In Preaching Articles: "Hardened Heart"

What Every Leader Needs: Silence And Solitude

By Charles Stone on May 18, 2022

This discipline is really more of a state of heart than a place.

Tags: Solitude, Silence, Disciplines Silence, Intimacy With God

Why Preparing Sermons Takes Me So Long

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 31, 2020

Proper preparation is not for the faint of heart. It takes prayer, study, and practice.

Scripture: Exodus 14:8-14

Tags: Teaching, Study, Preaching, preparation, e  (view more)  (view less)

How I Write A Sermon

By Bruce Frank on Aug 17, 2020

Bruce Frank, lead pastor of of Biltmore Baptist Church, one of the top 50 fastest-growing churches in America, shares his sermon prep process.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, 2 Timothy 2:15

Tags: Heart, Study, Preaching, repent, BIBLE STUDY, preparation, circumcise, Sword, Reject, shaken the dust, Bible Study  (view more)  (view less)

The Top Secret Agendas Carried By Your Congregation

By Chris Surber on Sep 11, 2021

Every church member carries an agenda in the secret briefcase of their heart. What's their agenda?

Tags: Agenda, Affirm, Preaching, challenge, Congregation  (view more)  (view less)

10 Pointers For Older preachers

By Peter Mead on Nov 9, 2019

To stay effective in the preaching ministry, we need the humble, hearing heart of novice.

Tags: teachable spirit, Humble, Preaching, champion, Feedback  (view more)  (view less)

The Greatest Gift You Give Your Team- Part 1

By Lance Witt on Jul 11, 2024

This week work at paying attention to your soul. Listen to your emotions. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what is going on beneath the surface of all your “doing”.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:1, John 16:32, John 16:32

Tags: Approval, Growth in Christ, pastoral leadership, God's Approval, Guarding your heart, motives, soul care, personal holiness  (view more)  (view less)

The Greatest Gift You Give Your Team- Part 2

By Lance Witt on Jul 15, 2024

Some of the qualities that people will applaud in your life are the very things that will wreck your soul.

Tags: sanctification, Personal Growth, pastoral care, Examine self, Time of Reflection, Guarding your heart, motives, soul care  (view more)  (view less)

Preach The (Memorized) Word

By David Vroege on Aug 31, 2024

When we hide his word in our hearts, it makes a powerful difference personally and professionally.

Scripture: Psalm 119:11, Psalm 119:11

Tags: Study, Preaching, teach, BIBLE STUDY, memorize, Bible Study, bible study, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The One Thing Nearly Everyone Forgets When It Comes To Hermeneutics

By Peter Mead on Nov 5, 2024

One key dimension tends to be overlooked when we talk about hermeneutics: the interpreter's heart.

Scripture: Psalm 10:1-17

Tags: preaching, Revelation, Preaching, advice, hermeneutics  (view more)  (view less)

Church Discipline, Short Skirts, And Angry Deacons

By Ray Hollenbach on Mar 11, 2025

Loving someone enough to help them find freedom from their fears and appetites is the heart of church discipline.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:1

Tags: Discipleship, Preaching, Church General, preaching

4 Remedies For Discouragement In Your Preaching

By Erik Raymond on Apr 3, 2025

Take heart! There's one big reason our preaching is not in vain, and three more after that!

Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:23

Tags: Preaching, Discouragement, preaching, Trust, Hope  (view more)  (view less)

How To Preach To A Difficult Audience

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jun 11, 2021

Imagine a crowd of people, each one with the rebellious heart of a teenager. How do you break through?

Tags: audience, preaching, Preaching, difficult

Why Do You Preach? My Four Reasons

By Ken Collins on Oct 19, 2021

Veteran preacher Ken Collins shares the heart of his calling. How do you see yours?

Tags: Preaching, Glorify, motivate, educate, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Close Your Sermon Powerfully: A Surprising Secret

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Feb 3, 2020

Sherman Cox points to one critical area frequently left untouched by preachers--resulting in untouched hearts of listeners.

Scripture: Romans 6:1-4

Tags: Preaching

Three Probing Questions Every Pastor Should Ask Himself

By Charles Stone on Sep 14, 2023

Take a few moments and ask yourself these questions to see what God reveals about your heart and motives.

Tags: Faithfulness, identity, Identity in Christ, motives