In Preaching Articles: "Difficult Text"

Start Strong: The Discipline Of The Sermon Introduction

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on May 9, 2025

The sermon introduction sets direction, tone, and trust. A strong beginning clarifies the text, states the point, and prepares the congregation to listen carefully.

Scripture: John 2:1-11, Matthew 5:1-12, Matthew 5:44-45

Tags: Introduction, Faithful, preaching, love, Love, Emotions, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How Faithful Preaching Keeps Bibles Open

By Peter Mead on May 26, 2025

Effective biblical preaching keeps listeners engaged with the text, helping them follow Scripture during the sermon and return to it throughout the week.

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-22, Nehemiah 8:8, Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Bible, Faith, Preaching, average, interest, preaching, bible  (view more)  (view less)

In Defense Of The "Ordinary” Preacher?

By Michael Duduit on Sep 27, 2020

In a culture captivated by charisma and spectacle, the steady, text-driven, ordinary preacher remains essential to the long-term health of Christ’s church.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Romans 10:17, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Isaiah 55:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ordinary Means Of Grace

Should Pastors Repeat Sermons? How To Preach Old Sermons Well

By Joe Mckeever on Jun 9, 2021

Many pastors hesitate to repeat sermons, but revisiting past messages can strengthen preaching when pastors restudy the text and refine the message.

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:12-13, 2 Timothy 4:2, Ecclesiastes 12:9, Colossians 1:28, Acts 20:27  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: preaching, Preaching Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, repeat, twice  (view more)  (view less)

Stop Multi Tasking: It Makes You Dumber (And 4 Ways To Improve)

By Charles Stone on Jan 31, 2022

A study done at the University of London found that constant emailing and text-messaging reduces mental capability by an average of ten points on an IQ test.

Tags: Science, Wisdom, leadership, multi tasking, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Does Our Culture Make Kids Feel Ashamed Of Their Faith?

By Focus On The Family on Sep 8, 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

Preaching About Money: 15 Sermon & Worship Resources

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 1, 2024

Preaching about money can be difficult, but it is necessary. Here are 15 sermon and worship resources about money, stewardship, and generosity. Includes sermons from Andy Stanley, Nelson Searcy, Wayne Cordeiro, and Jud Wilhite.

Tags: Money, Worship, Preaching, Stewadship, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

What Do I Do With Church Members Who Hate Me?

By Brian Croft on Nov 23, 2021

At this point, some of you may be thinking these kinds of people are a good reason to leave and start over, but I submit to you they are actually a good reason to stay and endure. Why are these difficult people a good reason to stay and endure?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

How To Be Thankful As A Leader

By Josh Reich on Jul 9, 2023

Most of the time on blogs like mine or other leadership and ministry blogs you read about how tough ministry is, how difficult people can be and how hard it is to be a leader. All those things are true.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Psalm 103:1-5

Tags: Marriage, Thankfulness, gratitude, Pastors

Making The Move To Noteless Preaching

By Peter Mead on Jul 6, 2021

Preachers can move from full manuscripts to notes or even no notes by simplifying structure, relying more on the text, and practicing intentional oral delivery.

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Tags: Preaching, Pastoral Ministry, preaching

5 Ministry Killers Every Pastor’s Wife Faces

By Charles Stone on Aug 20, 2025

Eight in ten pastors’ wives say they feel unappreciated or unaccepted by their husband’s congregations. Charles Stone and his wife give insight into how to protect your spouse and your marriage during the sometimes difficult calling of pastoral ministry.

Tags: Ministry, stress, Marriage, wife, family, Stress, Pastoral Care, Ministry Health, Pastors Wife, Marriage Support, Church Body of Christ, Marriage General, church leadership, ministry, marriage support, Church Leadership, relationships, priorities, home, Difficulties, pastoral care, Spouse  (view more)  (view less)

The Post-Sermon Bible Test

By Peter Mead on Jan 10, 2024

Good preaching doesn’t end when the sermon ends. It equips listeners to return to the text, understand it, desire it, and handle it for themselves in the days ahead.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16

Tags: Discipleship, Preaching, preaching

8 Ways To Hook Your Congregation Into Your Message

By SermonCentral .com on May 11, 2020

Your sermon text is central, but it doesn’t always need to come first. Strong hooks help listeners connect their lives to Scripture before exposition begins.

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 24:27, Ecclesiastes 12:10

Tags: anxiety, Bird, Preaching, Anxiety, Field, flowers, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

10 Preaching Mistakes Everyone Can Avoid

By Jared Moore on Jun 8, 2020

If you want people leaving your sermon focused on God, avoid these common preaching mistakes. These ten pitfalls distract hearers from the text and diminish exposition.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Nehemiah 8:8, James 1:21-22, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Psalm 19:7-10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, mistakes, preaching, Preaching Mistakes

Better Ingredients, Better Preaching

By Peter Mead on May 31, 2020

Even slight shifts in tone, focus, or structure can distort a sermon’s flavor. Guard the gospel, preach the text, and let Scripture, not your outline, set the menu.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Corinthians 4:5, Nehemiah 8:8, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Romans 1:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pastoral