Topical Sermons, Bible Themes, and Sermon Ideas

  • AddictionBeing enslaved to a habit, practice or substance such that withdrawal causes trauma.
  • AdoptionLegal transfer from one family or situation into another family, used in the NT to describe believers’ relationship to God.
  • AdulteryUnfaithfulness to another person. It could be used of marital infidelity as well as unfaithfulness to God.
  • AlcoholIntoxicating drink, such as wine or beer.
  • AngelsMessenger of God or supernatural being with superhuman powers.
  • AngerA strong feeling of displeasure aroused by a wrong, whether real or perceived.
  • AntichristA person who opposes Christ. Can refer to a particular person who appears as Christ’s principal antagonist.
  • ApostasyDenial of faith by those who once held it or professed to hold it.
  • AssuranceA sense of confidence, security or certainty, especially concerning one’s salvation.
  • AtheismDisbelief in God.
  • AtonementReconciliation between God and humanity, specifically through Jesus’ death.
  • Baby DedicationThe act of dedicating a baby to God.
  • BaptismThe act of using water to admit a person into the Christian community, whether as an adult or infant.
  • BeautyThe state of being attractive or pleasing to the senses.
  • Birth of JesusAnything that has to do with Jesus’ birth, whether its theological meaning as the Incarnation or its celebration at Christmas.
  • BlasphemyCursing God, or showing contempt or irreverence toward God.
  • Blessing and CursingSpiritual and material benefits given by God to be enjoyed. Cursing is the lack of those benefits.
  • Borrowing and LendingAsking for or offering money or goods for temporary use.
  • CallingGod’s summoning of people to himself as well as to particular tasks.
  • CharacterThe moral and ethical features that a person possesses.
  • ChildrenSons or daughters; includes teenagers and adult children.
  • ChurchThe community of faithful believers, of whom Jesus Christ is the head.
  • Church Fellowship and UnityHow the members of the church relate to one another.
  • Church LeadershipLeadership as exercised in the church.
  • CircumcisionA physical sign of membership in the people of God.
  • ClothingAnything used as a garment or piece of jewelry.
  • ComfortTo ease the grief or trouble of someone; console.
  • CommitmentDevotion or faithfulness to some cause or person.
  • ComplainingTo express ingratitude or discontent in an unjustified way.
  • CompromiseTo make a concession one ought not to make, especially regarding one’s morals or relationship to God.
  • ConfessionTo acknowledge one’s sins, whether to God or another person.
  • ConflictDivision, confrontation or argument between persons.
  • ContentmentAcceptance, satisfaction with one’s situation.
  • ConversionThe act of turning to God; new birth.
  • CounselingGuidance in resolving personal conflicts and emotional problems.
  • CourageBoldness or bravery.
  • Courtship, Dating and Romantic RelationshipsRomantic love.
  • CovenantGod’s commitment to his people, and formal commitments between people.
  • CreationAll the things God has made; the natural world and the universe.
  • Creation (Renewal)The new heavens and the new earth. Also, the new creation of the believer (2 Co 5:17).
  • CreativityThe ability to bring something new into being. Though only God can create something out of nothing, human creativity involves inventive combinations of existing material.
  • Cults and Non-Christian ReligionsNon-Christian belief systems that deal with supra-normal forces.
  • Death and DyingThe end of life, or awareness of its approach.
  • Death of JesusAnything that has to do with Jesus’ crucifixion on the cross.
  • DebtSomething that is owed, whether money or an obligation more generally.
  • DepressionSense of despondency, hopelessness, loss of meaning in life.
  • DisabilityPhysical incapacities resulting from physical or spiritual causes.
  • DiscipleshipThe process of becoming a committed follower of Jesus Christ.
  • DisciplineTraining or punishment, whether it is exercised on people by others or themselves.
  • DiscouragementBeing deprived of confidence.
  • Divinity of JesusAnything that refers to Jesus’ divinity.
  • DivorceLegally dissolving a marriage.
  • DoubtUncertainty about the truth and reality of spiritual things.
  • EconomicsBroadly, anything to do with buying and selling.
  • EducationImparting of spiritual, intellectual, moral and social instruction.
  • ElectionGod’s act of choosing people for any purpose.
  • EncouragementGiving someone confidence or boldness to do something.
  • EnvyDesire to possess another person’s gifts, possessions, position or achievements.
  • Epiphany of JesusAnything that refers to Jesus’ manifestation of himself to the world, especially regarding the holiday celebrated in January.
  • EschatologyDoctrines that have to do with the last days of the world.
  • EternityInfinite time.
  • EvangelismThe act of preaching the gospel.
  • EvilCorruption, malevolence or depravity in the world.
  • FaithA constant outlook of trust and dependence toward God.
  • Faithfulness of GodGod’s faithfulness to his people, including his actions on their behalf.
  • False TeachingHeresy and false teaching within the church.
  • FamilyPeople who are linked by marriage or physical descent. Not limited to nuclear family.
