Sermons on Surprises:

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

Rolling Stones

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Apr 2, 2022

One of major problems most people face today are blocked entrances or exits. You see, we’re caught in tombs with stones covering them, and these stones keep us from entering the light of an abundant life Jesus came to give, which is what the resurrection of Jesus is all about.

Rolling Stones Mark 16:1-8 Now, I knew the danger of naming today’s study, “Rolling Stones,” because many of you immediately thought of the English rock band by the same name with Mick Jagger and the crew. Or maybe you also thought about the monthly magazine from the 60’s whose focus was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8, John 10:9, Revelation 3:8

Denomination: Foursquare

They May Not Break Bones But Words Can Still Hurt. Series

Contributed by David Mcclain on Jul 23, 2018

Taming the tongue is vital to healthy communication in marriage.

OPENING SENTENCE: I was surprised when I heard some time ago that scholar Ruth Tucker was divorcing her husband for domestic violence. INTRODUCTION: Most of you probably don’t know who Ruth Tucker is. She was a Ph.D. missions’ professor at Trinity Evangelical Seminary and is considered by many to ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

How Do I Keep From Getting Down? Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

Larry King was famous for interviewing the biggest celebrities just a few decades ago. But King was interviewed on a New York City radio program was asked, “Larry, if you could meet God and ask Him one question, what would it be?” Larry King, who was a Jew, said, “Do you have a son?”

Today, I want to speak to you about “How Do I Keep from Getting Down.” We are moving verse by verse and sentence by sentence through the New Testament letter of Colossians together. Here are some key background facts to better understand Colossians. You can move through the four chapters of this ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23

Denomination: Baptist

Trusting God Even When We Don't Understand Him Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

Today is third installment in our series and we arrive at high point of the story – the place where God breaks His silence and speaks from Heaven.

Job is one of the most unique stories you’ll hear – not just inside the Bible but anywhere. Today is third installment in our series and we arrive at highpoint of the story – the place where God breaks His silence and speaks from Heaven. Job is the story of man named Job, a man whose character was ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"your Miracle Is In Your Seed."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Dec 1, 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

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

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

Sermon 1 - One Anothering - Relationships God's Way Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 7, 2022

Real community is hard to find, but the church should be a place where people can find real community. The command to love one another is the most basic and yet the most all-encompassing of the one another commands. The other one another commands are the practical demonstration of love one another.

A. The story is told of a farm boy who accidentally overturned his wagonload of hay on the road. 1. A neighbor came over to give him a hand. 2. “Hey, Willis,” the neighbor said, “It’s dinner time, forget your troubles for a while and come and have dinner with us. Then we can come back and I’ll ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47, John 13:34-35, 1 Corinthians 12:31, Ephesians 4:15-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

All Shook Up (2 Kings 4:8-34)

Contributed by Victor Yap on Apr 4, 2019

ALL SHOOK UP (2 KINGS 4:8-34)

ALL SHOOK UP (2 KINGS 4:8-34) I am surprised it took me so long to write the account of the Shunammite woman. For a very long time my wife and I dreamed of buying a home to entertaining pastors and missionaries. Besides supplying a room for the traveling Elisha to lodge the Shunammite woman also ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:8-34

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

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

The Sanhedrin's Inquiry

Contributed by Jeff Hughes on Feb 2, 2008

The Sanhedrin questions one of their own who has returned.

I. PRAYER II. Introduction a. In Cambodia during the 1970’s, Hiam and his family were rounded by the Communists for being Christians. "Bad Blood" they were called. They were tied together and made to lie on the ground all night. The next morning, they were told to dig their own grave, which ...read more

Scripture: Acts 23:1-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational