Sermons on Surprising:

What Is Faith? Part 1 Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Oct 16, 2005

What is your definition of faith? You may be surprised to learn that it could be different from how the Bible defines it. Learn the keys true faith.

Richard Dawkins - a torchbearer for Charles Darwin’s theories of evolution describes faith this way: "faith is blind trust in the absence of evidence, even in the teeth of evidence." Discover Magazine, August 2005 I would submit that Richard certainly didn’t consult the Bible for his definition of ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-16

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Why The Miracles?

Contributed by Rich Cook on Jun 21, 2005

A sermon based on the book, "Surprising Insights from the Unchurched" by Thom Rainer. Jesus’ miracles drew a crowd. Why isn’t the church drawing a crowd?

Why the miracles? Purpose: Jesus cared for people enough to do something about it. People saw his love in his actions and responded to him personally. 1. Why did Jesus perform miracles? Why did he heal the lame, the blind, the diseased? It was just a few here and there. He couldn’t have healed ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Nazarene

How Do I Handle Temptations?

Contributed by Gary Christensen on Jan 16, 2006

Let’s talk about temptations. In what way should we handle them? Can I really defeat satan? Some surprising answers!

"For our High Priest (Jesus Christ) is able to understand our weaknesses. When He lived on Earth, He was tempted in every way that we are, but He did not sin." (Hebrews 4:15) Will we be tempted? Yes. Do we HAVE to give in? No. I’ve read many kinds of "lists of things to do" ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"Seeing Humanity Through Jesus' Eyes"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Feb 10, 2006

The ultimate good in life is when we are liberated, let loose to become such lovers of God that we surprise ourselves by loving those whom God loves.

“Seeing Humanity Through Jesus’ Eyes” Mark 1:40-45 2 Kings 5:1-14 By: Rev. Kenneth E. Sauer, Pastor of Parkview United Methodist Church, Newport News, VA www.parkview-umc.org Both in our Old Testament Lesson and in our Gospel Lesson for this morning we come face to face with the disease of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:40-45

Denomination: United Methodist

Brides - Wicked And Righteous

Contributed by Greg Nance on Mar 22, 2010

Who is this Prostitute riding the beast from Hell? A close look at the Old Testament prophets reveals a surprising possibility! Who is this new bride of the Lamb? Is it not the church?

What do you think about weddings? Timothy was our first child to get married. When I performed the wedding for my son and his bride, weddings took on a whole new meaning to me. There I stood, a father joining his only son and his son’s beautiful bride in marriage. I knew it before, but at that ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Divorce Decision 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 and remarriage by stating that only

OPENING SETENCE: There is an old nursery rhyme called “Humpty Dumpty.” INTRODUCTION: Of course we all know it. We can quote it better than most Bible verses. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men. Couldn’t put Humpty together ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

When The Church Needs Intolerance Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jan 23, 2022

Many times churches become stagnant because of intolerance. They will not accept those different from themselves. That is why it seems surprising that Jesus himself delivers a message on intolerance.

Intolerance has a negative connotation. Many times churches become stagnant because of intolerance. They will not accept those different from themselves. That is why it seems surprising that Jesus himself delivers a message on intolerance. But when a church tolerates someone who teaches or ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Baptist

Balak Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 24, 2022

Balak's hired soothsayer tries to curse the Israelites three times, but the words that come forth are a wonderful surprise, which can inspire us all.

Balak [part 1] Balak was a king of Moab described in the Book of Numbers in the Hebrew Bible, where his dealings with the prophet Balaam are the main topic. Religion: Chemosh Born: Moab Died: Moab Parents: Zippor Partner: Amina Family: Zippor (father) Grandchildren: Ruth, Orpah Children: ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 24:5

Denomination: Baptist

Ready For The Journey Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 26, 2023

The wise men are a surprising twist to the narrative from Matthew. What does their presence indicate and how does getting to know them help us prepare for Christmas?

You may have noticed the chalkboard signs that are scattered around the church building. Each has a different saying- “Be the Branch,” “Catch the Wind,” “Wreck the Roof,” “Grip the Plow,” and “Empty the Jar.” They come from a small group video Bible study our groups participated in a while back. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Welcome To Golgotha

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 2, 2002

According to a recent survey, a surprising number of people admitted that their Christianity would not be changed if Jesus hadn’t died on the cross. What importance was the cross to our faith?

OPEN: A little boy was not exactly happy about going to church on Easter Sunday morning. His new shoes were too tight, his tie pinched his neck, and the weather outside was just too good to be cooped up inside. As he sulked in the back seat of the family car, his parents heard him murmuring: “I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:32-56

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Is God Doing? Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Nov 26, 2024

God often works in unexpected ways and through unexpected means. We need to watch for His surprising actions and join Him in His mission to change the world.

You know the Christmas story, right? Baby Jesus, manger, shepherds, wise men - the works. But imagine being there. It was all so unexpected and weird. They must've been like, "What's God up to?" What's God up to? Imagine you're expecting a package. You're super excited, but when it arrives, it's in ...read more

Scripture: John 5:16-21

Topics: Divine Plans, Spiritual Growth, Faith Challenges, Miracles

Why?

Contributed by Ian Biss on Oct 16, 2001

What sort of attitude do you have concernong those who attacked the U.S., You may be surprised with God’s attitude towards them.

Why? By Ian Biss (9/16/01) Tuesday’s chronology of terror - September 11, 2001 8:45 a.m. (all times are EDT): A hijacked passenger jet, American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston, Massachusetts, crashes into the north tower of the World Trade Center, tearing a gaping hole in the building and ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 24:15-20, Romans 4:5

Denomination: Grace Brethren

John 12:1-8 (The Erotic & The Domestic)

Contributed by David Smith on Oct 30, 2007

It doesn’t take long at this dinner party before the chaos breaks out, this time through the surprising appearance of Mary, pouring a ludicrously expensive jar of perfume.

We’re turning to John’s Gospel today, which, quite frankly, is a little unnerving for me, as I find John’s Gospel more difficult to deal with than the other three John retells the story of Jesus in such a way that things are rarely as they appear to be. Jesus speaks of being born ’from above’ and ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Faces Of Opposition

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Dec 7, 2006

We should not be surprised that the gospel is opposed. We’d like to think that everyone will just accept this wonderful news, but that is not the case. Let’s look at the faces of that opposition.

Passage: Acts 17:1-33 Intro: One of the recurring themes of Acts is opposition. 1. mostly from the Jews, but others as well. 2. it was as well as recurring theme in the life of ministry of Christ. 3. we can draw this principle; that where the gospel goes, opposition will arise in one form or ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-34

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Senior Moments

Contributed by Ricky Nelms on Jul 24, 2010

You'd be surprised at how many people God greatly used in their latter years. This message looks at several who had God-filled senior moments!

SENIOR MOMENTS! 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 (KJV) "For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:15-18

Denomination: Pentecostal