey do you want to get well? You can’t walk. No wheelchairs at that time. Jesus approaches ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Absurdity Of The Incarnation

Contributed by Davon Huss on Dec 17, 2012

A sermon on 1 Timothy 3:16 focusing on the incarnation (Mostly taken from Max Lucado's book, God Came Near, and also at: http://maxlucado.com/read/topical/gods-greatest-surprise/)

HoHum: In one verse Paul reminds Timothy of the gospel in all its fullness. Tries to cover the whole gospel. Some songs try to do that: You came from heaven to earth, to show the way, from the earth to the cross, my debt to pay, from the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky, Lord I lift ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Nevertheless Of His Caring Series

Contributed by Steve Wilson on May 31, 2012

This is the first sermon in a series about Jesus being The Great Nevertheless. He keeps wonderfully surprising us. Using the Lord’s "nevertheless" statement in the KJV we get a delightful glimpse of our awesome Savior.

THE NEVERTHELESS OF HIS CARING John 11 (KJV) Introduction • [Illus] – A bank was opening a new branch office and flowers were ordered to celebrate the occasion. After the ribbon cutting an upset business man was on the phone with the florist. “Charles”, he said, “we will never do business with you ...read more

Scripture: John 11:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Nevertheless Of His Commitment Series

Contributed by Steve Wilson on Jun 6, 2012

This is the second sermon in a series about Jesus being The Great Nevertheless. He keeps wonderfully surprising us. Using the Lord’s "nevertheless" statement in the KJV we get a delightful glimpse of our awesome Savior.

THE NEVERTHELESS OF HIS COMMITMENT Luke 13:31-35 KJV Introduction • [Illus] – About 2,300 years ago Alexander the Great marched his army from Greece to India. Though the distance was long, his army was unstoppable. The only reason he stopped was that his men became homesick and wanted to return ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

Denomination: Baptist

Learning To Love God Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 25, 2012

What is the most important thing in the universe? The answer might surprise you but goes right to the heart of both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus reveals it to us in Mark 12 as we go in depth into loving God.

During the course of a heated debate between Jesus and the religious leaders, something happens that is like an oasis in the midst of the desert. A scribe approaches the group as the Sadducees are trying to trip Jesus up with some theological argument coming out of their misinterpretation of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:29-31

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Love And Respect Series

Contributed by Vince Miller on Oct 3, 2019

It should not come as a surprise that men and women are wired differently and thus have differing needs. While we all need love and respect, men and women each distinctively need more of one than the other.

We Both Need Something It should not come as a surprise that men and women are wired differently and thus have differing needs. While we all need love and respect, men and women each distinctively need more of one than the other. Women by nature want to know that their husbands love and adore them. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:33

Denomination: Baptist

An Eye For An Eye - Matthew 5:38-39 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 20, 2024

It’s surprising to discover how many subtle ways we take revenge on those who hurt us. This message will help you discover them and show you the remedy Jesus gave us.

Matthew 5:38-42 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42

Today's Problems Can Be Tomorrow's Provisions.

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Aug 23, 2025

Today's problems can hide the promise of tomorrow's provision. God says: nothing catches me by surprise. God knows how to deliver. The question is do I trust him?

TODAY’S PROBLEMS CAN BE TOMORROW’S PROVISION. By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) (Several part lesson) Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. TRAILS ARE ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28, James 1:2-4, Psalm 37:23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Growth & Flourishing Of The Christian Mind

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 2, 2021

God works in mysterious ways, as they say. And how truly mysterious it is and difficult to comprehend. Just when you think you've discovered a way in which God operates, he surprises you with another.

God works in mysterious ways, as they say. And how truly mysterious it is and difficult to comprehend. Just when you think you've discovered a way in which God operates, he surprises you with another. At times he seems distant. At times it seems hopeless. At other times he is close. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 18:33, Isaiah 40:31

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Census And The Plague

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Apr 16, 2021

In 2020 the U.S. conducted a Census - the same year of the pandemic. In wondering if there is a correlation between the census and the plague, I began searching the Scriptures, and I think you’ll be surprised as to what I found out.

I’ve entitled our message this morning, “The Census and the Plague.” This is the year of the United States 2020 Census. This is also the year of a global pandemic known as the Corona Virus and Covid 19; and I’ve been contemplating for quite some time the irony of how we actually had a pandemic ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 30:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

An Attitude Of Gratitude

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Sep 26, 2020

When we look at how God instructed the Israelites to celebrate TWO harvest festivals we find there is a lot we can apply to how we thank God for his goodness to us. There are some surprises!

Today we’re celebrating Harvest Festival. This year, coronavirus restrictions have resulted in a rather muted celebration. We aren’t meeting at church and we don’t have the usual piles of food to give to the food bank, or a beautiful harvest loaf. I’m going to take a look at some passages and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 65:9-13, Exodus 23:16, Deuteronomy 16:13, Deuteronomy 16:16

Denomination: Baptist

Workers And Worriers Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 1, 2003

Which are you - one who is dedicated to the work of building up the body of Christ and spreading the gospel, or worrying about getting your way? You might be surprised as we loook at these two types in Romans 16

For the audio of this message, go to: www.LivingWatersWeb.com and look for the study on Romans 16. In Chapter 16 we see how chapters 12-15 are worked out practically – real people doing real work – and warnings that not everyone is out for the good of the church. Paul had never been to Rome – ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:1-27

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Trinity Of Man Series

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Nov 29, 2006

Last week we found that Christ wants us to "destroy the works of the devil". That is important. This may surprise some of you, but equally as important is our to willingness to submit ourselves completely and unconditionally to the "works (and ways) of

THE TRINITY OF MAN (Part Two of the Christ in You Series) Recently we have been looking at ways of overcoming the devil and living a victorious life in Christ. Last week we found that Christ wants us to "destroy the works of the devil". That is important. This may surprise some of you, but ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Ten Reflections On Christmas

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Dec 26, 2006

THIS SERMON HAS TEN REFLECTIONS ON CHRISTMAS NAMELY 1. SAVIOUR 2. SHINING 3. SURPRISE 4. SANCTITY 5. SUBMISSION 6. SIMPLICITY 7. SAFETY 8. SIGNS 9. SINGING 10.SHARING

TEN REFLECTIONS ON CHRISTMAS *************************************************** OUTLINE 1. SAVIOUR 2. SHINING 3. SURPRISE 4. SANCTITY 5. SUBMISSION 6. SIMPLICITY 7. SAFETY 8. SIGNS 9. SINGING 10.SHARING THE MESSAGE TEN REFLECTIONS ON CHRISTMAS ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Christmas Eve Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Dec 22, 2022

Why do we still need Christmas? It’s a story that’s 2000 years old. Most of us know the plot line and the main characters. There’s no surprise ending this year!

Christmas Eve 2022 Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Why ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 9:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational