Salt Shaker Press: Sermon Prompts

Here are 100 command prompts for creating a sermon, categorized by approach, topic, and structure.

1. Prompts Based on the Biblical Text (Exegetical)

These prompts start with the text and work outward.

Preach a verse-by-verse exposition of [Psalm 23 / Romans 8:28-39 / Philippians 2:5-11].
Analyze the original historical context of [Mark 4:35-41, the storm on the lake] and apply its meaning to modern "storms."
Trace a single theme (e.g., 'Covenant,' 'Temple,' 'Exile') from Genesis to Revelation.
Extract the central theological principle from a parable (e.g., The Prodigal Son, The Sower).
Compare and contrast two biblical characters and their faith (e.g., David vs. Saul, Mary vs. Martha, Peter vs. Judas).
Preach on a "difficult" or "unpopular" text (e.g., Jephthah's vow, Ananias and Sapphira, the Imprecatory Psalms).
Build a sermon around the original Greek/Hebrew meaning of a single, powerful word (e.g., *Agape*, *Shalom*, *Hesed*, *Tetelestai*).
Preach on a single verse that is often taken *out* of context (e.g., "I can do all things through Christ...").
Re-tell a biblical story from the first-person perspective of a minor character (e.g., the innkeeper, Malchus, the woman at the well).
Analyze the structure of a specific passage (e.g., a chiasm, a narrative arc) and build the sermon points from that structure.
Preach on a "boring" text (e.g., a genealogy, a Levitical law) and reveal its theological richness.
Focus on a single "question" asked in the Bible (e.g., "My God, my God, why...?", "Who is my neighbor?", "What is truth?").
Address the "already and not yet" tension of a specific Kingdom-related text.
Preach on a single "beatitude" from Matthew 5.
Explain the "if... then..." logic of a covenantal promise in the Old Testament.
Preach on a command that seems "impossible" (e.g., "Be perfect...", "Rejoice always...").
Analyze the *silence* of God in a particular narrative (e.g., the 400 years, the book of Esther).
Show how a specific Old Testament story (a "type") points forward to Jesus (an "antitype").
Preach on a single promise from the book of Isaiah.
Focus on the *actions* of Jesus in a miracle story, not just the miracle itself.

2. Prompts Based on a Major Theme or Doctrine

These prompts start with a big idea and find texts to support it.

Preach on a single attribute of God (e.g., Omnipotence, Sovereignty, Immutability, Aseity).
Explain a core doctrine (e.g., The Trinity, Justification by Faith, The Incarnation, Atonement).
Craft a sermon answering the question: "Why does God allow pain and suffering?"
Preach on a single "name" of God (e.g., *Jehovah Jireh*, *El Roi*, *Abba*).
Refute a common cultural misconception about Christianity (e.g., "God just wants you to be happy").
Explain the difference between "religion" and "the Gospel."
Define the "Kingdom of God" as Jesus taught it.
Preach on the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.
Build a sermon on the theological concept of "Grace."
Build a sermon on the theological concept of "Hope."
Explain the biblical definition of "Sin" (as more than just "bad deeds").
Preach on the "Second Coming" or "Eschatology."
Define and defend the "Resurrection" as a historical and theological reality.
Preach on the topic of "Doubt" and how it can co-exist with faith.
Explain the role of the Church (the *Ekklesia*) as the "Body of Christ."

3. Prompts Based on Life Application & Ethics

These prompts focus on the "so what?" and practical takeaways.

Preach a "how-to" sermon on a spiritual discipline (e.g., How to Pray, How to Fast, How to Study Scripture).
Address a specific, modern-day idol (e.g., materialism, politics, self-image, comfort).
Equip the congregation to handle a specific emotion biblically (e.g., anxiety, anger, envy, grief).
Preach on a practical life issue from a biblical perspective (e.g., managing finances, parenting, work/life balance).
Challenge the congregation to a specific, 30-day action (e.g., generosity, forgiveness, gratitude).
Preach a sermon on biblical friendship and community.
Address the topic of "forgiveness" (both giving and receiving).
Preach on the biblical definition of "love" (1 Corinthians 13).
Explain the concept of "Sabbath" and its application in a 24/7 world.
Address the ethics of [a current, controversial social issue] with grace and truth.
Preach on the Christian's role in "social justice" (caring for the "widow, orphan, and foreigner").
Teach on the concept of "spiritual gifts" and how to use them.
Preach on the importance of "lament" as a valid form of prayer.
Address a specific sin (e.g., pride, gossip, apathy, gluttony) without being condemnatory.
Craft a sermon on "finding your calling" or "purpose."
Preach on biblical decision-making (e.g., "How do I know God's will?").
Equip the congregation on how to "share their faith" (evangelism) naturally.
Preach on "spiritual warfare" and the "armor of God."
Address the topic of "loneliness" in a connected world.
Preach on building a resilient faith that survives "deconstruction."

