Sermons on Surprise:

Jesus Weeps Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Feb 21, 2007

This picture, much less this statement, surprises a lot of people. Some people think a deity ought to behave differently. Gods, so the popular image goes, sit far off, throw lightning bolts, or send angels. What kind of god would get so close to his su

Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Jesus Wept John 11:25-27; 33-36 Just two little words. In fact it’s the shortest verse in the Bible. That alone gets our attention. Just two little words. But it’s not just the brevity of the statement that gets ...read more

Scripture: John 11:35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Encouragement Among Believers Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Oct 22, 2020

Life is full of surprises. Life is full of stresses and burdens. When we chose to follow God's will, the stresses and burdens of life can pull against His perfect will. That's why believers need each other and need to encourage one another.

Grace Community Church Winchester, VA Rev. Bradford Reaves, Sr. Pastor www.GraceCommunity.com Watch this message https://youtu.be/dmWN4pn5UVY Introduction Have you ever had a situation, where you did the right thing, but the people around you were actually disappointed or angry with you? Over ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:38-56, Galatians 6:2, Romans 8:31, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Mark 10:27, Matthew 17:20, Hebrews 10:24-25, Ephesians 6:10-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

Cool To God, Not So Cool To Us Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 10, 2003

God’s Idea of Cool Sometimes Surprises Us. Sometimes what is cool to God is not so cool to us. We must learn to understand God’s way of thinking and adjust our minds to tune in with His revealed will. Let’s note three qualities that are so essential t

Cool To God, Not So Cool to Us (Luke 18:1-14, Matt. 20:1-16) INTRO 1. It amazes me how little has changed in the teen world since I was a teen. I reached the age of 20 in the Fall of 1976, by the way. 2. The music doesn’t sound much different, except for rap---which is not new; it is simply old ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-14, Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Does God Really Love Least Things Series

Contributed by William Fix on Feb 4, 2002

Does God really love least things? Have you ever thought of yourself as insignificant? Least probably in all of God’s creation? What does God’s Word say about the least? Who are they? It may surprise you that if you are least by your own choosing, Go

This is the final message from the series entitled Does God Love These Things. We have explred the following: 1. "Does God Love Laughter?" 2. "Does God Love Lost People" 3. "Does God Love, Love Making?" Today we are going to look at a forth question. "Does God Really Love Least Things?" I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-45, Luke 15:19

Denomination: Methodist

The Da Vinci Code, Part 1: Do The Winners Write History? Series

Contributed by Lee Strobel on May 2, 2006

That’s what we’re going to find out in this new series on The Da Vinci Code. Garry Poole and I traveled to Europe to investigate the sites of Dan Brown’s story, but our biggest surprise occurred in Lincoln Cathedral. That’s where director Ron Howard filme

Cracking the Da Vinci Code Part I: Do the Winners Write History? Lee Strobel Sign up for Lee Strobel’s free e-newsletter Investigating Faith at www.LeeStrobel.com [Note: This message was immediately preceded by the video segment from Session 1 of the Discussing the Da Vinci Code DVD, available at ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Denomination: *other

The Sovereignty Of God Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Mar 8, 2015

God’s the infinite Ruler of all; He is “running the show.” Nothing can prevent His predetermined plan. Nothing takes Him by surprise. Those who see God’s hand in everything can best leave everything in God’s hand.

It’s been said, “How do you make God laugh? Tell Him your plans” (G.K. Chesterton). Our plans aren’t always in line with God’s. We may try to fight God’s will, but someone pointed out, “Your arms are too short to box with God” (J. W. Johnson). The ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 47:1-9

Denomination: Congregational

It Takes Faith (Part Eleven) Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Sep 18, 2017

We've looked at many people on our journey through the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. And while it wouldn't surprise us to see names like Noah, Abraham and Moses, the next name on our list might raise a few eyebrows. Today we'll look at the faith of Rahab

IT TAKES FAITH (part eleven) Hebrews 11:31 INTRODUCTION: We've looked at many people on our journey through the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. And while it wouldn't surprise us to see names like Noah, Abraham and Moses, the next name on our list might raise a few eyebrows. Last week I talked about ...read more

Scripture: James 2:24-25, Joshua 6:22-25, Joshua 2:1-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Elijah: Fighting Depression

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 29, 2016

In a contest on Mt. Carmel, he was God's instrument to prove to Israel that Jehovah was the Lord. But after that amazing victory Elijah sank into the depths of despair. He sat down under a juniper tree and asked God to take his life. Does that surprise you about a man of God? I hope not.

Tom Lowe 6/26/16 ELIJAH: FIGHTING DEPRESSION (Text: 1 Kings 18-19) Depression is the common cold of our emotions. Eventually it touches everyone—even God's people. I know this because I am a born-again Christian who has battled depression for many years. Just recently, I passed through a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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

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

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