In Preaching Articles: "Listening To God"

Jesus Didn’t Wake Up This Morning Depressed By The Size Of Your Church

By Karl Vaters on Apr 17, 2022

Jesus knows what happened and didn’t happen in church last Sunday.

Tags: Depression, Marriage Faithfulness, Church Attendance, God's perspective, e, church attendance  (view more)  (view less)

Why Your Sermon Lost Me: Five Reasons People Check Out

By Patrick Holden on Sep 2, 2020

Five common communication mistakes that cause audiences to disengage and how preachers can keep listeners attentive and responsive.

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-8, Ecclesiastes 12:10, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 4:2, Colossians 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: leadership, Preaching, Leadership, Sermon Preparation, preaching, sermon preparation  (view more)  (view less)

How Can The Pew Help The Pulpit?

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Mar 6, 2024

Good preaching is a partnership between pastor and congregation, pulpit and pew, the one who preaches and the one who listens.

Scripture: John 13:31-35

Tags: preaching, Preaching, pastor, Congregation, Encourage, Partnership, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

What Great Sermons Leave Out

By Ron Edmondson on Jul 13, 2020

Great sermons are not defined by how much is said, but by what is wisely left out. Clarity, restraint, and respect for listeners matter.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:2, Proverbs 10:19, Matthew 5:37, 1 Corinthians 14:8, Nehemiah 8:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Homiletics, preaching

10 Must-Have Tips For Giving A Public Invitation

By Joe Mckeever on Jan 16, 2023

A sermon invitation calls listeners to respond to the gospel. Thoughtful preparation, clarity, and sensitivity help pastors lead this moment with integrity.

Scripture: Matthew 11:28, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Luke 19:46, Acts 2:38, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Speaking, grace, preaching, speaking, Grace, Preaching, Invitation, public  (view more)  (view less)

Using Illustrations For Maximum Impact: 4 Essential Notes

By Lane Sebring on Feb 18, 2026

A good illustration will reach out and grab your listeners and pull them into your content. It will make them care. But How?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Prayer I Have Prayed Most

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 23, 2022

I suppose, in my little prayer nook in my study, where I have a little prayer bench that I built in 1975, as I’ve bent over that bench thousands of times, the most common prayer has been, “Lead me not into temptation. Deliver me from evil (see Matthew 6:13). Keep me. Keep me. I feel so utterly unable to do the next thing. My kids are at the breakfast table. I have nothing. I’m supposed to model joyful fatherhood, and I’m so depressed I can hardly remember their names. Help me.”

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8, Psalm 16:1-5, Romans 11:36, Romans 8:16, Jude 1:20, Matthew 6:13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Faith, Perseverance, Prayer, Depression, God's Strength, continue in faith, Power of the Spirit, By faith  (view more)  (view less)

What Makes A Sermon Good?

By Duane K Kelderman on Aug 1, 2024

Great sermons are clear, biblical, and transformative. They communicate well, faithfully proclaim Scripture, and lead listeners toward deeper obedience and faith.

Scripture: Ruth 3:1-10, 1 Chronicles 1:1

Tags: Worship

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

By Doug Paul on Jul 14, 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)

Who Are You Preaching To?

By Peter Mead on Sep 30, 2020

Effective preaching requires knowing your listeners, applying Scripture wisely, and resisting the temptation to use the pulpit for personal “target practice.”

Scripture: Acts 20:20, Hebrews 4:12, James 3:1-2, Matthew 18:15, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Start Strong: The Discipline Of The Sermon Introduction

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on May 9, 2025

The sermon introduction sets direction, tone, and trust. A strong beginning clarifies the text, states the point, and prepares the congregation to listen carefully.

Scripture: John 2:1-11, Matthew 5:1-12, Matthew 5:44-45

Tags: Introduction, Faithful, preaching, love, Love, Emotions, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Pastors Should Preach More From The Psalms

By Peter Mead on Jun 1, 2025

The book of Psalms offers rich opportunities for preaching that introduce overlooked passages, connect with diverse listeners, and encourage honest, heartfelt faith.

Scripture: Psalm 34:1-8, Psalm 73:25-28, Psalm 118:22-24, Luke 24:44, Colossians 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, teach, preaching, Psalms, Worship, Gift  (view more)  (view less)

The Most Common Preaching Mistake: No Hook

By Bruce D. Johnson on Aug 25, 2023

Many sermons lose listeners in the first few minutes. Effective preaching begins by connecting the message to the real struggles and questions of the congregation.

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:8, Matthew 13:34, Colossians 4:6, 1 Corinthians 9:22

Tags: Preaching, mistakes, Homiletics, interest, hook, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Have You Been Googled While You Preach?

By Bob Hostetler on May 3, 2023

In the age of smartphones and instant searches, listeners can verify claims instantly. Preachers must therefore ensure their words are accurate and trustworthy.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Proverbs 12:22, Colossians 4:6, James 3:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Research, check, Google, facts, preaching, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How Faithful Preaching Keeps Bibles Open

By Peter Mead on May 26, 2025

Effective biblical preaching keeps listeners engaged with the text, helping them follow Scripture during the sermon and return to it throughout the week.

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-22, Nehemiah 8:8, Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Bible, Faith, Preaching, average, interest, preaching, bible  (view more)  (view less)