Sermons on Stories:

Parables Concerning The Kingdom, Part 1 (Matthew 13:1-23)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Apr 13, 2025

Matthew, Chapter 13, presents a series of stories, or parables, Jesus used to illustrate the concepts of the kingdom of God, the approaching judgment, and the work of the devil. Listen, if you have ears to hear.

The thirteenth chapter of Matthew's gospel focuses upon the parables of Jesus. As the Master got into a boat while teaching the people on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He told a story about a man whose job it was to sow seed into ground that had been tilled in order to grow crops. In the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-53, Mark 4:1-9, Mark 6:1-6, Luke 4:16-30, Luke 8:4-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Flip The Script Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Changing our thoughts and focusing on our true identity in Christ can transform our lives. By adopting the teachings of Jesus, we can change our story.

Let's talk about something real. You know how we sometimes get stuck in our heads, replaying the same old stories? Like that time you messed up in front of everyone, or when you didn't make the team, or when you felt like you didn't fit in. We all have those stories, right? But here's the thing, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:20

Topics: Positive Mindset, Story Transformation, Power Of Positivity, Thought Control

He Rose From The Grave Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Oct 3, 2023

Jesus' resurrection was a miracle that defied all odds, proving God's power and fulfilling His promises. It is a reminder that we can trust in Jesus and have hope for our future.

Hey guys, Happy Easter! Before we dive in, let's have a quick chat with Jesus. 'Hey Jesus, we're all ears. Speak to us. Amen.' Imagine this. You're watching a movie, and the hero gets knocked down. It looks like it's game over. But then, against all odds, he gets back up. That's exactly what ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:10-11, Luke 24:1-49, John 20:19-23

Topics: Resurrection Miracles, Easter Story, Divine Intervention, Biblical Miracles

Be Ready - Persevere

Contributed by Norm Story on May 18, 2001

The challenge of faithfully living prepared and ready

"Be Ready – Persevere for the Long Journey" Psalm 78:1-7 Matthew 25:1-13 When I was a Boy Scout, I remember how the younger scouts struggled and suffered on long hiking-camping trips; because they always seemed to bring so much of the wrong stuff. They’d come loaded down with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:35-38, Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Waiting For Someone To Say Grace Series

Contributed by Norm Story on Jul 16, 2004

the Church is calle to say ’grace’, reflecting God’s grace to us

"Waiting for Someone to Say Grace" Matthew 18:21-35 Romans 14:1-10 (Matthew 18:21-35 NRSV) Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" {22} Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Yes We Have A Future

Contributed by Norm Story on Feb 7, 2003

Focus on immediate suffering, or a longer-term perspective?

"Yes, You Do Have a Future" Isaiah 40:26-31 Romans 8:18-28 (Isaiah 40:26-31 NRSV) " Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. {27} Why do you ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-28, Isaiah 40:26-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why Did Judas Do It?

Contributed by Norm Story on Apr 6, 2001

He did it for the money; we too are vulnerable to greedy love of money

"Why Did Judas Do It?" Matthew 26:6-16 John 12:4-6 Mathew 26:47-50; 27:3-5 For a prosecutor to win a conviction in court,they must offer a reasonable motive for doing the crime. A jury will want to know why someone did the particular deed. In life, we expect some rational explanation for ...read more

Scripture: John 12:4-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"It Cannot Be Earned Or Repaid"

Contributed by Norm Story on Jan 29, 2010

God's gracious love that we cannot earn, control or repay

"It Cannot be Earned or Repaid" 2010 2 Kings 5:1-14 Ephesians 2:1-8 2 kin 5:1-14 The Healing of Naaman Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Redemption Of Ruth

Contributed by Patrick O'loughlin on Mar 22, 2017

The story of Ruth is a story of Redemption.

Text: Ruth chapter 3 Title: The Redemption of Ruth Introduction The story of Ruth is a story about redemption. The story begins in chapter one with a great tragedy and will end in chapter 4 with a great triumph. It begins with a Crisis and ends with a Celebration! Today we are in Ruth chapter 3 ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 3:1-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Narnia: Delivering A Grown Up Story To The Child Within

Contributed by Daniel Donaldson on Nov 27, 2005

Can the words of this inspired author take us to a place of deeper, yet childlike faith in the story behind the story of Christmas, in a land called Narnia?

Narnia: Delivering a Grown Up Story to the Child Within Dan Donaldson November 27, 2005 In a few days, in fact already, you will be subjected to a massive advertising campaign to urge you to take your children to see a new film, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” The timing was no accident. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Story Of Jonah - A Tragic Hero With A Fatal Flaw Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Aug 6, 2001

The story of Jonah is a satiric masterpiece. The book of Jonah is unique in that it humorously recounts the adventures of a prophet who struggled against his divine commission. This really is a handbook on how not to be a prophet.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: In his book, True Heroism in a World of Celebrity Counterfeits, Dick Keyes writes that a celebrity is "one who is famous and well publicized," well known "apart from how they became known. Celebrity itself is indifferent to moral character," he adds. One can be ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:3

Get Over Your Story And Into His Glory

Contributed by David Phillips on Nov 18, 2002

There comes a time in our lives that we must get over whatever story we have and seek Him and give Him the glory

GET OVER YOUR STORY AND INTO HIS GLORY TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31 iNTRODUCTION: EVERYONE HAS A STORY ABOUT THEIR CHRISTIAN LIFE--WHEN AND HOW THEY WERE SAVED, THEIR PERSECUTION AS A CHRISTIAN, HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE HURT THEM, ETC.THEY HAVE A STORY ABOUT HOW THEY HAVE BEEN HURT BY FAMILY, FRIENDS, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Reading The Christmas Story From Cover To Cover

Contributed by Edwin Amundson on Dec 21, 2002

Takes hearers from birth through death and ressurection in a very short and easy to understand manner which applies practical application to everyday life.

?READING THE CHRISTMAS STORY FROM COVER TO COVER?, LUKE 2:1-7; John 19:40-41 JOKE--- Finding a lamp on a beach, Bob began cleaning it, so he rubs it, bam! Out comes a genie. For setting me free, I will now grant u 3 wishes. ?Cool? says Bob. ?OK Genie dude, I want a billion dollars.? Poof! As the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7, John 19:40-41

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Loves Me-Story Through Song

Contributed by Jonwesley Barnhill on Aug 8, 2002

Written for closing night of VBS as a full yet simple representation of the Gospel, aimed at 7 to 10 year olds.

I. Introduction A. I want to talk to you today about something very special. 1. Think of the greatest gift you were ever given. a. (Allow for a few children to offer suggestions.) 2. I want to tell you today about a gift that is even better than any of those. II. Jesus Loves Me (first verse) A. ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

God Unexpected: The Last Part Of The Gideon Story Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on May 15, 2007

God specializes in the “unexpected.” I think it is because what we “expect” is so often not in line with who God is and what God desires, that we get caught a little off guard, a little by surprise, when we step back and see what God is doing.

God Unexpected: The Last Part of the Gideon Story Judges 6:33-8:4 May 7, 2006 Intro: God specializes in the “unexpected.” I think it is because what we “expect” is so often not in line with who God is and what God desires, that we get caught a little off guard, a little by surprise, when we ...read more

Denomination: Baptist