Sermons on Surprised By Suffering:

The Kingdom Suffers Violence PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 24, 2023

This sermon encourages believers to persevere under life's pressures, persist in prayer, and continually progress in their pursuit of God.

Welcome, beloved, to this blessed gathering where we seek to drink from the well of God's Word, to bask in the light of His wisdom, and to strengthen our faith. We are here, not by accident, but by divine appointment. We are here to be encouraged, to be challenged, to be transformed. And today, we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:12

Topics: Keep Pressing

Hope In The Midst Of Suffering PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 1, 2025

God’s unfailing mercy meets us in our pain, inviting us to honest prayer, renewed hope, and quiet trust even in our hardest seasons.

Some days the weight shows up before the sun does. You wake with a knot in your stomach, a sigh on your lips, and questions that outnumber the quiet moments. You stand at the sink, stare at your reflection, and wonder, Is this ever going to change? Am I going to make it through this? If that’s you ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:19-26

Topics: Despair, Hope

Glory In Persecution [rated - R]

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Nov 6, 2009

The time is coming when Christians will be persecuted right here. How do I know it? I have already traveled that road before. How will you deal with it? Let us not try to run and find a way to escape persecution but face it like Jesus did.

Opening illustration: Video clip of persecuted Christians worldwide. Let us turn to 1 Peter 4 and check out what to expect while being persecuted for Christ. Introduction: In the nature of things persecution must have been a much more daunting experience for Gentiles than it was for the Jews. The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Your Unexpected Part Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Dec 5, 2021

Christmas season is filled with surprises and the unexpected twists and turns that come with this holiday season. The original Christmas season was also filled with surprises from Heaven and the unexpected twists and turns from God. God loves doing the unexpected.

Video Transition: Reason for the Season – Skit Guys (4 min) Series: Unexpected Christmas Introduction: Unexpected mistake: Share about problem with the Bible reference of Mary’s Song last week – How many caught the unexpected wrong Bible reference - were you surprised? – that was my unexpected ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:35, Romans 12:1-2, John 15:9-17, Philippians 2:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In The Fire! Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 30, 2011

WHEN the fire comes, don’t let it burn you; instead, let it refine you. How? Don’t be surprised or ashamed by the fire. Instead, be glad in the fire, glory in the fire, and give yourself to God in the fire.

A man went to see his doctor in a state of high anxiety. “Doctor,” he said, “you have to help me. I'm dying. Everywhere I touch it hurts. I touch my head and it hurts. I touch my leg and it hurts. I touch my stomach and it hurts. I touch my chest and it hurts. You have to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Call To Priesthood

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Apr 12, 2015

There is a special set of charisms and sufferings for those called to pastoral office in the Church.

Christians, especially Catholics, should never be surprised by suffering and pain. If we are surprised, it ought to be if we do not suffer pain and disappointment and grief. Jesus told us that during His absence, we would weep and lament while the secular world rejoices. St. Teresa commented ...read more

Scripture: John 16:16-22

Denomination: Catholic

A Call--Accepted Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 29, 2013

Astonished at Jesus' teaching and amazed by his authority and power, Peter, James and John accept Jesus' invitation to follow him even though they do not know what the future holds.

Luke 6:1-16 “Something New” INTRODUCTION I think that one of the great joys in life is to be able to give a gift and then watch the recipient enjoy the gift. As a grandparent, I love giving a gift to my granddaughters and then watch them play with it. I can’t imagine what ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

The Tyranny Of Mine Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 9, 2011

We claim our kingdoms and possessions and call them "mine." God lays claim to all and calls us to acknowledge it as his.

Matthew 21:33-46 "The Tyranny of Mine" INTRODUCTION Two friends were walking in the forest one day when suddenly they stumbled upon a large grizzly bear who decided that they looked like a good snack. The two started running away when all of a sudden one of them stopped. The other said, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46

Denomination: Lutheran

Sometimes We Look Around But We Don't See What's Going On

Contributed by Robert Tallent on Jul 7, 2013

God always has us on His mind and even when we don't realize it, He is taking care of everything we need

Sometimes we look around but don't see what's going On. 2 Kings 6:8- 17 I God knows what we need before we need it. vs 14 and they came by night, Notice what the Bible doesn't say. That Elisha ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:8-17

Denomination: Baptist

Unexpected News Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Nov 28, 2021

Christmas season is filled with surprises and the unexpected twists and turns that come with this holiday. The original Christmas was also filled with surprises from Heaven and the unexpected twists and turns from God. God loves doing the unexpected.

Video Transition: Mary did you know video! Series: Unexpected Christmas Thesis of Series: Christmas season is filled with surprises and the unexpected twists and turns that come with this holiday. The original Christmas was also filled with surprises from Heaven and the unexpected twists and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-55, Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Losing Track Of God Series

Contributed by John Allen on Jun 10, 2025

Sometimes God does such unexpected things that we get confused and frustrated with him.

[Statements in brackets are for the preacher not the preaching. They are notes that reflect ideas based on the homiletics recommended in "Preach with No Pants" (https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/preach-with-no-pants-john-allen-sermon-on-inductive-250167) which proposes an ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Easter: Do You Believe In The God Of Surprises?

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Apr 3, 2010

Do you believe in the God of surprises? I do - but there is no way the friends of Jesus expected him to rise from the dead. No way! But the Good News is that he did and it is Good News for all people. Do you believe in the God of surprises?

Do you believe in the God of surprises? Now, let’s be clear, just in case anyone’s not sure. Although The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is one of my favourite books, and one of my favourite films, I know that it’s only make-believe; but just like the parables that Jesus told – the stories he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

Denomination: Anglican

The Do's And Don'ts Of Suffering Series

Contributed by Guy Caley on Dec 15, 2001

Peter gives us instructions on how to deal with suffering.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Suffering Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19 Introduction In Basic Training, soldiers quickly become acquainted with two simple facts about suffering: 1. You will suffer 2. There is a right way and a wrong way to deal with suffering as a Basic Trainee. Ways that will only increase ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Don't You Just Love Surprises?

Contributed by James May on Jan 19, 2003

God’s ability to answer prayer will even surprise those who are praying.

Disclaimer: Due to the large amount of sermons and topics that appear on this site I feel it is necessary to post this disclaimer on all sermons posted. These sermons are original to the author and the leading of the Holy Spirit. While ideas and illustrations are often gleaned from many ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Supplicating Supplicant Suffers Shame Series

Contributed by Mack Armstrong on Jun 3, 2007

He came running to Jesus, fell at the Master’s feet, and professed great spiritual hunger. When asked about his lateral dealings with his fellow man, he assured Jesus he was spotless and holy regarding these issues of his life.

MARK 10:17-22 A SUPPLICATING SUPPLICANT SUFFERS SHAME I. THE SUPPLICANT: * MARK 10:17, 20 A. Show. Mark 10:17 B. Sincere. Mark 10:20 C. Successful. Mark 10:20 II. THE SAVIOUR: ** MARK 10:18, 19, 21 A. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-22

Denomination: Methodist