Sermons on Surprise:

Christmas And Culture

Contributed by Major Gerardo Balmori on Apr 2, 2011

Christmas is about God breaking through at surprising times, and showing up in unusual places in the world. You never know when, where, or how God is going to show up. The Bible is full of stories of how God broke into the world at the very time that pe

Mayor Gerardo Balmori The Salvation Army Christmas is about God breaking through at surprising times, and showing up in unusual places in the world. You never know when, where, or how God is going to show up. The Bible is full of stories of how God broke into the world at the very time that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-32

Denomination: Salvation Army

What Are We Seeing?

Contributed by Guy Glass on Mar 5, 2012

WOULD YOU BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT 83 OF EVERY 100 PEOPLE IN THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES DOES NOT KNOW JESUS? I CONFESS, I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I READ THIS STATISTIC. THE REALITY OF THE MATTER IS, WE ARE LOSING THE BATTLE FOR THE SOULS OF MEN! YET, PER

WHAT ARE WE SEEING? John 4:35 Do you not say, ’Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. INTRODUCTION: WOULD YOU BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT 83 OF EVERY 100 PEOPLE IN THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES DOES NOT KNOW JESUS? I ...read more

Scripture: John 4:35

Denomination: Baptist

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

Breakfast With The Savior Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Aug 13, 2016

Jesus makes a surprise visit after His Resurrection to several of His Disciples before breakfast after they had a night without catching any fish. The visit causes us to remember many things which Jesus did and said during his Ministry.

8 14 16 “Breakfast with the Savior” John 21:1-14 Jesus used “fishing” as an example of His KINGDOM Power to save and provide from the beginning of His ministry. Do you know what the “Ichthus” is? It is the Greek Word for “fish” but became the ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

"Expect The Unexpected This Christmas”

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Jan 2, 2023

As some of said, “If we expect to hear the Christmas gospel without the Advent call to repentance, we will find ourselves surprised by John and unprepared for Jesus.” So, we ask the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the message and ministry of both John and Jesus.

“It wasn’t what I expected.” Whether you are young or old, a man or woman, a girl or a boy, you have probably experienced something that caused you to have that reaction. Perhaps it was connected to some food that you tried. You were feeling a little adventurous and you ordered something at a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Have You Seen "His Star?”

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 20, 2018

Since Jesus is called “the Star out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17) and the “Morning Star” (2 Pet. 1:19), it doesn’t seem surprising that Jesus' birth would be heralded by a new Star. For truly, a Star had been born!

HAVE YOU SEEN “HIS STAR?” Matt. 2:1-12 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: THE UNSELFISH REQUEST 1. The Santa Claus at the shopping mall was very surprised when Emily, a young lady about 20 years old, walked up and sat on his lap. 2. Now, we all know that Santa doesn't usually take requests from ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Thirty-Second Sunday In Ordinary Time--32nd Sunday, Year A-- Byoo Bring Your Own Oil

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Nov 6, 2020

You bring your own oil when you realize that you have no control over the moment of the groom's arrival and it may be a while, but when he arrives, it will be a surprise. Rev. 22:7 says, “I am coming back quickly.”

Thanks to Troy Borst for the phrase B.y.o.o. (Bring Your Own Oil) 1. You bring your own oil when you realize that you have no control over the moment of the groom's arrival and it may be a while, but when he arrives, it will be a surprise. Rev. 22:7 says, “I am coming back quickly.” It ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Catholic

Seeing Easter Though The Eyes Of Barabbas

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Apr 14, 2022

One can only imagine the shock and awe experienced by Barabbas. He was guilty of every charge. He is on death row awaiting execution, then the surprise come. “You are free to go! All can be saved, all need to be saved, and all can be saved to the uttermost!

Sermon – Seeing Easter Though the Eyes of Barabbas Luke 23:13-25 New Living Translation 13 Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, 14 and he announced his verdict. “You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:13-25, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 6:23, Romans 7:18-24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

Preaching Jesus

Contributed by David Parks on Jun 2, 2004

I studied with a young female university student whose Grandmother was practicing black arts and had claimed to steal away her image in water. She had been sick lately (not surprising that far north) and wondered if her Grandmother was cursing her. This b

Preaching Jesus Christ TEXT: Acts 8:21-36 INTRODUCTION:1. One of the arguments for the existence of God is the worshipping nature of man. 2. I have often made the argument that man has never found the remains an atheistic society. 3. There seems to be something in man that says there is more to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:21-36, Philippians 6:10-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Unexpected: The Last Part Of The Gideon Story Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on May 15, 2007

God specializes in the “unexpected.” I think it is because what we “expect” is so often not in line with who God is and what God desires, that we get caught a little off guard, a little by surprise, when we step back and see what God is doing.

God Unexpected: The Last Part of the Gideon Story Judges 6:33-8:4 May 7, 2006 Intro: God specializes in the “unexpected.” I think it is because what we “expect” is so often not in line with who God is and what God desires, that we get caught a little off guard, a little by surprise, when we ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Funeral: Hope Secured By Knowledge And Faith

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Feb 14, 2007

This message is based on the story of Jesus raising Jarius’ daughter. Several illustrations are from Ron Mehl’s book Surprise Endings and one from Max Lucado. Death does not care about race, gender or age.... but we have the sure promises of Jesus, guar

In Jesus Holy Name September 21, 2005 Text: Luke 8:41-42 Funeral Redeemer “Hope, Secured by Knowledge and Faith” There is a story in the Bible about a name named Jairus. He was the ruler of a local Jewish synagogue. His daughter, age 12 was gravely ill. She was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:41-42

Denomination: Lutheran

Cain, The Mistaken Seed Of The Woman

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Sep 17, 2015

To prove in the bible that every human being born on this world is born in sin, and must accept the LORD as LORD, MASTER and SAVIOR. John 3:7 (Amplified Bible) Marvel not [do not be surprised, astonished] at My telling you, You must all be born anew (fr

I. EXORDIUM: Are you the seed of the woman? No. JESUS is the Seed of the woman. Galatians 3:19 Romans 9:29 (Amplified Bible) It is as Isaiah predicted, If the Lord of hosts had not left us a seed [from which to propagate descendants], we [Israel] would have fared like Sodom and have been made ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

Advent – Are You Ready?

Contributed by Leo Samuel D G on Mar 30, 2017

The important question to ponder about the second coming of Jesus is ‘are we ready?’ Many would be surprised to know that they are not part of God’s kingdom when Jesus comes to judge the world. Hence, let us give up all evil (even the sins that the world

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Mat. 24:42 1. Will He come? As we are getting ready to celebrate the advent season, it is time to ponder about the second coming of Christ. When we think about the return of Jesus, many questions pop up. The first ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 24:36-44, Matthew 7:13-14

Denomination: *other

John 20:24-31 Series

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Jun 4, 2019

I just can't believe it! Ever said that? That was a common response by those to whom Jesus appeared after his resurrection and it's still a rather common response by many today. Don't be surprised! Be ready!

“I can’t believe it!” Something extraordinary, something unusual, something unexpected happens and we exclaim, “I can’t believe it!” “I can’t believe its snowing…again!” “I can’t believe they actually won the game!” “I can’t believe I passed the test.” “I can’t believe I got the job!” “I ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-31

Denomination: Lutheran

Lessons For Ministry - Mark 9:14-29 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 26, 2023

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed by the evil in the world—or in the church? You feel powerless to do anything of significance, and the unbelief and disobedience to God is so exasperating. This passage shows us what Jesus did in that situation, and it may surprise you.

Mark 9:14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. 17 A man ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29, Matthew 17:14-23, Luke 9:37-45