Parables of the Sea: A Voyage of Grace, Calling, and Redemption

by Justin J. Major

Ordinary people. Dangerous seas. An extraordinary calling too important to ignore.
In Parables of the Sea, you’ll sail with those who risk everything to bring others to safety—learning to build your vessel, weather storms, and follow the Light that never fades.

Through tempests, shipwrecks, and windless doldrums, you’ll encounter parables that mirror your own battles with purpose, comparison, burnout, and grace. Told in immersive second-person narration and anchored by devotional reflections, Parables of the Sea invites leaders, seekers, and the “still-submerged” alike to trade drifting for a daring course.

Whether you’re longing for fresh wind to fill your sails or braving the waters to rescue others, this book is your boarding plank. Hoist the sails—adventure and redemption await just beyond the horizon.

220 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2025

About the author

Hi! I'm Justin, the author of Parables of the Sea, a Christian allegorical novel exploring grace, calling, and redemption through poetic storytelling and devotional insight. A husband, father of two, war veteran, mentor, and church elder, I have spent my life in service—first in the U.S. Army, and currently with the federal government.

I live in Texas with my wife and youngest daughter and serve as an elder at Lifepoint Fellowship Church in Tyler, where I am also a member of the teaching team.

Through my writing and ministry, I invite readers into deeper waters of spiritual reflection, blending biblical truth with imaginative narrative. I am the founder of Sea & Soul Press, an independent imprint dedicated to sharing narratives of grace that inspire spiritual growth and transformation.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful collection of parables; balm for a tired soul. I truly loved the relatability, and the scripture references at the conclusion of each. As a follower of Christ you can easily find yourself, and probably HAVE found yourself, in situations much the same as our intrepid captain. Cannot wait for more from this author.

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A blend between C.S. Lewis’s Voyage of the Dawn Treader and John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, Parables of the Sea sets the believer aboard a sturdy ship and invites them on a voyage of true faith.

This book drew me out of the water and placed me on a ship where I could face the hardships of life with a seaworthy crew and a Captain who always made time to teach me. It carefully blends fictional parables with scriptural truth, creating lessons that had me thinking about it even days after.

I’ve often struggled with Christian books that can feel either too fluffy or too much like a lecture. Even devotionals often lack emotion and end so quickly that I hardly have time to reflect or truly think.

While reading this book, I began to understand for the first time why Jesus chose to teach through parables. It was His way of connecting His audience to truth through the storytelling we, as humans, are so deeply drawn to.

This blend of writing is so needed and so easy to recommend to others.

So what are you waiting for? Board the ship—for you don’t sail alone.

[Erica Ables · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reader here! I honestly was engrossed and intrigued with this tale from the very beginning! A tale that makes you the main character and takes you on an adventure! Each parable builds on each other to make one continuous story. Only these stories fit together like puzzle pieces as opposed to one continuous novel. If it were not for the devotional aspect at the end of each chapter it might seem a little choppy but with it, it works!

One thing that I loved most about this book was that with each new parable I was able to see myself, my past experiences, situations that I've gone through, and situations I've seen through my friends and family. I was able to pinpoint who the characters were in my life and what God has done through me, in me, and with me.

This book is for anyone who has or wants a relationship with Christ. Whether you are new to Christianity (just testing the waters), you have been following Christ your entire life, or somewhere in between; I believe you will see yourself in these characters and it will bring clarity to some of the question you may have. (Even if you don't realize it)

[H.M. Bloom]

This book could be a great asset to young believers as well as those more seasoned. The chapters are simple and straightforward. To be clear, this is a book that addresses feelings more than doctrine and doesn’t have a lot of depth of teaching on the character of God, but it could clearly help believers.

I believe the author and I might have mild doctrinal differences, which was a struggle for me while reading, but I did not note anything that contradicted scripture or the core beliefs of Christianity.

Certainly this could be a tool for Christian’s to relate to and then have a short encouragement and passage of scripture for different seasons/trials they might be walking through.

[ahavarose87 · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the minute I picked this book up, I was captivated. The words in this book were a reminder of the hope I have in Christ. The parables draw you in and give you a depiction of what life is like once you know Jesus...an adventure. Sometimes the adventure can be hard but with His strength you can weather the storm. I loved how the main character in the story is actually us, the readers and the author uses the words on the page to paint a picture of the journey we are on. Each chapter the 'character' is faced with a choice. I also enjoyed the author's words at the end of each chapter, tieing in the story with Scripture. This is a must read for every believer of Christ and even to those seeking answers.

[Rebecca Trevarrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It is a collection of simple parables about living your life as a Christian and following the great commission. It is set up kind of devotional style. Each chapter is a parable in an overall story and at the end of each chapter the author relates the parables to our lives. This was a good and inspiring read!

