Sermons on Stories:

The Gardener In The Garden

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Mar 29, 2023

(This drama/sermon involved the speaker dressing up as a gardener and sharing the story of the Risen Lord in an unusual way – looking back at a story from a family that originally served as the gardeners in the cemetery/garden where Jesus was buried.)

Scripture: Matthew 20:11-18 Title: The New Gardener (This drama/sermon involved the speaker dressing up as a gardener and sharing the Risen Story in a dramatic way – looking back at a story from a family that originally served as the gardeners in the cemetery/garden where Jesus was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:11-18

Denomination: Nazarene

Redeeming Grace Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Dec 2, 2025

The book of Ruth is a quiet story tucked into the Old Testament—a story without thunder, earthquakes, or kings. Yet in this small, domestic narrative we find one of the most powerful pictures of God’s grace and redemption.

REDEEMING GRACE TEXT: Ruth 4:1-12 Introduction 1. "Certainly, we should be very active in seeking God, and Jesus himself called us to 'ask, seek, knock' in order to find him. Yet those who enter a relationship with God inevitably look back and recognize that God's grace had sought ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 4:1-12

Denomination: Methodist

Gold, Frankincense And Myrrh: A View Through The Song Of Songs

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 31, 2025

In this story of the visit of the three Magi, there are at least two references to the prophecies contained in the OT. Jesus, and all of the Christian story we see in the NT, is the fulfillment of the promises made over three thousand years and chronicled in the Hebrew Bible.

Solemnity of the Epiphany 2026 Gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh are brought to Mary and Jesus, the newborn king of the Jews. Lots of ink has been poured out trying to help Christians understand the mystery of the Incarnation revealed in these costly presents. Most popularly, gold is a gift ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-6, Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 54:4

Denomination: Catholic

The Prize Prisoner

Contributed by Bradley Boydston on Apr 12, 2004

Easter sermon which contains a parable telling the story of the resurrection from the perspective of the devil.

It was the pinnacle of his existence. The Prince was more than elated, almost giddy, as he personally led the new prisoner into the dungeon of death. This is what he had been working for all these years -- years and years of opposition by the King -- years and years without any respect for his ...read more

Denomination: *other

The Waiting Father Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on May 18, 2004

We may relate to each of the characters in the story of the prodigal, but we are called to become the father.

Luke 15:11-32 May 14, 2004 The Waiting Father – Becoming the Father How many people have read the book “The Return of The Prodigal Son” by Henri Nouwen? This is one of my “must read” books for Christians – I even recommend it for non-Christians. If you haven’t read them yet, this summer, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: *other

Christmas According To The Grinch

Contributed by Roger Thomas on May 26, 2004

Dr. Suess’s story provides a background to re-thinking the real message of Christmas.

Christmas According to Grinch: Claiming Your Christmas Gift John 1:9-13 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Christmas is about gifts—giving and receiving. Did you ever loose a gift tag? The tree is surrounded with piles of neatly wrapped gifts. Each ...read more

Scripture: John 1:9-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's Unbreakable Bond To You

Contributed by Andrew Chan on Mar 9, 2006

God’s determination to bless the world is seen in this story of Abram’s faith and fear

God’s Unbreakable Bond to You Gen 15:1-12,17-18 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Invite u to listen to an ancient story. Long ago, God made an astonishing revelation to a guy called Abram in Gen.12. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Keeping Loss From Paralyzing You Series

Contributed by Brian Atwood on Sep 3, 2005

Actions to keep loss from paralyzing you - taken from the story of the healing of the paraplegic.

The worst natural disaster in American history occured this past week. The destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina was devasting. It looks like there may be hundreds dead, thousands who lost all their possessions and billions of dollars worth of damage. The city of New Orleans is fighting for ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

A Dead Promise And A Living Anointing

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Sep 17, 2004

An amazing turn in the story of the child who was raised from the dead by Elisha’s prayer.

2 Kings 4:32-35 KJV And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. [33] He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD. [34] And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:32-35, 2 Kings 4:31-37

Denomination: Pentecostal

Why Is Jonah In The Bible?

Contributed by Bruce Hindenburg on Jan 25, 2006

A look at the story of Jonah from three different viewpoints: Personal, Christological, and God’s

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Today’s OT lesson is a portion of the writings of the prophet Jonah in the book attributed to him. If you go through all the pericopes listed in our hymnal, you’ll find that this is the only Sunday ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 3:1-10

Denomination: Lutheran

A Hole In The Roof

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Feb 16, 2006

There are two groups in every organization: the doers and the complainers. The story of the paralytic is a vivid example of both.

Mark 2: 1 – 12 - A Hole In The Roof Intro: Imagine you have a very close friend who has a desperate legal problem. They’ve been to lawyers, courts and all sorts of legal actions to no avail. You hear the President is coming to Nederland to visit another of your friends. The President could ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What A Difference

Contributed by Ronald Harbaugh on Feb 16, 2006

3rd Sunday after Epiphany What a contrast between the story of Jonah and the Gospel

3rd Sunday after Epiphany, January 22, 2006 Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we have gathered here this morning, because you have called us through your Son to worship and praise you for your ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-45

Denomination: Lutheran

Sharing In The Kingdom Of Heaven

Contributed by Marianne Unger on Jul 19, 2004

The story of Mary and Martha gives us a perspective on what is truly important in our lives.

Sharing In The Kingdom Of Heaven Luke 10:38-42 What pictures come to mind when you think of the story of Mary & Martha? Sibling Rivalry Jealousy Doing Vs. Being I have heard many sermons on this text, as I’m sure most of you have also. There are many twists to this very short pericope or short ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: *other

Living On Purpose Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jun 14, 2005

The Ashley Smith story illustrates the power of a purpose driven life. It can be ours too.

Living with Purpose Romans 8:28; 29-39 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Introduction: Ashley Smith never suspected that she would ever have to spend a night like that! Not in her worst nightmare! How do you prepare for being assaulted by an escaped ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Do You Feel About Change?

Contributed by Greg Yount on Jul 30, 2005

Four responses to the change Jesus brings to our lives are pictured by the demoniac story of Mark.

Introduction: “Maria” cleaned up her own blood from a stairwell in an East Side apartment building. “Maria” was not attacked or in an accident — she intentionally cut herself with a razor blade. You’ll find out why in a moment, but first you need to know that “Maria” suffers from a disorder called ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20, Mark 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist