In Preaching Articles: "Guarding Your Heart"

Restore Passion To Your Preaching: Three Essential Steps

By Ken Davis on Aug 27, 2024

Many pastors quietly lose passion in the pulpit, preaching out of duty rather than delight. This article explores why that happens and how renewed preparation, dependence on the Spirit, and gospel-centered humility restore joy and power.

Scripture: John 12:20-30, Isaiah 55:11, Philippians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 4:5, John 15:5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Holy Spirit

8 Must-Have Elements Of Your Easter Sermon

By Josh Reich on Dec 10, 2024

Easter preaching should not be an annual performance but the weekly pattern of faithful proclamation that points to Jesus, offers hope, and calls for clear response.

Scripture: Ezekiel 22:23-31, Luke 24:1-12, Romans 1:16, John 11:25, Colossians 1:18  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Easter, Preaching, Pastoral Ministry, preaching

Make Your Sermons More Memorable From Neuroscience

By Charles Stone on Jul 28, 2020

Lasting spiritual change requires more than good content. Insights from neuroscience can help preachers embed truth into long-term memory for real life transformation.

Scripture: Romans 12:2, Luke 11:28, James 1:22-25, Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Colossians 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: leadership, Preaching, Christian Education, spiritual formation, Leadership, neuroscience, preaching, Spiritual Formation, Neuroscience  (view more)  (view less)

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

Chasing The Dream, Preaching Greatness, And Knowing Your Audience

By James Scott on Apr 27, 2023

"One of the greatest weaknesses we see from leadership in the church is not understanding the audience the leader is speaking to," says James Scott.

Tags: Love, Preaching, peaceful, preaching

5 Reasons People Check Out Of Your Sermons

By Patrick Holden on Sep 2, 2020

Five common mistakes any speaker can make--or learn how to avoid.

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-8

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Does Your Preaching Skirt Around The Nature Of God?

By Peter Mead on Apr 22, 2025

Let’s pour our energy into effectively speaking of the God who reveals Himself in the Word.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Preaching Is God's Truth Shining Through Your Personality

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 14, 2021

Sermons are not delivered irrespective of the preacher. We are part of the message as well.

Tags: Preaching, Personality, preaching

4 Reasons The Trinity Should Be Part Of Your Preaching

By Jared Moore on Jun 1, 2021

"The Trinity should not be some obscure doctrine you dust off and bring out when you're speaking against other religions."

Scripture: Zephaniah 1:1-18

Tags: Preaching, trinity, Doctrine, Foundation

Does Your Preaching Strike A Grace/Truth Balance?

By SermonCentral .com on Oct 15, 2021

In 25 years our church has only been picketed twice--two weeks in a row!--first by radically liberal nonbelievers for speaking truth, and then by radically conservative believers for showing grace.

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:8-9, Isaiah 40:1-15, Luke 18:1-8

Tags: Grace, Gospel, Truth, Preaching, Balance, grace, gospel, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Don't Close Your Sermon Like That!

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jul 30, 2021

"Like meat, a great sermon makes its own gravy." Our job is to serve the whole meal.

Tags: Close

Change Your Ministry: Ten Books, Ten Months

By Ray Hollenbach on Jun 24, 2025

The well-rounded preacher draws from multiple sources. How wide is your reading?

Tags: Ministry, inspiration, book, writer, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

To The Point: Ten Preaching Tips To Sharpen Your Skills

By Dr. Frank D. Macchia on Aug 11, 2021

Practical advice whether you're a novice or an experienced hand. Check this list.

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-14

Tags: Preaching, Balance, experience, skill, practical advice  (view more)  (view less)

Four Time-Tested Ways To Outline Your Sermon

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 30, 2023

Brandon Cox reminds us of proven methods--and supplies a new one of his own.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-10, 1 Samuel 1:11-20, James 3:1-18

Tags: Preaching, Outline, brandon cox, preaching, Time Tested  (view more)  (view less)

Four Sharp Questions To Whittle Your Sermon Into Shape

By Tyler Scarlett on Jul 20, 2025

The sermon's not done until you sharpen the point. Here are four excellent ways to do it.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:22-24

Tags: Preaching, points, Sharpen, preaching