In Preaching Articles: "Joy In Christ"

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)

God’s Work In Your Depression

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 5, 2022

“Is this depression? I have almost no motivation for anything. I have been praying and I will keep praying for God to be my strength but how do you fight when you don’t feel like fighting?"

Scripture: Isaiah 43:2-3, Psalm 139:11-12

Tags: Emotions, Healing, endurance, Depression, Struggles, soul care, Fighting for Joy, Help for the Hurting  (view more)  (view less)

4 Ways Your Church Can Help People Simplify Christmas

By Karl Vaters on Dec 13, 2025

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but Christmas is also the busiest.

Tags: Christmas, Christmas Eve, Holidays, Giving, teach, simplify, Christmas Joy, church leadership  (view more)  (view less)

The Christian Virtue Of Love

By R. C. Sproul on Jul 22, 2022

From God’s perspective, love is the chief of all virtues. But what is love?

Scripture: Romans 5:5-8, 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, Matthew 5:48, 1 John 4:7-8

Tags: Love, Compassion, unity, Spiritual Gifts, Body of Christ, Selflessness, imitating Christ  (view more)  (view less)

Eugene Peterson On Pastors, Preaching, And Consumer Culture

By Eugene Peterson on Jul 14, 2021

"I grew up in a culture which was very entertainment-centered. Pastors were really good storytellers, and they were attractive people, glamorous."

Tags: Growth, Preaching, Growth in Christ

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

5 Questions That Reveal Your Leadership Strengths

By Charles Stone on Mar 23, 2023

When we discover, develop, and deploy our strengths and gifts, we maximize our Kingdom impact and experience the greatest joy.

Scripture: John 19:28-29

Tags: Preaching, preaching

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)

Lord, Deliver Me From Indifference

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 9, 2022

What enthralls us determines how we prioritize our lives.

Scripture: John 2:17, Titus 2:14

Tags: passion, zeal, Indifference, passion for Christ

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

Lay Aside The Weight Of Insecurity

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 7, 2022

Where does our sense of identity come from? This is the crucial question, the pinnacle of the problem.

Scripture: Psalm 27:5, Hebrews 4:13, Romans 7:18, Isaiah 29:13, Colossians 1:14, Ephesians 1:5, Romans 8:17, Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 1:27-31, Matthew 11:29-30, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 Corinthians 12:18, Revelation 2:17, Hebrews 12:1, John 8:10, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Matthew 11:28, Psalm 103:17, Philippians 4:6-7, John 15:16, Genesis 3:8-21  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: identity, idolatry, Insecurity, Identity in Christ

5 Powerful Benefits Of Being A Pastor Who Is A Morning Person

By Brandon Kelley on May 12, 2022

A couple of years ago, I decided to make the switch from night owl to morning person and that switch has made all the difference.

Tags: Morning, focus, productive, intimacy with Christ

The Overlooked, Underrated, Desperately Needed Virtue Of Curiosity

By Brandon Cox on Oct 3, 2023

Curiosity is the art of knowing that we don’t know, and discovering more about God, about people, about ourselves, and about the amazing world around us.

Tags: Love, Curiosity, Creativity, intimacy with Christ