Sermons on Surprised:

Surprised By Joy

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Jul 19, 2014

Surprised by Joy - (Character Study Cleopas) (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: They talked with each other (vs 14, 15 & 17) They welcomed a stranger (vs 15). They shared the story of Jesus (vs 18-23). They were willing to learn (vs 25-27) They practiced hospitality (vs 28) SERMONBODY: Ill: • The newspaper The Independent on Sunday (5 September ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-32

Denomination: Brethren

Surprised But Not Napping Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Oct 25, 2019

The coming of Jesus will be like a thief in the night – unannounced and without prior warning. Our call as Christians is to be watchful, not by trying to guess an unrevealed time and season, but by living as those who ate in the light.

You can listen to the full sermon here:- http://nec.org.au/strong-and-ready/ Message 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Surprised But Not Napping Why is it that there are so many modern Christians who seem to think that we are somehow smarter than the first century Christians. I’ll show you what I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Surprised By Joy

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Dec 12, 2018

I would have more joy if ________________.

Christmas 2018 Surprised by Joy I would have more joy if ____________________. Isaiah 9:1-3a NIV “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those where in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Napthali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-3, Luke 1:39-41

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Impossible Surprise Series

Contributed by Randy Shepard on Jan 5, 2019

Our God is a God of Impossible Surprises

The definition of the word advent is the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. In the Christian church Advent is the first season of the church year that includes the four Sundays before Christmas Eve. Advent is a time for us to prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:57-66, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 1:5-25

Denomination: United Methodist

Surprised By Grace

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Sep 7, 2021

A sermon for the Sundays following Pentecost, Year B, Lectionary 23

Sept. 5, 2021 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Mark 7:24-37 Surprised by Grace Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. There’s an old saying: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” In order for a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-37

Denomination: Lutheran

Surprise Witness

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Mar 19, 2023

The account of the Roman soldier who witnessed the death of Jesus and became convinced that Jesus was the son of God.

Rufus wished he were anywhere but here. He had never wanted to come to Palestine in the first place, every legionnaire in the Empire knew that it was a lousy assignment. No loot, no glory, no chance for advancement. And he couldn’t even get decent duty like chasing bandits in Galilee. No, he had to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:45-54

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Surprising The World Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 29, 2023

Understand that not all Christians are called to be evangelists in the traditional sense, but all are called to live lives that provoke questions about their faith. This can be done through acts of kindness, words of affirmation, and giving gifts.

Have you ever felt a bit freaked out when you hear the word 'evangelism'? Like, does it make you think of knocking on strangers' doors or trying to convince your friends at school to come to church? It can feel a bit like you're being asked to sell something, right? Well, let's take a chill pill ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6, 1 Peter 3:15-16

Topics: Spiritual Outreach, Questionable Ethics, Faith Lifestyle, Evangelical Practices

You Will Be Surprised PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 24, 2024

This sermon explores our dependence on God's Spirit, the unpredictability of His path, and the call to self-denial and cross-bearing in following Jesus.

Good morning, beloved. I trust that the Lord has kept you well and that you are eager, as I am, to delve into the richness of His Word today. I am grateful for your presence, whether in person or online, and I am confident that God has something special for each and every one of us today. Our focus ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Topics: God's Unpredictability

Surprising The World Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon introduction discusses the anxiety some people feel towards evangelism, questioning if faith-sharing should be anxiety-inducing, and referencing Michael Frost's book "Surprise the World" which suggests that not everyone should be expected to evangelize in the same way.

Why does the word ‘evangelism’ cause some people so much anxiety? Do you get images of door-knocking or approaching strangers in shopping malls? Does it make you feel like you’re being turned into a reluctant recruitment officer for the church? Should faith-sharing really be anxiety producing? In ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6, 1 Peter 3:15-16

Topics: Evangelism, Faith-Sharing, Anxiety

Sermon Series: Surprise The World

Expect The Unexpected Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 25, 2021

There is no such thing as a hopeless case. The lease likely people in this world can become children of God, and can become leaders in the kingdom, as did this Samaritan sinner.

The unexpected is the source of so much of the joy of life. Our three year old granddaughter, Jennifer, was praying at the table a couple of weeks ago. I noticed she was going faster than usual, and she came to the end saying, "In Jesus name, amen." Then she shouted, "I win." ...read more

Mary Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Dec 24, 2019

The actions of Mary in Luke 1:26-38 teach us how to respond to God's word.

Scripture This Christmas I am taking a brief look at the three key human persons in “The Christmas Family”: Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. This past Sunday we looked at Joseph. Tonight, we will look at Mary. And this coming Sunday we will look at Jesus. So, let’s read about Mary in Luke 1:26-38: 26 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Unsurprised By Suffering Series

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

The Summons For The Skirt Series

Contributed by Grant Adams on Jan 21, 2022

Ruth goes to Boaz at night and proposes marriage.

I. The Submission of Ruth 1. Ruth 3:6-7 2. Ruth obeys Naomi by faith, trusting the counsel of Naomi and Boaz. a. Ruth was sincere in the promise she made to Naomi. Ruth 1:16-18 b. We need to be persons of our words. c. Sincerity in promises is integrity of character. You cannot have character ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 3:6-18

Denomination: Baptist

Your First 30 Minutes In Heaven

Contributed by John Gaston on Oct 4, 2023

What will it be like when you find yourself in Heaven? What will be your first thoughts? What will you do? What will surprise you and what will you feel? We look at five things you'l probably think and four things you'll find untrue.

YOUR FIRST 30 MINUTES IN HEAVEN John 14:1-3 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. There’s a natural curiosity about Heaven. One little boy asked his Mom, “Mom, are there animals in Heaven?” She replied, “What kind of animals?” 2. He said, “Regular animals, cows and bees.” She said, “I’m not sure about ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-3, John 8:38

Denomination: Assembly Of God

I Love Sundays - Because Of How God Surprised Me Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Sep 23, 2015

God wants to surprise you on Sundays to show you He is who He says He is. Are you willing to let Him surprise you? If you let Him surprise you on Sunday then watch out surprises will also come Monday thru Saturday! God loves to say, “Surprise!”

Opening Video from Outreach kit Back to Church Sunday: Sundays can surprise you! Series: I love Sundays! Opening Illustration: Have you ever been surprised? Show pictures of surprises! Sermon: Because God surprised me! Thesis: God wants to surprise you on Sundays to show you He is who He says ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational