Stories That Live : The Parables of Jesus

by Gary L. Carver

These are thirty-six sermons hammered out on the hard anvil of life lived with a local community of faith. Sometimes a preaching minister is overwhelmed with the inspiration of having something to say. Sometimes a preaching minister is overwhelmed by the responsibility of having to say something. These sermons fall into the category of the later. They were forged from the constant experience of having to answer the bell to preach each Lord's Day regardless of circumstance. They were fashioned from the background of 49 years in the pastorate and six years with this particular congregation, one that presents to the proclaimer the pressure of knowing good preaching whether they hear it from me or not. There is no consistent style or form to these sermons. Each sermon draws its substance and form from the experience of its respective text, as did the worship services in which they were proclaimed. The nature of these sermons is more inductive than deductive as were, of course, the parables from which they came. A conscientious effort was made to prepare and present these sermons in a way as to preserve the oral nature of preaching as well as the nature of the parable itself. The congregation at worship was invited to "hear" the scriptural texts and the sermons were delivered without a manuscript. These manuscripts were taken off of a vocal tape and edited. One quickly will note that there often are several different sermons preached on the same parable. Hopefully, this will preserve the integrity of the arena of interpretation as well as applying its truth to different situations at different times. I want to thank my dear friend, David Tullock, for his gracious invitation to submit these messages for publication. I am particularly grateful to Dr. Tullock for the invitation to write about the parables of Jesus. Jesus was no closet recluse or ivory tower philosopher. His unforgettable stories stuck in the minds of his listeners because he lived with and among them. They reflect his genius for understanding the reality and complexity of everyday life. They teach us about a life lived to its fullest, a life like no other, the very life of Jesus himself, which he wants to share with us, even today. Thus the title, Stories that Live. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the family of faith at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga, the best church of which I know. To be called to this wonderful congregation at age 62 was a grace gift of God, one of which I could never be worthy. In many ways, God saved the best for last. I also want to express my sincere thankfulness to the staff and worship team at First Cumberland: Bruce Clark, Jenni Faires, Charles Mitchell, Gerald Peel, Sam and Sarah Quattrochi and Danny Williams. Their insight, creativity and partnership in ministry have made this a better book and me a better minister. Heartfelt thanks goes to Tammi Long and Janice Guider who have poured countless hours to the task of preparing this manuscript as well as giving wise counsel and unlimited patience. It would not have happened without them. Especially, I want to thank my loving wife and partner, for 49 years, Sharlon, who I7 years ago urged me to write my first book and 6 books later still is my strength and encourager. In this book, she and I both want to acknowledge the companionship of a little one who will never read it, Saban Zoe. We also want to dedicate this book to four wonderful expression of serendipitous joy, our grandchildren, Brandon, Katelyn, Hadley and Alyssa. Without becoming overly sentimental, I want to express my gratitude to my Lord Jesus, whose stories these were initially, whose love and sacrifice changed my life and whose life still lives in me. Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade, was once asked to describe his personal relationship to his Lord, Jesus. He stopped, became very still, sat and simply cried. I think I know a little of that which he felt.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0692336265
• ISBN13: 9780692336267
• Release Date: November 2014
• Publisher: Parsons Porch Books
• Length: 186 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"