In Preaching Articles: "Applying Truth"

Overcoming Plagiarism In Preaching And Teaching

By Matt Perman on Mar 1, 2024

Pastors love to learn and share truth, but unclear attribution can lead to plagiarism. Faithful ministry requires honesty in acknowledging the sources of ideas and words.

Scripture: Exodus 20:15, Mark 10:19, Matthew 15:19, Romans 13:9, Ephesians 4:25  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Overcome, definition, Plagiarism, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Illustrations Make Preaching Unforgettable

By Dr. Larry Moyer on May 22, 2020

Illustrations turn speakers into communicators. They clarify truth, reveal the preacher’s understanding, awaken attention, and help listeners see biblical realities clearly.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, John 6:44, Matthew 13:34, Proverbs 25:11, Psalm 78:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, illustration, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

John Piper: My View Of Preaching

By John Piper on Aug 21, 2024

True preaching is expository exultation explaining the Bible and exulting over its truth. This vision shapes the church, fuels worship, and carries eternal weight.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Nehemiah 8:8, Psalm 119:18, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 10:17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

Francis Chan's – Seven Questions To Ask Before You Preach

By Francis Chan on Jan 18, 2024

Faithful preaching flows from love for God and people. These seven diagnostic questions help preachers prepare messages marked by truth, power, and humility.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10, Galatians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:15, Zechariah 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, preaching, Christian teaching, Christian Teaching

10 Ways To Avoid Indecent Exposure In The Pulpit

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on May 14, 2025

Sermon illustrations can clarify truth or distract from it. Here are ten principles to help preachers use personal stories with wisdom and restraint.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5, Proverbs 11:13, James 3:1, Ephesians 4:29, 1 Corinthians 10:31  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, pulpit, Modesty, Exposure, preaching, Pulpit, Sermon Illustrations  (view more)  (view less)

Bold Preaching: The Surprising Connection Between Amos And Us

By Nathan Aaseng on Jan 14, 2026

This article challenges preachers to reflect on whether they resemble Amos or the court prophets, and urges courage in proclaiming hard truths from God’s Word.

Tags: Preaching, Prophetic Preaching, preaching, Church and Culture, Courage in Ministry, Preaching Challenges  (view more)  (view less)

Do You Believe In Miracles? Part 2

By Lance Witt on Jun 13, 2024

"The story of 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team’s pursuit of the gold medal was one of the greatest Cinderella stories in all of sports history. But it was far more than just a great sporting event. It is also a great case study in what makes a great team. And the principles apply to church teams as well."

Tags: Sacrifice, family, Perseverance, leadership, Teamwork, hard work, Resilience, Healthy Teams, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Why Preaching Still Matters In A Postmodern Age Of Uncertainty

By Kenton C. Anderson on Jan 20, 2025

Preaching may seem arrogant in an age that distrusts certainty, yet God’s self-revelation turns human limitation into a vantage point for truthful witness.

Scripture: Leviticus 5:2-6

Tags: Revelation, Teaching, Preaching, pastor, Pride, Arrogance, Pastor, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Illustrations Matter In Preaching: Learning From Jesus’ Use Of Parables

By Leslie Holmes on Jan 15, 2024

Parables and illustrations bring preaching to life. These seven tests help pastors use stories wisely to clarify truth, reduce resistance, and make sermons memorable.

Scripture: Matthew 13:34, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 4:2, Psalm 78:2, Luke 8:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Expository Preaching, expository preaching

Why Powerful Preaching Requires Getting Personal

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 24, 2023

Solid sermon structure matters, but preaching becomes powerful when pastors risk personal vulnerability and let real life carry biblical truth home.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Psalm 40:1-3, James 5:10-11, Romans 8:18-25, 2 Corinthians 12:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Story, storm, Pastoral Ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preach Like You Have Four Audiences

By Mark Gomez on Sep 23, 2020

Pastors never speak to only one audience. Learn how four “levels” of listeners hear your words, and how to speak truth in love with wisdom.

Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-18, Ephesians 4:15, Ephesians 6:18-20, Proverbs 18:21, James 1:19  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ephesians

Preaching That Cultivates Life Together

By Chris Surber on May 20, 2025

Faithful preaching does more than communicate truth. It helps form a community united in Christ, where believers learn to live, serve, and grow together.

Scripture: Acts 14:14-15, Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 4:18, Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Christian Fellowship

Thinking About Quitting? 9 Hope-Filled Reminders

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 25, 2024

Someone asked me if I ever considered quitting when I was a pastor. My response was quick and truthful: “Yes. On the average about once a week.”

Tags: Preaching, preaching

7 Popular Sermon Stories That Aren’t Actually True

By Trevin Wax on Feb 6, 2025

Pastors often repeat memorable illustrations that sound helpful but aren’t historically accurate. Here are seven common sermon legends worth retiring for the sake of truth.

Scripture: Mark 10:25

Tags: Preaching, Integrity, false teaching, urban legend, Illustrations, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Patented Preacher

By Warren Wiersbe on Apr 21, 2020

Preaching thrives when pastors embrace who God made them to be. God prepares the messenger as much as the message, and faithful preaching grows from that truth.

Scripture: John 12:35-50, Genesis 22:1-14, Acts 4:20, Acts 22:15, 2 Corinthians 4:5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Faith, family, Adversity, Live