Sermons on Surprising:

Celebrate What God Has Done Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Aug 25, 2024

He is faithful. He is faithful for the future just as much as he has been in the past. Trust Him for the road ahead. Though it seems so very uncertain, God is trustworthy, our part is to hold on tight as God begins to do a new thing in our lives. The future is bright.

There was once a great and mighty citadel of the faith. It’s members were many, it’s band large, it’s youth growing in the faith, it’s members organized and energized, it’s outreach far and wide, it’s services many and multiplied, and it’s reputation, as one of the premier citadels of the mighty ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:12-14, Acts 1:9-11

Denomination: Salvation Army

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

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

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

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

The Great Adventure: "Saddle Up Your Horses" Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Jul 12, 2006

When called to go, Abraham obeyed and went. As God calls us into his glorious kingdom, he invites us to a life full of challenge, surprise and adventure!

I have to be honest with you… when I was a kid I had a really wrong-headed idea of what the Christian faith was all about. I thought that being a Christian meant giving up a life of fun & excitement in order to come, sit on a pew and be a good boy. • I’m not sure where that notion came from… maybe ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Novel Idea

Contributed by Andy Smith on Apr 9, 2006

Description of Jesus’ Triumphal ENtry from the raising of Lazarus John 11:45 to John 12:19. as a murder mystery novel witha surprise ending.

A Novel Idea John 11:45 to 12:19 As I was looking at the suggested scriptures in the lectionary; I began to ponder the passage that was suggested. They had suggested the passage that encompassed The Triumphal Entry only (John 12:12-16). But as I looked at it, it seemed so disjointed. As I began ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

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

"What's So Periloous About The Perilous Generation?"

Contributed by Jerry Depoy on Apr 27, 2005

This message will surprise you. What makes living in the last generation so perilous? It is not so much because of "great persecution,: but more over because of the "great temptations!"

Title of the message: “The Perilous Generation” Introduction: What is to be so perilous about living in the perilous generation? What is it that this generation will have to overcome? I have read the Book of Revelations. I know of the horrors that will ensue following the rapture of the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

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

What Was Jesus Thinking On The Cross? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on May 11, 2008

Most of us know the crucifixion story and what it means. But have you ever considered what Jesus was thinking and feeling on the cross? It may surprise and comfort you.

Chapter 19 of John is the culmination of Jesus’ life. It is the high point in the story of the universe. Everything before leads up to this event and everything after points back to it. Much of the debate here seems to revolve around whether Jesus is a king and of what? That’s a question each of ...read more

Scripture: John 19:1-42

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Suffering, Carrying Your Cross And Denying Yourself.

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Mar 2, 2015

This sermon it is about suffering, and taking up our crosses, and denying ourselves, and loosing our lives. Where is the honour and hope and victory and glory in that one? Well you will be surprised!

Welcome Grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Today is the 2nd Sunday in lent; and the theme of today’s service is about suffering, … about taking up our crosses, … and denying ourselves, … while loosing our lives. This was a very difficult ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Episcopal