Sermons on Surprised:

The Antidote To The ‘kindly Grandfather’ God Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 16, 2024

This passage is a stark contrast to the "kindly grandfather" image of God that many had. What are the specific ways that shows up here?

JUDGMENT-FREE ZONE: Many people like to think of God as a kindly grandfather. - Ezekiel 5:1. - There is a popular conception of God as a kindly (and slightly senile) grandfather in the sky. He’s not going to rebuke you for anything you’re doing. He’s going to ask if everyone had a good time. And ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 5:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Principle Of Harvest

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 25, 2024

When the church sows an immature, diluted, hybrid and substandard seed, DO NOT expect to reap a mature and strong church of Christ. What kind of disciples did Jesus have?

Opening Illustration: Somewhere in the world right now a farmer is dropping seeds into the ground. Soon those seeds will begin to germinate where they were planted. The carefully prepared soil that appears barren today will become a field ready for harvest. This prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:7-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Naming The New

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jan 3, 2023

A sermon for New Year's Day, The Name of Our Lord

January 1, 2023 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Luke 2:15-21 Naming the New Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. How did you get your name? Some families follow a pattern when they select names for their babies. My ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:15-21

Denomination: Lutheran

When I’ve Done My Best

Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on Jun 14, 2025

Have you ever reached a point where you said to yourself: “Lord, I’ve done all I know how to do—at home, in the marriage, in the ministry, and in my life—and it still seems like nobody cares?”

“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” Have you ever reached a point where you said to yourself: “Lord, I’ve done all I know how to do—at home, in the marriage, in the ministry, and in my life—and it still seems like nobody ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:15

Denomination: Baptist

Whom Shall I Fear? Series

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 25, 2025

God turns fear into fearless courage as we trust His presence, cry for His guidance, and wait confidently to see His goodness revealed.

Introduction – Fear Has Many Faces Fear wears many disguises. It might be the adrenaline rush when a car swerves into your lane, the stomach-drop of a medical diagnosis, the sleepless calculation of bills that don’t add up, or the quiet dread of a relationship about to break. David knew fear on ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31, John 14:27, Romans 8:31, Hebrews 13:5

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Jesus The Bridegroom Series

Contributed by Edgar Mayer on Apr 2, 2010

Jesus, the bridegroom.

Rev Dr Edgar Mayer; Living Grace Toowoomba Church; Message on Snapshots of Jesus 07 – The Bridegroom; Date: 28 February 2010 For more sermons and other writings check the following homepage: www.livinggracetoowoomba.org The Bridegroom What does it feel like to fall in love? How strong and ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 62:5

Denomination: Lutheran

Hope That Helps Series

Contributed by Phillip Calvert on Nov 30, 2004

To assist people through life we must always offer hope. With out hope discipline becomes destructive, with hope it is constructive.

HOPE THAT HELPS Jeremiah 29:10 - 14 1. Hope must be willing to face the reality of life (10) o It takes time to get through hardships of life. o For the Israelites it was a full 70 years. o “This too shall pass,” but not before time has passed. o Romans 8:22-25 o From the beginning, life has ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Why Are - U - Not Praising Him

Contributed by Gregory Thomas on Oct 1, 2002

A SERMON THAT POINTS OUT THE CHRISTAN EXCUSES FOR NOT PRAISING GOD.

WHY ARE - U - NOT PRAISING HIM FOR THEY LOVE THE PRAISES OF MAN MORE THAN THE PRAISES OF GOD. BELIEVE IT OR NOT EVEN SOME OF OUR CHRISTIAN TODAY ARE FALLING SHORT BECAUSE THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT WHAT IT’S GOING TO DO TO THEIR REPUTATION, OFTEN TIMES WE ARE AND HAVE BEEN OVERSHADOWED OR DISTRACTED ...read more

Scripture: John 12:42-43

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Will Not Forget Those Who Forget Him Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

GOD’S INDICTMENT AGAINST HIS PEOPLE FOR: INSINCERE WORSHIP & UNRIGHTEOUS CONDUCT

BIG IDEA: GOD’S INDICTMENT AGAINST HIS PEOPLE FOR: INSINCERE WORSHIP & UNRIGHTEOUS CONDUCT I. (:1-6) CALL TO JUDGMENT: "God Himself is Judge" A. Character of the Judge 1. the Mighty One = God = the Lord 2. the Holy King = perfection of beauty out of Zion = the holy, royal city 3. the Righteous ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 50:1-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Tragedy Of The Rich Young Man

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 16, 2008

Dump all the stuff that gets in the way of your relationship with Jesus and His people.

The mysteries of life exist on the boundaries between the infinite goodness and power of God and the reality of human weakness of will and intellect. People ask God, “why did you do that to me?” when the real miracles of God involve His preventing bad things from happening to us. Take the lesson ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-22

Denomination: Catholic

God Loves Us When We Are Uncomfortable Series

Contributed by David Selleck on Oct 26, 2006

Michael Yaconelli’s "Messy Spirituality" God’s Annoying Love for Imperfect People

Template Oct 15, 2006 Messy Spirituality Series 3 Felt Need: Did Jesus have to turn everything upside down to get people like me to listen? Hoped for Results: Jesus was against the status quo, he loved the adventure of the unknown. Message: God loves us when we are uncomfortable Scripture: ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:35-42

Denomination: Methodist

Thankfulness

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 18, 2005

Paul starts his first letter to the Corinthians by thanking them for the things they are doing right.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself, “Certainly the preacher won’t think of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Love Your Friends And Your Enemies

Contributed by Craig Condon on Nov 3, 2015

Why should we love those who hate us? Well, when we do, we show God’s love to them. It also sets a good example for us to follow, and it turns enemies into friends.

Good morning boys and girls! Has there ever been a time in your lives when you did not like someone? Why? Sometimes it’s not easy to like people, especially when people haven’t been nice to us. I know, because when I was your age a lot of kids at school didn’t like me. In other ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Anglican

Do Not Be In A Hurry

Contributed by Simeon Bali on May 29, 2020

All of us one time or the other have prayed and asked God for something and have had to wait on the answer. Waiting is one of life's most difficult tasks. The waiting room is a land where time stands still; it seems as if progress has come to a screeching halt.

We live in a society where everything is instant. We have become a society where delays are not accepted or tolerated. (We wait when in hospital, on ATM machine etc) Most of us are waiting for something and it could be; 1. Waiting and hoping that conditions will change for the better. 2. Maybe ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:3, Hebrews 10:37-38, Psalm 27:14

National Revival Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 1, 2021

What does revival from spiritual death to life look like when it comes to a whole region or country?

What does revival from spiritual death to life look like when it comes to a whole region or country? 1) Aramean Revival Is God concerned that we treat our enemies well and so bring a revival of good relations? Can God revive even our enemies and thus bring peace? God gave Elisha inside visions ...read more

Denomination: Baptist