In Preaching Articles: "Desire For God"

Which Bible Translation Is Best? How To Choose The Right One

By Clay Smith on Jul 17, 2021

Christians often debate Bible translations, but the real goal is understanding and living God’s Word. Learn how different translations work and how to choose wisely.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16, Acts 2:6, Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 119:105, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Bible, Holy Spirit, Guide, translation, Bible Influence, bible  (view more)  (view less)

Fortress For Truth: Martin Luther

By Steven Lawson on Oct 24, 2022

"Luther came to realize that salvation was a gift for the guilty, not a reward for the righteous. Man is not saved by his good works but by trusting the finished work of Christ. Thus, justification by faith alone became the central tenet of the Reformation."

Tags: justification, Reformation, bible truth, Bible Truth, defending the gospel, martin luther, Teaching God's Word, defend the faith, faithful preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Pastors Never Know Who’s In The Audience

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 18, 2022

When a pastor stands to preach, he never knows who is listening to him. And if his sermon is recorded or broadcast, he has no clue who will be hearing his words. He will do well to make sure he knows what he’s talking about.

Tags: Communication, Teaching, Preaching, preaching tips, pastoral leadership, Teaching God's Word, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching Blunders, communication, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

8 Questions To Ask Before You Preach A Sermon

By Josh Reich on Oct 17, 2022

8 questions to ask as you prepare to preach your next sermon.

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, Preaching Help, pastoral leadership, preaching the Word, Teaching God's Word, Pastoral Ministry, effective preaching, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

I Didn't Think Preachers Wrote Their Own Sermons Anymore

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Feb 25, 2026

Preacher: God *will* give you something to say!

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 5:1-14

Tags: Preaching, preaching

9 Points For Preaching On The Problem Of Evil

By Norman Geisler on Jan 22, 2025

Evil raises hard questions about God, suffering, and justice. This article equips preachers to answer honestly, show why evil presupposes God, and preach real hope.

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:6, Colossians 4:6

Tags: Difficulties, problem of evil, Sin General, Trials, Apologetics, Evil, Satan, Hope, suffering, tragedy, Christian  (view more)  (view less)

7 Marks Of Great Preaching

By David J. Lose on Feb 4, 2025

Great preaching is more than speaking well—it engages Scripture, proclaims Christ, connects to real life, inspires imagination, and sends God’s people into the world.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2

Tags: Preaching, Prayer, BIBLE STUDY, father's will, Bible Study, Pastoral Ministry, Biblical Preaching, Gospel Proclamation, Effective Communication, gospel proclamation, biblical preaching, Sermon Preparation, bible study, preaching, sermon preparation  (view more)  (view less)

A Preaching Q&a With David Platt

By David Platt on Feb 15, 2025

David Platt explains how Scripture governs his preaching, preparation, and pastoral priorities, emphasizing clarity, Christ-centered exposition, and total dependence on God’s Word.

Tags: Biblical Teaching, David Platt, Learning, BIBLICAL TEACHING, Expository Preaching, Sermon Preparation, expository preaching, sermon preparation  (view more)  (view less)

How To Craft Sermon Openers That Grab Attention

By Tyler Scarlett on Feb 27, 2025

A wandering introduction loses listeners before the sermon even begins. Strong, simple, and compelling first sentences draw people in and prepare them to hear God’s Word.

Scripture: Titus 2:2, Titus 2:1-2, Philippians 4:10-15, Romans 13:11-14

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

10 Things Every New Believer Should Know

By Brian Mavis on Mar 7, 2025

New believers thrive when they learn God’s love, grace, Scripture, prayer, community, and Christ centered living early. These ten lessons safeguard a healthy start.

Scripture: Matthew 6:33, James 4:10, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:16, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Discipleship, spiritual formation, Spiritual Formation

Why We Preach: The Call That Won’t Let Us Go

By Leslie Holmes on May 4, 2020

Seminary is long, ministry is hard, and preaching can feel thankless. Yet pastors continue because God’s call compels them in ways nothing else can.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:16, Hebrews 12:2, Romans 10:14-15, 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:24  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Was Jesus Numerically Challenged?

By Ray Hollenbach on Jun 29, 2020

Is numerical growth proof of God’s grace? This reflection questions the assumption that size equals faithfulness and contrasts modern metrics with Jesus’ slow, seed-shaped vision of the church.

Scripture: Acts 2:41, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, 1 Peter 2:5, Matthew 13:31-33  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Growth, Faithfulness, number

Paul And The Necessity Of The Local Church

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 24, 2020

Claims that Paul operated apart from the local church collapse under Scripture. His life and ministry show that God’s work is rooted in committed church membership.

Scripture: Acts 13:1-3, Acts 14:26-28, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 4:11-16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: local church, Local Church

Why Faith Often Lives In The Tension

By Jonathan Martin on May 17, 2021

The Bible presents a world filled with complexity, flawed people, and unresolved tensions. Learning to live faithfully within that tension can deepen our understanding of God’s grace.

Scripture: Psalm 103:10-14, Romans 5:8, John 8:10-11, Hebrews 4:15-16, 2 Corinthians 12:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Christian Living, Grace, Jesus Christ, Certain, ambiguity, christian living, grace  (view more)  (view less)

Why Grace Must Accompany The Law

By David J. Lose on Jul 2, 2021

Law brings order and protection, but grace restores life. In Luke 13, Jesus shows how God’s mercy fulfills the purpose of the law and sets people free.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, Luke 13:10-16, Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:12-15, Matthew 22:37-40  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Grace, Law, Gospel, Preaching, Good News, grace, gospel, preaching  (view more)  (view less)