19 Powerful Sermon Topics That Are Always Relevant

Choosing a sermon topic can be challenging, even for the most experienced pastors and teachers. The Bible is a glorious book, but it's also enormous! There are so many potential topics to choose from. You have to consider things like the needs of your church, the current cultural climate, and how God is leading.

But there are certain topics that are always relevant. These topics speak to universal truths that apply to all times and cultures. They are timeless and powerful, providing a solid foundation for your sermons.

In this guide, we provide you with some guidance regarding how to choose a sermon topic, as well as provide you 19 potential topics to choose from.

How To Choose The Right Sermon Topic

So how do you choose the right sermon topic? How can you know what topic is best for your church at a given time? While there is no hard and fast answer, there are some things that can help you choose the right sermon topic.

Engage In Prayer

Choosing the right topic starts with prayer. After all, God knows what your church needs most. He knows the needs of each person in your church and what will serve your church most effectively.

Take time to pray and seek God's guidance before choosing a sermon topic. Ask Him for wisdom and guidance. Ask Him to guide your thinking as you choose. He loves your church and will certainly guide you.

Choose Topics That are Rooted in Scripture

This may seem obvious, but it's important to base your sermon topics on the Bible. Not your opinion or personal hobby horse. The Bible has the power to transform your congregation, not your random musings on your latest topic of interest. Choose topics that are rooted in scripture and use the Word of God to guide your sermons.

Consider the Needs of Your Congregation

The next step is to consider the needs of your congregation. What are they struggling with? What issues or questions do they have? Talk to your congregation and listen to their concerns, and let those conversations guide you in choosing a relevant topic.

This highlights the importance of knowing your church well. You need to know the people in your church and have your finger on the pulse of what they're dealing with. This will help you choose subjects that speak to their hearts and meet their needs.

Be Relevant

Related to the above point, it's important for your sermons to be relevant to you and your congregation. This doesn't mean that you only talk about the most recent cultural developments or popular topics. It means that your sermons should connect to the lives of your congregation and be applicable to their everyday struggles.

Think about real-life issues that your congregation faces, whether it's dealing with difficult relationships, financial struggles, or spiritual growth. Choose a topic that will speak directly to those issues and provide biblical guidance and encouragement.

Have Some Variety

While this shouldn't be your primary concern, it will be helpful for your congregation if you have some variety in your sermon topics. Yes, D. Martin Lloyd Jones took twelve years to preach through the book of Romans. But you're not him, so it's best to hit a variety of topics with your preaching.

You may want to consider alternating between expositional sermon series and topical series. For example, you could first preach through the book of John and then preach a series about Christian love.

Align With Your Church's Mission

Your preaching should align with the mission of your church. This means that your sermons should reflect the values and beliefs of your church, as well as support any ongoing ministry efforts.

For example, if your church has a strong focus on outreach and community service, you may want to preach on topics such as loving your neighbor or serving others. This will not only align with the mission of your church but also inspire and equip your congregation to live out their faith in practical ways.

Continuously Seek Guidance

It's important to remember that you are also a lifelong learner and should continuously seek guidance from God through prayer and studying the Word.

Seeking wisdom and direction from other pastors and spiritual mentors can be beneficial. They may have valuable insights and experience in choosing sermon topics that align with the needs of your congregation.

19 Powerful Sermon Topics To Preach

Now that we're on the same page regarding how to select a sermon topic, let's look at potential topics to choose from.

God's Love

There are few sermon topics more encouraging than the love of God! Your congregation will benefit from hearing about the height, depth, and breadth of God's love. They'll be encouraged to draw near to God so that they can experience His overwhelming love.

You can also discuss how God's love was displayed most clearly in sending Jesus to live, die, and rise for our salvation.

Relevant Bible Verses:

Psalm 103:11 - For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The Gospel

The gospel is at the heart of the Christian faith and it's essential that your church understands exactly what the gospel is and how to apply it to their lives. You can discuss the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection, the grace and forgiveness extended to us through His sacrifice, and how we can share this amazing news with others.

