What is a sermon?

Let's imagine a sermon titled "The Unexpected Gardener."

Sermon Title: The Unexpected Gardener

Scripture Focus: Matthew 13:1-23 (Parable of the Sower)

Theme: God's grace works in unexpected ways and in unexpected people. Even those who seem unsuited or unprepared for spiritual growth can bear abundant fruit.

Main Points:

• The Unexpected Field: The parable highlights that the seed (God's word) falls on various types of soil, representing different types of hearts. The sermon would explore the various "soils" and how even the seemingly "rocky" or "thorny" hearts can, through God's persistent grace, produce a harvest.
• The Unexpected Gardener: God is the ultimate gardener, patiently tending to his creation, even when the results aren't immediately apparent. The sermon might focus on God's perseverance and unwavering love, even when people fail to respond immediately or fully.
• The Unexpected Harvest: The sermon would emphasize that the harvest is not always immediately visible, and that even small acts of faith can yield unexpected and abundant fruit in the future. It would encourage listeners to trust in God's timing and to remain faithful even when they don't see immediate results.

Call to Action: The sermon would conclude with a call to self-reflection: Where does the speaker fall on the spectrum of soil types? How can they cultivate their hearts to be more receptive to God's word? It might encourage listeners to actively nurture their faith and to participate in the work of the kingdom, even in small ways.

Style: The sermon might use relatable anecdotes and examples from everyday life to illustrate the points, using humor and empathy to connect with the congregation. It would likely be delivered in a conversational tone, encouraging interaction and reflection.

This is just one example, of course. Sermons vary widely in style, length, and focus depending on the preacher, the denomination, and the specific needs of the congregation.