Sermons on Surprising:

Surprised By Joy

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Dec 12, 2018

I would have more joy if ________________.

Christmas 2018 Surprised by Joy I would have more joy if ____________________. Isaiah 9:1-3a NIV “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those where in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Napthali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-3, Luke 1:39-41

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Surprising Gift

Contributed by David Nolte on Dec 4, 2016

details responses to God's gift

“The Surprising Gift” John 1:1-14 David P. Nolte Have you ever received a gift you could not understand at all? Maybe something obviously “re-gifted” or at least used. I Imagine a few fruitcakes have made a number of rounds. Maybe you received something that ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christmas Surprises

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 6, 2016

Christmas is meant to be a time of surprises, that's why we wrap up gifts! The first Christmas was definitely a big surprise: Jesus' parents,how He was born,who was notified, how He saved, and that He's coming back!

CHRISTMAS SURPRISES Luke 1:26-37 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A Jewish lady named Mrs. Rosenberg many years ago was stranded late one night at a fashionable resort - one that did not admit Jews. The desk clerk looked down at his book and said, "Sorry, no rooms. The hotel is full." 2. The Jewish lady ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-37

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Surprise In The Graveyard

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 28, 2018

How does the resurrection of Lazarus impact people in this day? Since Jesus has power over life and death, we see that He alone can give life to those dead in sin.

“A certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So, the sisters sent to him, saying, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’ But when Jesus heard it he ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Denomination: Baptist

The October Surprise

Contributed by Erik Magnusson on Sep 15, 2016

How to get the right man in office during election time

October Surprise: How to Get the Right Man in Office during Election Time by Erik Magnusson Member of Belmont Baptist Church of Conyers, Georgia It seems that nobody cares who wins the elections anymore, until it gets down to the last month or two before the vote. Then, everyone gets nervous, and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Denomination: Brethren

Surprised By Grace

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Sep 7, 2021

A sermon for the Sundays following Pentecost, Year B, Lectionary 23

Sept. 5, 2021 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Mark 7:24-37 Surprised by Grace Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. There’s an old saying: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” In order for a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-37

Denomination: Lutheran

Surprising The World Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 28, 2023

Understand that not all Christians are called to be evangelists in the traditional sense, but all are called to live lives that provoke questions about their faith. This can be done through acts of kindness, words of affirmation, and giving gifts.

Have you ever felt a bit freaked out when you hear the word 'evangelism'? Like, does it make you think of knocking on strangers' doors or trying to convince your friends at school to come to church? It can feel a bit like you're being asked to sell something, right? Well, let's take a chill pill ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6, 1 Peter 3:15-16

Topics: Spiritual Outreach, Questionable Ethics, Faith Lifestyle, Evangelical Practices

You Will Be Surprised PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 23, 2024

This sermon explores our dependence on God's Spirit, the unpredictability of His path, and the call to self-denial and cross-bearing in following Jesus.

Good morning, beloved. I trust that the Lord has kept you well and that you are eager, as I am, to delve into the richness of His Word today. I am grateful for your presence, whether in person or online, and I am confident that God has something special for each and every one of us today. Our focus ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Topics: God's Unpredictability

Surprising The World Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 8, 2023

This sermon introduction discusses the anxiety some people feel towards evangelism, questioning if faith-sharing should be anxiety-inducing, and referencing Michael Frost's book "Surprise the World" which suggests that not everyone should be expected to evangelize in the same way.

Why does the word ‘evangelism’ cause some people so much anxiety? Do you get images of door-knocking or approaching strangers in shopping malls? Does it make you feel like you’re being turned into a reluctant recruitment officer for the church? Should faith-sharing really be anxiety producing? In ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6, 1 Peter 3:15-16

Topics: Evangelism, Faith-Sharing, Anxiety

Sermon Series: Surprise The World

Your First 30 Minutes In Heaven

Contributed by John Gaston on Oct 4, 2023

What will it be like when you find yourself in Heaven? What will be your first thoughts? What will you do? What will surprise you and what will you feel? We look at five things you'l probably think and four things you'll find untrue.

YOUR FIRST 30 MINUTES IN HEAVEN John 14:1-3 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. There’s a natural curiosity about Heaven. One little boy asked his Mom, “Mom, are there animals in Heaven?” She replied, “What kind of animals?” 2. He said, “Regular animals, cows and bees.” She said, “I’m not sure about ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-3, John 8:38

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Mary Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Dec 24, 2019

The actions of Mary in Luke 1:26-38 teach us how to respond to God's word.

Scripture This Christmas I am taking a brief look at the three key human persons in “The Christmas Family”: Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. This past Sunday we looked at Joseph. Tonight, we will look at Mary. And this coming Sunday we will look at Jesus. So, let’s read about Mary in Luke 1:26-38: 26 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Summons For The Skirt Series

Contributed by Grant Adams on Jan 21, 2022

Ruth goes to Boaz at night and proposes marriage.

I. The Submission of Ruth 1. Ruth 3:6-7 2. Ruth obeys Naomi by faith, trusting the counsel of Naomi and Boaz. a. Ruth was sincere in the promise she made to Naomi. Ruth 1:16-18 b. We need to be persons of our words. c. Sincerity in promises is integrity of character. You cannot have character ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 3:6-18

Denomination: Baptist

Expect The Unexpected Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 25, 2021

There is no such thing as a hopeless case. The lease likely people in this world can become children of God, and can become leaders in the kingdom, as did this Samaritan sinner.

The unexpected is the source of so much of the joy of life. Our three year old granddaughter, Jennifer, was praying at the table a couple of weeks ago. I noticed she was going faster than usual, and she came to the end saying, "In Jesus name, amen." Then she shouted, "I win." ...read more

Unsurprised By Suffering Series

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Oct 31, 2025

Those to whom Peter wrote 1 Peter were experiencing persecution for their faith. Peter instructs them not to be surprised. This sermon examines four reasons why people are surprised by suffering, and why they shouldn't be.

Years ago, when my wife and I were expecting . . . And notice that I didn’t say, “when my wife and I were pregnant”. That seems to be a thing these days, with husbands and wives saying, “we’re pregnant”. And I know it’s intended as a way for the husband to express solidarity with his wife, and to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12

Denomination: Baptist

I Love Sundays - Because Of How God Surprised Me Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Sep 23, 2015

God wants to surprise you on Sundays to show you He is who He says He is. Are you willing to let Him surprise you? If you let Him surprise you on Sunday then watch out surprises will also come Monday thru Saturday! God loves to say, “Surprise!”

Opening Video from Outreach kit Back to Church Sunday: Sundays can surprise you! Series: I love Sundays! Opening Illustration: Have you ever been surprised? Show pictures of surprises! Sermon: Because God surprised me! Thesis: God wants to surprise you on Sundays to show you He is who He says ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational