Sermons on Storytelling:

"Looking Up At Hell"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Mar 9, 2010

In Luke Chapter 15 Jesus paints us a vivid picture of the Love of God through the story of the Prodigal Son. How can we celebrate God’s party of love in such a way as to welcome not only the younger brothers who have come back from the dead, but also the

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 “Looking Up at Hell” By: Ken Sauer, Pastor of East Ridge United Methodist Church, Chattanooga, TN “There was a man who had two sons.” One—the youngest—comes to his father and demands his share of the inheritance. That may sound odd to our ears, but it’s not completely ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-32

Denomination: United Methodist

Not A Cunningly Designed Fable

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Dec 7, 2019

Myths are powerful. But should we use them?

Not a Cunningly Devised Fable 2 Peter 1:16-21 Myths and legends can be powerful teachers of morality. This is why they have been used from time immemorial. They speak of something greater than the story itself. They can be based upon some degree of fact, but this is not necessary for the truth ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:16-21

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Nothing But Jesus Crucified

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Feb 1, 2020

the preaching of Christ's Cross should be at the center of our message.

Nothing But Jesus Crucified I Corinthians 2:1-16 In the Appalachians where I live, many of the ministers and churches have an aversion to book learning, especially when it comes to the Bible. And I really cannot blame them as I have seen many an aspiring minister ruined by seminary. “Preach the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Tell Your Story Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 19, 2018

In today's world, a well told story will be heard regardless of the content. Luke tells Paul's conversion story, giving us a framework in which to share ours. Consider these thoughts from Scott Jewell, our Family Minister.

Read Acts 9:1-31. Pray. What is the most memorable sermon illustration you’ve ever heard? I’m pretty confident that the first thing that came to mind was a story. I’ll take it one step further- I’ll bet it was a personal story the preacher told on himself. If I’m wrong, you can collect an extra ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Renew Technology Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Oct 9, 2019

The simplest answer to the question of technology and whether it is a good use or not is “Knowing the nature of God, would this be honoring to Him and the message He wants for us to live and offer to others?”

Infants and toddlers under the age of 2 should not spend any time in front of screens, according to new guidelines issued by the World Health Organization on Wednesday. The WHO recommends against any screen time for infants, as well as 1-year-olds. Instead, they encourage sedentary time ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Parables Of Matthew 13 "a Hidden Treasure And Pearl Of Great Price"

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jul 23, 2020

What is the kingdom of God? What is this kingdom of Heaven in these two parables? William Barclay offers this helpful definition: The kingdom of God is “a society upon earth in which God’s will is as perfectly done as it is in heaven.” Are you the Pearl of Great Price?

In Jesus Holy Name July 26, 2020 Text: Matthew 13:44 Pentecost VIII - Redeemer “The Parables of Matthew 13” Hidden Treasure & A Pearl of Great Price A pair of treasure hunters using their metal detectors, Adam Staples and Lisa Grace, made the discovery of a lifetime ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:44, Matthew 13:47-50

Denomination: Lutheran

I'm Back

Contributed by James Hickman on Mar 18, 2016

A sermon presenting some of the implications of Jesus' resurrection.

Luke 24:36-49 Walking through a department store, I saw a set of stylized crosses designed to be displayed on your walls. None of these seven crosses resembled the original, nor did they remind me of other crosses popular in Christian art, the Coptic or Celtic cross, for example. While they might ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-39

Denomination: Baptist

“in A Manner Of Speaking” [introduction]

Contributed by Reverend Cooper Mcwhirter on Oct 1, 2016

Through the use of parables Jesus was able to explain difficult subject matters in plain, simple terms. By referring to common, every day occurrences people of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest, could readily grasp what Jesus was saying to them.

Sermon Preached at Grace Community Church (EPC) Sun City Grand, Surprise, AZ Sunday, January 31, 2010 by the Reverend Cooper McWhirter “In a Manner of Speaking” [Introduction] Matthew 13:10-17 Did you ever wonder why Jesus spoke so often in parables? Why didn’t He just come ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:10-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

#3 No God, No Peace, Know God, Know Peace. Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Jul 26, 2021

Humanity has been given the invitation to accept the truth and there is a great responsibility in receiving His grace.

This week we begin a summer series entitled, Tell Me A Story. “Tell me a Story” is a simple and shorter way to reference Jesus' use of parables. A parable is a relatable way to share a moral or spiritual lesson. Almost like a church sign. I am talking about the church that always has a special ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

#8 A Great Boss And A Terrible Servant Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Aug 16, 2021

Forgiveness is giving to others what God has already given to us. By forgiving others, we are acknowledging our understanding of God's love for us.

"Tell me a Story” is a simple and shorter way to reference Jesus' use of parables. A parable is a relatable way to share a moral or spiritual lesson. While some don’t like parables because they don’t get right to the point. Others love a good story because it forces us to think and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35, Mark 11:25, 1 Corinthians 13:5, Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 3:17-19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus The Bread Of Life Series

Contributed by Revd Dr Ruwan Palapathwala on Jan 6, 2025

When God the Father draws us to Himself by reminding us of Home through the taste of Heaven's food, Jesus, the Bread of Life, we come to know that our Father is with us always

You heard me say last Sunday that our son left the nest in May and moved into his own house. We miss him very much at home. However, because he lives only about twelve minutes away, we do not experience the separation as much as we would have otherwise. About two times each week, he comes home in ...read more

Scripture: John 6:35-51, Psalm 34:1-8

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Being A Good Neighbor Series

Contributed by Dana Chau on Apr 10, 2025

What does a good neighbor look like? What if you had the compassion of the Good Samaritan that could change the way that you engage with the people around you? Get ready to learn from the greatest Teacher (Jesus) we have!

(If you feel this sermon is helpful, you are welcome to visit https://danachau.thinkific.com/ for a free online course.) Being a Good Neighbor Luke 10:25-37 This morning we will be looking at the practice of being good neighbors. Our text comes from Luke chapter 10, versus 25 to 37, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: *other

"The Message The Lawyer Missed" Series

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Jan 4, 2010

But to the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly (Rom 4:5), He says that you can rejoice that your name is recorded in heaven, and by faith you have chosen the good part that can never be taken away.

(Part 2 of 2 in a study of the Parable of the Good Samaritan) “And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” 27 And he answered, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Orthodox

The Uselessness Of Sabbath

Contributed by John Beehler on Oct 15, 2002

Stop. Encounter God. Be refreshed.

The Uselessness of Sabbath According to a Greek legend, in ancient Athens a man noticed the great storyteller Aesop playing childish games with some little boys. He laughed and jeered at Aesop, asking him why he wasted his time in such frivolous activity. Aesop responded by ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:9-11, Exodus 20:8-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Compelling Love Of God

Contributed by W Pittendreigh on Oct 21, 2006

Does God’s love make any difference in our lives and in the way we live? It should. Do we just love a little, or are we dedicated and committed to loving others as God loves us?

Fred Craddock is a great preacher and a great story-teller, and one of the stories I’ve heard him tell had to do with a trip in which he and his wife went back to their native Tennessee. They drove up to a small restaurant in Gatlinburg. They were tired and hungry and still had miles to drive ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed