In Preaching Articles: "Applying Scripture"

How To Apply The Bible

By Josh Reich on Sep 21, 2022

"When we read the Bible, we want to understand it and apply it. We want to know what the Bible says and how it affects our lives. We want something to happen, we want to get something out of it. But we’re often left frustrated and wondering what we missed."

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12

Tags: understanding, BIBLE STUDY, Personal Growth, Bible Study, soul care, Growing in Christ, Study the Bible, applying scripture, bible study  (view more)  (view less)

Who Are You Preaching To?

By Peter Mead on Oct 1, 2020

Effective preaching requires knowing your listeners, applying Scripture wisely, and resisting the temptation to use the pulpit for personal “target practice.”

Scripture: Acts 20:20, Hebrews 4:12, James 3:1-2, Matthew 18:15, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Sent To The Scriptures: A Humble Vision Of Preaching

By Nathan Aaseng on Oct 17, 2020

Preaching is not posturing as a know-it-all but serving as one sent by the congregation to wrestle with Scripture and report what God says.

Scripture: James 4:6, Ezra 7:10, 2 Timothy 4:2, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Peter 4:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Task, Communication, Humility, Preaching, pastor, Pastor, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why The Clarity Of Scripture Deserves More Attention

By Peter Mead on Aug 7, 2021

The church rightly affirms the authority of Scripture but often neglects its clarity. Preaching should strengthen confidence in God’s Word, not undermine it.

Scripture: Psalm 19:7, Deuteronomy 30:11-14, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 3:15-17

Tags: Preaching, Pastoral Ministry, preaching

7 Word Study Mistakes That Distort Scripture

By Nicholas Mcdonald on May 20, 2021

Biblical word studies can clarify Scripture, but many common methods actually distort meaning. Understanding these mistakes helps readers interpret the Bible more faithfully.

Scripture: John 3:16, Acts 19:32, John 21:15-17, James 2:21-24, 2 Timothy 2:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Study, Preaching, the word, Dictionary, fallacy, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Onramps To Connect Listeners To Your Sermons And Scripture

By Ed Stetzer on Feb 23, 2022

This article is the last of six in a series on preaching in light of cultural shifts and biblical illiteracy.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Culture, sermon prep, sermon, Sermon Prep, Sermon, preaching, teaching, culture, culture shifts, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

3 Essentials For Pastoral Preaching

By Rich Villodas on Jul 29, 2022

I think I’m starting to learn to preach not as a preacher but to preach as a pastor. There’s a world of difference between the two.

Tags: Scripture, Teaching, Preaching, preaching the Word, sermon prep, shepherding, Power in the Word, Applying Truth, Sermon Prep, Shepherding, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Have We Forgotten The Most Important Way To Apply Our Preaching?

By Peter Mead on Mar 2, 2026

Peter Mead explains why "preaching for Monday morning" is not the most important application in your sermon.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Max Lucado On Questions, Suffering, Scripture, And The Heart Of Preaching

By Max Lucado on Jul 27, 2024

"I really believe the purpose of Scripture is to give us this authoritative handbook. We have a place where we can take people when they come to us with questions so we're not just speaking out of our own opinion."

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:16, Luke 5:1-11, John 21:1-19  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: BIBLICAL TEACHING, Biblical Teaching

10 Creative Ways To Use The Bible In Counseling

By Elias Moitinho on Mar 12, 2025

Scripture is living and effective. With wise assessment and thoughtful methods, pastors can use the Bible creatively to guide, shape, and encourage those they counsel.

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12, Deuteronomy 2:25

Tags: Scripture Application

Avoiding Legalistic Application In Biblical Preaching

By Peter Mead on Dec 26, 2020

Preachers can unintentionally turn Scripture into a burden when they apply texts too narrowly. Faithful preaching keeps the gospel central when applying both narratives and epistles.

Scripture: Luke 24:27, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:1, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Tags: Preaching, view, Wide, epistle, sermons, preaching, Sermons  (view more)  (view less)

5 Ways To Help People Experience Scripture As You Preach

By Nicholas Mcdonald on Sep 15, 2021

How do we invite people to use their imagination when we preach?

Scripture: Job 32:1-10

Tags: Scripture, Preaching, experience, imagine

If You Can't Apply What I Preach, I've Failed You

By Glenn Packiam on Aug 22, 2020

Faithful preaching does more than offer advice. It reveals Christ and drives God’s people to repentance, humility, and the Lord’s Table.

Scripture: Acts 2:37, Colossians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 6:53-58, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Lords Supper, preaching

Don't Play Games With Scripture: 10 Checkpoints For Your Next Sermon

By Joe Mckeever on Sep 17, 2025

"Here are a few 'preacher games' I've noticed over the years, all of them being dishonorable and unworthy."

Tags: Preaching, unworthy, checkpoints, preacher games, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preach To The Ignorant, The Doubtful, And Sinners

By Mark Dever on Sep 4, 2024

Biblical application is not optional in expository preaching. Faithful sermons address ignorance, doubt, and sin by informing, urging belief, and calling for obedience.

Scripture: Romans 10:11-17, Proverbs 23:12, Galatians 4:19, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Teaching Scripture, preaching