4. Prompts Based on the Occasion or Audience

These prompts are tailored to a specific time, place, or group.

Craft an evangelistic sermon for a "seeker-sensitive" audience (e.g., for an Easter or Christmas service).
Preach a classic *Christmas* sermon (focusing on Incarnation, humility, or light in darkness).
Preach a classic *Easter* sermon (focusing on resurrection, victory over death, or new life).
Preach a *Pentecost* sermon (focusing on the Holy Spirit, the birth of the church, or mission).
Preach a *New Year's* sermon (focusing on new beginnings, regret, or setting godly goals).
Preach a *Thanksgiving* sermon (focusing on gratitude, provision, or contentment).
Deliver a *funeral* sermon (balancing grief with the hope of the resurrection).
Deliver a *wedding* sermon (focusing on covenant, love, and partnership).
Preach a sermon for a *baptism* service.
Preach a sermon for a *communion* (Lord's Supper) service.
Deliver a message to a *discouraged* or *divided* congregation.
Preach to an audience that is *complacent* or *materially prosperous*.
Deliver a topical sermon addressing a *recent local or national tragedy*.
Preach the *first* sermon in a new series, setting up the "why" and the main themes.
Preach the *final* sermon in a series, summarizing the main theme and casting a vision forward.
Craft a sermon for a specific demographic (e.g., graduates, new parents, empty-nesters).
Deliver a guest sermon as a "prophetic voice" (an outside perspective).
Preach a "vision-casting" sermon about the future of the church.
Deliver a message for a "Back to School" or "Teacher Appreciation" Sunday.
Preach a sermon on *Mother's Day* or *Father's Day* (being sensitive to all family structures).

5. Prompts Based on Structure & Storytelling

These prompts focus on the craft and delivery of the sermon.

Design a classic "Three-Point" sermon (e.g., The Problem, The Solution, The Application).
Use a "Problem/Solution" structure, spending 75% of the time on the Solution (the Gospel).
Craft an *inductive* sermon (start with a story or problem, then build to the biblical principle).
Craft a *deductive* sermon (start with the biblical principle, then prove it with examples).
Use the "Me-We-God-You-We" structure (My struggle, Our common struggle, God's answer, Your challenge, Our new life).
Start the sermon with a *shocking statement* or a deeply vulnerable personal confession.
Craft a conclusion that *doesn't* summarize, but instead casts a powerful, inspirational vision.
Find a modern-day parable (a news story, a movie scene) that perfectly illustrates the text.
Use a single, powerful *metaphor* that carries through the entire sermon (e.g., "Faith as a seed," "Life as a voyage").
Build the sermon around a *physical object* (an "object lesson") that you bring on stage.
Write the *introduction* last, after you know exactly what you are introducing.
Tell a personal story of *failure or doubt* as the central illustration.
Use a "counter-intuitive" illustration (one that seems to argue *against* your point, which you then resolve).
Preach a sermon that is primarily *storytelling*, with the "point" woven in subtly.
Use a well-known quote (from history, literature, or a theologian) as the sermon's foundation.
Structure the sermon to answer the questions "What?", "So What?", and "Now What?".
Design a sermon with a single, clear, "sticky" bottom line (e.g., "What you seek is seeking you").
Use a *current cultural event* as the "front door" to a timeless biblical truth.
Preach a sermon that *only* asks questions, forcing the audience to find the answers in the text.
Use *humor* effectively to disarm the audience before delivering a difficult truth.
Preach a *dialogical* sermon (a back-and-forth with another person on stage).
Use *rhetorical repetition* of a single phrase to build momentum (e.g., "But God...").
Invert the normal structure: Start with the *application* and work backward to the *text*.
Craft a sermon that intentionally leaves the "problem" *unresolved*, forcing the congregation to rely on faith.
Conclude with a powerful, compelling *call to action* (e.g., "Will you...?", "It's time to...").

