Sermons on Bible As A Story:

The Greatest Story Ever Written

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on Oct 14, 2008

Charles Dickens described the parable of the prodigal son as "the greatest story ever written". This sermon takes a fresh look at this familiar story.

1. THE SON’S REQUEST "Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me" (v.11) This was a shameful request. He was asking for his inheritance. Only the oldest son had the right to make this request. In effect, he was saying “I wish you were dead”. In Middle Eastern culture, such a son would ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24

Evidence Of Faith - The Story Of Ruth Series

Contributed by Rich Anderson on Feb 19, 2011

The Old Testament book of Ruth is a short story about love, but even more importantly, a story of incredible faith. The evidence of her faith was found in stepping out into the unknown while trusting God when she left both her culture and her family behi

The Old Testament book of Ruth is a short story about love, but even more importantly, a story of incredible faith. The evidence of her faith was found in stepping out into the unknown while trusting God when she left both her culture and her family behind. It is an incredible story. This took ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:16-17

Denomination: Christian Church

A Messiah's Story About Obedience Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on May 27, 2011

True obedience is based on action not words.

A Messiah's Story About Obedience Text: Matt. 21:28-32 Introduction 1. Illustration: I used to have problems getting my son to clean his room. I would insist that he, "Do it now," and he would always agree to do so, but then he wouldn’t follow through – at least, not right way. After ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32

Denomination: Methodist

Good News: A Fish Story

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jan 24, 2009

To "fish for men" we must be willing to follow in the footsteps of Christ Jesus.

A Fish Story – Mark 1: 14 – 20 Intro: As a boy I went fishing with my dad and grandfather. I wasn’t a very good fisherman because you had to be quiet and that has never been easy for me. --- The story is told that Mark Twain loved to fish; but, he hated to catch fish. He went fishing to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:14-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Writing Your Story Of Rescue

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 21, 2016

Each of us is touched by the saving mercy of God; we should tell the story.

Third Sunday of Lent 2016 Ordinary Form “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. He pardons all your iniquities and heals all your diseases.” We must not forget what the Lord has done for us, and what the Lord has promised to do for us, if we remain steadfast in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Denomination: Catholic

The Lord's Supper, A Long Story Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Mar 29, 2016

The Lord's Supper was not born in isolation. It is the symbolic demonstration of God's redemptive plan through the ages. This lesson touches God's work through Abram, Moses, and Jesus.

1. Gilligan's Isolation There were very few of these episodes that you could consider emotionally touching. But I do remember one. Gilligan had gotten his feelings hurt and decided to move away to the other side of the Island to live alone in a cave. Immediately, this became a miserable existence ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Shepherds – A Story Of Joy Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on May 9, 2016

God takes ordinary people like you and like me and He calls us to share an extraordinary message of love, grace and mercy that begins with the birth of the Savior.

Do you ever feel like you don’t really matter to God? Do you ever think that God is so busy running the universe that He doesn’t have time to be concerned about your insignificant life? Do you ever feel like you really don’t have anything of worth to offer to God? I think if ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:8-20

Denomination: Baptist

Story 24 Kingdom Treasure Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Apr 2, 2014

Jesus' priority in his ministry was the Kingdom of God. This lesson focuses on the value and power of the kingdom.

1. Thy Kingdom Come Astronaut James Erwin is one of but a few men to walk on the moon. As he stood upon the lunar landscape and looked up at the earth, he prayed for the first time in his life. He thought about the strife among nations, poverty, hunger, and rampant evil; and he thought to himself: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Story 25: The #1 Decision Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Apr 9, 2014

Regardless of public opinion, what matters is YOUR own decision about Jesus.

1. Pan and the Filth of the World On October 30, 2011, Brian McGuinn's wife of five years, Anna, handed her husband her ring, asking him to put it in her jewelry box while she showered. At the same time, Brian picked up a disposable razor and without thinking, he tossed both into the trash. The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Story #28 A Body Of Evidence Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on May 1, 2014

The church is the representation of Jesus in our world. We are his body enacting his presence.

1. Searching for Children We regularly seem to hear about missing people, especially children. The Department of Justice has a 100 page book that can be downloaded which no parent wants to read. Its title is, "When Your Child is Missing." Key Bullet Points and Action Steps are on the cover -- You ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Story 30 Lasting Influence Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jun 2, 2014

A lesson on the impact of the Apostle Paul on lives of believers.

1. Unexpected Influence Back in the 1800's a skeptic promised a famous British preacher, Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910) that he would attend his church for 4 Sundays. Maclaren told the skeptic that during those sermons he'd present reasons why he should believe in Jesus. The skeptic was true to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Peter's Big Fish Story

Contributed by John Gaston on Oct 15, 2012

This is one fish story that's true! It shows how we shouldn't limit God's meeting our needs. It affirms our special place as Sons of God and Jesus Himself models how to avoid offending people when unnecessary. Obedience brings blessings!

PETER’S BIG FISH STORY Mt. 17:24-27 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: Tax Jokes from Reader’s Digest 1. “It’s time to pay my income tax. And, brother, that’s no joke. For after paying IRS, I find that I R broke!” —Jerry Henderson in the Lubbock, Texas, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:24-27

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Story: Mission Impossible (Wandering)

Contributed by C Jordan on Nov 18, 2015

The story of Joshua and Caleb gives us the keys to being strong and courageous as we face impossible situations and giants in our own lives today.

THE STORY #6: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: (WANDERING – NUMBERS & DEUTERONOMY) INTRO TO TOPIC: In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote: “These are the times that try men’s souls.” • That’s true of today! What does it take for us to become strong and courageous? • John Wayne ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 13:1-30

Denomination: *other

The Story: The Battle Begins (Joshua)

Contributed by C Jordan on Dec 1, 2015

In Joshua, God gives His people three keys to being successful: Being people of the Word, people of prayer, and people who identify with Him.

THE STORY #7: THE BATTLE BEGINS: (JOSHUA) INTRO TO TOPIC: Have you ever faced an overwhelming challenge in your life? Did you confront it, or retreat? • In the Story this week, we see God’s people facing an overwhelming challenge. • The children of Israel are ready to head ...read more

Denomination: *other

Story 20: A Company Of Heroes

Contributed by Perry Greene on Feb 20, 2014

Heroes come in unexpected ways and as unexpected people. Mordecai and Esther become great heroes for God in an unusual way.

1. Heroes If you have been keeping up with the 2014 Winter Olympics you probably know who T.J. Oshie is. After the St. Louis Blues forward scored the clinch goal for Team USA in an Olympic hockey match against Russia in a never-ending shootout, Oshie has quickly become everyone's new favorite ...read more

Scripture: Esther 4:12-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