Sermons on Surprise:

From Fear To Faith

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Apr 15, 2018

Jesus shows up to the disciples behind locked doors and reminds us: 1) Don't be surprised when he shows up in our lives. 2) Allow him to meet our doubts. 3) Allow him to open our minds to scripture, and 4) Take the witness stand for him.

Luke 24:36-48 From Fear to Faith Rev. Roy Almquist shares a peculiar story from the bloody second Battle of Bull Run in the Civil War. Captain Robert Clark and his men were surrounded by the Confederate forces but refused to surrender. In the terrible battle that ensued, Clark’s entire detachment ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-48

Denomination: Baptist

The Truth About Grace

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Oct 13, 2023

I spent years in Church not understanding what God's grace does in the life of a Christian. I was surprised when I learned grace DOES NOT COVER my sins. Before you stop reading here, read the message and then decide for yourself what grace is doing in your life.

The Truth About Grace Scripture: Romans 1:17-18; Titus 2:11-12; Ephesians 3:20; Hebrews 13:9 When Paul opened his letter to the Christians in Rome, he wrote, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.’” (Romans 1:17) ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:17-18, Titus 2:11-12, Ephesians 3:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Getting That Camel Through That Needle Series

Contributed by David Asch on Jan 18, 2005

Today we will observe Jesus being asked this question: “What must I do to live forever?” Even if you think you know what’s coming, hang on, you may be surprised! There may be some facets to the answer that you aren’t familiar with, and they may explain w

GETTING THAT CAMEL THROUGH THAT NEEDLE Mark 10:17-31 INTRO: Throughout his history, man’s quest has been the answer to this question: “How can I live forever?” It used to be mummification and the fountain of youth. Today, for $100,000 you can be frozen ($50,00 for head only) SI reports that Ted ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Clinks In Our Armour

Contributed by Tim Harrison on Oct 18, 2000

A FRIEND RECENTLY ASKED ME: HOW GOES THE WAR? HIS WORDS CAUGHT ME BY SURPRISE AFTERALL - I LIVE IN AMERICA - THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE BRAVE WAR IS A TERM GENERALLY RESERVED THOSE DISTANT COUNTRIES ON OTHER CONTINENTS LIKE GERMANY, GREAT BRITAIN, CROATIA, IRAQ BUT I KNEW THIS WASN'T

A FRIEND RECENTLY ASKED ME: HOW GOES THE WAR? HIS WORDS CAUGHT ME BY SURPRISE AFTERALL - I LIVE IN AMERICA - THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE BRAVE WAR IS A TERM GENERALLY RESERVED THOSE DISTANT COUNTRIES ON OTHER CONTINENTS LIKE GERMANY, GREAT BRITAIN, CROATIA, IRAQ BUT I KNEW THIS WASN'T WHAT MY ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17

A Brief Glimpse Of Heaven

Contributed by Craig Condon on Oct 13, 2015

In order for us to understand the resurrection, we have to expand our ideas about who and what God is and what we can do. We can’t limit God with our own limited human reasoning. God continually surprises us. The future he has planned for us is glorious.

Have you ever wondered about what life will be like in heaven after we die? If so, you’ll be interested in what Jesus has to say about the subject in the passage from Luke 20:27-38. The Sadducees’ question about the resurrection was a ridiculous one because the Sadducees did not ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:27-38

Denomination: Anglican

Jesus' First Miracle

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 10, 2022

What was the first epiphany or miracle in your life? A Jewish wedding and fine wine entailed a surprise divine encounter. Let’s encounter the kingdom of God pictured in God’s provision for a marriage. Let’s examine how a wedding at Cana portrays an epiphany of the kingdom of God in John 2:1-11.

Prelude What was the first epiphany or miracle in your life? A Jewish wedding and fine wine entailed a surprise divine encounter. Purpose: Let’s encounter the kingdom of God pictured in God’s provision for a marriage. Plan: Let’s examine how a wedding at Cana portrays an epiphany of the kingdom of ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Right On The Money Series

Contributed by Scotty Killingsworth on Nov 6, 2003

I am still being surprised by my heart. I thought I knew it very well, but every once in a while something will pop out I had no idea was lurking there. A temptation that I thought would never bother me walks up and tests me again. Or, some temptation

This sermon was preached by Scotty L Killingsworth to the Evergreen Church on November 9, 2003 This sermon is the last in a series of sermons from 1 Timothy called The Biblical Church. The title of this message is The Biblical church is right on the money Biblical Text First Timothy chapter ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Freedom From Guilt – Shut Out From God's Presence Series

