Sermons on Surprised:

Kingdom Marriage Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Oct 3, 2019

If you want to make your marriage work, don’t look at other women (or men); don’t look for loopholes; instead, look to the Lord! Depend on Him to do what you can’t do on your own.

Terry Kenne from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, talked about her daughter planning a small family wedding at their church. When Terry and her husband arrived early on the day of the wedding to make sure everything was ready, they noticed a banner from the missions conference was still behind the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:31-32

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Family Business

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Feb 21, 2022

We don’t know very much about Jesus’ process of maturation. The Gospels are rather silent about his growing up years, with Matthew being the only other canonical gospel that even offers a birth narrative, and he is silent on the years between birth and baptism.

TITLE: THE FAMILY BUSINESS SCRIPTURE: ST. LUKE 2:49 It was just two months ago we gathered here in the sanctuary as we celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior. We had special programs like Candlelight Service, attended Christmas Sing Along over at Macedonia Baptist Church, and of course ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:49

Denomination: Baptist

God In The Graveyard Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jun 5, 2023

In the first miracle in Mark 5, we see Jesus set free the man who was possessed by many demons. We see the sad reaction of the people of that region and learn the sad truth that some people choose the swine over the Savior. We also learn that everyone has a testimony.

Introduction: A. Let’s start with a question: Are there certain places you don’t like to go when it’s dark? 1. How about down in the basement? Out in the woods? Down a dark road? Or into a cemetery? 2. During my elementary school years, we lived on the northeast side of Syracuse and around the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

You Reap What You Sow – Israel And Hamas – And The Wider Nations Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 27, 2023

Around the world are demonstrations in support of the Palestinians and Hamas, and bitterness against Israel, even hate. This article looks at that, plus the inroads of socialism and the origin of Allah, and the Islamic mind. Also a small look at how we got into this situation.

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW – ISRAEL AND HAMAS – AND THE WIDER NATIONS [1]. SHAMEFUL GODLESS DEMONSTRATIONS This message will be a bit political but we have to thread through, and tread carefully that we don’t miss the Christian implications of these events. I did post on the Hamas subject earlier ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:24-29, Genesis 19:4-10, 2 Timothy 3:1, 2 Timothy 3:12-13, Isaiah 5:20, Revelation 6:3-4, Matthew 24:5, Matthew 24:6, Matthew 24:7, Matthew 24:32-34  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sing! Sing! Sing! Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 10, 2023

Why do we sing when we worship? What difference does it make if we do that... or if we don't?

There’s an old chorus that was based on Psalm 96 and I’d like you to sing it with me: “Sing unto the Lord a new song. Sing unto the Lord all the earth; Sing unto the Lord a new song. Sing unto the Lord all the earth. For God is great and greatly to be praised. God is great and greatly to be ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 96:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Still Turns Things Around Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Oct 25, 2024

Acts 9:31-43 shows us how Jesus still turns things around.

Introduction Edmund P. Clowney was the first president of Westminster Theological Seminary from 1966 until he retired in 1984. Many years ago, Dr. Clowney wrote: “Never before has the world been so desperately asking for answers to crucial questions, and never before has the world been so ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:31-43

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Rich Man And Lazarus

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Sep 28, 2023

Jesus told a story about two very different men and how they entered two very different destinies. Which destination will you enter when your life on this earth is over?

(Based on a message preached at New Hope Baptist Church, Fulton, MO on 9-24-2023. This is not an exact transcription.) Introduction: The closer we get to the Lord’s coming, the less, I think, we hear about Hell. You might be surprised to hear what some people have to say about Hell: some think ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Baptist

Why Tell Shepherds And Ignore Kings?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 23, 2024

Why did God announce the birth of His Son to humble shepherds and ignore informing kings?

“In the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Baptist

Magi Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Dec 15, 2022

Matthew 2:1-12 shows us three responses to Christ's birth.

Introduction The account of the Magi, also called wise men, who came from afar to worship the one who was born king of the Jews, is a familiar one. The account is recorded only in the Gospel of Matthew. While it is a familiar story, it is also a fascinating account of men about whom we know very ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Christ Of Christmas Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Dec 21, 2022

Set aside the stress. Come to Jesus. Then tell everybody about Him. It’s the only way to face another Monday and all the days ahead.

Poor 4-year-old Landry, from Andover, Kansas, hesitated to go to school on another Monday this last winter (February 28, 2022). Here he is caught on his home’s outdoor security camara. Take a look (show video: 4-year-old has severe case of the Monday’s; www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9NeN8emtCM ). The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Testimony Of A Preacher Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Sep 6, 2025

Acts 21:37-22:29 shows us Paul’s courage to speak out for Jesus.

Introduction Have you ever shared your testimony of how you came to faith in Jesus with another person? A 2022 Lifeway Research study found that 53% of professing Christians shared their faith in the past 6 months (see ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"your Miracle Is In Your Seed."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Dec 2, 2024

Just as farmers confidently expect a bountiful harvest from the seeds they plant, believers should result from their faith, whether speaking life-giving words or generously supporting God’s work. While seeds may take time to grow, patience is crucial in witnessing the abundant fruits of our labor.

SRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Luke 12:33-34) (33) “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.” (34) ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:38, Luke 12:33-34, 2 Samuel 24:24, Luke 6:45, 2 Corinthians 9:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

We Can Be Thankful (2024)

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 2, 2024

It is God's will that His people be a thankful people. God will give us the ability to rejoice always and be thankful in all circumstances, but we have to do our part by focusing on our blessings.

A. Last Thursday was Thanksgiving and I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving. 1. Thanksgiving is certainly one of my favorite days of the year, and it is arguably the most important holiday of the year. 2. I’m thankful that we are a nation that still pauses one day a year to be thankful. 3. I ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5, 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Joshua 9: When Israel Was Fooled Twice! Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on May 21, 2024

The leaders of Israel met some strangers, who had a very sad story to tell them. Little did Joshua and the others know, they were about to be fooled not once, but twice.

Introduction: Israel was on the move! Jericho had fallen to them, Ai was gone, and the peoples of central Canaan were probably wondering who would be next. There was a group of four cities which decided to make peace with Israel—even if they had to use trickery to do it! Text, Joshua 9:1-2, KJV: 1 ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Encourage One Another Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jan 23, 2023

We all need encouragement and encouragement is one of the most important things we can do for each other. Let's learn to encourage each other by our faithful lives, our presence, and our words.

Introduction: A. The story is told of a man who opened his front door one morning to get his newspaper and was surprised to see a strange dog with his newspaper in his mouth. 1. Delighted with his unexpected “delivery service,” the man gave the dog a treat. 2. The following morning the man opened ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 3:12-14, Hebrews 10:25, Ephesians 4:29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