Stories of the Kingdom

The Parable of the Wedding Feast- Malcolm Bisset

The Community Church, Harry Pickett — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 21:05:25 +0000

In this episode, we explore The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22) and what it reveals about the heart of God’s kingdom. Sitting down with Malcolm, we reflect on Scripture, prayer, and the joy-filled invitation God extends to all people. Together we unpack the cultural background of the parable, the shock of the rejected invitation, the meaning of the wedding garment, and the sobering yet hopeful words: “Many are called, but few are chosen.”

Along the way, we talk about covenant, grace, judgment, and what it truly means to respond to God’s invitation, not just by showing up, but by being clothed in righteousness and living out the call of the kingdom. This conversation challenges us to examine distractions, rediscover first love, and remember that the kingdom of God is not merely duty, but a lavish feast prepared by a loving Father.

Whether you’re familiar with this parable or hearing it afresh, this episode invites you to come, sit at the table, and reflect on how we respond to the King’s invitation today.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins- David Raynor

The Community Church, Harry Pickett — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:14:32 +0000

In this episode of Looking at the Parables of the Kingdom, David Raynor reflects deeply on the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25), bringing insight shaped by decades of faith, teaching, and church life. He unpacks the cultural background of ancient Jewish wedding customs to reveal the significance of Jesus’ use of marriage imagery, highlighting themes of waiting, anticipation, and readiness for the bridegroom’s return. By situating the parable within Jesus’ wider teaching about the future of the kingdom, David shows how this familiar story speaks powerfully into the expectations and spiritual posture of believers today.

As the episode unfolds, David turns the focus toward personal discipleship and spiritual endurance. He explores the difference between nominal belief and committed faith, emphasizing that spiritual readiness cannot be borrowed from others but must be cultivated daily. Drawing from his own life, David speaks about navigating seasons of delay, loss, and perseverance, and the importance of staying “topped up” with the oil of the Holy Spirit through prayer, worship, gratitude, and spiritual disciplines. With both warmth and honesty, he calls listeners to live fully in the “kingdom now,” while maintaining a joyful, watchful expectation of Christ’s return.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed- Kathy Chapman

The Community Church, Harry Pickett — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:47:05 +0000

In this episode, Kathy Chapman joins us for a deep dive into the powerful parable of the mustard seed, one of Jesus' most well-known teachings. Kathy shares how this parable speaks not only to the small beginnings of the Kingdom of God but also to its incredible potential for growth. Drawing from her own experiences and a fresh perspective on the mustard seed, Kathy highlights how God's kingdom, though it starts small, has the capacity to expand and impact the world in profound ways.

Whether you're navigating the early stages of your faith or feeling overwhelmed by the challenges ahead, this episode encourages you to never despise small beginnings. Just like the mustard seed, your faith, no matter how small, has the power to move mountains and bring about lasting change.

Parable of the Sower- Enioluwa Olawoore

The Community Church, Harry Pickett — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:08:02 +0000

This explores the parable of the sower which explores evangelism. The kingdom of God is described as a field and Christians as sowers/workers and the truth of the gospel as the seeds to be planted in people's heart. The act of sowing is a divine command and an act of faith. The fruitfulness of it is dependent on the power of God and the conditions of the people's heart, however , the sow must keep sowing diligently and trust God for the outcome.

In this episode, Enioluwa reminds listeners the fruit of salvation is by God's grace not just our works, word, method of delivery or discipleship and encourages listeners to keep sowing and praying and trusting God even if fruits are not immediate.

Sue Oliver: The Parable of Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

The Community Church, Harry Pickett — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:34:15 +0100

In this episode, we explore the short but powerful parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price from Matthew 13. Why did Jesus compare the kingdom of heaven to something hidden in a field or a priceless pearl? What does it really mean to give up everything in joy for the sake of something more valuable?

Join us as we reflect on stories of people who stumbled into the kingdom, discuss different interpretations of the parable, and wrestle with questions of joy, sacrifice, value, and grace. Whether you're someone still searching or someone who’s found the treasure, this episode offers encouragement, insight, and a deeper appreciation for the worth of the kingdom.