Relevant Bible Verses:

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

Faith

In Hebrews, it says that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). It is through faith that we receive salvation as a gift from God. It's through faith that we walk with the Lord on a daily basis.

This sermon topic gives you the opportunity to talk about the critical importance of faith and to encourage your congregation to live by faith at all times.

Relevant Bible Verses:

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
James 2:17 - In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Romans 10:17 - Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Prayer

Prayer is how we connect with God, and it is through prayer that God does many mighty things. This sermon series allows you to encourage your congregation to go deep with God in prayer. You can speak about things like persistence in prayer, praying for others, and the power of prayer.

Relevant Bible Verses:

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Forgiveness

The topic of forgiveness is always relevant and can be transformative for your congregation, as well as being relevant to those who don't know God. You can preach about God's incredible forgiveness towards us and how we should extend that same forgiveness to others.

This sermon topic is perfect for inviting both believers and unbelievers to repent of their sins and experience the forgiveness of God.

Relevant Bible Verses:

Colossians 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Matthew 6:14-15 - For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Community

The importance of community cannot be understated for Christians. Much spiritual growth only happens in the context of community. The church community also provides support and encouragement to believers.

With this sermon topic, you can encourage your congregation to prioritize and build community and show them how the church family is a crucial part of their spiritual walk. You can also challenge them to be intentional in building relationships within the church and reaching out to those who are new or struggling.

Relevant Bible Verses:

Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Acts 2:42 - They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Romans 12:10 - Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Gratitude

As Christians, we have so much to be grateful for. The topic of gratitude can remind believers that everything we have is a gift from God and encourage them to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness in their daily lives.

In these sermons about giving thanks, you can explore the reasons why we should be grateful and how to express our gratitude to God. It's also an opportunity to remind your congregation that even in difficult circumstances, we still have much to be thankful for.

Relevant Bible Verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Psalm 100:4 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Doubt

Every Christian struggles with doubt from time to time, and it's important for the members of your church to know how to engage with their doubts. This topic can explore the reasons why we doubt and provide practical ways to overcome it.

You can also share stories from the Bible of people who experienced doubt, such as Thomas or Peter. Remind your congregation that having doubts is not necessarily wrong, but how we respond to them is what matters.

Relevant Bible Verses:

James 1:6 - But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
John 20:27 - Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Fear

Fear is one of the most common struggles people face, and preaching about fear can really serve your congregation. You have the opportunity to speak directly to specific fears those in your church are facing, such as fear of failure, health scares, or employment difficulties.

Share how God's love and promises can help us overcome our fears and how we can find strength in Him. Use scriptures to remind your congregation that they are not alone in their fears and that God is always with them.

Relevant Bible Verses:

2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 56:3-4 - When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Obedience

As believers, we are called to obey God in every aspect of life. Part of being a leader is helping those in your church learn what God commands and then obey Him. You can use this sermon topic to talk about the importance of obedience, as well as how God empowers us to obey Him.

You also have the opportunity to connect these sermons to the gospel by talking about the perfect obedience of Christ on our behalf.

Relevant Bible Verses:

1 John 5:3 - In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.
Hebrews 5:9 - And, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
Deuteronomy 11:27 - See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse— the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today.

Contentment

In our materialistic society, contentment is hard, to say the least. The members of your church are most certainly tempted to want more than they have or be discontent with their current status in life.

Remind your church members of the importance of being content in all things and trusting in God's plan for their lives. You can also discuss how true contentment can only be found in Christ, as He is our ultimate source of satisfaction.

Relevant Bible Verses:

Philippians 4:11 - I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
1 Timothy 6:6 - But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Hebrews 13:5 - Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Evangelism

We are called to share the gospel with others, yet many Christians struggle to do so. We struggle with the fear of what others think, not knowing what to say, and even confusion about exactly what to share.

