In Preaching Articles: "Imitating Christ"

3 Ways Great Leaders Handle Tough Circumstances Differently

By Carey Nieuwhof on Dec 8, 2023

If you want to imitate the great leaders when you face challenging situations, do these three things.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:11, Psalm 62:5, Philippians 3:12

Tags: leadership, success, Obstacles, opposition, pastoral leadership, church leadership, Tough Circumstances, Mindset, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Thanksgiving Is A Taste Of Home

By Christine Hoover on Jun 12, 2024

"In all things, imitate and anticipate the final Thanksgiving table and a place where all our longings will finally find their home."

Scripture: Philippians 1:6

Tags: Thanks, Longing, home, give thanks, heavenly home, Thanksgiving Holiday, Gifts, God's gifts  (view more)  (view less)

How I Learned To Preach–and What I'm Learning Still

By Doug Paul on Jul 15, 2020

Most effective teachers do not start original. They learn through listening, imitation, and practice before discovering a voice that is truly their own.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Timothy 2:2, Proverbs 22:6, Hebrews 13:7

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

Why Information Alone Cannot Make Disciples

By Outreach Inc. on Apr 10, 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

Will The Real Jesus Stand Up? Part 2

By Lance Witt on Dec 29, 2023

"In the last thirty years within the church world, there has been a subtle shifting of the spotlight. Inadvertently, in many places, it has become all about the bride (the church) rather than the groom (Jesus)."

Scripture: Genesis 19:9, Revelation 19:9

Tags: bride of Christ, Deity of Christ, Jesus as Bridegroom, Lamb marriage supper, Identity of Christ, The Real Jesus  (view more)  (view less)

What Are We Doing When We Preach? What Are We Aiming For?

By Peter Mead on Aug 1, 2023

What are we doing when we preach? What are we aiming for?

Tags: Preaching, Intimacy With God, preaching Christ, intimacy with Christ, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Who Is Lord Of The Church?

By John Macarthur on Jun 16, 2022

The church today is badly in need of reformation again. And Christ’s lordship over His church is still the central truth we must recover, which requires the unleashing of His Word among His people again. We cannot merely float along with the latest evangelical trends and expect things to get better.

Scripture: Acts 10:42

Tags: Church, Body of Christ, Christ the head, Lord Of The Church, church  (view more)  (view less)

From Desiring God: Beware Of Gluten-Free Preaching

By Phillip Bethancourt on Jan 12, 2026

"The gluten of the gospel must be kneaded into every Christian sermon."

Tags: Christ Centered Preaching

12 Reasons Why Church Membership Matters

By Jonathan Leeman on Mar 1, 2025

Church membership is more than a formality. It defines our identity, shapes our responsibilities, supports our leaders, and displays Christ’s kingdom to the world.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:20

Tags: Body of Christ, local church, Membership, Local Church, Body Of Christ  (view more)  (view less)

Will The Real Jesus Stand Up? Part 1

By Lance Witt on Dec 28, 2023

"It may be that the great sin of the church in our generation is the trivializing of God. The Jesus Christ, in whom the fullness of deity dwells, is not to be boxed in, airbrushed, made over, tamed, explained or explained away. I am deeply convinced that the way you live will be a direct consequence of how you see God."

Scripture: Hebrews 12:28-29, Colossians 1:15-17, Jeremiah 23:23

Tags: Jesus is Lord, Deity of Christ, christian testimony, authority of Christ, Identity of Christ, False View of God, God of the Bible  (view more)  (view less)

Pulpit Abuse: What It Is And How To Stop It

By Calvin Miller on Sep 23, 2024

Preachers must guard against hijacking sermons with hobbies, grievances, politics, or personal therapy instead of proclaiming Christ.

Scripture: Matthew 24:28, 2 Timothy 4:2, James 3:1, Colossians 4:6, 1 Corinthians 2:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Christ Centered, preaching

Preach A Funeral Like You'll Never Be Invited Back

By Chris Surber on Jul 14, 2025

A crowd of non-churchgoers just gathered in a church. Call me crazy. I don't know much. But perhaps you should tell them about Jesus?

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Tags: Christ, Preaching, Funeral, preaching

More Tough Skin And Tender Hearts: How To Prepare For Conversations On Ethnic Harmony

By Philip Holmes on Mar 14, 2022

Humility and love that produces tough skin and tender hearts are essential as we have these conversations.

Scripture: James 1:19, Matthew 11:29, Philippians 2:3

Tags: racism, Unity in Christ, Conversations

How To Teach Old Testament Characters

By J.d. Greear on Feb 25, 2025

David’s life shows both the longing for a true King and the failure of every human ruler. His story presses us toward Jesus, the only King who never disappoints.

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Tags: David, Christ As King, biblical theology, Biblical Theology, Old Testament Christology, Christ as King  (view more)  (view less)

When Your Theological Circle Gets Too Small

By SermonCentral .com on May 1, 2023

Doctrinal conviction is essential, but shrinking our circle too far can breed suspicion and unnecessary division within the body of Christ.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:3, Romans 14:4, Jude 1:3, Hebrews 5:14, Proverbs 18:17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: brother, sister, Christ, family, Support  (view more)  (view less)