Sermons on narrative lectionary:

Part Ii - The Magi – The Voice Of Expectancy Series

Contributed by Eric Peloquin on Dec 15, 2007

This is part two in a series looking at the some of the characters in the Christmas narrative and what we can learn from them. In this message the Magi, these gentiles from the east speak to us of the expectancy we should have in our relationship with the

The Voices of Christmas Part II – The Magi – the Voice of Expectancy Sermon – Sunday, December 3rd 2006 The Magi are an interesting group. There is much we do not know about them, like how many of them came to worship Jesus. The Magi were a priestly class of astronomers from ancient Babylon. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Two Sons: The Sequel.

Contributed by Wendy Gravolin on Mar 7, 2016

A narrative exploration of the Prodigal Son and his brother, with different versions of what might have happened the next day. it explores how prodigals returned to fellowship in the ministry of Jesus and find hope for big brothers in Saul of Tarsus.

The Two sons: The sequel Luke 15:11-32/ and 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. Who watches the Oscars? Me neither but, today I thought I would take some direction from Hollywood! Directors it seems love to produce a sequel. Sometimes it seems when new ideas are drying up they even resort to making ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Anglican

Advent 2015 - Week 1

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Dec 1, 2015

The birth narrative is an amazing account, filled with characters who are almost larger than life. It is easy for them to overshadow the One person who never says a word. The One coming from Heaven to dwell among us.

First Sunday of Advent - Read - Luke 1:1-4 & 26-38 This may seem like a crazy question but how many of you remember Elvis? Before concerts they would announce to the crowd who was already there that, “Elvis has entered the building.” And the cheers would erupt! Elvis had not yet sung ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Nazarene

A Disillusioned Prophet Questions Jesus:matthew 11: 2-11/ Isaiah 35

Contributed by Wendy Gravolin on Dec 16, 2013

This is a sermon in a narrative storytelling style looking at John the Baptist's question to Jesus "Are you the one or are we to look for another? Dealing with the issue of our disillusionment when the way God works shocks or disappoints our expectations.

A disillusioned prophet questions Jesus On Friday night Steve and I attended a performance of Handel's Messiah at the Costa Hall. It was obvious that this was a well and truly practiced and polished performance. Each of the participants had obviously spent hours both alone and together preparing ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Anglican

Three-Fold Woe Announced Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 22, 2017

Here we have one of the pauses in the narrative which the Revelation uses so effectively. Three fearful woes are to come upon the earth when the remaining three angels sound the last blasts on the trumpets; but for the moment there is a pause . . .

By: Tom Lowe Date: 4-27-2016 Series: Verse By Verse Through Revelation Title: Three-Fold Woe Announced (8:13) ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 8:13

Denomination: Baptist

"4 Elements Of The Birth Of Jesus We Can Believe"

Contributed by Brad King on Dec 1, 2020

A challenge with basing our lives upon philosophical naturalism is that the birth narrative is full of God's supernatural mighty work. So we have a decision to make. Is the birth of Jesus to be viewed only as any other?

Matthew 1:18-25 offers four elements about the birth of Jesus we can believe. 1. We can believe the birth of Jesus involves supernatural origins. 1:18 2. We can believe the birth of Jesus involves supernatural interventions. 1:19-20 3. We can believe the birth of Jesus involves supernatural ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

What Is The Sabbath?

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Jun 1, 2018

In Mark 3:1-6, Jesus teaches us about what the Sabbath is through His healing of a man with a withered hand. This sermon explains what the Jews believed about the Sabbath, and how we can apply the Sabbath as modern Christians.

In the movie The Incredibles, there is a scene where ex-Super Hero Bob Parr, aka Mr. Incredible, has a confrontation with his boss. Mr. Incredible has been forcibly retired from the hero business for years, and is working at an insurance company. He is doing a good job, but too good of a job. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:1-6, Mark 2:27-28, Mark 2:23-28

Denomination: Lutheran

Now You Know The Rest Of The Story

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Jun 6, 2018

A sermon built around Paul Harvey's phrase: "Now you know the rest of the story." It looks at the story of Adam and Eve, our part in the story, and Jesus'.

