In Preaching Articles: "Applying Truth"

Isn’t Hell An Overreaction To Sin?

By SermonCentral .com on Oct 28, 2022

"Ask yourself, do you deserve the wrath of God forever? If your mind right now is saying, “I don’t think so. I think that hell would be an overreaction to what I’ve done and the kind of person that I am.” If that’s the way your mind is working right now, let me just have you consider four things."

Scripture: Ephesians 3:10, James 2:10

Tags: God's Wrath, Theology, Biblical truth, God's justice, sin against God, Sound Doctrine, consequences of sin, Theology of Sin  (view more)  (view less)

7 Steps To Restoring A Powerful Pulpit

By Leslie Holmes on Sep 17, 2024

Preaching loses authority when gospel certainties are blurred. These seven foundational truths anchor preaching in power, clarity, and confidence.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:20-21, Romans 8:28-39, 1 Corinthians 14:8, Matthew 7:28-29, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Praise, Peace, Power, Preaching, pulpit, preaching, Pulpit  (view more)  (view less)

Why Pastors Must Become Excellent Motivators

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 31, 2020

Faithful preaching does more than inform minds. It connects truth to life and calls people to Spirit-empowered action.

Scripture: James 1:22, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 12:1-2, Acts 2:37-38

Tags: Preaching, spiritual growth, preaching, Spiritual Growth

Jesus: Friend To Sinners, No Friend To Sin

By Ray Hollenbach on Jan 15, 2026

Jesus befriended sinners without ignoring sin. Christians can hold truth and grace together without compromising either.

Tags: Grace, Jesus, Sin, Discipleship, Preaching, grace, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

R. C. Sproul: Why Good Teaching Is Simple But Never Simplistic

By R. C. Sproul on Jan 3, 2023

Effective teaching does not avoid complexity but translates it. True mastery shows itself in clarity that simplifies without distorting truth.

Scripture: Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 9:9, Luke 24:27, Matthew 13:34-35, 2 Timothy 2:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Discipleship

3 Positive Ways To Respond To Negative Criticism

By Joe Hoagland on Feb 26, 2021

Some criticism is unequivocally bad criticism. It is destructive, not based 100% in truth, and is based in bad intentions. Prepare yourself for this kind of criticism.

Tags: Preaching, Criticism, criticism, preaching

6 Non Negotiable Traits You Need To Increase Your Leaderships Influence

By Carey Nieuwhof on Sep 29, 2023

As harsh as it sounds, here’s the truth: if a leader doesn’t buy you, they’ll rarely buy your idea.

Tags: Humility, leadership, Influence, competence, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Weaving Gospel Fluency Into Every Sunday Message

By Jeff Vanderstelt on Nov 21, 2022

If we are going to grow people up into Christlikeness in every way, we need to learn how to speak the truths of Jesus Christ into everything.

Scripture: Luke 24:44-45

Tags: Teaching, pastoral leadership, defending the gospel, preaching Christ, guard the truth, Gospel centered, Teach His Word, church leadership, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Always Choose The High Road (There’s Less Traffic)

By Jonathan Herron on Dec 7, 2022

Jesus said his disciples would be known by their radical love for one-another, (John 15:12).

Scripture: John 15:12

Tags: honor, SALT AND LIGHT, Encourage Others, pastoral leadership, speak truth in love, Slow to speak, church leadership, Guard your tongue  (view more)  (view less)

10 Last Minute Preaching Tips

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 27, 2020

Pastoral wisdom reminds us that preaching is personal, formational, and inseparably tied to humility, truth, and the living Christ. These quotes challenge and sharpen us.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2

Tags: Preaching, spiritual formation, preaching, Spiritual Formation

When Creativity Crosses The Line To Become Offensive

By Calvin Miller on Apr 14, 2025

Creative preaching can clarify truth or quietly undermine it. This article reflects on when creativity serves worship and when it crosses into embarrassment.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40, Colossians 3:16, Romans 14:19

Tags: Church, Communication, Preaching, Confidence, Creativity, communication, preaching, church  (view more)  (view less)

How To Preach Like A Combat Medic

By Chris Surber on Apr 22, 2025

Pastors must preach like combat medics, addressing real spiritual wounds with gospel truth rather than offering superficial encouragement.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, James 3:1, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:24, 2 Timothy 2:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership

What It Really Means To Preach Grace

By Dr. Richard Ganz on May 3, 2025

Winning arguments is not the same as winning hearts. This reflection reminds preachers that truth without grace can push people further from Christ.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1, John 1:14, Matthew 11:28, 2 Timothy 2:25, Colossians 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Evangelism, Scripture, Arrogance, Share, unbeliever, evangelism, Unbeliever  (view more)  (view less)

Why Boring Preaching Is Dangerous

By Peter Mead on May 26, 2025

Preaching should never make the truth of God dull. When sermons become boring, the problem is rarely the Bible but how the message is presented.

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:29, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 4:2, Nehemiah 8:8, Acts 20:27  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, boring, excess, Pastoral Ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

6 Guidelines For Preaching To Postmoderns

By Rich Nathan on Jun 4, 2021

Postmodern culture is marked by skepticism, endless perspectives, and a hunger for authenticity. Faithful preaching must present the truth of Christ in ways that address these realities.

Scripture: John 7:17, Romans 1:21-24, Acts 17:22-23, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 3:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Evangelism, Message, Preaching, communicate, postmodern, evangelism, preaching  (view more)  (view less)