Christian Stories to Help Teach and Inspire

A story is more than just a story. Christian stories can inspire, impart Biblical truths, and help us sometimes get a new perspective on life in general.

Stories are memorable and become a part of us. Abstract ideas are easily forgotten, but when they are intertwined within a story, they are experienced and remembered.

When teaching Bible lessons, a story related to the topic is a wonderful tool to use. Jesus and others in the Bible used stories frequently to impart truths that may have otherwise not been understood.

For instance, take Jesus' story about the "Good Samaritan." (Luke 10:25-37) He was able to help His listeners understand how to love God and love others.

Remember when God used the prophet Nathan to tell a story? He told a story about a shepherd that had his sheep stolen so that King David would recognize the truth of his own sin. (2 Samuel 12: 1-10)

A Christian story can open our eyes to truths about ourselves through the passive, nonthreatening telling of a story about someone else.

Most preachers today use stories to clarify points of their sermons by using what is called "sermon illustration."

Whether a story is true or fictional, it really doesn't matter. What matters is that the listener becomes involved in the story and is transformed by its meaning. A story taps into our emotions and thereby locks in the experience in our memory.

Christian stories can be used in Bible studies to introduce a study topic, clarify a Biblical truth, or to involve the class emotionally by experiencing the story.

If you personally or as a group need a inspirational lift, try reading Christian books. Of course, don't let these replace your Bible study, but they can enhance your spiritual life and growth.

I have read so many wonderful Christian stories through Christian books, both nonfiction and fiction, that have touched my life in a very real way and many times have given me a new perspective by experiencing what the character in the book has gone through.

Remember - a Christian story is really much more than just a story!

Story of the Teacup A teacup tells the story of how the Master Potter brought him from a plain lump of clay to a beautiful teacup. This is a great story to help illustrate the truth of Jeremiah 18:1-6!

Story of the Cracked Pot

This story illustrates the truth found in 2 Corinthians 4:7 - when we feel imperfect or cracked, God can cause wonderful things to happen when we depend upon Him! And in it all, He receives the glory!

Story of Charles Blondin This is the story of the famous French tightrope walker. His story of using a wheelbarrow while walking across Niagara Falls is a wonderful illustration of what true faith is.

The Duck & the Devil This is one of my favorite Christian stories for illustrations. It's the story of a boy that accidentally kills his grandmother's pet duck and is then "blackmailed" by his sister to do her chores. It paints a clear picture of how the devil keeps us bound by guilt when God is just waiting for us to come to Him and confess and receive His forgiveness.

The Gift Beyond Imagination This is a new original story you may have never heard. It is the story of a special gift given by a grandmother to her granddaughter, and draws a parallel to the most precious gift of all - God's Son.

Legend of the Sand Dollar The beautiful story of the sand dollar is great to use with an Easter message. It also shows the creativity and detail of God our Creator.

The Invisible Mom This can be used as a monologue. Probably every mom has felt unappreciated from time to time, but this story depicts mom's as master builders in God's kingdom.

Finding a Penny - In God We Trust Have you ever found a "lucky" penny? This story brings home the message that a penny can remind us of how blessed we are and ask ourselves if we're truly trusting in God. The story also sparks the idea of using our US currency as a witnessing tool!

God & the Spider This is a powerful and miraculous story of God's protection over a WWII soldier by using a simple spider's web.

Treasure in Clay Balls A story of a man that finds clay balls, but doesn't realize the treasure hidden within them. It reminds us of the special creation that people truly are. (Christian object lesson is included.)

Teddy Stoddard

This is the story of a special teacher keeping her focus on what really matters and changing the life of a student forever! God desires to use us where He's placed us to make a difference!

Find more Christian stories at Inspire21.com!