Sermons on Surprise:

Test 6: Pride Test, Part 1 Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Nov 30, 2007

James asks his readers where their continual desire to fight amongst themselves comes from. And his answer is surprising. Rather than point his finger at an outward cause of their strife, he tells them it is because of each of their individual selfishne

1. What are the Prevailing Symptoms of selfish pride (4:2-5) 2. What is the Primary Source of selfish pride (4:6) 3. What are some Practical Solutions for selfish pride (4:7-12) JAMES 4:1 Two old friends were sitting on the front porch one Sunday afternoon when one of them began to confess to the ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

A Call For New Missional Initiatives -- Acts 11: 19-26

Contributed by Nigel Heath on Aug 7, 2011

Do you long to be able to share your faith with others but have great difficulty doing so? It might surprise you that even Apostles such as Peter, James and John had some difficulties with cross-cultural communication. What is the way forward for a Chu

A CALL FOR NEW MISSIONAL INITIATIVES -- Acts 11: 19-26 INTRO Yesterday -- the first Saturday in August -- is reckoned to be the happiest day of the year. To be even more specific: 7pm is the happiest moment of the happiest day of the year. The statistics are based on a study of more than 9,000 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Danger Of Living With Low Expectations

Contributed by Charles Jones on Mar 4, 2012

I am constantly surprised, bewildered and honestly sometimes even disgusted at how people who claim to love God and claim to have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior and even testify of the moving of the Holy Spirit in their lives, live so far

The Tragedy of Living with Low Expectations Acts 3:1-9 Introduction I am constantly surprised, bewildered and honestly sometimes even disgusted at how people who claim to love God and claim to have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior and even testify of the moving of the Holy Spirit ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Miracle Of Our Met Need - John 6

Contributed by Scott Spencer on Nov 6, 2011

Sometimes we can be surprised by needs. Often our needs hit our lives with such fury that it leaves us breathless or fearful. Unexpected bills come , poor health strikes without warning. Crises often arrive unannounced and unplanned. It might be helpful

The miracle of our met need - John 6 John 6:5-23 After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). 2 A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-5

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

What Jesus Knew

Contributed by Terry Barnhill on May 11, 2010

He’s telling you not to be surprised “if the world hates you”, and then he’s telling you why it hates you. It’s precisely because “we love our brothers.”

In preparing the sermon for today, a singular thought pressed on me repeatedly. We read the stories of Jesus. We recite the Creeds of Christendom, and we share the understanding that Jesus was fully God and fully man . . . the divine paradox. But how often are we really willing to make the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Radical Trust Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jul 2, 2012

Mark wrote nothing by accident in his gospel. Just prior to the arrest of Jesus, he presents a stark contrast between those who think they have it all and those who have nothing. Which group is which? The answer may surprise you.

As we begin this portion of Mark 12, Jesus has just finished his series of debates with the religious leaders. They’re done, but Jesus isn’t. He came to Jerusalem to first proclaim His hostile takeover—retaking for God the thing man had conformed to his own image. He proclaimed ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

A Long Journey To Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 2, 2019

What is an epiphany? Are epiphanies common or uncommon? Can we have an epiphany? Let’s examine the glorious and surprising manifestation of God’s power to the Magi, who took a long journey to Christ. Let’s look at Matthew 2:1-12.

What is an epiphany? Are epiphanies common or uncommon? Can we have an epiphany? Let’s examine the glorious and surprising manifestation of God’s power to the Magi, who took a long journey to Christ. Let’s look at Matthew 2:1-12. The Magi Matthew 2:1-2 “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Possibility Of Undervaluing What You Possess Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Aug 2, 2022

When the crowd was massive, the disciples tired and confused, and the multitude was restless and hungry, Jesus uses a lad’s lunch to save the day. To surprise of everyone, Jesus said, “GIVE YE THEM TO EAT! The bewildered, tired disciples undervalued what they had available.

Sermon. The Possibility of Undervaluing What You Possess John 6:1-15 “After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. 3 Then ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-15, Genesis 21:17, Jeremiah 1:7, Judges 16:26

Denomination: Methodist

God Chooses The Weak Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Feb 5, 2018

Jesus chose twelve ordinary men to proclaim His Gospel message. It was not the Pharisees, rabbis, priest or scribes that He chose but ordinary men. If Jesus chose the weak of this world to shame the strong don't be surprised when He comes calling you!

Twelve Ordinary Men Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 Even before the beginning of time the sovereign plan was for Jesus to be born, live amongst us and die for our sins (1 Peter 1:20). This had to be done for without atonement, God’s righteous wrath (Romans 6:23) would ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Denomination: Baptist

God's Christmas Stockings

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Dec 15, 2015

In this wonderful little passage we have the great MAGNFICANT but God has also given us some wonderful Christmas Stockings surprises - 1. John's leap of joy 2. Elizabeth's encouragement and humility 3. Mary's reassurances via the Holy Spirit

Theme: Advent # 4 God's Christmas Stockings Scripture: Luke 1:39-55 Proposition: In this wonderful little passage we have the great MAGNFICANT but God has also given us some wonderful Christmas Stockings surprises - 1. John's leap of joy 2. Elizabeth's encouragement and humility 3. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-55

Denomination: Nazarene

How To Jump Start Spiritual Growth - 2 Peter 1:9a Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 16, 2025

Is there anything more frustrating than those stubborn character flaws that you can't change? You’ve tried everything—prayer, accountability, discipline—but the changes never last. Peter shows us the surprising path to lasting change.

2 Peter 1:8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:9

Motives: The Problem In The Church Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jul 24, 2003

Many people say the biggest problem we face in the church today is an integrity crisis. It may surprise a lot of us that envy and rivalry and dissentions dates all the way back to the first century church. People preached because they wanted to exalt them

Introduction In the fifteen hundreds there was a protestant reformer in England by the name of Hugh Latimer. He was known as a great preacher of his day and he had many opportunities to preach. One of his opportunities was to preach before the King Henry VIII of England. He thought about his great ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:15-18

Denomination: Baptist

A Happy Church! Series

Contributed by Tim George on Jan 15, 2002

It probably surprises you to learn that a book like Revelation begins with the word blessed. How in the world can this prophetic book make us happy? Revelation makes Christ’s Church happy because it reminds us that our King is on His throne.

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:3-7

Denomination: Baptist

Keeping Warm At The Enemy's Fire Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 19, 2004

When we see an apparently strong Christian face a spiritual defeat, we tend to think, "I would have expected that to happen to anyone but him." Peter’s denial while keeping warm at the enemy’s fire creates a similar surprise.

Title: Keeping Warm at the Enemy’s Fire Text: "Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them" (Luke 22:54-55 NIV). Scripture Reading: Luke 22:31-34, 54-62 Introduction When we see an apparently ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:31-62

Denomination: Pentecostal

Suffering With The Savior

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Mar 30, 2013

1. Don’t be surprised by your suffering (vs. 12). 2. Know that we can have joy for the journey (vs. 12-14). 3. Be ready with righteousness (vs. 15-18). 4. Commit yourself to our Creator (vs. 19).

Suffering with the Savior 1 Peter 4:12-19 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - Feb. 17, 2013 *Do you like to suffer? -- No, of course not. Only truly warped people like to suffer. *But Christians, we will suffer in this world. Why? -- Sometimes it’s because of our commitment to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Baptist