Sermons on Surprised By Suffering:

Unsurprised By Suffering

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Oct 31, 2025

Those to whom Peter wrote 1 Peter were experiencing persecution for their faith. Peter instructs them not to be surprised. This sermon examines four reasons why people are surprised by suffering, and why they shouldn't be.

Years ago, when my wife and I were expecting . . . And notice that I didn’t say, “when my wife and I were pregnant”. That seems to be a thing these days, with husbands and wives saying, “we’re pregnant”. And I know it’s intended as a way for the husband to express solidarity with his wife, and to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12

Denomination: Baptist

Surprised By Joy Series

Contributed by David Owens on Feb 14, 2011

We should not be surprised by persecution when it comes, nor by the joy we feel when we suffer for Christ.

Introduction: A. The story is told of a man who went to the perfume counter and told the clerk he'd like a bottle of Chanel No. 5 for his wife's birthday. 1. The clerk smiled and said, “A little surprise, eh?” 2. “You bet,” answered the customer, “She's expecting a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Navigating The Surprises Of Life

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Aug 29, 2011

God can and will help us change so we can be better equipped to handle change. If we will go all in with God and give our lives to Him, He will help us learn to navigate the surprises of life in a way that brings Him honor and produces something good in o

Navigating the Surprises of Life Intro: How many of you enjoy surprises? I know, I know – it depends on what the surprise is. For example, your tax return comes back with $500 more than you expected – that is a good surprise! Or, back when we used VCR’s… one day you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!

Contributed by David Lansdown on Dec 23, 2002

This message focuses on a bunch of surprises that must be some of the greatest ever!

SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE! Luke 1:26-38 INTRODUCTION HOLD UP PICTURE OF SERGEANT CARTER Who is this? (AWAIT RESPONSES) What TV show was he in? (AWAIT RESPONSES) That’s right he was ‘Sergeant Carter’ in ‘Gomer Pyle’. HOLD UP PICTURE OF PRIVATE GOMER ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on May 29, 2023

The one that had been the enemy of the church has now become the champion of the church.

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise Text: Acts 9:20-31 Introduction 1. When I was growing up, my three favorite TV shows were the Beverly Hillbillies, the Andy Griffith Show, and Gomer Pyle USMC. There are certain lines from these shows that always make me think of them. Like the Beverly Hillbillies, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:20-31

Denomination: Methodist

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 5, 2018

Acts 10 is a pivotal chapter in Scripture. From this point on the church exploded in growth. In this story there are 3 groups of people who were "surprised" by what they saw. Why were they surprised, and what difference does that mean to us?

(Before reading the Scripture I noted that Acts 10 is a pivotal chapter in Scripture. It was after this event at Cornelius’ house that the Church exploded with growth and numerous churches were set up throughout the known world). (After the Scripture reading and prayer, we showed the following ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Surprise! Surprise! Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jan 15, 2008

The surprise announcement and coming of Christ gives us His love.

Surprise! Surprise! December 9, 2007 Luke 1:26-38 There are some surprises that are wonderful. A surprise birthday party! A surprise visit by a dear friend. A surprise check in the mail. ✵ Russian poet Boris Pasternak said, “Surprise is the greatest gift which life can grant ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

Surprise, Surprise!

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 22, 2010

Peter's miraculous escape from prison. (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Reading: chapter 12 verses 1-19: Ill: Former heavy-weight boxer James (Quick) Tillis; • Was a cowboy from Oklahoma who fought out of Chicago in the early 1980s. • He still remembers his first day in the Windy City after his arrival from Tulsa. “I got off the bus with ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-19

Denomination: Brethren

Christians Should Not Be Surprised! PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Understand and embrace the concept that suffering is not surprising or strange, but rather a part of our spiritual journey, allowing us to share in Christ's sufferings and look forward to the glory that awaits us.

Good morning, Church family. We are living in unprecedented times, aren't we? Our world has seen a drastic shift in what we consider "normal." Yet, we shouldn't be surprised. As we’ll explore today, it's not surprising because the Bible has already told us about it. We're going to look at this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-13

Topics: New Normal

Surprise Series

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Sep 22, 2006

Peter Excapes from jail and execution. Peter and the disciples are surprised, the guards are all surprised.

Surprise Acts 12:1-25 I hope that you are not tiring with our study of acts. It is a book that has all these little stories that have been put together to tell about the early days of the church. Last week we heard about Barnabas and his work @ Antioch. How he brought Saul into the picture. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-25

Denomination: Congregational

Surprise

Contributed by Ron Murphy on Apr 9, 2007

Four different groups were quite surprised to find Jesus alive on the third day. To which group might you belong?

Introduction: I. Even after his death, the Pharisee’s were concerned. A. Matthew 27, verses 63 and 64 read, “...’Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’ 64 ‘Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-4

Denomination: Methodist

Surprise! Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Apr 17, 2017

That first Resurrection Sunday consisted of surprise after surprise. Let’s look at 4 of many surprises.

Surprise! (Mark 16:1-8) 1. Last month the elders board decided to get the most handsome preacher in the State of Indiana to speak for Easter. He said no. 2. Then they thought they would get the most intelligent preacher in Indiana to speak. He said no.. Then they decided to get the pastor with ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Surprise

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Oct 19, 2018

A study in the book of 2 Kings 6: 1 – 33

2 Kings 6: 1 – 33 Surprise 6 And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us. 2 Please, let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell.” So, he answered, “Go.” 3 Then ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Don't Be Surprised Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Nov 7, 2000

There is opposition on every journey of faith, and it seems impassable.

DON’T BE SURPRISED! 1 Peter 4:12-19 Introduction: 1. There is opposition on every journey of faith. It is enough to cause many to become discouraged and quit. It is enough to give pause to everyone – is it worth it? It is enough to seem impassable. It is enough to be classified as a real ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Surprise!

Contributed by Paul Decker on Apr 8, 2007

Jesus brings joy out of our mourning.

SURPRISE! John 20.1-18 S: Resurrection C: Life, light, hope Pr: JESUS BRINGS JOY OUT OF OUR MOURNING. TS: We will find in our study of John 20.1-18 how God is an expert in performing the unexpected. Type: Inductive I. DARKNESS (1) II. INVESTIGATION (2-7) III. BELIEF (8-10) IV. MOURNING ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist