Story Sets for Lesson Themes

If the title is crossed out, it indicates that lesson has been taken.

Finances

Pretty straight forward, stories that deal with money.

  • Ananias and Sapphira: This couple decided to hold back on telling the whole truth regarding the sale of a piece of land.
  • Jesus Watching People Give: Jesus makes a powerful illustration while watching people give their offering.
  • Paying the Temple Tax: The question of paying taxes is addressed.
  • Call of Abraham (the part where he is in Egypt): God promises to bless Abraham and make him a wealthy nation.
  • Speckled, Spotted, & Streaked: Jacob uses a unique livestock breeding method for financial gain.
  • Wise Investing: A wealthy man gives three people money to invest while he is away.
  • Healing Dorcas: Dorcas was a productive woman who died and was raised again.
  • Onesimus (Philemon): A runaway slave returns to his master.

Failure

Times when somebody blew it or did’t accomplish what they hoped

  • Peter’s Denial (Jewish Trial Story): After telling Jesus he would stick with him to death, Peter denies even knowing Jesus at his trial.
  • Saul’s Disobedience: King Saul was told to destroy an army but he failed and it brought consequences.
  • Bathsheba: King David lusts after someone else’s wife and it leads to adultery and murder.
  • Woman Caught in Adultery: Woman is brought before Jesus as a test of how he would handle the failure of this woman.
  • The God Who Sees Me: Sarah tries to manage God’s promise to Abraham by giving Hagar to bear a son.
  • She’s My Sister: Abraham claims that his wife Sarah is his siter for protection.
  • Spitting in Her Face: Aaron and Miriam criticize Moses and it brings punishment.
  • Twelve Spies: Ten of the twelve that were sent out failed to trust God.
  • Korah’s Rebellion: A revolt against Moses leadership is powerfully squashed.
  • Speak to the Rock: Moses in anger strikes a rock to bring forth water.
  • Achan: He disobedy by stealing things that he should not have taken.
  • Tamar: Amnon rapes Tamar and it got him killed.
  • Gehazi: After the king is healed, Elijah’s servant goes back and lies by asking for payment.
  • Winning Back Two Disciples: The story of doubting Thomas and Peter not believing.
  • Moses Killing Egyptian: Angered over seeing the mistreatment of the Jews, Moses murders an Egyptian.

Focus

Stories of leadership, getting something done, accomplishment

  • Rebuilding the Walls: Nehemiah succeeds in the daunting task of rebuilding a wall in the midst of opposition.
  • Esther Saves Her People: By being in a unique place of access, Esther steps out in faith to help save her people.
  • Daniel’s Decision: When his faith is challenged, Daniel chooses to remain faithful to God by standing up to the king.
  • Gideon’s 300 Men: A dramatic demonstration of God’s power by seeing victory in battle with only 300 soldiers.
  • Rebekah: The servant finding Issac’s wife Rebekah stays focused on the task.
  • Isaac, the Well Digger: A controversy over well placement leads to a negotiated agreement.
  • Joseph’s Rise to Power: As a foreigner, Joseph shows wisdom and leadership that leads to increased responsibility.
  • The Tabernacle: After an intense spiritual experience, Moses leads the people in building a tabernacle.
  • Sun Standing Still: Joshua asks the Lord for more time and the sun stops.
  • Ruth & Boaz: Ruth’s strategic planning and Boaz calculated response result in a marriage.
  • Jonathan’s Victory: A battle with the Philistines has a lot of interesting angles.
  • Goliath: A small shepherd slays a giant by following a strategic plan.
  • David’s Mighty Man: Loyalty is demonstrated by accomplishing a specific task.
  • Building an Empire: Even with significant failures, David’s leadership helps build a great empire.
  • Jehoshaphat’s Victory: Good leadership combined with a unified following brings success against their enemies.
  • Josiah’s Reforms: One of the most unique kings of Israel who followed God wholeheartedly.
  • Paul, from Worship to Stoning: A man with passion that continued his entire life.

Family (Relationships)

Relationships in general, needed a word starting with “F”, could be parenting, marriage, or friendships)

  • Joseph’s Family Reunion: After years of no contact, a famine brings the family together in a dramatic way.
  • Ruth and Naomi: Ruth chooses to stay close to her mother-in-law after serious family tragedy strikes.
  • Twelve Year Old Jesus: Jesus gets separated from his family during the annual visit to Jerusalem.
  • Rebecca – Wife for Issac: A servant is sent back to homeland to find a wife for Issac.
  • Adam & Eve: The first family and how marriage is God’s idea.
  • Zipporah: The wife of Moses is involved in a unique and dramatic lesson for Moses.
  • Abigail: David commends her wisdom in intervening in a situation that was escalating quickly.
  • Shunammite Woman: Interesting family interactions with a son, a death and a recovery.
  • Gomer: The prophet Hosea is told to marry a prostitute and some unique things happen.
  • Four Friends and a Hole in the Roof: Four friends bring a paralytic to Jesus for healing.