Sermons on Movie Metaphors:

From Death To Life

Contributed by John Stevenson on Oct 18, 2000

Quite a few years ago a movie was made about nostalgia and reminiscence.

Quite a few years ago a movie was made about nostalgia and reminiscence. It was entitled, "The Way We Were." Paul begins this chapter in the same way. He begins with the way we were. But there is nothing fond or nostalgic about that former condition. There are three views concerning man and his ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-7

The Shack Heresy

Contributed by Les Puryear on Mar 6, 2017

This sermon examines some of the theological problems with the book and movie "The Shack."

"The Shack" Sermon Manuscript by Rev. Leslie Puryear Bethany Baptist Church, Gulf, NC March 5, 2017 2 Peter 2:1 – “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1

Denomination: Baptist

The Sequel Of Life

Contributed by J Bernard Taylor on Nov 26, 2019

How you ever thought of how many movies have sequels? Many times the sequels are as popular as the original movies. But what about a sequel to life? Is this life all there is, or is there a sequel to it?

THE SEQUEL TO LIFE INTRODUCTION Have you ever thought about how popular sequels are? If a movie has produced millions of dollars at the box office, we can be sure a sequel will be following. Movies like Star Wars, Rocky and many others have produced sequels. Often the sequels are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:27-38

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

No Man Is An Island Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Sep 13, 2011

Jesus’ metaphors of salt and light reveal how His followers are to be positive influences in the world.

You’ve probably all heard the old adage “No man is an island.” Since that was the thought that first came to mind as I read the passage that we’ll look at this morning, this week I did some research to find out where that saying originated. It comes from Meditation XVII ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

A Thousand Years And The Final Judgment Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Nov 5, 2020

We want a turn by turn GPS experience. Most of Revelation was written in symbolism, imagery and metaphors.

The Last Word – Revelation 20 A Thousand Years and the Final Judgment November 8, 2020 We want a turn by turn GPS experience. Most of Revelation was written in symbolism, imagery and metaphors. This is one of the most controversial and misunderstood chapters in scripture. Satan is thrown into ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 20:1-4, Colossians 2:15, Revelation 20:11-15, Luke 15:17-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Do The Magi's Gifts Mean Today?

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Jun 2, 2021

The gifts that the magi presented to the baby Jesus have metaphorical meaning. What do they mean today?

The story about the three magi visiting the baby Yeshua is a problematic story. If such an event took place, why is it only found in Matthew's Gospel? The idea of three magi traveling from Persia to Judea is fascinating. The narrative says that they followed the Bethlehem star. Many people ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: United Methodist

Sermon On A Voyage Of Discovery

Contributed by William Meakin on Jun 13, 2025

A voyage of discovery in metaphorical terminology may describe a journey of individual growth, learning, or self-awareness.

Marcel Proust, a French novelist and literary critic once remarked: "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes". 1 Corinthians 13:10-12 reminds us: “But when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:5, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 16:9

Sermon On A Bridge Over Troubled Water

Contributed by William Meakin on Jan 7, 2026

"A Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a metaphor for hope through connection or faith.

Devon Eaton, the author of “A Book I’ll Never Write,” once remarked: "My world's an eternity of total eclipse / And I call it my personal apocalypse.” Matthew 24:29-31 reminds us: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:23, 2 Samuel 14:14, Genesis 1:2

#37 The Greatest "Mountaintop Experience” Ever! Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Feb 14, 2021

The Transfiguration of Christ was the greatest “mountaintop experience” in history. Interestingly, Mark presents the story like a deeply moving movie: There’s a preview, the main attraction and after-movie conversation. This sermon examines the Transfiguration.

#37 The Greatest “Mountaintop Experience” Ever! Series: Mark Chuck Sligh February 14, 2021 NOTE: A PowerPoint is available for this sermon by request at chucksligh@hotmail.com. Please mention the title of the sermon and the Bible text to help me find the sermon in my archives TEXT: Please turn in ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Real Life Reality

Contributed by Chris Mason on Aug 6, 2001

Reality is not found in TV or Movies, no real life reality is found in Christ alone!

REAL LIFE REALITY The mole: Find out who is the mole. 12 people, 1 mole. Game based on lies. Temptation Island: 6 couples, 12 singles try to break up the couples Fear Factor: 6 individuals trying to overcome their fear to win 50,000 dollars Big Brother: 12 house guest vote each other off, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13, John 8:44

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Ready For The Call

Contributed by Dean Meadows on Feb 20, 2004

This is an outreach sermon with the release of the movie "The passion", but could be used at any time.

Answering the Call 2/19/04 Acts 8:26-40 The hot topic, at least for me, has been about Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion”. There has been a lot of excitement over the release of the movie that we have heard about for so long. From the Actor getting struck by lightning, to the deepening of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: *other

Is Your Church A Cruise-Ship Or A Battleship?

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jan 5, 2011

Which image better describes a church? Your church? I know, it’s a metaphor. All metaphors break down at some point. When making a choice, our natural inclination is to choose the cruise ship over the battleship any day.

Opening illustration: watch an illustrative audio-video clip Introduction: On the surface we would believe that the early church in Acts was blessed with outstanding growth due to the anointed preaching of the apostles; their balanced practices that would evolve into much of our church programming ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:11-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Amazing Grace!

Contributed by John Sloat on Apr 3, 2001

A 5-year-old with a broken foot in a wheelchair at DisneyWorld among caring people is a metaphor for grace.

AMAZING GRACE Text: Ephesians 1:6,7b,8a I want to think with you this morning about the grace of God. The text is from Ephesians, the first chapter, verses 6, 7, and 8: "Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear son. How great is the grace of God which he ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:6-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Light In The Darkness Series

Contributed by Guy Caley on Jan 28, 2002

Jesus is the promised light to the people who walked in darkness. Examines the metaphor of "light" and what it actually describes.

A Light in the Darkness Text: Matthew 4:12-25 Introduction When I was in 4th Grade my class took a field trip to the Cave of the Winds. At one point in the tour they turned the lights off and we experienced total darkness. Then in the distance someone lit a single match. It was amazing the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-25, Isaiah 9:1-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Lamb, The Lion, The Eagle, And The Hen

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Apr 16, 2008

Four metaphors that depict various aspects of our Lord’s relationship to all who believe in Him.

THE LAMB, THE LION, THE EAGLE, AND THE HEN "They conquered him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death.” Revelation 12:11 (HCSB) The title of today’s sermon gives us four metaphors that depict various aspects of ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:11

Denomination: Baptist