  • Fasting and AbstinenceAbstaining from something, usually food, because of religious commitment or as an expression of repentance.
  • Father’s DayA day set aside to honor fathers.
  • FathersMen who have children.
  • FearAn unpleasant emotion caused by the awareness of danger.
  • FoolishnessLack of wisdom or discretion.
  • ForgivenessFreeing a person from guilt and its consequences.
  • FreedomThe state of liberty that results from not being oppressed or in bondage.
  • FriendshipFeeling of affection or personal regard for someone.
  • Fruit of the Holy SpiritThe fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in a believer’s life.
  • Fulfillment of ProphecyProphecies that have been fulfilled in the biblical text.
  • Gifts of the Holy SpiritThe gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to believers.
  • GivingTo make a present of something or to behave generously and unselfishly.
  • GloryGreatness, splendor, majesty.
  • GluttonyExcessive desire for food and drink.
  • GodThe God witnessed to in the Bible.
  • God the FatherGod represented as a father.
  • Good WorksGood deeds, sometimes connected or contrasted with faith.
  • GospelThe message of Christ, the kingdom of God and salvation.
  • Government, Politics and National IdentityThe political exertion of authority, as well as the concept of national identity.
  • Grace of GodUnmerited favor from God.
  • GraduationThe announcement of the successful completion of a course of study.
  • GreedExcessive desire for more of something, especially wealth or possessions.
  • GriefSadness or sorrow.
  • GuidanceThe act of seeking God’s purposes and plans for people.
  • GuiltRemorse over having committed some offense.
  • HappinessThe state of being pleased with one’s circumstances; gladness.
  • Health and HealingPhysical or emotional well-being and recovery from illness.
  • HeavenGod’s realm.
  • HellFinal dwelling place of the wicked.
  • HolidaysAny day set aside for a particular celebration.
  • HolinessSeparation from what is unclean; sanctified or consecrated.
  • Holy SpiritThe third person of the Trinity.
  • HomosexualityErotic activity with someone of the same sex.
  • Honesty and DishonestyTelling the truth; sincerity.
  • Honor and ShameHaving a good name or public esteem.
  • HopeAn expectation of the fulfillment of something desired or promised.
  • HospitalityShowing generosity or a welcoming attitude toward guests.
  • Humanity of JesusAnything that refers to Jesus’ humanity.
  • HumilityAbsence of pride or arrogance.
  • HusbandsMarried men.
  • HypocrisyPretending to be what one is not, particularly regarding false virtue or nominal religion.
  • IdolatryTrusting, serving or giving worship to something that is not God.
  • Image of GodHaving God’s likeness.
  • InjusticeLack of justice.
  • JealousyA strong feeling of possessiveness; intolerance of rivals.
  • JesusThe Son of God, the Messiah, the second person of the Trinity.
  • JoyAn attitude of pleasure and well-being.
  • JudgmentThe particular acts of bringing about justice.
  • JusticeWhat is morally right.
  • JustificationThe process by which people are made righteous in the sight of God.
  • KillingAny death of one person at the hands of another.
  • Kingdom of GodThe kingly rule of God in the lives of people and nations.
  • Knowledge of GodThe knowledge that God possesses.
  • Last JudgmentThe final judgment which occurs after Jesus’ return.
  • LawInstruction; rules of conduct.
  • Laziness and ApathyIdle; apathetic; slothful.
  • LeadershipThe capacity to guide, mentor or lead others.
  • LegalismHaving a strict outward conformity to moral and religious practices and an expectation that others have the same.
  • LonelinessFeeling alone and not wanting to be.
  • Lord’s SupperAn act that commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples and his death on the cross; eucharist.
  • LoveStrong affection for another.
  • Love of GodThe love that God shows.
  • LustPassionate, inordinate desire for something, usually sexual in nature.
  • MarriageThe state of being united to another person as husband or wife.
  • Memorial DayAny day set aside to honor veterans or the military.
  • MenMale human beings.
  • Mercy and CompassionHuman pity or kindness.
  • Mercy of GodGod’s compassion on people.
  • Messianic ProphecyProphecies about Jesus—his coming and events in his life.
  • MillenniumThe thousand years mentioned in Revelation 20.
  • MiraclesAn unusual event that manifests God’s direct intervention on the world.
  • Miracles of JesusMiracles performed by Jesus.
  • MissionThe continuation of Jesus’ mission through his followers. This normally includes evangelism as well as humanitarian service.
  • MoneySomething accepted as a medium of exchange.
  • Mother’s DayA day set aside to honor mothers.
  • MothersWomen who have children.
  • MusicOrdering tones or sounds in succession, whether with an instrument or singing.
  • NeighborsAnyone encountered in life.
  • New Year’s DayA day set aside to celebrate the coming of a new year.
  • Obedience and DisobedienceCompliance with the demands of another.
  • ParablesA story that is intended to illustrate an attitude or principle.
  • ParentsCollective term for a father and mother.
  • Passion of JesusThis theme includes events from Holy Week from Palm Sunday through the Last Supper up to the crucifixion.
  • PatienceThe ability to wait without becoming hasty or impetuous.
  • PeaceA state of tranquility or wholeness; shalom.
  • PersecutionTo be singled out for harrassment, including violence and martyrdom.
  • PerseverancePersisting or enduring in spite of opposition.
  • PhilosophyAn understanding of reality; worldview.
  • PovertyLack of money or resources.
  • PowerAuthority and influence, as well as strength or ability.
  • Power of GodThe power that God possesses, and displays of that power.
  • PrayerAddressing God directly.
  • Prayer (Intercession)Prayer on behalf of another person or group of people.
  • Prayer (Petition)Prayer that makes a request of God.
  • PrejudicePreconceived judgment or opinion, whether positive (favoritism) or negative (discrimination).
  • Presence of GodGod’s presence with people as well as his omnipresence.
  • PrideInordinate self-esteem; arrogance.
  • ProfanityFoul language. Biblically, the concept is very close to blasphemy. In the modern world, they are separate.
  • PromisesA declaration that one will do something.
  • ProphecyCommunication of a divine message through a human. Used, for example, when a person says, “Thus says the LORD.”
  • Providence of GodGod’s activity of providing his creatures with what they need. It is a function of God’s sovereignty.
  • PurityHaving the characteristic of being spotless; clean; innocent.
  • ReconciliationRestoration of friendship; resolution of conflict.
  • RedemptionTo buy back; release from bondage.
  • RepentanceA change of mind leading to a change of action.
  • ResponsibilityLiable to be called to account for one’s actions.
  • RestorationReturning something or someone to its original state.
  • ResurrectionThe act of rising from the dead.
  • Resurrection and Ascension of JesusAnything to do with Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and its celebration on Easter.
  • RevelationGod’s act of revealing something to humans.
  • RevengeRetaliation for some injury, whether real or perceived.
  • ReverenceTo show awe or respect.
  • RevivalMaking something alive again; renew.
  • RighteousnessWhat is right and pleasing to God.
  • Sabbath and RestDay of rest laid down for God’s people.
  • SacrificeAn offering of something to God.
  • SalvationDeliverance from the power and effects of sin.
  • Sanctity of LifeThe inherent worth of human beings; includes references to abortion and euthanasia.
  • SatanThe one who opposes God and accuses his people; the devil.
  • ScriptureThe writings collected in the Bible.
  • Second ComingThe return of Jesus to the earth.
  • ServiceHelping or assisting others.
  • SexSexual intercourse.
  • Sexual ImmoralitySexual activity contrary to biblical commands; fornication.
  • SicknessPoor health; disease.
  • SinTransgression of God’s will, either by doing what he forbids or failing to do what he requires.
  • SinglenessNot being married.
  • SlanderIdle talk or rumor about others.
  • SlaveryThe state in which one person legally owns another or one person is excessively dependent on another person or thing.
  • Sovereignty of GodThe fact that God is free and able to do what he wants.
  • SpeechThe communication of thoughts using spoken words.
  • Spiritual WarfareThe struggle against forces of evil, including personal forces like demons.
  • StealingWrongfully taking the property of another; theft.
  • StewardshipResponsible use of wealth, land or possessions.
  • StressFeeling physical or mental pressure; worry.
  • SubmissionAn attitude of yielding or surrender.
  • SubstitutionPutting one person or thing in place of another; replacement.
  • SufferingThe endurance of pain or affliction.
  • SuicideKilling oneself.
  • SuperstitionA belief or practice that results from belief in magic or chance; a false understanding of causation.
  • TabernacleA physical space that serves as God’s dwelling place; refers to both the tabernacle and the temple.
  • TemptationTo test or to entice to do wrong.
  • Ten CommandmentsThe particular laws known as the Ten Commandments or Decalogue.
  • ThankfulnessConscious of benefit received; gratitude.
  • ThanksgivingA day set aside to show thankfulness.
  • TonguesA spiritual gift that involves ecstatic utterances.
  • TrinityGod as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
  • TruthSomething which is in accordance with fact or reality.
  • Union With ChristThe state of believers being “in Christ.”
  • Victory and DefeatThe overcoming of an enemy; success.
  • ViolenceA use of physical force so as to injure or abuse.
  • VisionA visual form of revelation through which God communicates.
  • WarArmed hostile conflict between groups of people.
  • WatchfulnessBeing carefully observant, attentive or aware.
  • WeaknessLack of strength.
  • WealthAbundance of material possessions; prosperity.
  • WisdomInsight, knowledge and good judgment.
  • WivesMarried women.
  • WomenFemale human beings.
  • WorkLabor or occupation, whether it is a person’s primary means of livelihood or not.
  • WorshipPraise, adoration and reverence of God, both in public and in private.
  • Wrath of GodGod’s anger.