He Gave Us Stories

Week Thirteen

April 8, 2022 • Tom Hendrikse • Matthew 25:31–46

Jesus tells us that at the final judgment he will separate the people into the sheep and the goats. The righteous, who he calls the sheep, will be recognizable for how they have lived. When you look at their lives, you can actually see their faith.

Week Twelve

March 27, 2022 • Sam Kastensmidt • Matthew 22:1–14

In the Parable of the Wedding Feast, Jesus warns self righteous religious leaders in Israel that they will not make it into the kingdom of God. Instead, he says, people from everywhere, who are willing to wear garments provided by the king, will be there.

Week Eleven

March 20, 2022 • Will Buschmann • Matthew 25:1–13

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus teaches that his second coming at the end of the age will separate everyone into two categories, the wise or the foolish. The difference is preparation. When the bridegroom returns for his bride, will you be ready?

Week Ten

March 13, 2022 • Tom Hendrikse • Luke 18:1–14

Luke chapter 18 starts off with two parables: the Persistent Widow and the Pharisee and Tax Collector. Both are teaching us about prayer. Pastor Tom focuses on the second parable and what we can learn from which man Jesus said found justification.

Week Nine

March 6, 2022 • Tom Hendrikse • Luke 11:1–13

His disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray, and he does, giving them what's come to be called The Lord's Prayer. Afterwards, Jesus tells them a parable about prayer and how their heavenly Father will listens and answers.

Week Eight

February 27, 2022 • Tom Hendrikse • Luke 16:1–13

For the second week in a row, Jesus is talking about money. It was a frequent topic of his because he knew the potential for idolatry that money presents. Pastor Tom says the important question is: When Jesus talks about money, do we listen?

Week Seven

February 20, 2022 • Tom Hendrikse • Luke 12:13–21

In the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus asks us to take a hard look at our wealth (and all of us have wealth of one kind or another). Do we look to that for our security, or to God? How much of it do we give away? What treasure have we laid up in heaven?

Week Six

February 13, 2022 • Tom Hendrikse • Luke 10:25–37

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most familiar stories Jesus eve told. Asking who you neighbor is and hearing it's the person you see in need EVEN when that person is someone you'd otherwise consider an enemy can be quite a shock.

Week Five

February 6, 2022 • Mason Brown • Matthew 7:24–27

Pastor Mason Brown on the Parable of the Two Builders. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus wants us to know there are two kinds of people: the wise, who hear his word and do it, and the foolish, who choose not to do what he says.

Week Four

January 30, 2022 • Tom Hendrikse • Matthew 13:44–46

Jesus tells two stories with one message: the kingdom of heaven is a treasure so valuable that it's worth everything you have and everything you are. Let it fill your life and displace the emptiness. Recognize the beauty of Jesus today!

Week Three

January 23, 2022 • Tom Hendrikse • Matthew 13:3–23

In the Parable of The Sower, Jesus describes four types of soil and how each one differs when seed is scattered on it. Each describes a different reaction to the gospel. Pastor Tom calls us to examine ourselves and see whether or not we are good soil.

Week Two

January 16, 2022 • Tom Hendrikse • Luke 15

Jesus gave three interconnected parables with one meaning. He seeks the lost and rejoices when they are found. Why? Because you're important to him. He doesn't want you as a servant, he wants you as a son or daughter!

Week One

January 9, 2022 • Tom Hendrikse • Matthew 18:21–35

How often do we have to forgive others? Do we have to forgive them for anything, or are there limits? Jesus answers those questions in this parable. A forgiven people should be people who forgive others, full stop. No limits and no restrictions.

Rio Vista Church

The Parables of Jesus