Sermons on Surprise:

Role Reversal

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Apr 4, 2013

A look at who "got it" when Jesus came and who did not. What you would expect is not what happened.

Role Reversals Luke 8:4-9 Think about it for a moment. If you knew nothing about all the stories of the Bible, especially the New Testament stories about Jesus, who would you expect to be the most enthusiastic and welcoming to the idea of God visiting planet earth? Who would be those most ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:19-23

Denomination: Methodist

Identifying Any Stealthy Opposition Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Jan 9, 2020

Jude references a wide range of sources, including Jewish literature and contemporary examples, to equip his readers to discern the “certain individuals” who have slipped into the church. His descriptions continue to give us discernment.

Message Jude 5-16 Identifying Any Stealthy Opposition We are going to start this message with a brief look at “divine inspiration” This is the term we use to describe how the divine Scripture is written by human authors. Two Bible passages are very important in this regard. Above all, you must ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:5-16

Denomination: Baptist

A Midnight Miracle

Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on May 28, 2020

While going through, we can trust God to bring us out

I am convinced that the safest place in the world is in the center of God’s will. You will never find a place more secure than being in the center of God’s will for your life. At the same time, I am also convinced that in the center of God’s will; though it is the safest place, it is not always the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Amazed And Afraid

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 27, 2022

When someone is saved, he or she will become "amazed" by how God is working. But when they get to a certain point in their journey, God might require the individual to take a step of faith, at which point he or she will become "afraid."

This morning I wish to speak with you about a common pattern that occurs in many individual relationships with the Lord. The trend that happens over and over, and the one that we will see in our passage of Scripture, is this: An individual will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and grow ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Brothers Get It Wrong Series

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Mar 4, 2023

Jesus' brothers gave Jesus some advice. It wasn't very good advice. But we can learn from it, about assumptions, about accepting Jesus as Lord, and about dealing with pressure from our families.

Today, we’re continuing in our series ‘Encounters with Jesus in John’s gospel.’ I’m going to focus on the first eight verses of John 7. These tell us about an encounter Jesus’ brothers had with him. As usual, I’ll try to give the context. Then we’ll look at what happened. After that, we’ll ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Hate Your Family Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 12, 2021

There is no such thing as an instant disciple. Look at the word for a minute in your mind, to be a disciple it takes discipline.

If you didn’t bring a Bible with you, you’ll need one today. And we’ve provided you with one if you didn’t bring it. Turn with me to Luke 14:25-35 or page 1111 in the black books in front of you, there in your pews. If I asked you who Mary Lucy Phalen is, would you immediately recognize that name? ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-35

Denomination: Baptist

When Your Faith Is Tested Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Sep 12, 2022

Based on James 1:1-4 - Challenges hearers to understand that God uses tests in our lives to grow our faith.

“WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED” James 1:1-4 FBCF – 9/11/22 Jon Daniels INTRO – First responders face tests all the time. - Firefighters – Every time pager goes off or call comes in, we know that we will face some sort of test. May be a minor test, a relatively easy test, a quick test. Or may be a ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Illusions Of And Counterfeit Christianity

Contributed by Mike Mayfield on Mar 10, 2001

Being a christian is more than just attending church on Sunday morning.

ILLUSIONS OF AND COUNTERFEIT CHRISTIANITY II CORINTHIANS 5: 17 WEBSTERS DICTIONARY SAYES THE WORD ILLUSION MEANS A MISLEADING PERCEPTION OF REALITY AN OVERLY OPTIMISTIC IDEA OR BELIEF MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE BUILD UP AN IMAGE OF WHAT THEY WANT OTHER PEOPLE TO BELIEVE THEY ARE; IT’S LIKE WEARING A ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What To Do When You Have Been Cheated

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Many people struggle to overcome the temptation to take vengeance into their own hands.

Many people struggle to overcome the temptation to take vengeance into their own hands. However, Paul once wrote, "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:19-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Wedding Sermon

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Jul 29, 2005

Three habits in a marriage that give you a fighting chance of staying together

Wedding sermon Unfortunately, I can’t use my usual wedding story, because Adam and Sarah heard it at Debbie and Paul’s wedding in Dymchurch in June this year. So I had to find something new. Story: Richard Daly was Mayor of Chicago for 21 years between 1955-1976. He was a rather forbidding guy ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Anglican

I Know That Face!

Contributed by Robert Marsh on Mar 18, 2005

Memorial/Funeral Service for a miscarried baby.

“I Know That Face!” Memorial Service for a Miscarried Child Psalm 139:16 Today family and friends gather to grieve with and support Melissa and Robert. For them the excitement of a long awaited pregnancy has come to a terrible, unexpected and painful end. In a time like this, we are cut to the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:15-16

Denomination: Baptist

Losing Sight Of The Cross

Contributed by Doug Stringer on May 15, 2005

This message uses a large wooden cross as a prop. As I discuss each item, I place it on the cross. By the time I am done the sermon, the cross is completely hidden from all the garbage hanging from it.

Losing Sight of The Cross REV. 2:2 5a I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:2-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Give It All You've Got?

Contributed by Paul Collins on Jul 15, 2003

A sermon on the feeding of the 5000, giving all that you have to God (That will never be enough) but God will make up the shortfall, so in Him we can do amazing things.

I WANT TO START BY ASKING YOU THE SERMON TITLE Do you give it all you’ve got? Story about the soccer team and standing on the ball It made me feel really stupid, as if I couldn’t play to save myself. I just wanted people to see that I could play and had earnt my place on the 2nd 11 and at least ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

"No Star Tonight"

Contributed by Donald Smith on Apr 24, 2003

Tonight, all is not calm and bright in the city of Bethlehem. We may not be able to actually be there, but we know what it is like to live in darkness. Receive this, therefore, as a message of hope - - for 2000 years ago and for today....

"No Star Tonight" (Christmas Eve) Luke 2:1-20 "No Star Tonight" a Gatlin Brothers song... is sung here A mother wakes up her son one morning and says, “Honey, it’s time to get ready for church.” The son replies, “But mom, I don’t want to go to church today!” The mother persisted, “But you ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20, John 1:4-5

Denomination: Methodist

Jesus Meets An Outcast Series

Contributed by Adrian Warnock on Feb 17, 2007

How does Jesus deal with a "sinner"? Is it the same way we do?

John 4 Jesus- meets an outcast Audio at http://jubilee-church.org/sermons/john/samaritanwoman.htm The needy saviour meets a needy woman Jesus reaches out to a woman in need, revealing his need. Far from being independent and self sufficient he makes himself vulnerable, and reveals that he ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-45

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational