Sermons on Surprise:

Two Stories, Two Men

Contributed by Norm Beckett on Jun 27, 2001

The message of salvation enriches our lives.

TWO STORIES, ONE RESPONSE “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought the field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46

Denomination: Holiness

Four Wealthy Lepers

Contributed by Charles Salmon on Feb 5, 2008

Four men with nothing to lose discover great wealth and realize the peril of not sharing good news.

Four Wealthy Lepers II Kings 7:9 INTRO.: The king of Aram lays siege to Samaria and the people are starving, even to the point of engaging in cannibalism. The prophet Elisha promises quick relief. He is not believed and the king even sought his life, blaming him for their troubles. The prophet’s ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 7:9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fighting Abortionist Terrorism With Prayer

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Apr 18, 2009

The proper answer to Satan’s "I shall not serve" and Planned Parenthood’s "Every child a planned and wanted child" is Mary’s "Behold the maidservant of the Lord" and "Be it done to me according to Thy word"

Sermon for Pro-Life Service 22 April 2009 I don’t think it’s a total coincidence that New York legalized abortion about the same time that Rosary devotions began to wane in the late 1960’s. All laws regulating contraception were struck down in 1965 by the Supreme Court in Griswold v. Connecticut. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Catholic

Put On Your Best Garment

Contributed by Samuel M on Jul 7, 2024

This chapter actually talks about Ruth's marriage proposal. The bride (Ruth) was not aware about who the bridegroom was, but she was dressed in her best clothes to lie down at the feet of the kinsman redeemer.

Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security[a] for you, that it may be well with you? Now Boaz, whose young women you were with, is he not our relative? In fact, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Therefore wash yourself and anoint ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 3:1-3

Jesus Confronts His Betrayer.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jan 3, 2023

One of you will, literally, "deliver me up."

JESUS CONFRONTS HIS BETRAYER. John 13:18-30. JOHN 13:18. Jesus knew whom He had chosen to be Apostles, and was well aware which one would turn out to be a traitor. Yet He knows who are genuine, and who are not. Jesus earlier asked, ‘Have I not chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?’ ...read more

Scripture: John 13:18-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Resurrection Journey To Faith

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Oct 18, 2000

Mary Magdalene’s world had collapsed on the crucifixion of Jesus and she came to the tomb Searching, Learning, Seeing and then Believing.

The resurrection of Jesus demands a personal response. Pollsters take pleasure in getting the opinion of the general public, asking, "Do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead?" They are keen to tell us: what percentage believe he actually physically came to life again; how many say he didn’t ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Transformed People And Institutions Series

Contributed by Richard Pfeil on May 17, 2005

Part 8 of 8 on Jesus preached during Lent with this message focusing on the transformative power in placing ones life in Jesus’ hands.

Jesus Transformed People and Institutions Sunday, April 28, 2002 TEXT: Mark 11: 15-17 Last week we completed a series on Celebrating Jesus. As I looked over the whole series and pondered the things that really drew people to Jesus, there is one that I think was missing on the list. I find it very ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:15-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"Listing To Human Advice Even When It Conflicts With The Divine Word.”

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Dec 19, 2001

Year A. 4th Sunday of Advent –December 30th, 2001 Title: “Listing to human advice even when it conflicts with the Divine Word.” Isaiah 7: 10-14

Year A. 4th Sunday of Advent –December 30th, 2001 Title: “Listing to human advice even when it conflicts with the Divine Word.” Isaiah 7: 10-14 Ahaz was the Davidic king of Judah, the southern kingdom, from 735 until 715BC. Israel’s king, the northern kingdom, also called Ephraim, Pekah, and ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Health Care Reform- Jesus Style

Contributed by Rich Hadley on Jun 28, 2002

In light of today’s church--- In light of today’s epidemic of sin The question goes out--- Is there a doctor in the house?

Matthew 9:9-13 "Healthcare Reform—Jesus Style" Once upon a time There was a king. A tribal chief. He was angry about the "white" influence in that region. He decided that only medical personnel could remain. Everybody else had to go. Teachers...missionaries...merchants... They all had to go. It ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

Denomination: Holiness

We Are His Hands

Contributed by Darrin Fish on May 7, 2014

We are Jesus ambassadors to others here on this earth. We are His hands and his feet to be a blessing to all those we come in contact with.

We Are His Hands Michael Jordan is considered by some to be the greatest athlete of all time. • He finished his star-studded career with an incredible performance. • Time was winding down on the NBA championship game. • The Chicago Bulls were down by one basket. • The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-40

Denomination: Christian Church

Your Place In The Battle Series

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Aug 21, 2016

At unlikely times and places we too find ourselves engaged in a battle. However, standing together in the strength of the Holy Spirit the battles we fight won’t be lost! The wind of the Spirit will blow us to unlikely places with power to win!

UNLIKELY - Your Place in the Battle John 3:7-8 MsgB “So don’t be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be ‘born from above’—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:8-15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Missing Believed To Be…risen!

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Apr 2, 2018

Missing Believed to be…Risen! (Gospel talk) – Mark chapter 16 verses 1-8 & verse 14 – sermon by Gordon Curley PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info

SERMON OUTLINE: (1). The Women (vs 1-4) (2). The Angelic Being (vs 5-8) (3). The Disciples (vs 14) SERMON BODY: Ill: • Recently (14 March 2018), • The English theoretical physicist, cosmologist Stephen Hawkins died, • He was a very clever man, but he was also a committed atheist. • On one ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Brethren

The Mountain Top. The Dream. Easter Is Coming

Contributed by Fr Mund Cargill Thompson on Apr 4, 2015

Using a story format - this sermon uses the eyes of Martin Luther King to explore the Easter message

He opens his bible. A special bible given to him by his mother on the day he got his doctorate. “Doctor Martin Luther King Jr” In the background he hears Coretta in the background putting the children to bed as he opens his bible to John chapter 20 verses 1 to 18 and begins to prepare ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Anglican

Choices Of The Heart Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Oct 2, 2022

This the second sermon in a series based on The Book of Proverbs. Based on the TV game show "Let's Make a Deal," in which contestants struggle with the desire of their hearts -- to win "big" prizes or money, the choices we reveal the desires of our heart.

I’m going to assume that you all are familiar with a popular little game show called “Let’s Make a Deal.” It’s been on for, like, ever it seems. The “contestants” are offered various “mystery prizes” to choose from. Some of the prizes are really amazing and some of the prizes … well, they’re ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 2:1-22, Matthew 7:13-14, 1 Kings 11:4-6, 1 Kings 11:11-12

Denomination: United Methodist

God Answers Prayer

Contributed by Mark Haines on Mar 27, 2001

A deductive exposition of the text introduced by statistics and stories of answered prayer.

Topic: Prayer Theme: Answered Prayer Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness calling God’s people in my care to pray with persistence and humility. Response: Individuals will ponder God’s grace in answering our prayers. Pattern: A deductive exposition of the text introduced by statistics ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-17

Denomination: Wesleyan