Sermons on Surprise:

Entitlement Mentality Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 19, 2009

Humans by nature feel a sense of entitlement, that by our very existence we are owed something - and that includes by God. Romans 9 is controversial in that it totally blows the entitlement mentality out of the water, but also surprising when we learn of

The word “entitlement” has become a part of the public discourse in America these days. Some people suggest that the United States is becoming a society of entitlement, where everything we need or want is owed to us. When we don’t get what we want we feel we have been treated unfairly. It’s a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:1-33

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Go Thy Way-The Parable Of The Workers In The Vineyard Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Feb 21, 2020

Jesus gave this parable to His disciples after the rich young ruler had come running to Jesus but had walked away. Look for the "go thy way" in the text--it may surprise you!

Introduction: Just after the rich young ruler came running to Jesus, and walked away, Jesus gave this parable about workers in a vineyard. This was one of the last parables Jesus ever told. The immediate context stems from the disciples’ reaction to what Jesus said to the rich young ruler. Peter, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

God’s High View Of Submission Series

Contributed by David Mcclain on Jul 22, 2018

The marriage covenant is to be a permanent bond that is created by God Himself. Jesus responds to the disciple’s surprise at His stringent view of divorce by stating that only those willing to abandon everything for the sake of kingdom can accept it.

OPENING SENTENCE: Many of you may not know the name Tim Keller but he is well known as a very successful pastor who built the largest church In New York City, an area considered very difficult to reach, and he did it without gimmicks or watering down the gospel. INTRODUCTION: To honor his ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11, Ephesians 5:18-24

Denomination: Baptist

Hurricanes, Prayer And Faith

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Sep 16, 2017

Many of us prayed against Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Jose. But they still happened. Why? Is it because none of us p had faith or too little faith? I believe the answer, from scripture, will be a surprise and an encouragement.

Hurricane’s Harvey, Irma and Jose. Many people, especially Christians, believe they are God’s judgment on the US because of sin. Predictably, the sins most Christians identify are same sex marriage, the homosexual lifestyle and abortion. None of these behaviors are the reasons why our country is ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-5, Romans 8:18-22, Matthew 24:3-8, Mark 13:3-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Kingdom Prosperity

Contributed by Kofi Boakye on Nov 3, 2017

While receiving should never be the ultimate motive for giving, it’s no surprise that generous people seem to always have their needs met and are always blessed. In this message we will get to know biblical truth and ways to prosperity.

While receiving should never be the ultimate motive for giving, it’s no surprise that generous people seem to always have their needs met and are always blessed. In this message we will get to know biblical truth and ways to prosperity. PAY YOUR TITHE In the book of Malachi, the Bible says, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:10-15

Denomination: Charismatic

The Nevertheless Of His Surrendering Series

Contributed by Steve Wilson on Jun 6, 2012

This is the third 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 SURRENDERING Matthew 26:36-46 “Oh My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (verse 39) Introduction • Peggy Haymes wrote the following poem entitled Good Friday Gossip He never did things ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46

Denomination: Baptist

The Nevertheless Of His Going Away Series

Contributed by Steve Wilson on Jun 11, 2012

This is the fourth 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 GOING AWAY John 16:1-16 Introduction • Saying good-bye is never easy, whether it’s at an airport, a family reunion, or the deathbed of a loved one. The Last Supper was no exception. For Jesus and His disciples, this was their last meal together. • The ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Idolatry And Falsehoods

Contributed by Dennis King on Feb 22, 2022

Many of us associate idolatry as simply worshiping a false god. Would it surprise you to read that within the King James Bible and the New King James Bible the words “False Idol(s)” never appear together?

Idolatry and Falsehoods Many of us associate idolatry as simply worshiping a false god. Would it surprise you to read that within the King James Bible and the New King James Bible the words “False Idol(s)” never appear together? Certainly, there are many verses concerning idols, graven images, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 1:5, Ephesians 5:5, Colossians 3:5

Denomination: Baptist

The Nevertheless Of His Coming Back Series

Contributed by Steve Wilson on Mar 8, 2016

This is the fifth 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.

Introduction • Have you ever been in a courtroom? Certainly we all have through the aide of TV – Perry Mason, Judge Judy, and Court TV. • Many of us have actually served on a jury. If you have, did you take your work serious? • Anybody enjoy jury duty? Was it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:57-66

Denomination: Baptist

The Nevertheless Of His Knowing Series

Contributed by Steve Wilson on Mar 8, 2016

This is the sixth 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.

Introduction • Illus. – A Navy cruiser was trying to secure to buoys near her flagship in a congested harbor. The admiral watched the cruiser make a good approach and signaled “GOOD”. Then things went wrong. The cruiser missed the buoys and got more and more tangled up. The ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Your Feet Wet

Contributed by Ian Hyde on Aug 5, 2019

In healing the Syrian Army commander Namaan through the prophet Elijah, God shows us some surprising things about His grace and the importance of stepping out in faith and "getting our feet wet."

A GOOD SOLDIER, BUT LEPROUS Our story this morning is one of the most remarkable in the Old Testament, not least because it defies all of our expectations of how God deals with his people and their enemies. And make no mistake, that’s exactly who the central figure in this morning’s story is: ...read more

Denomination: Nazarene

The Only Thing Worth Wanting - Psalm 25 Pt.2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 17, 2025

When life falls apart, David doesn't ask for relief from his trouble—he asks for God's love. Discover the surprising strength that comes from wanting nothing but God.

Of David. To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; 2 in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3 No one who waits for you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. 4 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach ...read more

Two Sons PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 29, 2023

This sermon aims to explore God's surprising mercy, the power of repentance, and the importance of living out our faith, as illustrated in the scriptures from Matthew 28-32, Ezekiel 18:25-32, and Philippians 2:1-13.

Good morning, church family! Today, we dive into a powerful message of God's Surprising Mercy, The Power of Repentance, and Living Out Our Faith. We will be exploring the sacred scriptures from Matthew 28-32, Ezekiel 18:25-32, and Philippians 2:1-13. As we ponder these scriptures one quote comes to ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 18:25-32, Philippians 2:1-13

Topics: Parable, Two Sons

Stop Playing The Blame Game

Contributed by Neal Gray on Aug 21, 2001

Purpose: We humans always look for a cause-and-effect. No surprise, because we are taught the "scientific method" in all of our schooling. But with God and His ways, things are different. The Lord arranges events that He might be glorified.

"Stop Playing the Blame Game" Author: Dr. Neal Gray Passage: John 9:1-5 Purpose: We humans always look for a cause-and-effect. No surprise, because we are taught the "scientific method" in all of our schooling. But with God and His ways, things are different. The Lord arranges events that He might ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-5

Denomination: Holiness

The Anatomy Of A Counterfeit Believer Series

Contributed by A. David Hart on Jan 28, 2007

My brothers and my sisters it is not by accident that we find nestled in the middle of this chapter a person with the makeup of Simon. I’m not surprise because opposites do attract. The good attracts the bad, the beautiful attracts the ugly, the rich attr

THE ANATOMY OF A COUNTERFEIT BELIEVER Acts 8:9-20 My brothers and my sisters it is not by accident that we find nestled in the middle of this chapter a person with the makeup of Simon. I’m not surprise because opposites do attract. The good attracts the bad, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-20

Denomination: Baptist