Sermons on Surprises:

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

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

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 Grace Of Living Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jul 16, 2004

Have you ever wondered whether tithing was in the New Testament? You might be surprised at the answer. Find out the 11 qualities of true giving to God as we continue our study of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.

For more Bible Studies visit: www.LivingWatersWeb.com The Grace of Giving 2 Corinthians 8:1-24 Pastor Tom Fuller One of the advantages of going through the Word verse by verse is that the Bible itself sets the topic for the day. I don’t hunt through the Word looking for something to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

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

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

Christ Plays No Favorites Series

Contributed by Warren Lamb on Oct 8, 2007

What do you know about prejudice? Have you ever experienced it? What was that like? Have you ever been guilty of it? Be careful how you answer – you might be surprised at the truth.

One of the things that I so enjoy about the study of God’s Word is how it is knitted together so finely that there is nothing that doesn’t fit, nothing that is out of place. Our story today demonstrates this quite well indeed. Preparing for our time together today, I ran into a problem that occurs ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"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

Hurricanes, Prayer And Faith

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Sep 16, 2017

Many of us prayed against Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Jose. But they still happened. Why? Is it because none of us p had faith or too little faith? I believe the answer, from scripture, will be a surprise and an encouragement.

Hurricane’s Harvey, Irma and Jose. Many people, especially Christians, believe they are God’s judgment on the US because of sin. Predictably, the sins most Christians identify are same sex marriage, the homosexual lifestyle and abortion. None of these behaviors are the reasons why our country is ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-5, Romans 8:18-22, Matthew 24:3-8, Mark 13:3-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

God’s High View Of Submission Series

Contributed by David Mcclain on Jul 22, 2018

The marriage covenant is to be a permanent bond that is created by God Himself. Jesus responds to the disciple’s surprise at His stringent view of divorce by stating that only those willing to abandon everything for the sake of kingdom can accept it.

OPENING SENTENCE: Many of you may not know the name Tim Keller but he is well known as a very successful pastor who built the largest church In New York City, an area considered very difficult to reach, and he did it without gimmicks or watering down the gospel. INTRODUCTION: To honor his ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11, Ephesians 5:18-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Shrine Of Flesh

Contributed by Daniel Olukoya on Nov 24, 2011

The most difficult thing in life is for one to know oneself. It is true that the easiest person to deceive is oneself. And the worst fraud is to deceive oneself. But it is surprising to know that many people actively deceive themselves. Some know within t

A shrine is not a strange thing to an average person living in Africa because in many of the communities, there are shrines where people worship every time. God is in the business of disqualifying men and women when they do not meet His standard. This is because everyone has this personal shrine ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:17

Denomination: Pentecostal