In Preaching Articles: "Easter Sermon Preparation"

Death Is Dead, Christ Has Conquered

By Sam Allberry on May 22, 2024

Too many of us view the resurrection of Jesus as little more than a nice, happy conclusion to the gospel story. But the Easter story isn’t just “what happens next” to Jesus after his death. It doesn’t just wrap up the story; it fulfills it. In fact, there really is no story without it.

Scripture: Romans 4:25, 1 Corinthians 15:17

Tags: Resurrection, Gospel, Victory, Christ is Risen, gospel  (view more)  (view less)

Judah Smith Shares His 7-Step Outline For Sermon Prep

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 29, 2020

Judah Smith takes his congregation on a tour through the forest. What's your sermon prep?

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A Weekly Rhythm For Sermon Prep When You’re Bi-Vocational

By Todd Hiestand on May 17, 2020

A bi-vocational pastor can’t spend thirty hours a week on a sermon. Here’s a realistic weekly rhythm that keeps you rooted in Scripture while living normal life.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Colossians 3:16, Luke 24:32, James 1:22, Acts 6:4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Bi Vocational Ministry

Why (And How) Transitions Can Make Or Break Your Sermon

By Peter Mead on Dec 1, 2020

Your sermon outline looks so good on paper, but how you transition from one point to another is just as important.

Scripture: Proverbs 11:24

Tags: Preaching, transition, effective, conclusion, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

A Preacher's Gut-Check: Seven Hard Questions About Your Sermon

By J.s. Park on Jun 19, 2025

After you have your three points, consulted all the commentaries and fit in your illustrations, then it's time to get real.

Scripture: John 14:1-6

Tags: Preaching, Good, questions, preaching

Your Unchurched Neighbors Don’t Want A Watered-Down Sermon

By Carey Nieuwhof on May 8, 2023

Can you craft a message series for unchurched people and still be faithful to scripture?

Tags: Preaching, Faithful, Unchurched, preaching, Watered Down  (view more)  (view less)

5 Things You Can Do Today To Sharpen Tomorrow's Sermon

By Erik Raymond on May 29, 2025

If you want to make tomorrow's sermon shine even more, START HERE.

Scripture: Genesis 42:20-38

Tags: Preaching, Tension, Transparency, preaching

Are Your Sermon Illustrations Really Indecent Exposure? 10 Critical Checkpoints

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Nov 12, 2024

Sermon illustrations should be like letting sunlight into a window, not like putting a spotlight on a stage.

Scripture: Amos 5:4-15

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Build Your Sermon Series On The Wonder, Worry And Wishes Of Your Congregation

By Charles Arn on Mar 8, 2024

The most important thing has to do with your sermon topics. They should address people's life issues and questions about the faith.

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34, Job 21:7-34

Tags: Preaching, worry, Wonder, Relevance, Wish, Worry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Spit-Shine Tomorrow's Sermon Before You Go To Bed Tonight

By Rick Malm on Mar 1, 2023

One acronym, four great suggestions to buff up your message.

Scripture: Daniel 3:1-15

Tags: Hope, Preaching, storytelling, topic, preaching, Spit Shine  (view more)  (view less)

Great, You've Got A Theme, But Do You Have A Sermon?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jun 5, 2023

Do you ALWAYS have to start with a text? Sherman Cox says "no."

Scripture: 1 John 5:3

Tags: Idea, Preaching, Text, preaching

Where Sermons Hide: 5 Places You Can Find A Topic

By John Mcclure on Oct 21, 2021

"What will I preach on?" Whenever you ask this question, you're looking for inspiration.

Scripture: Matthew 14:1-12

Tags: Preaching, claim, topic, catalyst, behind the text, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How Pastors And Parents Can Help Children Benefit From The Sermon

By Erik Raymond on Oct 13, 2025

Erik Raymond suggests some things he has done as both dad and pastor to help kids hear and understand the message in “big church.”

Tags: Forgiveness, Preaching, preaching

The Main Reason Our Sermons Don't Get Through To People

By Nathan Aaseng on Dec 2, 2025

Ask the average person in the street what Christianity is about and the answer will be nowhere near what most of us proclaim in our pulpits every week.

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Tags: Preaching, preaching

H.b. Charles Remembers The Time He Shipwrecked His Sermon

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Nov 17, 2021

It seemed like a good idea when he thought of it, but the reality in the pulpit was something very different!

Tags: Preaching, preaching