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book and found it relatable and encouraging. Lots of good reminders for any Christ follower.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parables of the seas uses wonderful imagery to describe the journey of faith. Anyone can relate to one or more characters and benefit from this book no matter where you are in your walk with God. Highly recommend!!!!!!

[Leah Velarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book walks you through a beautiful parable but explains and helps you apply it as you go. I appreciated the way the author made the message easy to understand while also making it personally meaningful. It’s simple yet powerful!

[Rebecca T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parables of the Sea drew me in from the very first page. I felt my faith deepening as I connected with the imagery of storms, light, and surrender. Justin J. Major beautifully captures what it feels like to walk with God through both calm waters and fierce waves. I've recently removed all non-Christian books from my shelves and it's been hard to find something that truly holds my attention, but this one had me hooked instantly. I’m very blessed to have been an ARC(advanced reader copy) so I could tell my friends and family about it. I normally don’t annotate or highlight in books, but I had to for this one. There were so many things I wanted to reflect back on. The book reminded me that when life feels dark or overwhelming, Jesus is the light that keeps us afloat. I can already tell this is a book l'll return to again and again for spiritual encouragement and renewal. It’s such a great read!

[STEPHANIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's not your typical Christian story, and it's not a typical devotional, it's somewhere in between that makes you look at your faith from a totally different perspective. I loved how the author used the ship and harbor to walk you through the story. You immediately knew who the harbor master was, and I loved how honest the author was in why we get frustrated or mad at times when we don't want to continue waiting, or when emotions are controlling the situation instead of using the Christian standards to handle a situation. It was easy to relate to the characters. There was no fluff or the typical tomorrow will be a better day line. It was real, relatable, and at times called you out on things without even trying lol.

Sometimes I read a few chapters at a time, other days it was a few pages. In that way it reminded me of a mix between a story and a lesson. I would highly recommend this to every single Christian. If you're a beginner, coming back to it, lukewarm, a prayer warrior, or anything in between. This is an important book for every believer to pick up and really take your time reading it. I have highlighted so much in this book. That's how much it has impacted me and made me really think.

[Anna Sandstrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about a journey of faith.
Perfect for those who already believe and want to remind themselves of their calling through a tale of whimsy and fortitude.
Or for the person new to faith, or entertaining a relationship with Christ, who want a less academic look at what that journey may look like.

In my experience, as an early Christian and then a more matured one, the books I was recommended or introduced to were "academic" in the sense of - here's the topic, here are the verses - almost more like a study guide than a story.
This book really fills that niche of being in the word, while still being fun nonfiction.
A great palette cleanser.

Really looking forward to seeing more works from Mr. Major!

[Williams Family · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a unique read. It was quite different from a standard novel read. In some ways it felt like it could almost be a devotional. It invites you in with the second person style. It is rich in symbolism with its character development. The story is full of valuable and tangible life lessons, many which come from the Harbormaster who is portrayed allegorically of God. Reading this opened my eyes a little wider to my own life ocean that at times feels like it could drown. This book hit a right balance of story and devotional style lessons to take from it. I recommend for a Christian audience who enjoys a good story woven with beautiful encouragements in the faith.

[Melissa Folini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and I am so glad I did.
It’s set up as a parable/story first followed by a kind of devotional tying the story to modern life and our own journey. Though this can be read straight through, I found I wanted to take my time and read them one at a time to let the message sink in. This book isn’t all “smooth sailing” and that’s just how life is, however through Bible verses and insights the author helps us navigate potential stormy areas. This would make a nice gift book for someone going through a hard time or a new Christian.

[Bridgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC, and I really enjoyed it. It’s not quite a traditional novel, but more like a mix between a story/allegory and a devotional. Each chapter adds to the overall story and then ends with a reflection that connects it to real life. Some chapters resonated deeply with me, especially in light of where I am in my own journey right now. It’s the kind of book you don’t just read, you reflect on it. A great metaphor of the Christian walk.

[Rebecca Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love this book. We love in such a dark world nowadays and often struggle through the darkness and the storms. This book was just what I needed to help overcome some of the darkness. Highly recommended.

[Paula Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super good book. I can't recommend it enough. I love how he chose the verse to go with the imagery to bring out the different seasons of our Christians walk. I gained much from it and look forward to more books from thisArthur.

[Chris Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a long read, but one that makes you stop during chapters because you cannot help relate the parables to your own life. Very well written, and forces you to be introspective. Would recommend to anyone.

[Gita Kamdar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book speaks to the new believer and the seasoned follower. It is a refreshing reminder on who we are called to be and how rewarding the journey is

[Robin L West · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking read for anyone, both those reflecting on their past spiritual journey, or those still searching for the right path to lead through the rough seas of life.

[Jean E · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that helps you examine your walk of faith or haven’t yet decided if that walk is for you… I highly recommend this book.