In Preaching Articles: "Hard Teaching"

14 Commandments Of Video Preaching

By Jim Tomberlin on Sep 21, 2020

Remember as you prepare your messages to be mindful that you’re teaching a multisite flock that encompasses more than those in the room with you.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

John Piper: God’s Sovereignty Makes Mission Courage Possible

By John Piper on Mar 19, 2025

"It is hard to exaggerate how important it is for the mission of the church...to have a fully biblical vision of the greatness and the sovereignty and the glory of God."

Scripture: Matthew 24:14, Isaiah 46:9-10, Romans 8:28-39, Acts 13:48, 1 Peter 4:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Perseverance, Discipleship, Missions, Sovereignty, Risk  (view more)  (view less)

Finishing (Your Sermon) Well

By Michael Voll on Dec 4, 2022

Come Sunday morning many times we preachers fill our sermons with funny stories, but forget to point to the ultimate story of Jesus Christ.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, illustration, application, pastoral leadership, sermon prep, preaching Christ, preaching the gospel, Sermon Prep, preaching, teaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

7 Popular Sermon Stories That Aren’t Actually True

By Trevin Wax on Feb 5, 2025

Pastors often repeat memorable illustrations that sound helpful but aren’t historically accurate. Here are seven common sermon legends worth retiring for the sake of truth.

Scripture: Mark 10:25

Tags: Preaching, Integrity, false teaching, urban legend, Illustrations, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Power Of Multisensory Preaching

By Rick Blackwood on Jun 1, 2020

Multisensory preaching engages more of the listener, increases clarity and retention, and can reignite your joy in teaching by making sermons more vivid and memorable.

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Tags: Church, Communication, Preaching, pastor, wake up, Cohabitation, illustration, Clarity, time is at hand, Homiletics, Awake, Dress Properly, adult children, Communication General, God's dwelling place, Pastor, Sermon Preparation, communication, preaching, church, sermon preparation, Teaching Tools, Pastoral Communication, Creative Ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Why Information Alone Cannot Make Disciples

By Outreach Inc. on Apr 9, 2025

The modern church excels at teaching information but often fails at formation. Real discipleship requires embodied obedience, risk, and lived imitation, not lectures alone.

Scripture: Luke 6:40, James 1:22, John 1:14, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Matthew 28:19-20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Discipleship, Following Jesus

Why Ranting Does Not Equal Preaching

By Tony Merida on Sep 18, 2024

Tony Merida: "May God raise up a new generation of faithful, responsible expositors of Scripture who keep their finger on the text as they teach and preach."

Tags: Preaching, Text, preaching

2 Things Every Pastor Should Do Before Preaching On Marriage

By Josh Reich on Oct 8, 2025

It's hard to do but incredibly helpful to your church. Your marriage is unique because of who you are and who your wife is.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

A Word From A 2700 Year Old Pastor

By Lance Witt on Apr 15, 2021

Pastors listen to other pastors. We listen to other people in ministry who are down in the trenches doing the hard work of leading others.

Scripture: Jeremiah 6:16

Tags:

Why Preparing Sermons Takes Me So Long

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 30, 2020

A candid walk through sermon preparation, showing how prayer, Bible study, reflection, and disciplined refinement shape faithful and Spirit-led preaching.

Scripture: Exodus 14:8-14

Tags: Teaching, Study, Preaching, BIBLE STUDY, preparation, Homiletics, Bible Study, Pastoral Ministry, Sermon Preparation, bible study, preaching, teaching, sermon preparation  (view more)  (view less)

Study: What Preachers Won't Preach About

By Toni Ridgaway on Mar 27, 2020

Over half of pastors avoid certain topics for fear of losing attendees. This report raises hard questions about courage, clarity, and faithfulness in preaching.

Scripture: Acts 20:17-32

Tags: Preaching, preaching, Biblical Faithfulness

3 Problems With Being Too Nice As A Leader

By Ron Edmondson on Jun 14, 2020

Leaders who avoid hard conversations hurt themselves, their teams, and underperforming staff. Here are three reasons excessive niceness undermines effective leadership.

Scripture: Proverbs 27:5-6, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 9:8-9, Colossians 3:23  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: leadership, Preaching, Leadership, preaching, Organizational Health  (view more)  (view less)

Bold Preaching: The Surprising Connection Between Amos And Us

By Nathan Aaseng on Jan 13, 2026

This article challenges preachers to reflect on whether they resemble Amos or the court prophets, and urges courage in proclaiming hard truths from God’s Word.

Tags: Preaching, Prophetic Preaching, preaching, Church and Culture, Courage in Ministry, Preaching Challenges  (view more)  (view less)

Dave Stone’s 8 Principles To Great Preaching

By Brandon Kelley on Sep 9, 2022

Dave Stone’s 8 Principles to Great Preaching

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10

Tags: Communication, Teaching, Preaching, Preaching Help, Communication Speech, Pastoral Ministry, sermon prep, effective preaching, Sermon Prep, communication, preaching, teaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

Secrets To Sermons On Giving

By Bob Russell on Jan 7, 2025

Stewardship preaching doesn’t have to repel people. With timing, tone, and practical teaching, pastors can address money biblically and help believers grow in generosity.

Scripture: Mark 10:21

Tags: Faith, Money, Healing, Giving, Stewardship, Power, Preaching, miracles, Funeral, Generosity, Homosexuality, Tithes, election, Tithing, Labor, Giving General, Christian Giving, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)