Sermons on Surprises:

Living An Intentional Life

Contributed by Chris Mccall on Feb 5, 2007

An intentional life has purpose, discipline and vision. With these words in mind let’s begin exploring what it means to live an intentional life.

Living an Intentional Life Psalms 139:16 NLT You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. This week we are starting a new series titled, “Living an Intentional Life”. During this series, we will be ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Emmanuel

Contributed by Steven Chapman on Feb 6, 2007

In these 25 verses, most of which do read something like a phone directory, we have the theological stage set for all of the rest of Matthew’s gospel. And not only is the shape set forth for the rest of the gospel, the shape and form of the entire New Te

Emmanuel Matthew 1 It was December 1944. Dietrich Bonhoeffer found himself celebrating his last Christmas on the earth. He was only 39. He had been a German pastor. Now, he was a Nazi war criminal. It was Christmas time. And he was pensive, with pen in hand, over his little diary. And the thought ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Cured Commander

Contributed by Tim Hedberg on Feb 16, 2006

Naaman cured of leprosy.

The Cured Commander If you could have seen his office you would have been impressed. On his office door was the sign "Commander of the Army of Aram." And on his grand desk was the nameplate "Commander Naaman". On the walls that made up the room and on the shelves that held his belongings, you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

While You Were Out Series

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Jul 26, 2006

Although Jacob got what he wanted as a result of his sinful conniving, he lost what he had. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding!

While You Were Out is the kind of reality TV show most people wouldn’t mind being a part of. In this program, work crews come to your house and renovate a room or two unbeknownst to you while you are out on a mini-vacation. When you return, you come home to a newly renovated kitchen or living room ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Finding God In Narnia: The Adventure Begins Series

Contributed by Marty Boller on Oct 29, 2005

#1 of 8 Narnia teachings. Geared to help you draw out and apply the powerful scriptural truths found in C.S. Lewis’ classic: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

Are you ready to journey to Narnia? Over the next eight weeks, we’ll be exploring the wonder & awe of Narnia. Today…I want to set the stage for our 8-week journey that takes us to Christmas Day. Paint a vision on where this spiritual journey to Narnia might take us. Explain why we’re taking this ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Court Record

Contributed by Chris Surber on Nov 9, 2005

This message illustrates the doctrine of justification with a courtroom proceding with Jesus as judge and redeemer.

“The Court Record” Introduction/Illustration Have you ever been in a courtroom? I won’t ask any of you here this morning to raise your hand if you have been to court. But I will tell you a story about one of my court experiences. Before you get worried and think that you welcomed a Pastor into ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:18-32

Denomination: Christian Church

Narnia: Doorway To A Better Life

Contributed by Bruce Howell on Nov 16, 2005

An examination of Jesus’ words in John 10:10: "I have come to give you life and that more abundantly."

Narnia: Doorway to a Better Life John 10:1-10 The classic novel by CS Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe tells of four London children who are sent to a professor’s country home in for protection during World War II. There they find a magic wardrobe which leads to a mystical land ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-10

Denomination: Wesleyan

Flying By The Seats Of Our Pants Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jul 29, 2005

Sometimes we find ourselves in horrible predicaments without an answer. Yet, with God’s help, we can often find the “way of escape” if we do not give up and keep trusting Him.

Flying by the Seats of Our Pants (Esther 4:4-5:14) Intro 1. A wise person once said, "Life is a continuous process of getting used to things we hadn’t expected." 2. A New York City businessman decided to avoid a $20 service charge by replacing a fluorescent light himself. After he had smuggled a ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Wedding At Cana

Contributed by Francis Murphy on Aug 6, 2005

First of a series of sermons in John’s gospel. The wedding at Cana.

Introduction In my early twenties I used to play in a ceilidh band, and was often called on to play at weddings. On one occasion, we were asked to play for a Palestinian Muslim wedding in the Grovenor Hotel in Edinburgh. Having played at many weddings before, I had never quite experienced one like ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Be Strong In The Lord Series

Contributed by George Yates on Nov 29, 2006

This sermon is to heighten our awareness of the Spiritual Battle and of the weapons we have to defeat the evil one. Paul gives us instruction on winning this battle by "Be Strong in the Lord," "Put on the full armor," and "Stand firm."

EPHESIANS 6:10-20 November 26, 2006 New Covenant EPC “BE STRONG IN THE LORD” Body Life: The Book of Ephesians I. From a cartoon by Lee Johnson, Following the Sunday morning service, the pastor stood at the back of the church, shaking hands with the worshipers as they left. A. As one man ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Upside-Down Christianity

Contributed by Joe Burke on Dec 23, 2006

It’s all about Jesus!

UPSIDE-DOWN CHRISTIANITY I tend to live life as if I am the action hero of this great epic that centers on me and my personal life. It’s all about me and my plans, my future, my family, my hopes, my dreams, my difficulties, my pains, my sicknesses, my church, my group, my community, etc. I know ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:16

Denomination: Catholic

Extreme Makeover Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Nov 13, 2009

Saul has now experienced what we would call an Extreme Makeover. This is the power of sincere repentance.

“Extreme Makeover” Acts: 9:1 9b-31 Saul has now experienced what you and I might term as an extreme makeover. You’ve seen that program I am sure ... in a recent episode they took a house that looked like this ... in very poor condition and literally in a matter of days they turned it into a house ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:19-31

Denomination: Baptist

Steps For Exercising The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on May 27, 2009

Sometimes we are reluctant to know our gifts. Moses was pulling back from using the gifts God had given him not realizing that God had already given him all he needed. Are we obedient to God so that He can use us as a perfect vessel for His glory?

Opening illustration: Have you ever felt torn in two or more directions when considering how to serve in your church or what job to take? Since you probably can’t do everything you’re asked to do, how do you decide which opportunities for service are best suited for you? Many will be able to relate ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Count Your Blessings

Contributed by Johnny Creasong on Dec 17, 2009

Have you ever really tried to count your blessings? While it seems impossible, not doing so could be disastrous!

Count Your Blessings I Kings 17-19 The story is told of a Family gathering at Thanksgiving. Mother and Dad went to one of the daughter’s for the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible the daughter was, mom decided to play a trick. She told her that she needed something from the store. When the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-19

Denomination: Church Of God

Eye Witness News 2 - Shepherds (Advent 2, 2009) Series

Contributed by Spencer Homan on Jan 2, 2010

This series approaches the Christmas Story by examining the lives of those present from a very historical perspective. This is week two focusing on the shepherds.

Luke 2:8-12 NIV 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed