In Preaching Articles: "New Life In Christ"

Don't Sell The Gospel!

By SermonCentral .com on Dec 18, 2020

The gospel is corrupted when it promises earthly prosperity or bases justification on human obedience. Faithful preaching keeps Christ alone as our treasure and our righteousness.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:17, Luke 17:31-33, Luke 18:18-23, Luke 18:9-14, Romans 3:21-26  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Paul, Gospel, Preaching, Pharisees, peddle, gospel, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Preacher's Task: Saving Souls Or Making Disciples?

By Nathan Aaseng on Jul 20, 2021

Pastors are often praised for “saving souls,” but Scripture teaches that salvation belongs to Christ alone. The preacher’s role is to proclaim the gospel and help make disciples.

Scripture: John 6:26-51, Acts 14:14-15, Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 4:18, Romans 1:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Evangelism, Soul, Preaching, Disciples, saved, evangelism, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Preaching Must Be God-Centered

By Bernie Van Eyk on May 26, 2021

Many sermons focus on human needs rather than God’s glory. Scripture calls preachers to proclaim the greatness of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Scripture: Genesis 1:1, John 1:18, 1 Corinthians 2:2, Acts 20:27, Psalm 73:25-26  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: God, Preaching, focus, Center, biblical theology, preaching, Biblical Theology  (view more)  (view less)

11 Mistakes That Take Your Preaching Focus Off Jesus

By Jared Moore on May 8, 2023

God-centered preaching helps hearers focus on the glory of God. These common preaching mistakes distract from Scripture and keep listeners from seeing Christ.

Scripture: Luke 24:27, John 5:39, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 4:2, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Jesus, Preaching, mistakes, focus, preaching, God centered, God Centered  (view more)  (view less)

Not Every Exhortation Is Necessary

By Peter Mead on May 9, 2024

It is important to discern when an exhortation needs to be given, and when the listener is already aware of their need for growth and working hard by faith to become more like Christ.

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, exhortation, Preaching Help, effective preaching, Effective Teaching, Know your audience, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Apply The Bible

By Josh Reich on Sep 21, 2022

"When we read the Bible, we want to understand it and apply it. We want to know what the Bible says and how it affects our lives. We want something to happen, we want to get something out of it. But we’re often left frustrated and wondering what we missed."

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12

Tags: understanding, BIBLE STUDY, Personal Growth, Bible Study, soul care, Growing in Christ, Study the Bible, applying scripture, bible study  (view more)  (view less)

Doing Ministry Without Losing Your Soul Part 1

By Lance Witt on May 13, 2024

"There is nothing worse than trying to inspire people to be passionate about God when you have little or no passion yourself. There is nothing more empty feeling than trying to connect people to God when you feel disconnected from God."

Tags: pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, soul care, avoiding burnout, church ministry, Growing in Faith, Christ's Love for Us, Healthy Ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Doing Ministry Without Losing Your Soul Part 3

By Lance Witt on May 22, 2024

When pastoring is your job, it adds complexity to simply loving Jesus. To live and lead from a healthy soul, we must learn the art of separating our own personal pursuit of loving Jesus from our “ministry” of leading in the church.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Tags: time with God, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, soul care, avoiding burnout, Putting Christ First, Sincerity with God, church leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Why Illustrations Matter In Preaching: Learning From Jesus’ Use Of Parables

By Leslie Holmes on Jan 15, 2024

Parables and illustrations bring preaching to life. These seven tests help pastors use stories wisely to clarify truth, reduce resistance, and make sermons memorable.

Scripture: Matthew 13:34, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 4:2, Psalm 78:2, Luke 8:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Expository Preaching, expository preaching

Why Powerful Preaching Requires Getting Personal

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 24, 2023

Solid sermon structure matters, but preaching becomes powerful when pastors risk personal vulnerability and let real life carry biblical truth home.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Psalm 40:1-3, James 5:10-11, Romans 8:18-25, 2 Corinthians 12:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Story, storm, Pastoral Ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Dallas Willard: Preaching From A Satisfied Soul

By Dallas Willard on Apr 18, 2020

True preaching flows from deep satisfaction in Christ. When pastors rest in God, their message carries peace, power, and authenticity that programs can’t produce.

Scripture: Psalm 16:11, John 7:37-38, Philippians 4:11-13, Psalm 62:1-2, Jeremiah 2:13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Peace, Preaching, Satisfaction, soul care, preaching, Soul Care  (view more)  (view less)

When The Applause Becomes A Drug

By Brady Boyd on Apr 20, 2020

Pastors face pressures that tempt them toward unhealthy escapes. One subtle danger is the craving for applause. True strength comes only from Christ, not the crowd.

Scripture: Galatians 1:10, John 3:30, 1 Peter 5:2-4, Psalm 73:26, 2 Corinthians 12:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Addiction, leadership, Preaching, Cross, Crowd, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Powerful Preaching Means Transformation, Not Information

By James Scott on Jul 13, 2020

Being informed by Scripture can still leave lives unchanged. Biblical Christianity calls for Christ to be formed within us, producing real transformation, not mere knowledge.

Scripture: Galatians 4:19, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Colossians 1:27, James 1:22-25  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Transformation, preaching, Pastoral Theology

The Best Way To Promote Church Growth? Support Small Churches

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 27, 2021

I want as many people as possible, all over the world, to know Jesus. The good news of the gospel can’t be confined within the walls of my church, the distinctives of my denomination, the borders of my country, or the customs of my culture.

Tags: Support, Preaching, Church Growth, Small Church

The Power Of Biblical Thanksgiving In A Thankless Age

By J. John on Nov 19, 2025

True thanksgiving reshapes the Christian life. It redirects our hearts toward God’s grace, transforms our attitudes, and strengthens hope through daily gratitude.

Scripture: Psalm 136:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:15, Matthew 26:26-27  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Prayer, Thanks, Thanksgiving Holiday, Spiritual Disciplines