In Preaching Articles: "Christian Life"

Do Not Forsake True Solitude, Pastor

By Joe Hoagland on Aug 10, 2022

I am talking about purposely removing yourself from the busyness to focus on prayer for your congregation, reflection on your spiritual life and those around you, and meditation on the huge weight that is the pastoral ministry.

Scripture: Joshua 1:8

Tags: Prayer Life, Solitude, Silence, Leadership General, prayer life  (view more)  (view less)

Why Pastors Should Preach More About Heaven

By Toni Ridgaway on May 4, 2023

Despite widespread curiosity about life after death, many churches rarely preach on heaven. Scripture calls pastors to teach clearly about the believer’s eternal hope.

Scripture: John 14:1-3, Philippians 3:20-21, Colossians 3:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 21:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Heaven, Truth, Preaching, eternal life, preaching, Eternal Life  (view more)  (view less)

7 Ways To Tell If It's A God Thing

By Ron Edmondson on Apr 2, 2023

God often calls His people into assignments that seem impossible or irrational. Here are seven marks that may indicate the task before you is truly from Him.

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6, 2 Corinthians 5:7, 2 Chronicles 20:12, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Philippians 4:13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: opportunity, christian living, Christian Living

What Kind Of Christians Will People Be If They Listen To Your Sermons For A Decade?

By Ray Hollenbach on Jul 22, 2025

Beyond the weekly phrase, "Good word, Preacher," the spiritual lives of the people in your church provide excellent feedback regarding the effectiveness of your preaching.

Tags: believer, Preaching, Congregation, Generation, spiritual health, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

7 Phrases Christians Like To Say That Aren’t True

By Lori Hatcher on May 30, 2024

"We’ve all heard them—phrases that sound wise, insightful, and biblical. But are they really? Let’s look at some common sayings, compare them to the Bible, and see if they hold up."

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, James 1:14, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 John 3:10, Daniel 10:11, Psalm 148:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Theology, Know the Truth, Biblical truth, chosen people, Enduring Hardship, help in temptation, guard the truth, Contending for truth  (view more)  (view less)

Ten (Christmas) Sermon-Starters From The Life Of Mary

By Ray Hollenbach on Dec 24, 2025

Luke’s annunciation account is packed with phrases that carry more theological weight than we often notice. One line can carry an entire sermon.

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14, Galatians 4:4, Matthew 1:23

Tags: Christmas, Jesus, Power, Incarnation

Why Every Sermon Should Be A Life-Changing Sermon

By Paul David Tripp on Oct 19, 2025

This will probably get me into trouble: I’m persuaded that there’s too much mediocrity in the church when it comes to pastors preparing and delivering their sermons.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

4 Weapons Of Mass Distraction In A Leader’s Life

By Charles Stone on Nov 12, 2023

Ask yourself which of these four weapons of mass distraction divert you the most from leading at your best.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8

Tags: leadership, focus, distractions, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Effective Leadership, Leading Others Well, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

9 Hidden Factors That Impact Your Life And Leadership

By Carey Nieuwhof on Jun 9, 2024

"What hidden factors threaten to make or break you as a leader and as a person?"

Tags: Growth, leadership, sleep, productivity, Rest, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

How To Do Justice And Not Undermine Evangelism

By Don Carson on Feb 16, 2025

D. A. Carson explains how Christians can pursue justice without eclipsing evangelism, keeping the gospel central while demonstrating genuine love through word and deed.

Tags: Evangelism, evangelism, Christian mission, Christian Mission

Why The Church In Corinth Might Be Our Best Model Today

By Chuck Warnock on Jul 27, 2020

The Corinthian church was messy, immature, and flawed, yet deeply alive. Their enthusiasm, participation, and real-world faith may offer a better model than polished programs.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-6, 1 Corinthians 1:2-7, 1 Corinthians 11:17-22, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Christian growth, preaching, Christian Growth

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

By Francis Chan on Jan 17, 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

Can The Holy Spirit Use Ai? Should Christians Use It?

By David Harper on Sep 28, 2025

AI is changing the way we live, work, and even do ministry. This article explores how pastors can use AI to save time, communicate more effectively, and reach more people—while also guarding against the dangers of over-reliance, inauthenticity, and distraction from the Spirit’s leading.

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Daring Preaching Engages The Culture: Does Yours?

By Joe Mckeever on Aug 25, 2024

Christ sends us into the world but warns us not to be shaped by it. Faithful ministry means engaging culture with wisdom, tension, and gospel-centered discernment.

Scripture: John 17:14-18, Romans 14:4, Acts 17:22-23, 1 Corinthians 9:22, Ephesians 2:14  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Christian Discipleship

10 Things Healthy Churches Do Well

By Joe Mckeever on Jan 23, 2025

Healthy churches face problems with wisdom, unity, and Christlike leadership. These ten traits show how congregations grow stronger even through crises.

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Tags: Church Growth, Healthy Church, Pastors, CHURCH LIFE, Church General, Accept, Christian community, church leadership, Biblical wisdom, Church Leadership, Biblical Wisdom, Congregational Health, Christian Community  (view more)  (view less)