Sermons on Surprising:

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

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

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

One On One With Jesus In Mark Part 1 Series

Contributed by Greg Nance on Oct 27, 2007

Let’s open up the world of Mark and walk in to see the one he’s proclaiming! Jesus will surprise us if we honestly look at him and listen to him.

Present Mark 1-3 dramatically, by memory if possible. First Encounter with Jesus I’ve been spending time with the Lord in Mark’s gospel this week and I can’t wait to tell you what he has shown me. But let me warn you up front, it hasn’t been easy. We’ve been in a hurry. I’ve never seen such ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Does A Christian Look Like? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 25, 2005

Do you know what a Christian should be like? It may surprise you to learn what God approves of and what He wants to take out of your character.

What is your idea of what a Christian should be like? I did a Google search using those words the other day and came with the most unbelievable site I think I have ever seen. I won’t mention the name of the church but the page that came up was entitled: "How does God spot a Christian?" I thought ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Does This Describe Me (Hix)

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Jan 12, 2015

Why is Paul telling us all this? Because of two reasons: 1-Don’t be like these people! 2-Don’t be surprised there are people like this in church!!

2 Timothy 3:4-Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (KJV) 4-traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (NKJV) 4-They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. (NLT) 4-They ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

John Chapter 3 Part 1 Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Nov 12, 2013

Nicodemus. The first three verses of this chapter contain a surprising exchange between Nicodemus and Jesus. It is almost as if they are having completely different conversations. What is this all leading up to???

John 3:1-15 “Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-3

Denomination: Nazarene

Jesus Is Our Good Shepherd, But What Does That Really Mean?

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Apr 27, 2015

Jesus the "Good Shepherd"; is a very under estimated phrase. What does this truly mean, and where is the power in this expression? Does the enemy have a similar policy? You will be surprised.

Welcome Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen Today we look at that passage again where Jesus tells us that he is the Good Shepherd, and there are a lot of references to sheep, so I warn you before hand, ... it has a powerful ending though. The 23rd Psalm is ...read more

Scripture: John 10:11-18

Denomination: Episcopal

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

The Battle Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Dec 18, 2019

So many of the Christmas stories happen at night. The shepherds are surprised at night by an angel. Jesus is born at night in a filthy manger. The Magi see a star that leads them to Jesus.

The Battle of Christmas December 22, 2019 So many of the Christmas stories happen at night. The shepherds are surprised at night by an angel. Jesus is born at night in a filthy manger. The Magi see a star that leads them to Jesus. This is not a message about public nativity scenes or arguments ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-16, Revelation 12:1-6, 1 Peter 4:12-13, Revelation 12:17, Revelation 17:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Violent Battle Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Oct 22, 2020

So many of the Christmas stories happen at night. The shepherds are surprised at night by an angel. Jesus is born at night in a filthy manger. The Magi see a star that leads them to Jesus.

The Last Word – Revelation 12 The Violent Battle of Christmas October 11, 2020 So many of the Christmas stories happen at night. The shepherds are surprised at night by an angel. Jesus is born at night in a filthy manger. The Magi see a star that leads them to Jesus. Revelation 12:1-6 NIV A great ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:1-6, Matthew 2:13-16, 1 Peter 4:12-13, Revelation 12:17, Revelation 17:14, 1 John 4:4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Providence Through Women Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 21, 2021

The surprising thing is you have what you have because of the providence of God in the lives of women like Vashti. She was used to save Judaism, and this is our heritage as Christians.

Paul Aurandt tells this fascinating true story that deals with the paradox of positive rebellion. In April of 1847 it looked as if Mexico was ready to make peace with the United States. President James Polk chose Nicholas Trist to go as a peace commissioner. On his way Trist spoke to reporters ...read more

Scripture: Esther 1:10-22

Pilate's Wife

Contributed by Claude Alexander on Apr 2, 2022

It is surprising, and sad, that the only testimony (in effect) on Jesus’ behalf during the trial was made, not by any of Jesus’ disciples, nor apostles, nor followers, but by Pilate’s wife.

Pilate's Wife Matt. 27:11-26 The chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole council of the Sanhedrin had decided to put Jesus to death. They had Jesus brought before Pilate the governor to pronounce the death sentence. (Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; 23:1) Pontius Pilate was the fifth ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:11-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Good Can Come From This? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 6, 2025

God invites us to move beyond cynicism, trust His surprising work, and expect transformation when we honestly bring our doubts and hopes to Jesus in prayer.

Some of us carry a quiet weariness. We scroll headlines, hear hard news, and think, “Here we go again.” Cynicism creeps in like a cold draft. We start to shrink our hopes, trim our prayers, and settle for safe, small expectations. We wonder if real change is possible. We wonder if God still ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-50

Topics: Brokenness, Perspective