Sermons on Story Parables:

Using What God Has Given

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 14, 2010

Parable of the Talents (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Using What God has Given Reading: chapter 25 verses 14-30. Quote: “The word ‘Faith’ in the Bible is spelt ‘R.I.S.K.’” Quote: To laugh is to risk appearing the fool To weep is to risk appearing sentimental To reach out for another is to risk involvement To expose feelings is to risk exposing, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30, Matthew 25:14

Denomination: Brethren

Be Careful Who You Rent To Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Aug 15, 2012

In our parable today I want you to think Temple of God, and the remarkable fact that God has continually allowed human beings to be his tenants both on the earth and especially here in the Temple.

We remember friends back in BC who had to rent the basement of their house out as most normal people who own houses have to do back there. They had nothing but trouble, people leaving stuff on the stove when they went out for long periods of time, and there’s always the issue of getting the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:9-18

The Wicked Tenants Series

Contributed by Mark Eberly on Jun 16, 2009

This parables is about Israel, Israel’s response to the kingdom message of Jesus, and the consequences from a lack of response by the religious leaders and then the people.

The Parables of Jesus The Wicked Tenants Matthew 21:33-46 June 14, 2009 This week we are going to examine what many consider to be a very complicated parable: the parable of the wicked tenants. This is a parable about Israel. It goes along with similar themes to the parable of the two sons and the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46

Denomination: Church Of God

Matthew 22: The Parable Of The Great Big Party!

Contributed by David Smith on Apr 21, 2005

Father Dave’s take on the Parable of the great big party!

Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ’Tell those who have ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Problem Of Counterfiets Series

Contributed by Hugh W. Davidson on Jun 14, 2020

Jesus is talking to people who think they're saved but aren't.

Scientists tell us that the fastest animal on earth, with a top speed of 120 feet per second, is a cow that has been dropped out of a helicopter.” This is a true story: An 80-year-old lady called the police on her cell phone and said, "Help me please. I’m in the parking lot at the mall and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Kind Of Receiver Are You?

Contributed by Chris Beam on Sep 6, 2015

It’s one thing to hear the Word of God, but listeners must receive the Word of God and let it take root in their life.

What Kind of Receiver are You? Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23 Even though we’re not quite there yet, fall is, without a doubt, my favorite time of year…Mainly because of football season! So in honor of this special time of year, I want to use some football imagery over the next couple of weeks ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Resurrection: It's Still Alive

Contributed by Joe Mack Cherry on Apr 17, 2022

Just as Jesus was resurrected so are we, not only at our baptism but also every time we gain forgiveness. The world needs to know that the the power that raised Christ is also available to us.

The Resurrection: It’s Still Alive By: Joe M. Cherry I. Introduction A. The Back Story 1. True story that happened in 1996 a. On Good Friday, a young man was killed in a tragic accident. b. His memorial service was held on Easter Sunday. c. It was evident that his father was a religious person ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:10, Romans 4:25, Hebrews 4:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Spiritual Growth In The Kingdom Of God Series

Contributed by Donald Rapp on Jul 24, 2010

By using the mustard seed as an illustration for the growth of the kingdom Jesus is demonstrating the amazing power of the gospel and its effect on people.

Spiritual Growth in the Kingdom of God The Book of Mark Mark 4:26-34 I. Introduction A. As we have seen the parables of Mark 4 primarily concern themselves with issues of the Kingdom of God. 1. Specifically they deal with the spiritual aspect of the Kingdom. a) That is the realm in which we live ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:26-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Parable Of The Sheep & The Goats: The Final Judgment Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Aug 8, 2022

His German name was Karl der Grosse. At age twenty-nine, he was crowned the ruler of a tiny kingdom in what is now modern-day France. Few people at his coronation thought that King Karl would one day reshape the map of Europe.

“His German name was Karl der Grosse. At age twenty-nine, he was crowned the ruler of a tiny kingdom in what is now modern-day France. Few people at his coronation thought that King Karl would one day reshape the map of Europe. At the time of Karl’s ascension in 771, Europe was a collection of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Parable Of The Five Wise And Five Foolish Bridesmaids

Contributed by Revd Dr Ruwan Palapathwala on Dec 14, 2024

Five Wise and Five Foolish Bridesmaids

Today, as we read in the Gospel Jesus’ parable about the Ten Bridesmaids, I couldn’t but reminisce two memorable experiences I had in September 2013. First, my experience of visiting the Holy Land during the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days. It ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Pride And The Wicked Tenants

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Apr 5, 2025

So often we let our pride get in the way from admitting we were wrong, or to see something from another angle. This morning the Pharisees Pride keeps them from acknowledging Jesus for who he is and provide a cautionary tale for us.

Pride and the Wicked Tenants Good Morning. Believe it or not, we are in the final days of Lent! The Scripture lessons from today through Good Friday are all Jerusalem and Temple themed. Today’s especially we focus on a common temple theme of having a right heart and purity when we come before God. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:9-19

Denomination: Anglican

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Contributed by David Roth on Sep 19, 2015

Proper 6 (b) Christ Himself grows His church by His eternal Word, in and through us, and for and to others.

J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. “How does your garden grow?” Do you garden much? Do you have a garden this year? We had a cold spring, and wet too, so some things are late ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:26-34

Denomination: Lutheran

Hear Ye Hear Ye

Contributed by Judith Hand on Jul 8, 2014

The parable of the Sower story with four responses by the hearers: Pay it no mind, A Passing Interest, Too Preoccupied, Perceptive and Productive.

Most of the time in church, the focus is on the speaker and how well they are prepared to present the message. But today we have a parable about the HEARERS and how they receive the word of God. So listen up because it is all about YOU this morning. Hearing is an act of responsibility, so ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Methodist

Manage The Earthly With Your Eyes On Eternity

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Sep 28, 2010

What's Jesus teaching us in the story of the dishonest manage? How do we use earthly wealth to gain friends? How can we be faithful with what God has entrusted to us?

Text: Luke 16:1-13 Theme: Manage the Earthly with Your Eyes on Eternity Season: Pentecost 18c Date: September 26, 2010 Web page: http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Manage-the-Earthly-with-Your-Eyes-on-Eternity-Luke16_1-13.html Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

What Will Your Answer Be?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Nov 9, 2001

What is it that we all have that is exactly the same? How are we similar? There are a lot of areas where we are different. But how are we all the same?

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2011) A. In Luke 19:11 27 Jesus tells a familiar parable, & for that reason I hesitate because when you talk about something familiar, people tend not to listen. They think, "I already know all about that." ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