Sermons on Surprises:

Christmas Is Coming To Town!

Contributed by Jofrey Bustamante on Dec 9, 2009

Preparations necessary for Christmas celebrations.

Introduction: A pastor received a Christmas card with a note in it, from a lady in his congregation. He said she was very complimentary about his preaching and compared him with Chuck Swindoll. She finished by writing, "I think you are one of the really great preachers of all time." Later that day, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Conquerors All

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Oct 8, 2009

We are bored. Feelings shut down because we strive for security and for status, and even for spirituality, but nothing works. Only allegiance to the risen Christ provides fulfillment.

Of all the diseases of our time, the most serious one is boredom. Of all the sicknesses this flesh is heir to, the most fatal is boredom. Not AIDS, not homicide, not heart disease nor cancer, but boredom. Oh, I don’t suppose any mortuary ever tagged a cadaver’s toe with "boredom". I don’t suppose ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:15-22

Denomination: Baptist

First Stumbling Steps Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Oct 16, 2009

We cannot live our lives without the guidance and companionship of Christ; but then, when we have that guidance, we will either share it for others’ benefit or we will let them stumble in the darkness.

Without question one of the most challenging periods of parenting is that time when a baby is first learning to walk. This is the time when you have to work at child-proofing the house. You put barriers across the stairs; you put stoppers in all the electrical outlets; you hide as many wires as you ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:3-11

Denomination: Baptist

Sisera And His Chariots

Contributed by Tim Secrist on Feb 22, 2013

There are those, even among God's people, who depend on their own strength for success. Sisera and is charioteers discover that even great military might is no match for almighty God. And it's no match for the rest of us, either.

Sisera and His Chariots Judges 4:1-4; 12-17 Sisera had it made, he must admit. He was general over the army of Jabin, king of Canaan. He had risen through the ranks and now he was General of the Army. And not just any army; he had 900 iron chariots at his disposal, far more than anyone else in ...read more

Scripture: Judges 4:1-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When Challenges Come Our Way, Jesus Already Has A Plan

Contributed by Neal Nybo on Apr 23, 2018

By looking at Jesus feeding the 5000, we realize Jesus already knows what he wants to do in your situation. Don’t limit the possibilities to only what you can imagine. And, remember what Jesus has done in the past and trust him for something big.

For those of us who want Jesus to be predictable, I have bad news and good news. The bad news is. Jesus is not predictable. Never has been, never will be. The good news is, he knows what he is doing and its all for the best. The disciples experienced the same kind of hopes and expectations. It ...read more

Scripture: John 6:5-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

No Greater Joy

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Nov 4, 2024

Joy is something deeper than happiness. And the apostle John speaks of having no greater joy when writing the letter that we know as Third John.

Alba 11-3-2024 NO GREATER JOY III John 1-4 Have you ever been surprised by joy? Something happens when you least expect it, even in the midst of otherwise sad feelings or grief, and joy comes, at least for a moment? That feeling was expressed by William Wordsworth, one of the most renowned ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Trial By Fire Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jul 22, 2021

1 Peter 4:12-19 prepares us to 1) Expect suffering (1 Peter 4:12), 2) Exult in suffering (1 Peter 4:13-14), 3) Evaluate suffering (1 Peter 4:15-18), and 4) Entrust suffering to God (1 Peter 4:19).

1 Peter 4:12-19. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Other

Are You Sleeping?

Contributed by Joe Adaline on Sep 13, 2005

Sleeping can cause a lot of problems when done at the wrong time. The Christian must be disciplined to sleep at the right times and be vigilant at all times.

Did you often fall asleep in the day? Do you have a habit of nodding off and falling into a deep sleep at the drop of the hat? Are you sometimes in a daze that goes on more than one day? Don’t be alarmed, don’t be afraid, you are a lot like me. I Thessalonians is a book written to very special ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Strong-Hold

Contributed by Samson Musyoki on Sep 24, 2007

YOU ARE NEVER AN ORPHAN ONCE YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE A FATHER WHO IS POWERFUL AND CARING.

STRONG - HOLDS DANIEL 11:32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. A certain daughter of a senior police commissioner was reported to have assaulted a junior police officer after the traffic policeman spotted ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 11:32

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Labourers In The Vineyard

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 30, 2014

An illustration of God's new order of things.

THE LABOURERS IN THE VINEYARD. Matthew 20:1-16. This parable is part of Jesus’ response to Peter’s question: ‘Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?’ (cf. Matthew 19:27). This challenging part of the reply is framed with a formula concerning the ‘first’ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lamb Of God

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Dec 8, 2016

Lamb of God

2A Ordinary Time The lamb alludes to the animal sacrifices by which people's sins were ceremonially purged and reconciliation with God was attained (Lev.1.1-13). e.g. A tourist who had visited a church in Norway said that he was surprised to see the carved figure of a lamb near the top of the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29-34

Denomination: Catholic

The Limits Of Peace Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 21, 2007

The cross of Christ not only brings peace, but also division. When faced with opposition and division, disciples of Christ stand firm while loving and respecting their opponents.

Luke 12:49-56 “The Limits of Peace” INTRODUCTION The night sky was cloudless and filled with stars. Shepherds watched their flocks, while they huddled around a campfire. Suddenly, they were surrounded by a multitude of angels. They were told not to fear because the angels brought them good ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Denomination: Lutheran

7. Displeasure Series

Contributed by Grant Adams on Nov 29, 2020

Jonah's displeasure was a deep despondence with God saving the Ninevites.

Chapter 4 tells us once again, Jonah is the type of person who never does anything halfhearted. If he is going to disobey as in chapter one, he's going to do a good job at it again. I. The Surprise at His Displeasure 1. It is hard to believe. Verse 1 2. We expect the world and the Devil to be ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Resurrection (Matthew 28)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 14, 2024

Two focal points of Christianity are the resurrection and the great commission. Let's look at these in Matthew 28.

Did Jesus have some important instructions after His resurrection? Let’s find out in Matthew 28. Jesus’ Resurrection What happened early that Sunday morning? After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

My Year Of Greater Expectations Series

Contributed by Rudolf E. Y. Mensah on Jan 2, 2022

There is no need for humanity that God cannot meet.

OASIS WORDBANK - HEAVEN ON EARTH CONGREGATION: Oasis Potterlight Chapel International THEME: My Year Of Greater Expectations TEXT: Ephesians 3:20, KJV: "Now unto him, that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20, 1 Kings 3:5

Denomination: Charismatic