Topical Sermons

There are two basic types of sermons: topical andThe Holy Bible has several wonderful verses related
expository. Topical sermons deal with current issuesto this issue. We can see how verses from four
of human concern - for instance, how to foster anddifferent Biblical chapters address one single issue in
preserve good relationships, parenting, emotionalthe above-mentioned example. A topical sermon on
control, and so on. In topical sermons, Biblical incidentsthis issue may contain material from any number of
are selected and woven together so that theychapters and verses, depending on the amount of
address the issues or problems that affect people'stime that a preacher and the audience spend
lives. A topical sermon may contain Biblical extractstogether in the church. The point is that all the
from several chapters and verses dealing with onecontents of the sermon address a single issue or
topic.problem.
Let us take an example the problem of BiblicalThere are many issues such as fasting, life after
illiteracy. A recent poll in the US revealed that manydeath, capital punishment, emotional control, etc.
people thought that the Sermon on the Mount waswhich can be dealt with by using topical sermons.
preached by Billy Graham. We are witnessing growingThe other kind of sermon is expository, in which one
Biblical illiteracy among people today. We can seepart of the Bible is explored in depth. This kind of
how a topical sermon addresses this worrying issue.sermon is just as rich, but more academically oriented.