Sermons on Surprises:

The Other Resurrections

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Apr 13, 2015

The resurrection of Jesus should not have come as a surprise to anyone. Because of the resurrection we now have the power to live the wonderful life God created for us and have assurance of a blessed future life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Other Resurrections “and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[c] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.” Matthew 27:52-53 Intro: Hello Easter ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:52-53

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Lame Excuses" Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Mar 27, 2017

Seems like a surprising question when Jesus ask someone who has been sick for 38 years...."Do you want to get well?" Honestly some people do now want to.

“Lame Excuses” John 5:1-15 So it is an interesting question to pose to someone when we ask a person who is been critically sick for 38 years... In that entire time he could not walk. Now someone asked him, hey do you want to get well? You can’t walk. No wheelchairs at that time. Jesus approaches ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Love And Respect Series

Contributed by Vince Miller on Oct 3, 2019

It should not come as a surprise that men and women are wired differently and thus have differing needs. While we all need love and respect, men and women each distinctively need more of one than the other.

We Both Need Something It should not come as a surprise that men and women are wired differently and thus have differing needs. While we all need love and respect, men and women each distinctively need more of one than the other. Women by nature want to know that their husbands love and adore them. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:33

Denomination: Baptist

The Growth & Flourishing Of The Christian Mind

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 2, 2021

God works in mysterious ways, as they say. And how truly mysterious it is and difficult to comprehend. Just when you think you've discovered a way in which God operates, he surprises you with another.

God works in mysterious ways, as they say. And how truly mysterious it is and difficult to comprehend. Just when you think you've discovered a way in which God operates, he surprises you with another. At times he seems distant. At times it seems hopeless. At other times he is close. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 18:33, Isaiah 40:31

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Census And The Plague

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Apr 16, 2021

In 2020 the U.S. conducted a Census - the same year of the pandemic. In wondering if there is a correlation between the census and the plague, I began searching the Scriptures, and I think you’ll be surprised as to what I found out.

I’ve entitled our message this morning, “The Census and the Plague.” This is the year of the United States 2020 Census. This is also the year of a global pandemic known as the Corona Virus and Covid 19; and I’ve been contemplating for quite some time the irony of how we actually had a pandemic ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 30:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

An Attitude Of Gratitude

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Sep 26, 2020

When we look at how God instructed the Israelites to celebrate TWO harvest festivals we find there is a lot we can apply to how we thank God for his goodness to us. There are some surprises!

Today we’re celebrating Harvest Festival. This year, coronavirus restrictions have resulted in a rather muted celebration. We aren’t meeting at church and we don’t have the usual piles of food to give to the food bank, or a beautiful harvest loaf. I’m going to take a look at some passages and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 65:9-13, Exodus 23:16, Deuteronomy 16:13, Deuteronomy 16:16

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas Eve Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Dec 22, 2022

Why do we still need Christmas? It’s a story that’s 2000 years old. Most of us know the plot line and the main characters. There’s no surprise ending this year!

Christmas Eve 2022 Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Why ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 9:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Eye For An Eye - Matthew 5:38-39 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 20, 2024

It’s surprising to discover how many subtle ways we take revenge on those who hurt us. This message will help you discover them and show you the remedy Jesus gave us.

Matthew 5:38-42 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42

"I Have Seen Jesus: Have You?” Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on May 11, 2007

when I imagine the story of Mary, and how weeping Mary turned into surprised Mary turned into responsive Mary, I see the power, the potential, the possibilities that come from lives that are lived in relationship with the living Lord Jesus.

“I Have Seen Jesus: Have You?” – Series: Seeing Jesus Apr 15, 2007 John 20:11-18 Intro: Christ is Risen! It is true, it is gloriously true – Christ is Risen! So, now what? The greatest story, our most important story, has just last week reached its climax. Our Lord, crucified, but then ...read more

Scripture: John 20:11-18

Denomination: Baptist

Why Don't We Grow

Contributed by Jimmy Chapman on Jul 21, 2007

We’re not surprised when we grow physically; we expect it. If, by chance, growth doesn’t occur, we immediately know something is wrong and attempt to uncover the problem. The same is true spiritually

WHY WE DON’T GROW Judges 17:13-15 Statistics show the average productivity of a Christian’s spiritual life is less than three years. Tonight I want to bring encouragement to those who are sidetracked and to strengthen those who are on the right track. Billy Sunday used to say, “If we Christians ...read more

Scripture: Judges 17:13-15

Denomination: Baptist

Our Redempton...no Afterthought With God

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Feb 6, 2003

Man’s sin and it dreadful consequence did not catch God by surprise. When God created Adam, He knew that Adam would sin and that to redeem mankind would necessitate the death of His own dear Son.

OUR REDEMPTION…NO AFTERTHOUGHT WITH GOD "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14

Denomination: Baptist

How To Resolve Conflict

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Aug 26, 2002

We all live with the consequences of conflict – the hurt and pain. Jesus gives us some real advice on how to properly deal with sin and conflict – and has some surprises about a very well known section of Scripture.

How much time do we spend in conflict? It started back with Cain & Abel. You remember the story – the two first brothers argued because God favored Abel’s sacrifice more than Cain’s. You know how the story ends – with the first murder – and it seems, brothers (and even brothers and sisters) have ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Nevertheless Of His Surrendering Series

Contributed by Steve Wilson on Jun 6, 2012

This is the third sermon in a series about Jesus being The Great Nevertheless. He keeps wonderfully surprising us. Using the Lord’s "nevertheless" statement in the KJV we get a delightful glimpse of our awesome Savior.

THE NEVERTHELESS OF HIS SURRENDERING Matthew 26:36-46 “Oh My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (verse 39) Introduction • Peggy Haymes wrote the following poem entitled Good Friday Gossip He never did things ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46

Denomination: Baptist

The Nevertheless Of His Going Away Series

Contributed by Steve Wilson on Jun 11, 2012

This is the fourth sermon in a series about Jesus being The Great Nevertheless. He keeps wonderfully surprising us. Using the Lord’s "nevertheless" statement in the KJV we get a delightful glimpse of our awesome Savior.

THE NEVERTHELESS OF HIS GOING AWAY John 16:1-16 Introduction • Saying good-bye is never easy, whether it’s at an airport, a family reunion, or the deathbed of a loved one. The Last Supper was no exception. For Jesus and His disciples, this was their last meal together. • The ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Entitlement Mentality Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 19, 2009

Humans by nature feel a sense of entitlement, that by our very existence we are owed something - and that includes by God. Romans 9 is controversial in that it totally blows the entitlement mentality out of the water, but also surprising when we learn of

The word “entitlement” has become a part of the public discourse in America these days. Some people suggest that the United States is becoming a society of entitlement, where everything we need or want is owed to us. When we don’t get what we want we feel we have been treated unfairly. It’s a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:1-33

Denomination: Calvary Chapel