Sermons on Surprise:

Samson's Marvelous Riddle

Contributed by Charles Holt on Nov 3, 2000

Samson’s wedding riddle was born out of conflict teaching important life lessons.

Charles W. Holt email: cholt@gt.rr.com SAMSON’S MARVELOUS RIDDLE Judges 14:1-18 Samson’s quick wit and prankish nature unexpectedly yield a gem of stunning insight. It is a masterpiece of encouragement and hope for times when life gets crazy, seemingly out of control; when one is fighting to ...read more

Scripture: Judges 14:1-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How Can I Make It Through Suffering? Series

Contributed by Ross Anderson on Oct 25, 2005

Be prepared for times of suffering, lest affliction cause you to lose your grip on your relationship with God.

Be prepared for times of suffering, lest affliction cause you to lose your grip on your relationship with God. I. DON¡¦T BE DUMBFOUNDED BY SUFFERING (12-13) 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Am I Receiving So Much Flack For Trying To Follow God? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 10, 2013

A look at the negative reaction the Magi received when they arrived in Jerusalem. Often in our lives our attempts to follow God are not met with positive responses from those around us.

THE RESPONSE THE MAGI RECEIVED IN JERUSALEM: Their question didn’t bring joy, but instead brought surprise, anger, embarrassment, and fear. - Matthew 2:1-7. a. Surprise. - Matthew 2:3. - The people are surprised by this news. We know this because of the response. No one has any idea ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Ready? Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Mar 29, 2019

Are we ready for the Coming Christ?

Are You Ready? Matthew 25:1-13 Introduction Our series is Surprise Endings. Just like many favorite movies and mysteries, Jesus’ parables often carried an element of surprise, a plot twist that we may not be ready for as we are reading. In the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, all the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Kicked Out Of Church

Contributed by Charles Salmon on Feb 3, 2004

Lessons learned from Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth.

Jesus Kicked Out of Church Lk. 4:22-30 INTRO.: Can you imagine the Lord kicked out of Church? His home church, yet. But that’s exactly what happened. Jesus went to Nazareth to visit the town and the synagogue where He was reared. At first, His town folk listened to Him with great interest. He was a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:22-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Walking With God

Contributed by Ed Wood on May 2, 2002

A sermon related to Christian Service

INTRO: This chapter covers a period of 1500 years. It contains the history of Adam’s family to the time of Noah. In this chapter, is the story of Enoch. He began his walk with God after his son was born. Too many men wait until they die to walk with God. Enoch was 65 years old when he began his ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 5:21-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Song Of The Angels Series

Contributed by Johann Neethling on Dec 11, 2005

Hearing this very familiar Christmas story from a new perspective. What happens now after we’ve heard the angels sing?

THE SONGS OF CHRISTMAS: The Song of the Angels Luke 2: 8-20 1. Christmas is certainly the season for concerts and musicals! Here is just a very small sample of Christmas events taking place right now in the Seattle area: • The customary Nutcracker ballet. • A Christmas Carol at the ACT Theatre. A ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: United Methodist

Expect God To Be God Series

Contributed by Tom Owen on Jan 14, 2011

verse by verse through Acts

Isn’t it funny how we get surprised by things that shouldn’t surprise us at all? [Gaining weight, speeding ticket, pregnancy examples.] Isn’t it funny how we get surprised by things that shouldn’t surprise us at all? Especially when it comes to God-things. Sometimes the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Pain And Persecution

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Aug 24, 2023

Why does the Lord allow us to go through pain?

Pain and Persecution 1 Peter 4:12-19 Good morning everyone, if you would turn to 1 Peter 4:12-19 we will continue in our study of the Christian life and what Peter and Paul have to say about it in their letters to the churches. Let’s Pray- 1 Peter 4:13-19 Read clearly There are things that must ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Nazarene

God Is Not A Capitalist Series

Contributed by Hal Seed on Aug 21, 2008

This is the first in a 7-part series on the Parables. The Parable of the 11th Hour Work was told to describe God as a Landowner unlike any other.

[This sermon is contributed by Hal Seed of New Song Church in Oceanside, California and of www.PastorMentor.com. Hal is the author of numerous books including The God Questions and The Bible Questions. If you are interested in The Bible Questions Church-wide Campaign, please visit and watch Hal’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Death And Taxes

Contributed by John Beehler on Apr 6, 2001

Contrary to the saying, "The only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes"......

Death and Taxes ILLUS: If you go back to 1700 and all the way up through to the year 2100, a day like today will only happen 12 times. Oh, I’m not talking about Easter. What is unusual about today is that Easter and “Tax Day” fall on the same day. On the same day we celebrate the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10, 1 Corinthians 15:50-57

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When Will The Lord Arrive

Contributed by Bledar Valca on Dec 24, 2008

When will the Lord arrive

WHEN WILL THE LORD ARRIVE? 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 There is a branch of theological study called “Eschatology.” It is a compound word, originating from two Greek words: 1) “ἔó÷áôïò” , and 2) ëüãïò . The first is an adjective and means “end”, but when used as a noun it means “ends of ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The 4 Points: #1: God Loves Me: Bible Story: The Last Supper. - Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Mar 11, 2024

Easter Series - THE 4 POINTS: #1: God Loves Me: Bible Story: The Last Supper. - sermon by Gordon Curley (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: Surprise #1: Limited Information. Surprise #2: No Lamb. Surprise #3: A New Meaning SERMON BODY: Now you will not find the four points graphics hanging up in any museum, • No art expert would ever consider them a great work of art, • But somebody in advertising would value ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:17-30

Denomination: Brethren

The Call Of Mary Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on May 8, 2024

Mary is unexpectedly chosen to be the mother of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Despite feeling unprepared, Mary humbly submits to God's plan. Mothers, like Mary, can handle their many roles with grace by having a humble spirit and being open to God's call on their lives.

Hey guys, happy Mother's Day weekend! Today, we're giving a shout-out to all the moms, grandmas, and all the women who make a difference in our lives. You know, life can be like a surprise pop quiz. You think you're ready for math class, and then BAM! You're hit with a history test. That's kinda ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Topics: Unexpected Calling, Mary's Journey, Divine Intervention, Life Changes

What Happens When I Die? Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 16, 2011

we can face death with confidence and peace because of all the good things we have when we die in the Lord

Luke 16:19-31 Intro: In London, many years ago, there lived a man named Solomon Peas. Upon his death, by his request, his tombstone was inscribed with this rhyme: Beneath these clods and beneath these trees, Lies the body of Solomon Peas This is not Peas; it is only his pod; Peas has shelled out ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