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Here is a list of 100 command prompts for creating a sermon, categorized to help you find a starting point.
1. Expository & Text-Based
(Starting with a specific passage and unpacking it.)
1. Preach on a "hard saying" of Jesus (e.g., Matthew 10:34, "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword").
2. Unpack a parable (e.g., The Prodigal Son, The Good Samaritan) and find a modern application.
3. Preach on the cultural context of a familiar story (e.g., the Woman at the Well).
4. Analyze a Psalm of lament (e.g., Psalm 22, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").
5. Analyze a Psalm of praise (e.g., Psalm 103, "Bless the LORD, O my soul").
6. Preach on a single, powerful verse (e.g., John 11:35, "Jesus wept").
7. Connect an Old Testament prophecy (e.g., Isaiah 53) to its New Testament fulfillment.
8. Explain the meaning behind a biblical law or ritual (e.g., Jubilee, or a specific dietary law) and its spiritual principle.
9. Preach on a "hidden gem" verse that is often overlooked.
10. Unpack one of the Beatitudes (e.g., "Blessed are the merciful...").
11. Preach on a New Testament command (e.g., "Rejoice always," "Love your enemies").
12. Trace a single word (e.g., "grace," "peace," "blood") through a specific book.
13. Preach on a biblical list (e.g., the Fruit of the Spirit, the Armor of God).
2. Thematic & Theological
(Starting with a "big idea" or core doctrine.)
1. Define and illustrate "Agape" (unconditional love).
2. Explore the difference between "Grace" (getting what you don't deserve) and "Mercy" (not getting what you do deserve).
3. Preach on the concept of "Sabbath" and the spiritual discipline of rest.
4. What is "The Kingdom of God" (and what is it not)?
5. Explore the doctrine of the "Trinity" (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
6. Preach on the "Incarnation" (God becoming human).
7. Unpack the meaning of "Justification by Faith."
8. Preach on "Repentance" as more than just "being sorry."
9. Explore the concept of "Sanctification" (the process of becoming holier).
10. Preach on "The Church" as the "Body of Christ."
11. What is "Biblical Hope" (versus simple optimism)?
12. Explore the "Second Coming" and its implications for today.
13. Preach on the meaning and purpose of "Communion / The Lord's Supper."
3. Biblical Character Studies
(Starting with the story of a specific person.)
1. Preach on the "failure" of a biblical hero (e.g., David's adultery, Peter's denial, Elijah's despair).
2. Preach on the "doubt" of a faithful person (e.g., "Doubting" Thomas, John the Baptist in prison).
3. Explore the life of a "minor" character who played a major role (e.g., Barnabas, Andrew, Onesiphorus).
4. Preach on a "forgotten" woman of the Bible (e.g., Hagar, Lydia, Deborah, Jael).
5. Analyze the perspective of a biblical "villain" (e.g., Judas, Pilate, Pharaoh, Cain).
6. Preach on the "before and after" of a conversion story (e.g., Saul to Paul, Zacchaeus, the Samaritan woman).
7. Compare and contrast two characters (e.g., Mary and Martha, Jacob and Esau, Saul and David).
8. Retell a biblical story from the first-person perspective of a character.
9. Preach on the "calling" of a prophet (e.g., Jonah's reluctance, Jeremiah's youth, Isaiah's vision).
10. Analyze the "prayer" of a specific character (e.g., Hannah's plea, Nehemiah's prayer, Jesus in Gethsemane).
4. Topical & Life Application
(Starting with a real-world problem or situation.)
1. Preach on "Anxiety and Fear" (e.g., "Do not be anxious about tomorrow...").
2. A biblical perspective on "Grief and Loss" (e.g., "Blessed are those who mourn...").
3. Preach on "Money and Stewardship" (e.g., the Parable of the Talents).
4. How to handle "Conflict and Confrontation" in a godly way (e.g., Matthew 18).
5. Preach on "Marriage" (and the challenges of long-term commitment).
6. Preach on "Parenting" (and raising children in faith).
7. What does the Bible say about "Work and Vocation"?
8. Preach on "Forgiveness" (both the command to give it and the need to receive it). 4Data. A sermon on "Loneliness" and the call to "Community."
9. How to find "Purpose" in a world of distraction.
10. Preach on "Addiction" and the path to freedom.