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Nov 16, 2006

What is the key that will open the door of God’s presence in our lives? This morning we are going to cut a key to unlock our guilt. You may be surprised, but the key to freedom from guilt is GUILT—G.U.I.L.T. Let’s unpack how we can use the key of GUILT

FREEDOM FROM GUILT – Shut Out from God’s Presence Psalm 32 [1] Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. [2] Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. [3] When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 32:1-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Thieves Strike When Least Expected Jesus Will Come Back When Least Expected

Contributed by Brian Young on Jan 29, 2017

Communion Meditation Sermon Illustration Christ Return Surprise Thief Night Watch Broken Ready Hour Day House Owner Eat Bread Drink Cup Proclaim Lord Death Come Back Planned Hammer Crowbar Break Locks Gloves Protect Wait Time Midnight Ball Drop Police gem

They planned it for many months if not for years. They had the right stuff - They brought a hammer and crowbar to break the locks - They wore gloves and hooded sweat shirts to protect their identities They waited for the right time - They waited for the stroke of midnight until the ball dropped - ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:42-43

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who Was Afraid Of Jesus? Series

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Feb 9, 2021

Jesus Christ has all authority over both the natural and supernatural world. He brought freedom to a tortured soul, stirred a local crowd into anger, and calmed a raging sea. His ministry brought grace, mercy, love, hope, and for some, fear. Why would anyone fear Him? You would be surprised.

Chapter 4 of Mark's Gospel presented to us the authority that Jesus had over the forces of nature by rebuking a storm on the Sea of Galilee. He and His disciples were in a boat heading to the eastern shore of the Sea when a violent storm erupted, which was a common occurrence according to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30, Mark 5:1-20, 1 Peter 3:15

Denomination: Baptist

I Am Glad To Be A Wild Card Series

Contributed by Danielle Jeremiah on Apr 1, 2025

In this powerful word, Danielle Parker reveals how God uses the unexpected, the hidden, and the overlooked to shift history. If you’ve ever felt out of place, it’s because you were born to disrupt, not to conform. You are Heaven’s surprise move—and when God plays you, everything changes.

I Am Glad to Be a Wild Card By Danielle Parker INTRODUCTION: The Ones Who Don’t Fit Let’s be honest—many of us have spent years asking the wrong questions. Questions like: “Why am I so different?” “Why does my story seem so off-course compared to others?” “Why am I always the one people ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:2

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ

Think Before You Speak - Sermon Body Series

Contributed by Larry Wilson on Aug 9, 2011

Using the letters T H I N K, we apply biblical truth related to our tongue. God has used this sermon in surprising ways. When I preach it, I use the five fingers of my hand to represent each letter of the alliteration. Some of our members have given feedb

Using the acronym THINK, try to ask these 5 questions before you speak. T – True Is it True? Remember this rule about gossip: “The more interesting it is, the more likely it is to be false.” ILLUS: If I counsel a couple, and listen to only one side and then make my judgment, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 15:2-4, Proverbs 12:18

Denomination: Baptist

Understanding Temptation

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jan 24, 2012

Temptation can take us by surprise sometimes. We can get discouraged when we find ourselves giving in over and over. We get overwhelmed when it seems like we can't catch a break. What can we do? It's important that we understand what's going on so we can

UNDERSTANDING TEMPTATION James 1:13-18 1) The difference between testing and temptation. • Testing is good; temptation is not (Vs. 17). Every good and perfect gift is from above. Therefore, since God doesn’t tempt anyone temptation is not good. However, it isn’t sin, since Jesus ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

In The Flesh

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Dec 23, 2019

Sometimes when someone surprises a person they haven't seen in a while they exclaim, "Wow, I can't believe it! Here you are, in the flesh." That's what happened that first Christmas. Let's look at the wonder of God coming down to us in the flesh.

IN THE FLESH John 1:14 Sometimes when someone surprises a person they haven't seen in a while they exclaim, "Wow, I can't believe it! Here you are, in the flesh." They may have kept in contact in other ways but now they are standing right there in front of you. That's what ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14, Philippians 2:6-8, John 1:18, Matthew 17:1-5, 2 Peter 1:16-18, Colossians 2:9, Ephesians 2:12-13, John 5:24, 1 John 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Anti-Evangelism Series

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Mar 16, 2024

In John's Gospel, Jesus does something many people find surprising, that of frequently driving away people who claim to be believers in Him. Today we look in depth at those He drove away in John 8, why He did it, and especially how He did it by claiming to be the Great I AM!

Our move now through the Lenten Season, and to the cross has a purpose: to confront people to make a decision about what they think about Jesus. The TRUE Jesus. This week, we focus on the foolishness of the cross to those who want to accept Him on their own terms. In 1 Cor 1: 18 The word of the ...read more

Scripture: John 8:48-59

Denomination: Anglican