In Preaching Articles: "Confidence In Prayer"

Does Our Culture Make Kids Feel Ashamed Of Their Faith?

By Focus On The Family on Sep 9, 2022

As Christians, we all know how important it is to equip kids with a sense of joy in reading God’s Word and the confidence to freely express their faith in Jesus. But that goal is becoming more difficult in today’s culture.

Tags: Apologetics The Bible, Training children, Children's Faith

Piper: 8 Guidelines For Tough Leadership Decisions

By John Piper on Mar 28, 2025

John Piper offers a thorough list of steps to help you launch a new leadership initiative with wisdom, prayer, and excellence.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Make Your Sermon Unforgettable—three Keys

By Tim Coressel on Oct 8, 2019

From the moment you "close in prayer," that message you labored over for hours will begin to fade in the minds of your audience.

Scripture: Isaiah 11:6-9

Tags: Preaching, passion, Real, unforgettable sermon

Is Your Preaching Missing This Key Component?

By Lance Witt on Jan 7, 2021

As a pastor I am embarrassed to admit this, but prayer has often been a struggle for me. And yet, it is crucial to our success in preaching.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4

Tags:

7 Marks Of Great Preaching

By David J. Lose on Feb 4, 2025

When a sermon includes the following seven central elements, and when the Holy Spirit is present, something happens—the Word comes alive and people come to faith.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2

Tags: Preaching, BIBLE STUDY, father's will, Bible Study, Prayer General, bible study, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Preparing Sermons Takes Me So Long

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 31, 2020

A candid walk through sermon preparation, showing how prayer, Bible study, reflection, and disciplined refinement shape faithful and Spirit-led preaching.

Scripture: Exodus 14:8-14

Tags: Teaching, Study, Preaching, BIBLE STUDY, preparation, Homiletics, Bible Study, Pastoral Ministry, Sermon Preparation, bible study, preaching, teaching, sermon preparation  (view more)  (view less)

14 Ways To Help Unborn Babies And Their Mothers

By Randy Alcorn on Mar 9, 2020

A practical guide offering 14 concrete ways Christians can champion the pro-life cause through service, advocacy, education, generosity, and prayer.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, Psalm 139:1-24

Tags: Church, Preaching, Abortion, mothers, Sanctity of Life, preaching, church  (view more)  (view less)

Pastors: The Ceo Has To Go

By Derek Vreeland on Aug 24, 2023

I feel the impulse to forsake the pastoral vocation of word and sacrament, prayer and disciple-making, in favor of becoming a CEO who gets things done.

Tags: liturgy, Theology, church and business, consumerism

Busting Out Of Sermon Block

By Haddon Robinson on May 28, 2020

Give your sermons new life every week with this timeless advice from Haddon Robinson.

Scripture: Luke 6:39-45, John 16:8-11

Tags: Love, Church, Preaching, Prayer, dedication, preparation, prepare, Result, Time, length, Leadership General  (view more)  (view less)

How To Make The Most Of Your Morning

By Josh Reich on Jun 15, 2024

"There is a lot at stake in what we do with our mornings."

Scripture: Psalm 34:8

Tags: Morning, priorities, prayers, distractions, Personal Growth, Quiet time, productivity, Good Habits, pastoral leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Shepherd God’s Flock: Protecting God’s People

By Chris Pascarella on Nov 24, 2022

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. – Acts 20:28-29

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18, Acts 20:28-29

Tags: pastoral leadership, shepherd God's flock, protection, encouragement, Courage, Rebuke, Godly Leaders, daily prayer  (view more)  (view less)

Ten Principles For Pastors Leading Plateaued Churches

By Joe Mckeever on Dec 13, 2022

Many churches plateau, but pastors don’t have to. These ten principles guide leaders toward renewal through prayer, humility, small improvements, and practical, Spirit-led steps.

Tags: Church, Growth, leadership, pastor, Church Growth, Apathy, Fail, Leadership General, pastoral leadership, shepherding, Pastor, Leadership, Shepherding, church, Pastoral Leadership, Plateaue, Ministry Health  (view more)  (view less)

How To Preach Jesus Using The Psalms

By Jason Hood on Feb 12, 2025

We can find Jesus all over the Psalms, because the Psalms are his prayer book that points to him. And when we find Jesus in the Psalms, we also find ourselves.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:21

Tags: Old Testament, New Testament, Creation, Jesus, Preaching, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Overwhelming Majority Of Pastors Don’t Have One

By Lance Witt on Jul 26, 2023

The truth is those of us in ministry often don’t do the friendship thing very well. One survey among pastors found that 70 percent do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor. Henri Nouwen wrote, “Most Christian leadership is exercised by people who do not know how to develop healthy, intimate relationships.” What an indictment.

Tags:

4 Tips For Understanding Any Passage Of The Bible

By Brandon Smith on Dec 1, 2022

Whatever you do, just read the Bible.

Tags: Reading God's Word, Christian community, personal holiness, Personal Devotions, bible study, Study, Prayer, BIBLE STUDY, godly character, Bible Study  (view more)  (view less)