Sermons on Surprised By Suffering:

Spring Forward

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 31, 2023

There’s a surprising freedom that comes from following God unto the unknown. Enjoy it.

If you look back on the last 10 to 50 years the amount of change we have experienced in this country is pretty staggering, isn’t it. From propeller planes to space shuttles, from Ozzie and Harriet to Ozzie Osborne, from the Cold War to the War on Terror. But at least we’ve had the same government, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Endurance Under Stress Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Feb 9, 2022

Does coming to Christ mean the end of suffering? Sorry, no it does not. To this, suffering, you were called. Christ suffered and left an example of suffering. We have great verses in 21-25 about what Christ’s death on the cross means. Christ suffered for you.

It was one of those dramatic stories. The town ruffian named Big Joe became a Christian. After all the noses he had broken, black eyes he had given the meanest toughest man in town accepts Christ and becomes a changed man. Now instead of a violent temper he endured patiently, even under stress. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-25

Denomination: Baptist

The Real Joseph

Contributed by Gary Waguespack on Oct 4, 2001

Why did Joesph REALLY want to divorce Mary, the answer may surprise you.

Christmas: Mt. 1:18-25 The Real Story of Joseph! Intro. A little boy was lost in a mall. He didn’t know what to do so, knit hat in hand, he just stood and cried. People passing felt bad and wanted to do something, so they started putting money in his hat. A short while later a Security Man ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Visitor From A Strange Planet Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 5, 2002

Why was Samson the only Nazirite to be born with superhuman strength. The answer may surprise you.

OPEN: (We played the opening to the original Superman series, as well as displaying a picture of George Reeves - which stayed on the overhead thru the first illustration - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2l4bz1FT8U) "Faster than a locomotive. More powerful than a speeding bullet. Able to ...read more

Scripture: Judges 13:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Winning Team Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Dec 4, 2001

This is the 5th sermon in the "Christmas Surprises" series. This sermon identifies Who wins and why.

Sunday Evening December 9, 2001 Bel Aire Baptist Church Series: Christmas Surprises [#5] THE WINNING TEAM Isaiah 8:12-9:7 Introduction: 1. Kevin and I discuss football quite often. The NFL team, Carolina Panthers, have come up in our discussion several times. This is a football team that ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Living Lyrics Of The Lowly Life

Contributed by Bradley Boydston on Dec 21, 2002

One of the great surprises of Christmas is God’s propensity toward working thru the lowly.

- - - - - - - - - - Unless noted otherwise all scripture is quoted from the New Living Translation of the Bible. - - - - - - - - - - "Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation will call me blessed.” ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-56

Denomination: *other

Expecting The Unexpected

Contributed by Kim Gilliland on Oct 18, 2000

Do not be surprised because I tell you that you must all be born again.

Do not be surprised because I tell you that you must all be born again. The wind blows wherever it wishes; you hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. It is like that with everyone who is born of the Spirit. John 3:7-8 FATHERS' DAY CARDS Last week, ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

The Spirit Of Christmas

Contributed by Justin Yarnell on Dec 19, 2005

Find out what the "real" spirit of Christmas is, it may just surprise you.

"The Spirit of Christmas" At Christmas time we celebrate the birth of Christ, we give gifts to one another, to symbolize and remind us of the wonderful gift our God gave us, when he came to this earth. We’re all familiar with the town of Bethlehem and Mary and Joseph, and how Jesus was born in ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Looking For The Perfect Church: Part 3 Series

Contributed by Mike Rickman on Jan 24, 2003

When we get to heaven we’ll be surprised who is and isn’t there.

January 26, 2003 Morning Service Text: Luke 14:15-24 Subject: Christ’s Invitation. Title: Looking for the Perfect Church: Part 3 The perfect church! What do we know about it? Well we know that it is not here yet. Jesus spoke to seven churches in Revelation. Some of them probably thought they ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:15-24

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Jesus Said About Evangelizing The World Series

Contributed by Tim Huie on May 6, 2009

What did Jesus say about evangelizing the world? The answer might surprise you!

WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT EVANGELIZING THE WORLD MATTHEW 22:1-14 1. Illus. of my friend Charles • Had a little Chevette • Saw him on side of road, I thought he was broken down. • “Couldn’t remember where I was supposed to be going, thought I ought to sit here until it came to me.” 2. I know a lot of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Of Fathers And Baptism

Contributed by Greg Nance on Jun 19, 2010

How does Matthew 3 relate to Father’s day? You might be surprised.

Matthew 3 Happy Father’s day! How many fathers are here today? Matthew 3 has a good Father’s day message in it. John scolded the hypocritical Pharisees and Sadducees when they came to where he was baptizing. He said (vs. 9), “Do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

This Is Not A Contradiction Series

Contributed by Coz Von on Oct 15, 2020

What is the Law of the Spirit and the law of sin and death, or are they the same thing, the answer will surprise you.

What is “the law of the Spirit of life” spoken about by Paul in Romans 8:2? Romans 8:1-4 builds on what Paul discussed in the previous chapters, particularly the connection between the law, sin, and death. Romans 8:1-4 seems specifically to develop Romans 7:6, where the two ideas present in our ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:2, Romans 13:8-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Are Only A Few Going To Be Saved? The Answer Isn't Cheap

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Aug 18, 2022

Salvation isn't as easy as one might think. Jesus answer is surprising.

8.21.22 Luke 13:22–29 22 He went on his way from one town and village to another, teaching, and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone said to him, “Lord, are only a few going to be saved?” He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:22-30

Denomination: Lutheran

I Demand This Thorn Removed.

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Oct 26, 2016

THIS THORN HAS A PURPOSE. The real revelation of suffering. God has a plan and a purpose. Suffering can reveal the heart OF MAN, not just the heart of God. Suffering can be a door to Presence of God. Suffering can be fertilizer for love.

I DEMAND YOU REMOVE THIS THORN NOW! By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com THORNS HAVE A PURPOSE, FEW EVER LEARN OR UNDERSTAND THE PLAN OF THE THORN... 2 Corinthians 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:5-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Chronological Exposition Of The Christmas Narratives Series

Contributed by Bob Marcaurelle on Dec 3, 2019

Each event in the Christmas narrative is explained and applied to our lives.

A SHORT EXPOSITION OF THE CHRISTMAS STORY IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER From the Book, “Every Day with Jesus”, a one year’s journey through the Life of Jesus in chronological order with devotional comments for each day. An E-Book is available at homeorchurchbiblestudy.com bob maraurelle A. The Birth ...read more

Denomination: Baptist