This topic allows you to speak clearly about God's call to evangelize and the need for all believers to share the gospel with those who don't know Christ. You also can address common hindrances to sharing the gospel, as well as encourage your church members that God is with them when they evangelize.

Relevant Bible Verses:

Matthew 28:19-20 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Romans 10:15 - And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Overcoming Sin and Temptation

Every believer experiences the temptation to sin on a regular basis. We need to be equipped to fight against those temptations, as well as to understand our identity in Christ and the power we have through the Holy Spirit.

This topic allows you to speak about practical ways to overcome sin, as well as remind believers of their new nature in Christ and the resources available to them through prayer and God's Word.

Relevant Bible Verses:

1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Romans 6:14 - For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Galatians 5:16 - So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Spiritual Disciplines

The spiritual disciplines are practices and habits that help us to grow in our relationship with God. They are a crucial part of the Christian life and are the fuel for spiritual growth. Yet it's often difficult to make time for the spiritual disciplines.

Speak to your congregation about the importance of spiritual disciplines. Help them think through how to practically integrate them into their lives. Also, remind your congregation that their acceptance is not because of the spiritual disciplines, but only through Christ alone.

Relevant Bible Verses:

1 Timothy 4:7 - Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness.
James 4:8 - Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Humility

In James, we learn that God actively opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. This emphasizes just how important humility is for the believer. God draws near to the humble and gives them grace.

This sermon topic allows you to speak to your congregation about the dangers of pride and how true humility can only be found in Christ. Remind them that we are all equal at the foot of the cross, and it is only through his sacrifice that we have any standing before God.

Relevant Bible Verses:

James 4:6 - But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Luke 9:23 - And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Generosity and Giving

God loves it when His people are generous. It is a reflection of His generosity and brings Him glory and honor. In fact, the Bible even says that God loves a generous giver. But giving can be challenging for many believers.

You can speak to your church members about the incredible generosity of God toward us and how we have the opportunity to respond by giving generously to others. Show them how generosity is not just about tithing money, but also about time, talents, and resources. Remind them that everything we have ultimately belongs to God and we are simply stewards of His blessings.

Relevant Bible Verses:

2 Corinthians 9:7 - Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Proverbs 11:25 - Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.

The Fruit of the Spirit

God is at work in every believer to produce the fruit of the Spirit, and we are called to work with God to cultivate that fruit in our lives. Preaching on the fruit of the Spirit is a great way to challenge and encourage your congregation to grow in their spiritual walk.

Each aspect of the fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - can be explored in-depth and applied practically to our everyday lives.

Relevant Bible Verses:

Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Colossians 3:12 - Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
2 Peter 1:5-7 - For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

The Parables of Jesus

Jesus used parables to teach important lessons and truths about the kingdom of God. You can use these powerful stories to illustrate biblical principles and challenge our congregations to live out their faith in practical ways.

The parables cover a wide range of topics including forgiveness, stewardship, humility, mercy, obedience, and more. By breaking down each parable and examining its message, you can help your congregation grow in their understanding of the gospel and how to apply it in their lives.

Relevant Bible Verses:

Mark 4:30-32 - And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
Luke 18:9-14 - He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector..."
Luke 15:11-32 - And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them..."

Unity

Jesus prayed that His church would be unified in heart and mind, pursuing Him together with all their hearts. When we are unified, it demonstrates the power of the Gospel. It shows God's power to bring together all sorts of people from a variety of backgrounds.

You can use this topic to encourage your congregation to come together in love and unity, putting aside their differences and focusing on what truly matters. You also have the opportunity to talk about reconciliation.

Relevant Bible Verses:

John 17:20-23 - “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you..."
Ephesians 4:2-3 - "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Colossians 3:14 - "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Final Thoughts

The good news is that you will never run out of sermon topics to choose from. The Bible is an infinite source of wealth. You could preach for a thousand years and never exhaust it.

You also can be confident that no matter what topic you choose, God will work through it. He blesses the preaching of His word. God is going to use your preaching and teaching to make an impact.

So choose your topic boldly, knowing God is with you every step of the way!