Sermons on Story Behind The Story:

The Final Straw Series

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Jul 24, 2003

A sermon on how the Passover served to free the Israelites and convict the Egyptians. Not for the faint of heart wanting a cute little story to entertain someone.

July 27, 2003 Exodus 11-12 Several weeks ago a family member was in her apartment when she and her husband heard a terrible screaming next door - the kind that makes you think, “something isn’t right.” After they walked tentatively walked outside, they found out that the father of the ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

The Day And Hour Unknown

Contributed by Mark Adams on Aug 15, 2005

This sermon illustrates the unexpected nature of Christ’s return, along with the urgency of making proper preparations for it. The style is that of story-telling.

(Note: In this sermon, your goal is to describe this community in a believable, relateable way. You can change the names around to make sure you don’t step make anyone think you’re referring to them. I tried to take several of the attitudes Jesus taught against, then create characters based on ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:42-43

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Finding Joy Amidst Life's Surprises

Contributed by Richard Burkey on Jun 22, 2005

Christmas is meant to be joy time, and in the stories of Christmas from the Biblical to the secular there is a theme of joy amidst surprises that runs through them.

Finding Joy Amidst Life’s Surprises Luke 1:39-55 (New International Version) 39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-55

Denomination: Lutheran

Trees, Yeast, And Doors Series

Contributed by Todd Stiles on Oct 26, 2006

What exactly is the Kingdom of God like? Learn about its primary traits from stories about trees, yeast, and doors.

“Trees, Yeast, and Doors” (Luke 13:18-35) Have you ever wondered, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How does it operate?” If so, you wouldn’t be alone – Jesus knew people were wondering, so he asked the question for them! We find this in Luke 13:18-35. Would you turn there? I’d like to read the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:18-35

Denomination: Baptist

A Grieving Friend, A Dead Girl And A Sick Woman

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jun 30, 2006

This sermon examines three stories of faith as found in 2 Samuel 1:1, 17 - 27 and Mark 5: 21 - 43.

Mark 5: 21 – 43 - A Dead Girl and A Sick Woman 2 Samuel 1:1, 17 - 27 Intro: This week has been a particularly difficult one for me. It seemed as though every time I started one project or task something or someone would interrupt and I was off in a different direction. That’s sort of how I ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Is The Grinch Going To Steal My Christmas? Series

Contributed by Mike Quinn on Jan 19, 2006

The story of Herod and the Wise Men: Herod completely missed Christmas. The Wise Men found a king. Who will we be more like?

Is the Grinch going to steal my Christmas? “A Reel Look at Christmas” Matthew 2:1-11 Intro: Video…“Heart two sizes too small” What does it feel like when my heart is too small? • My life is a mess. • I am not happy. • I am isolated. • I don’t really enjoy it when others are happy. Herod is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Things Found In Hell, That Belongs In The Church

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Oct 6, 2008

From the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, 5 of the many things which we see in hell--that needs to be found in the church

THINGS FOUND IN HELL, WHICH BELONG IN THE CHURCH Luke 16:19-31 * Let’s talk for a time tonight about 2 very important institutions. One is a place for people and the other is a people for a place. One offers life, joy, and peace, while the other offers punishment, pain, and death. One is called ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Baptist

Friends And Fountains

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Oct 28, 2008

Death, through our eyes, is ‘the end’. Death is not the grand finale called “THE END”. It is the 2nd DVD to the story!

FRIENDS & FOUNTAINS St. John 11 (Selected verses) It is wonderful to have friends. I hope you all have at least one good friend and wish that for you. We can share our hearts with friends and they understand us like no one else can. Jesus had three such friends. He travelled a lot and didn’t own ...read more

Scripture: John 11:25-26

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Gospel According To Will Smith: The Pursuit Of Happyness Series

Contributed by Charles Whitmire on Nov 12, 2008

This message is part of a movie series looking at Will Smith Movies - this one looks at the real life story of Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness

Chris Gardner’s story is a great story... Husband, father, salesman - selling doctors scanning machines they don’t want or need. He knows there has to be more! He meets a guy driving a Ferrari, who is a stockbroker. He tells Chris to get that job you need good math skills, and good people skills ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:13-22

Denomination: Baptist

God's Valentine To Us

Contributed by Richard White on Dec 9, 2008

Hallmark is known for its card, yet they cannot duplicate the greatest love story of all times. God’s valentine to us

God’s Valentine to Us 1JN 3:1 how great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lot - The Struggle Of Righteousness

Contributed by Timothy Darling on Mar 19, 2009

The stories in Genesis present Lot in a very negative light, but Peter and Abraham thought he was righteous. It is a time for adjusting our interpretation.

Lot – The struggle of righteousness Genesis 18:16-33 This is a classic passage because it depicts something that we somehow know we should not do, bargaining with God. Abraham, out of concern for his nephew Lot, in an episode that sounds like an auction, begs God to be merciful. Five times, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:16-33

Denomination: Mennonite

"Smarter Than A Fox But Dumber Than A Snake"

Contributed by Jerry Depoy on Apr 21, 2004

Read the story of Samson and Delilah and you will be forced to ask yourself this question, "How could anyone so smart, be so stupid?"

"Smarter than a Fox, but dumber than a Snake!" The Story of Samson and Delilah. Samson was smart, but... When Samson’s first marriage failed, in vengeance he caught three hundred foxes and tied their tails together, set their tails on fire and chased them off to burn up harvesting fields of the ...read more

Scripture: Judges 16:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Have You Tasted My Apple?

Contributed by Charles Whatley on May 20, 2004

We Christians have experienced great things and have great stories to tell...if only we’ll tell them!

Every year at the University of Chicago Divinity School, they have what is called "Baptist Day." On this one day, everyone brings a picnic lunch to be eaten outdoors in a grassy picnic area. The school would invite some great theological mind to lecture while the students and faculty ate their ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-5

Denomination: Methodist

"I Want My Baby To Live!"

Contributed by Jerry Depoy on Jun 10, 2004

When a man and woman have a divorce, this story of Solomon and the two hartots, is replayed. An earthly judge is asked to "cut the baby in half!"

Title: “I want my baby to live!” Introduction: God granted Solomon a prayer request. He asked for wisdom. God told him that he would be the wisest man to ever live. Following that time of prayer, Solomon is given an opportunity to use this wisdom. We have just read that story in the previous ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:16-27

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Be Afraid Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Apr 3, 2001

In this message we will learn from Elisha and his servant how to overcome fear. (Real People True Stories - part three)

"DON’T BE AFRAID" TEXT II KINGS 6:8- 23 On summer night during a severe thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small son into bed. She was about to turn the light off when he asked in a trembling voice, "Mommy, will you stay with me all night?" Smiling the mother ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:8-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