11. A biblical response to "Injustice."
12. Preach on "Burnout" (even in ministry) and the need for renewal.
13. A sermon on "Mental Health" and the role of faith in healing.
14. Preach on "Making a Difficult Decision" (seeking God's will).
15. What does the Bible say about "Words" (gossip, encouragement, truth)?
5. Lectionary & Liturgical Calendar
(Starting with the season of the church year.)
1. Preach an "Advent" sermon on "Hope" or "Waiting."
2. Preach a "Christmas" sermon on the "Incarnation" (God with us).
3. Preach an "Epiphany" sermon on the "Magi" (seeking Christ).
4. Preach a "Lent" sermon on "Repentance" or "Self-Denial."
5. Preach a "Palm Sunday" sermon on "Fickle Crowds" and expectations.
6. Preach a "Good Friday" sermon (e.g., based on the "Seven Last Words" of Christ).
7. Preach an "Easter" sermon on "The Resurrection" and its power.
8. Preach a "Pentecost" sermon on "The Holy Spirit."
9. Preach a "Thanksgiving" sermon on "Gratitude" in all circumstances.
10. Preach a "New Year's" sermon on "New Beginnings" (e.g., "Behold, I am doing a new thing...").
11. Preach on "All Saints' Day" (the "great cloud of witnesses").
12. Preach on a "Baptism" (e.g., Jesus's baptism, our identity).
6. "Hard Questions" & Apologetics
(Starting with a common doubt or objection to faith.)
1. Preach on "The Problem of Evil" (Why does God allow suffering?).
2. A sermon on "Doubt" (Is it the opposite of faith?).
3. Why does God seem "Hidden" or "Silent"?
4. Preach on "Hypocrisy in the Church."
5. What about "Other Religions"? (Is Jesus the only way?)
6. Preach on "Science and Faith" (Are they in conflict?).
7. Preach on "Prayer" (Why pray if God is sovereign?).
8. What about the "Violence in the Old Testament"?
9. Preach on "Hell and Judgment."
10. Preach on "The Reliability of the Bible" (Can we trust it?).
11. A sermon on "The Resurrection" (Did it really happen, and why does it matter?).
7. Cultural & Current Events
(Starting with what's happening in the news.)
1. Preach on "Unity" in a time of political and social division.
2. A biblical response to a "Recent Tragedy" (local or national).
3. Preach on "Social Media" and its effect on our souls.
4. A sermon on "Truth" in a "post-truth" world.
5. Preach on "Creation Care" and environmental stewardship.
6. A sermon on "Artificial Intelligence" and what it means to be human.
7. Preach on "Busyness" and "Hustle Culture."
8. A sermon on "Nationalism vs. The Kingdom of God."
9. Preach on "Consumerism" and finding contentment.
8. Creative & Structural Prompts
(Starting with a unique format or "hook".)
1. Preach a sermon in the form of a "Letter" (e.g., "A Letter to a New Believer," "A Letter to My Wounded Church").
2. Preach a "Q&A" sermon (answering anonymous, pre-submitted questions from the congregation).
3. Preach a sermon based on a famous "Quote" (from a theologian, author, or film).
4. Preach a sermon based on the "Lyrics" of a famous hymn or modern worship song.
5. Use a physical "Object Lesson" as the central metaphor for the sermon.
6. Preach a "Dialogical" sermon (with two speakers in conversation).
7. Preach a sermon that is just "Three Stories and a Conclusion."
8. Preach a sermon "to the skeptic" (addressing the person who doesn't want to be there).
9. Preach on *one single word* from a passage (e.g., "But...", "Therefore...", "Behold...").
10. Preach an "Un-sermon" (e.g., "How to Ruin Your Life," "A Guide to Being Miserable").
11. Preach on a *place* in the Bible (e.g., The Wilderness, Gethsemane, The Road to Emmaus).
12. Preach on a *question* Jesus asked (e.g., "Who do you say I am?", "What do you want me to do for you?").

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Sermon Prompts

1. Prompts Based on the Biblical Text (Exegetical)

2. Prompts Based on a Major Theme or Doctrine

3. Prompts Based on Life Application & Ethics

4. Prompts Based on the Occasion or Audience

5. Prompts Based on Structure & Storytelling

1. Expository & Text-Based

2. Thematic & Theological

3. Biblical Character Studies

4. Topical & Life Application

5. Lectionary & Liturgical Calendar

6. "Hard Questions" & Apologetics

7. Cultural & Current Events

8. Creative & Structural Prompts

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