In Preaching Articles: "Examine Self"

Live To Make God Look Good

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 1, 2022

The great tragedy of the universe is that while human beings were made to glorify God because of who they are and what they see, we have all fallen short of this purpose.

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3, Romans 3:23, Romans 1:23, Isaiah 40:4, Isaiah 42:8, Isaiah 44:23, Isaiah 48:9-11, Isaiah 60:2, Isaiah 49:3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Sin, glory of God, meaning of life, glorify Christ, what is the purpose of life, Eternal Purpose, Self glory  (view more)  (view less)

8 Marks Of A Truly Transformed Christian Life

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 2, 2021

A transformed life is not self-made holiness but Christ formed in believers. Romans 12 reveals eight visible marks of spiritual transformation.

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2, Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Galatians 2:20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: justification, Transformation, Justification

When Pastors Misplace Their Identity: 10 Probing Questions

By Charles Stone on Sep 18, 2022

“No one is more influential in your life than you are, because no one talks to you more than you do.” ––Paul Tripp

Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:1

Tags: Ministry, identity, Identity in Christ, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church leadership, Right Priorities, self assement, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Fully Known, Fully Loved

By Peter Mead on Feb 23, 2022

If we are not careful we can paint our own self-at-the-centre approach in the colors of Christianity and assume all is well.

Scripture: Romans 5:8, Luke 19:10

Tags: known by God, Fully Known, Fully loved, narcissism

Do You Know Your Pulpit Blind Spots?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Feb 12, 2023

Every preacher gravitates toward familiar themes. Addressing pulpit blind spots requires intentional planning, biblical breadth, and pastoral self-awareness.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:13, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:28

Tags: Preaching, spiritual growth, preaching, Spiritual Growth

How To Land Speaking Engagements Without Looking Desperate

By Ben Arment on Oct 13, 2020

If you want more speaking invitations, focus less on self-promotion and more on value, credibility, and relationships. Here’s a strategic approach that works.

Scripture: Colossians 3:23, Proverbs 22:1, James 3:1, John 2:24, Proverbs 16:3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Speak, Preaching, Ability, public, language, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Jerry Rice And The Art Of Preaching Well

By Derwin Gray on Jun 25, 2024

Insights from Jerry Rice’s passion, self-awareness, and heroic mindset show preachers how to cultivate love, authenticity, and Gospel-centered confidence.

Scripture: Ephesians 3:16-19

Tags: Ministry Skills, evangelism, gospel, preaching, Pastoral Leadership, Gospel Ministry, Sermon Craft, Preaching, Lost, football, Christian Witness, pastoral leadership, gospel ministry, Evangelism, Witness, Gospel, Sports  (view more)  (view less)

Why Preaching Still Matters In A Postmodern Age Of Uncertainty

By Kenton C. Anderson on Jan 19, 2025

Preaching may seem arrogant in an age that distrusts certainty, yet God’s self-revelation turns human limitation into a vantage point for truthful witness.

Scripture: Leviticus 5:2-6

Tags: Revelation, Teaching, Preaching, pastor, Pride, Arrogance, Pastor, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Is Your Preaching God-Centered?

By Bernie Van Eyk on Sep 10, 2024

People crave practical help, but their deepest need is God Himself. God-centered preaching lifts hearts from self to the glory revealed in Jesus Christ.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:4, Genesis 1:1, Psalm 73:17-26, John 1:18, 1 Corinthians 2:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, spiritual formation, preaching, Spiritual Formation

What Listeners Really Wish They Could Tell Their Pastor

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jun 13, 2021

A speaker recalls blunt feedback from a child to show how honest listener frustrations can shape better preaching—especially length, self-focus, and dryness.

Scripture: John 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 9:16

Tags: Communication, leadership, Preaching, Church Health, Feedback, Leadership, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Are You A Preacher Or A Motivational Speaker?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jan 6, 2023

Many sermons sound inspiring yet leave out the cross and the coming kingdom. When preaching mimics self-help, it loses the gospel’s power and eternal focus.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Luke 9:23, Galatians 6:14, Matthew 6:19-21

Tags: Pastoral Ministry

The Double-Edged Sword Of Ambition

By Lance Witt on Jul 9, 2024

Ambition is a blessing and a curse. When it is God-directed and Spirit-managed, it can bear tremendous fruit. But when it is hijacked by self and ego, it can leave a wake of destruction in its path.

Tags: Faithfulness, motivation, Ambition, Rest in Christ, pastoral leadership, personal holiness, entering God's rest, ministry vision  (view more)  (view less)

If The Church Is God's Idea, Who Are We To Dismantle It?

By Jeff K. Clarke on Feb 24, 2022

I wonder if we have allowed our contemporary definition, understanding, and experience of the church to be shaped more by the post-modern impulse of individualism and self-centeredness, than by Christ’s and Paul’s emphasis on the gathered community from every race, tribe, and tongue?

Tags: individualism, church community, Listening, unity and diversity

When In Doubt, Don’t Quit

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 30, 2021

It may be harder to be happy in life and ministry than it’s ever been. From our earliest days, we have lived in an echo chamber, to varying degrees, of the voices of self-actualization. You can do whatever you set your mind to. Pursue your dreams. Find your passion — and make it profitable.

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:11, Colossians 4:17

Tags: Service, endurance, passion, Obstacles

8 Ways To Bust Leadership Discouragement

By Charles Stone on Sep 27, 2022

"Discouragement is a universal experience for ministry leaders and the word actually self-defines itself…dis-courage meaning no courage. Some of the Bible’s greatest characters faced it: Moses, David, Paul, Mary the mother of Jesus, and the apostles. Nehemiah, the great Old Testament leader faced it when he led the Jews to rebuild the wall. Yet, his response offers us hope when we face it."

Scripture: Psalm 77:11, Nehemiah 4:10-21

Tags: Nehemiah, leadership, Discouragement, thought life, pastoral leadership, Blessings, Burdens, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)