Today’s text is an interesting one. It doesn’t start at verse 26. It even doesn’t start at verse one of the chapter, nor does it even begin in chapter 22 on Maundy Thursday. It doesn’t even begin at chapter one, verse one of Luke. We’re not getting the whole story this morning. It is like ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:8-15, Genesis 3:1-19, Luke 23:26-49

Denomination: Lutheran

Overwhelming Grace: The Prodigal Son, The Unjust Steward, And You!

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Sep 19, 2019

This sermon examines the relationship between the prodigal son, unjust steward, and the hearer. It draws upon the parallels among all three to make a Gospel application. I am indebted to Dr. David Schmidt's observations on this text found on 1517.org for the idea.

A few weeks ago, I bought the movie Dunkirk on sale, which is about the evacuation of over 300,000 British troops after the Fall of France in World War II. I tried to watch this movie at night as I was going to bed. Between falling asleep, helping with Mia, or checking my phone, the movie took ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-8, Luke 16:1-16, Luke 15:11-32, Luke 15:12-24

Denomination: Lutheran

Who Dares To Question The Lord

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Jul 12, 2003

A first-person narrative. When in our suffering we challenge the Lord like Job did, he works repentance in us so that we stand dumbfounded at his wisdom and power and stand astounded at his promise of grace.

Who Dares to Question the Lord Good Morning. I thank you for this opportunity to speak to you. My name is Job. I realize that because of the way it is spelled in English, you would usually pronounce it “job.” But it is Job. Please allow me to give you a little bit of background about myself. I ...read more

Scripture: Job 38:1-11, Job 19:25

Denomination: Lutheran

The Horoscope Of Jesus

Contributed by David Smith on Jan 8, 2007

What must Mary have thought when she first opened the door and found a group of Iranian astrologers, there to celebrate the birth of her son? These characters seem so inappropriate in the Christmas narrative, but maybe that’s the point?

The Xmas season is over! We’ve wished each other a Merry Xmas AND a Happy New Year, and now the festive season is PAST. The holidays (for most of us) are over. The time for singing carols and wishing peace and goodwill to all is finished. The presents have been handed out. The cards have all been ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Righteous For The Unrighteous Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Mar 1, 2016

First-person type narrative (Simon Peter's perspective, no acting or costumes needed) exploring: Why did Jesus die? What did He do while He was dead? What is He doing now that He is alive?

RIGHTEOUS FOR THE UNRIGHTEOUS 1 Peter 3:18-22 INTRODUCTION Simon Peter walked through the streets of Jerusalem with purpose. He had a place to get to and not a lot of time to get there. It had been his suggestion that the believers meet in the temple courts daily to pray, listen to reflections ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Settle

Contributed by Jeff Poor on Jun 10, 2019

The problem with this crowd is that they are seeking Jesus for the wrong reasons. They’re ready to settle for barley loaves and sardines when Jesus came to give them eternal life. Throughout this narrative, the clear lesson is, “Look beyond the flesh.”

INTRO Good Morning… Blah blah blah… Stuff around loving John… Reading Keller, go through it a few times a year… And it always gets better… I love looking at the interactions Jesus has with the people in John… What I love is that Jesus gives people what they need, not always what they are ...read more

Scripture: John 6:25-59

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus, The Great Prophet (Luke 7:11-16) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Feb 27, 2024

Jesus as the prophet like Moses (Deut. 18:18) is more important to Luke than most modern Christians. But Jesus as a prophet, sent by God, speaking God's words, is key to Luke-Acts. A narrative reading.

One of the kind of delightful things about the Bible, if you are a bit of a nerd, is the way that it echoes. Newer parts of the Bible-- the later biblical authors-- will often find themselves describing their own situations in ways that deliberately echo older biblical language. Or, that language ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-16, 1 Kings 17:7-24, Deuteronomy 18:18, Deuteronomy 12:28-32

7 Woes On Religious Leaders (Matthew 23)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 17, 2024

Why are we afraid to preach Matthew 23? Why does the Revised Common Lectionary leave it completely out? Are we afraid to let our churches know that we church leaders are weak, and fail, and also need to repent? Let's find out in Matthew 23.

Jesus warned about hypocrisy among religious leaders and accompanying woes. Have we ever heard this taught? Is it just too painful to admit that we church leaders can sometimes be just like the Pharisees? Let’s learn some hard lessons from Jesus in Matthew 23. Hypocrisy Do we practice what we ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible