Sermons on Surprise:

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

Understanding The Kingdom Of Heaven Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Feb 21, 2007

"The Kingdom" is a mystery to many Christians--Is it physical or spiritual? On earth or elsewhere? Present or Future? The Bible’s answers on some of these questions may surprise you. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

Understanding the Kingdom Of Heaven [Prelude to “Parables of Power” Series] Matthew 13:11 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/KingdomOfHeaven.html The general "theme" of Jesus’ parables is "the kingdom of heaven" a. Many of the parables start with "The kingdom of heaven is like..." - Mt ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:11

Denomination: Baptist

The Family Of God Series

Contributed by Andrew Drummond on Mar 4, 2007

There is a whole society of people looking for somewhere to belong. It should come as no surprise that satan seeks to attack the home and tear apart the church, destroying that one safe place. We must take up the challenge and restore the family of God to

Listen to some of these statistics from the US bureau on Statistics about the 1990’s. Every 30 seconds there was a divorce in America. Every 4th child in America was born to an unwed mother. STD’s have reached medically defined epidemic proportions. 47% of all children in America now live in homes ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:4-11

How God Chooses A Servant-Leader Series

Contributed by Joel Santos on Oct 9, 2007

Let’s notice in this passage as we think about How God Chooses his Servant-Leader: I. GOD’S CHOICES ARE SOVEREIGN II. GOD’S CHOICES ARE SURPRISING III. GOD’S CHOICES ARE SPECIFIC

HOW GOD CHOOSES A SERVANT-LEADER 1 Samuel 16:1-13 This chapter opens with God reminding Samuel of the fact that He has rejected Saul as king of Israel. Saul was chosen as king because the people wanted to be like the other nations around them, 1 Sam. 8:1-5. Up to that point, God had ruled the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who Is Your Enemy?

Contributed by Ryan Akers on May 2, 2006

We’ve all heard the question, Who is my neighbor? But no one ask the question, ’Who is my enemy?’ Inside you will find out the answer to this question and may be surprised just who our real enemy is.

WHO IS YOUR ENEMY? ROMANS 12:14-21 Pastor Ryan Akers Warrenton Wesleyan Church Romans 12:14-21: 14Ask God to bless everyone who mistreats you. Ask him to bless them and not to curse them. 15When others are happy, be happy with them, and when they are sad, be sad. 16Be friendly with everyone. Don’t ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:14-21

Denomination: Wesleyan

Biblical Baptism

Contributed by Larry Wilson on Sep 29, 2011

What is the method of baptism seen in the New Testament? You might be surprised to discover that many who do not practice immersion, admit that immersion is the New Testament pattern! So what does the New Testament say? Read on!

BIBLICAL BAPTISM Calvary Baptist Church May 11, 2003 and November 21, 2010 Recently my 7 year old son was baptized at nearby Lake Tahoe. With tears streaming down my face, I watched as he came out of the water, then excitedly asked if he felt any different. "Yeah, Mom, I do," he replied. "Now I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

A Wee Little Man Meets A Great Big God Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Mar 18, 2018

Zacchaeus was rich, greedy, corrupt…and short. And he knew something was missing from his life. What happened when Jesus passed by surprised him and deeply disturbed the great throng of people following Jesus to Jerusalem.

A Wee Little Man Meets a Great Big God Easter Series: On the Way to the Cross, #2 Chuck Sligh March 18, 2018 NOTE: A PowerPoint presentation is available for this sermon by request at chucksligh@hotmail.com. This is a shorter adaptation of a sermon from an Easter series by Brian Bill found on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Footsteps Of Jesus - Who Are You Following?

Contributed by David Parks on Nov 28, 2020

As we look forward to the unique challenges COVID-19 presented to the church universal and the Surprise church specifically I would like to set the theme going forward , Where He Leads I will Follow – Faithful discipleship in a pandemic

THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS 1 WHO ARE YOU FOLLOWING? 1 Peter 2:21-25 1 Peter 2:21-25 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Preparing For The Future Series

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 23, 2023

In Mark 13, Jesus prepared His disciples for two future events: the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. The first event would come with warnings, but the second will be a surprise. Readiness and alertness and trust in the Lord were necessary for both.

Introduction A. One day there was an airplane that was having engine trouble, so the pilot instructed the cabin crew to have the passengers take their seats and get prepared for an emergency landing. 1. A few minutes later, the pilot asked the flight attendants if everyone was buckled in and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:1-37

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Managing Money God's Way: Sharing Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Mar 24, 2022

Money plays a big role in our lives, so it shouldn't surprise us that the Bible has a lot to say about it. In this sermon, we discover that sharing our money should be purposeful, pleasant, and productive.

Managing Money God’s Way: Sharing Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 10/9/16 Most of us have probably heard the saying, “Money talks.” Someone once said, “If money talks, all it ever says to me is good-bye!” I heard a story recently though about some talking money. A well-worn ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-10, Luke 16:11, Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:26, Proverbs 11:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian Church

In The Fire! Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 30, 2011

WHEN the fire comes, don’t let it burn you; instead, let it refine you. How? Don’t be surprised or ashamed by the fire. Instead, be glad in the fire, glory in the fire, and give yourself to God in the fire.

A man went to see his doctor in a state of high anxiety. “Doctor,” he said, “you have to help me. I'm dying. Everywhere I touch it hurts. I touch my head and it hurts. I touch my leg and it hurts. I touch my stomach and it hurts. I touch my chest and it hurts. You have to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Evangelical Free