Sermons on Surprise:

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

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

The Politics Of Jesus

Contributed by Tj Long Jr on Oct 30, 2023

Christians think they align with Jesus' views. Some are surprised, others offended. Jesus’ campaign sounds like a liberal utopia because we’re not ready to let go of hate, we’re not ready to trust in God and not in the law. We have to transcend hate and show the mercy we’ve been shown by God.

There are only two shows that I’ve ever watched the entire series. One of which I still own on DVD and have watched the entire series 3 times. If there was any show that I’d love to see still running today it would be this one. I’d love to see how it would interpret and respond to the issues of our ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6, Matthew 22:37-40

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ

"What Is Truth About Easter?”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Apr 3, 2023

A quote: Philip Yancy. Christianity offers a cross and empty tomb. The sermon deal's with Pilate's question: "What is truth?" N.T. Wright Surprised by Hope, reminds us that the Bible actually does not just teach “life after death,” but rather “life after life after death!”

In Jesus Holy Name April 9, 2023 Text: Luke 24:1-3,5b-6 Redeemer “What is Truth About Easter?” I’m so glad you are here this morning to enjoy the experience of Easter worship. The spring flowers bloom in the sunshine. The music renews our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-3, Luke 24:5-6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Denomination: Lutheran

True Repentance Series

Contributed by Norest Hoko on Sep 20, 2025

One day in my study I read and and pondered on the verse of Scripture, John 3:1-3 , Where a Pharisee Nicodemus went to Jesus to confirm that truly Jesus was sent from God.What surprised me was Jesus' reply that "no man unless he is born again will see the kingdom of God"

I’ve been reflecting on a powerful truth: two men can receive the same divine revelation, yet have completely different spiritual conditions. This is strikingly illustrated in the lives of two very different people: Peter, a simple fisherman, and Nicodemus, a highly educated teacher of the Jewish ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-21, Matthew 16:13-20, Matthew 3:11

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

Johanan The Rabbi Series

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Aug 18, 2010

A narrative monolouge reply from a Rabbi who was present at the Temple to hear the words of Jesus spoken in Matthew 23. To highlight why Jesus had an issue with the Teachers of the Law and Pharisees, that he was concerned for their legalism.

Matthew 23, 22/08/2010 Jesus was to address the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law at the Temple. This occurred during the week preceding the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus mentions seven woes, The Pharisees were a legalistic and separatistic group who strictly, but often hypocritically, kept the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39

Denomination: Salvation Army

If You Want More Faith In Jesus Christ. . . Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jul 13, 2022

If you want more faith in Jesus Christ. . . 1. Don't be surprised by storms in your life (vs. 22-24). 2. Remember that the Lord works in mysterious ways (vs. 25-26). 3. Receive the truth of God's Word (vs. 26-28). 4. Focus on your Savior more than your storm (vs. 28-33).

If You Want More Faith in Jesus Christ. . . The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 14:22-33 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared July 13, 2022) BACKGROUND: *Would you like to have more faith in Jesus Christ? -- Sure we would! Any right-thinking Christian would say "yes" to that question. And ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Baptist

My Mother

Contributed by Bruce Lee on May 28, 2025

On Mother’s Day, many children will try to do something special for their mom’s like give them a personal letter to express their love. Angie, 8 years old, wrote: "Dear Mother, I’m going to make dinner for you on Mother’s Day. It’s going to be a surprise. P.S. I hope you like popcorn."

My Mother “10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Touched By His Power Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 15, 2018

When Jesus healed people "power went out from Him". This isn't the only time "Power" is spoken about as "coming out" from Jesus when He performed His miracles. What does that mean and what can it mean to us?

OPEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW5OBrB4MRM (0:0 thru 1:52 - where the speaker begins to introduce next video) The video describes how chemicals are used to create the different colors in fireworks. How many of you knew that stuff? Isn’t that cool? All those beautiful fireworks on the 4th ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:12-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