Sermons on Surprising:

What Faith Looks Like Series

Contributed by James Wallace on May 11, 2021

This is a reality check. When you're surprised by the challenges of the Christian life and even tempted to quit, consider how the people who are part of Faith's Hall of Fame lived.

This past week we all heard about another horrific tragedy on the border. Three people died and 25 were injured as smugglers attempted to bring dozens of illegal immigrants into the U.S. via boat along the California Coast. The 40-foot boat broke up on a reef just west of Point Loma off the San ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-16, Romans 1:18-20, Matthew 6:33

Denomination: Bible Church

A Deadly Character Flow - Pride - Genesis 11 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 24, 2021

I’m surprised that my wife married me. Because if you hear our story of how we met, the very first time that we met Carrie was impressed with my arrogance.

Today I’d like to talk to you about pride. How many of you would say you have a problem with the sin of pride? I find it hard. It's kind of frustrating. Can I just say it’s a frustrating topic to preach about? I think it’s frustrating to preach about it because the people who need to hear about ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Little Things Add Up: The Test Of Little

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Mar 15, 2025

Often we miss how important little things can be. Behind every successful man is a surprised moth-in-law? To be successful we must be faithful to finish little task.

LITTLE THINGS ADD UP…. THE TEST OF LITTLE THINGS… By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) (Two part) A man works at a car factory… getting paid a fair wage for a fair day’s work. His job is to grease the u-joint on the drive train. He gets busy joking ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:15-23, 1 Kings 17:5, Matthew 5:23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"a Friend Who Harms You"? Is There Such A Thing?

Contributed by Saumiman Saud on Jun 12, 2025

Isn’t a friend supposed to treat you well? Why do friends quickly turn into enemies? Don’t be surprised, because incidents like this have happened since ancient times

"A Friend Who Harms You"? Is There Such a Thing? Isn’t a friend supposed to treat you well? Why do friends quickly turn into enemies? Don’t be surprised, because incidents like this have happened since ancient times. Look at these Bible verses I quote: Proverbs 18:24 in various versions ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 18:24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Last Word Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Mar 16, 2005

Though everyone had written Jesus off after He was crucified, He surprised them all through rising from the dead. Through His resurrection, Jesus had "The Last Word!"

Pastor Craig Baynham, tells the story of an uncle who one day was leisurely driving his convertible in the mountains. He had his top down, his radio turned up loud, and was enjoying to the full the beauties of the winding mountain road on which he was driving. So intent was he on the scenery, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Standing Firm In Trials Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 19, 2003

Persecution is promised to believers; therefore we should not be surprised when we encounter trials of various kinds. In the midst of difficulties, we must continue to increase in love for people as we anticipate the return of Christ.

Standing Firm in Trials Here are a few breaking prayer needs that have been compiled by a ministry called “Open Doors.” (Taken from the Pastor’s Guide for the “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church,” www.opendoorsusa.org). Vietnamese authorities recently arrested a pastor and held ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

"Very Naughty Figs..." By Dr. Winson Butler

Contributed by Winson Butler on Nov 9, 2004

When you give a lesson in MEANESS to a critter or a person, don’t be surprised if they learn their lesson. The same goes for the children of Israel as they discovered the truth behind the "Naughty figs.." let’s examine it together!

Introduction What a contrast. I can hear Israel now, "We’ve been called many things, but, naughty figs, that takes the cake..." Jeremiah was his name. Called tyo proclaim the message that Judah would be destroyed by a foe from the north. God promised that he would protect Jeremiah as he became ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 24:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Who's Righteousness Is It Anyway?

Contributed by Rick Young on Dec 1, 2004

What the real difference in being righteous in God’s eyes and in mans eyes? Why are we sometimes made to feel we have to GET righteous, in order to BE righteous? The answer may surprise you.

Have you ever felt rejected by a church or group simply because you weren’t "good enough"? Have you ever been told by someone you were living in sin because you couldn’t seem to live up to certain rules or guidelines? Have you ever wondered why it is that many times we are made to think we must ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 4:6

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Do I Really Need This Christmas? Series

Contributed by Mike Quinn on Jan 19, 2006

God knows what we need, at Christmas and throughout the year. The birth of Jesus caught the Hebrew people by surprise. The gift of the Messiah was different than what they expected, but God knew what they really needed.

What do I really need this Christmas? “A Reel Look At Christmas” Luke 2:1-20 Intro idea: Funny Christmas presents, lots of times people don’t know what we really need. Sometimes we don’t even know… First movie clip of pink outfit… Luke 2:4-17 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Handling The Power Encounter

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Dec 7, 2006

As Paul and his team went out into a dark world, it was no surprise that there were times when the light came smack up against the darkness. These "power encounters" are inevitable. How do we handle them?

Passage: Acts 16:16-41 Intro: When we hear the word power, certain pictures come to mind. 1. huge guns, bombers, nuclear warheads. 2. human beings are obsessed with power, we love to be the ones with more. 3. every Sunday in the Fall, teams walk onto the football field for a “power encounter,” to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-40

Denomination: Evangelical Free

What Does The Bible Mean, To Be Born Again?

Contributed by William D. Brown on Jan 1, 2009

We might be surprised if we really knew how many people there are that really don’t understand, what being “born again” really means, and what being “saved” really consists of.

John 1: 12-13 WHAT DOES THE BIBLE MEAN, TO BE BORN AGAIN? 1-3-09 I believe this is the appropriate message to start the New Year out with, becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus. Listen as I read today’s text found in JOHN 1:12-13 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become ...read more

Scripture: John 1:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

Have You Lost The Wonder In The Wonderful Counselor?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 11, 2008

Today it seems that many Christians have lost the sense of excitement, surprise and curiosity to know more about the wonderful Counselor? Here are nine ways to rejuvenate that sense of wonderment about the Lord we love.

How to Regain the Sense of Wonder of the Wonderful Counselor (Isa 9:6-15) His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa 9:6) In the context of this chapter the Israelites are going through a period of darkness, despair and depression. In our ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Part 3 - Matthew 12:9-14 -Deformities Of The Heart And Hand Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Sep 19, 2010

The CLAWED FINGERS of their law system were DISTORTED AND MALFORMED and particularly difficult to uproot. It is not at all surprising that Jesus uses a man with a DEFORMED HAND to illustrate what needed to be done if ever they were to be healed of their D

Part 3 - Matthew 12:9-14 -DEFORMITIES OF THE HEART AND HAND Yesterday, with the encouragement of my wife, I got rid of some THORNY WEEDS growing like trees in the back garden. The thorns were now like razor sharp nails and so it was difficult to get to the roots without punctures, scratches and a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:9-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Different Expectations Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 13, 2010

Jesus didn't fit John's idea of what the Messiah would be like. Jesus stressed love rather than judgment. Jesus moves in surprising ways and communicates God's grace in unexpected situations.

Matthew 11:2-11 “Different Expectations” INTRODUCTION The family gathers around the newborn’s bassinette. They marvel at this squirming gift of life, and give thanks for health and wholeness. As they gaze upon the baby’s features they wonder what the child will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Cross-Purposes

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Aug 29, 2011

Jesus was dead, so what is to be done with the body. Watch how God makes sure that His Son is honored, and how that is with cross-purposes with what men want to do. Is it any surprise that God wins?

Passage: Matthew 27:57-66 Intro: So Jesus is dead, the crowds are gone, the drama is over, ( or so most thought) 1. the sun has reappeared, but for just a few more hours 2. the earth has stopped shaking, and there is nothing left but the sad sight of three mutilated corpses on crosses. 3. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:57-66

Denomination: Evangelical Free