Sermons on Surprises:

Narnia: Discover The Wonder: He Is Closer Than You Might Think Series

Contributed by Rurel Ausley on Dec 7, 2005

Explores Lucy’s surprise experience of Narnia with the truth that there are "wardrobe doors" for us to walk through to discover the Kingdom of God.

Discover The Wonder: He Is Closer Than You Might Think Lk.1:29-35; 2:8-15; Mk.1:15; 2 Kgs.6:14-18 Intro… 1) Lk.1:29-35…Mary and Joseph are going about there merry, obscure little way, when….all of a sudden the unseen spiritual world contacts them with a message from the angel Gabriel…you are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-15

Denomination: Methodist

No Other Gods Before Me! Series

Contributed by Eric Bain on Oct 14, 2007

This sermon looks very practically at what it means to have no other gods BEFORE God. It may just surprise you!

No Other gods Before Me! Exodus 20:1-3 © 2007 Eric Bain NOTE: This sermon is available in audio format @ www.sanctuary-church.com HOOK – You know over in West Sac there’s a new Wal-Mart Super Center… • And I know that some of you may be very much against Wal-Mart… you want to rage against the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Crucify Him

Contributed by Spencer Homan on Nov 19, 2009

This sermon reviews the trial of Jesus before Pilate. Who is guilty for the death of our Christ? You might be surprised by the answer.

“Crucify Him” Lenten Banner This is the third week of our journey through lent and we are focusing on the Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate. We remember that Pontius Pilate was a Roman official assigned to govern over all Judea. He would be a man quickly forgotten if not for one man in ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:1-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How To Recognize A Real Friend Series

Contributed by Tim Huie on Apr 24, 2008

How can you tell a real friend? Solomon gives us some concrete answers, and they may surprise you!

1. Illus. of Don Johnson • Actor best know for his roles in Miami Vice and Nash Bridges. • Back in the 70’s went through a truckload of cocaine and alcohol. He wrecked a half dozen cars, etc. • In 1983 checked into a rehab center and got clean. Turned his life around. • A reporter asked him if he ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 12:26

Denomination: Baptist

Expect The Unexpected

Contributed by Richard Schwedes on Dec 26, 2007

A Christmas eve sermon that highlights God often surprises us with what He does and how He does things.

What do you expect on Christmas Day? For many years our family did much the same thing. All kids we would wake up early in the morning, even my sister who was normally a sleepy head. We expected gifts under the tree, so we’d rush out to the Christmas tree to make sure they were there. Then ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Moses: A Real Basket Case Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Sep 2, 2012

When God starts searching for a leader what traits does He look for? The answers may surprise you.

UNLIKELY LEADERSHIP “Moses: A Real basket Case” Exodus 2:1-10 Some years ago my family and I had the opportunity to visit the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, one of our greatest presidents. We were able to walk through the log cabin he grew up in. It took us about two minutes. ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

If All Goes Wrong, I Still Will Praise Him!

Contributed by John Gaston on Aug 8, 2018

We’re going to look at the Terrible Vision, Reasons to praise God in Trials, and 3 surprising results of praising God.

IF ALL GOES WRONG, I STILL WILL PRAISE HIM! Hab. 3:17-19 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: THE SOUR INTERVIEW 1. Some people have a knack for picking things. Hannah went to a citrus Farm and asked Henry, the manager, if there are any jobs available at the farm. 2. He told her that the only job ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-19

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Wanishangaza: The Wonders Of God

Contributed by Bright Adeyeye on May 7, 2020

Have you ever been amazed by God’s beautiful creation? Wanishangaza is a Swahili word. It means to be amazed or surprised.

WANISHANGAZA: THE WONDERS OF GOD "I have made the earth, and created man on it. I—My hands—stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded." Isaiah 45:12. Wanishangaza is a Swahili word. It means to be amazed or surprised. Indeed God is awesome, marvelous, amazing and ...read more

Scripture: Job 12:7-10, Matthew 10:29-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Prophetic Birth Of John The Baptist Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Oct 29, 2020

What is the significance of John's birth and Zechariah's subsequent psalm of praise? You might be surprised

Grace Community Church Winchester, VA www.GraceCommunity.com Rev. Bradford Reaves, Sr. Pastor Watch This Message https://youtu.be/CORgr5C5ky8 Introduction Today we’re going to get right into this message. I’m not going to spend much of my introductory time covering announcements or thoughts on ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 72:7-18, 2 Samuel 7:19, Genesis 17:6, 2 Samuel 7:11-13, Deuteronomy 33:17, Luke 21:18, Luke 1:57-80, Hebrews 7:25, Luke 1:57-66  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

Jesus Prepared For Death

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 28, 2020

Jesus was not taken by surprise, but fully anticipated His death. And an insightful devotional woman anointed Him ahead of His burial.

JESUS PREPARED FOR DEATH. Matthew 26:1-13. There are two ways in which Jesus was prepared for death in this passage. The first is in the sense that He was prepared within Himself: nothing that was about to happen took Him by surprise, even right down to knowing the date when He would be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The First Shall Be Last

Contributed by John Dobbs on Mar 2, 2023

Frederick Bruner wrote, “Judgment will be a day of surprises.” Today we begin looking at four parables that relate to the day of judgment.

Introduction Frederick Bruner wrote, “Judgment will be a day of surprises.” Today we begin looking at four parables that relate to the day of judgment. Indeed, there are surprises in all of them. This is a simple story, but it also complex. This parable begins and ends with the saying of Jesus, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who Is Going To Follow God? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 12, 2022

King Ahaz provides a surprising contrast to the kingdom of Israel as we see a dramatic example of the limits of our traditional morality.

IT'S OBVIOUS, RIGHT? “Good people” are more likely to follow God. - We have a traditional morality with “good people.” The respectable citizens are more likely to follow God. TWO EXAMPLES: 1. KING AHAZ HAD A GOOD HERITAGE BUT TERRIBLE BEHAVIOR. - 2 Chronicles 28:1-4, 16-25. - Came from a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 28:1-27

Denomination: Baptist

Declare: The Best Is Yet To Come

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jan 3, 2025

With man it is impossible, but God has a better idea. Problems do not catch God by surprise. God has an overcoming plan.

DECLARE IT: THE BEST IS YET TO COME! By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: THE BEST IS YET TO COME! JUST DO WHATEVER ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:9, Jeremiah 29:11, John 2:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Remnant Lives Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Feb 24, 2021

The general purpose of Romans 9-11 is to explain Israel’s unbelief and the growing gentile population of the church; the great doctrines about God’s sovereignty are important, but the main point is this: God has temporarily set aside Israel to accommodate the church age.

The Remnant Lives Romans 10:13-11:12 1. It is not often that Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, so this means I am obligated to begin my sermon with a Valentine’s story, a true one. 2. “Every Valentine’s Day our campus newspaper has a section for student messages. Last year my roommate surprised ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Becoming A Brick In The House Of God

Contributed by Don Schultz on Aug 9, 2003

God uses people as building materials. We see why this is surprising. We also see how God does it.

Ephesians 2:13-22 “BECOMING A BRICK IN THE HOUSE OF GOD” There are people who build houses out of garbage. Did you know that? It is the oddest thing, really. If you go to the internet and type “houses constructed out of garbage,” you will find numerous examples of people who build houses out ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:13-22

Denomination: Lutheran