In Preaching Articles: "Personal Devotions"

The Hole In Our Holiness

By Kevin Deyoung on Feb 13, 2025

Kevin DeYoung shares five reasons why young Christians often neglect personal holiness.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:15

Tags: Preaching, Holiness, preaching, holiness

Why Being Bi-Vocational Can Make You A Better Preacher

By Adam Russell on May 18, 2021

"Having a job is so normal, and rigid, and bourgeois. It’s unbecoming a person who is destined to greatness."

Tags: Job, Preaching, better, vocation, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

7 Things Forgiveness Is

By Ron Edmondson on Jun 11, 2022

As difficult as forgiveness may be to extend, it is often a most important ingredient in healthy relationships and in being a completely healthy person.

Scripture: Romans 12:19, Hebrews 12:1, Colossians 3:13, Romans 12:18

Tags: Grace, Forgiveness, relationships, Loving Others, grace  (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)

The Power Of Testimony

By Peter Mead on Nov 19, 2022

"Hearing how God has worked in a life can be very powerful. Having someone “give their testimony” can also backfire. Here are a few of the problems that can create the tension."

Tags: leadership, Church leaders, Our Testimony, Sharing My Testimony, Personal Testimony, christian testimony, church leadership, Power Of Testimony, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Why Growth Is Harder In A Small Church – And Change Is Essential

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 30, 2021

Big churches find it much easier to incorporate new people because the bigger the crowd, the smaller the impact each person has.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:19-20

Tags: Change, Visitors, Small Church, Christ in us

7 Ways To Help New Staff Members Succeed

By Ron Edmondson on Apr 23, 2022

Getting a new person started in a good way is probably equal to finding the right people – especially if we hope to keep them.

Tags: leadership, staff, church staffing, good start, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

10 Last Minute Preaching Tips

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 27, 2020

Pastoral wisdom reminds us that preaching is personal, formational, and inseparably tied to humility, truth, and the living Christ. These quotes challenge and sharpen us.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2

Tags: Preaching, spiritual formation, preaching, Spiritual Formation

Preacher’s Tip: If You Can Keep From Preaching, Do It

By H.b. Charles, Jr. on Nov 6, 2020

Pastor H.B. Charles, Jr. shares a personal story about a powerful preaching insight he received from his father.

Tags: Preaching, advice, insight, Improve

10 Preaching Questions With Matt Chandler

By Colin Adams on Jan 30, 2025

Matt Chandler reflects on preaching, preparation, personal pitfalls, and developing future preachers. His insights offer clear, practical guidance for faithful ministry.

Scripture: Mark 1:39

Tags: preparation, Adam, Guilt Offering, Leadership General, Leadership Development  (view more)  (view less)

The Value And Necessity Of Authentic Preaching

By Craig Groeschel on Feb 14, 2025

Authentic preaching demands more than skill; it requires transparency. When Scripture shapes the preacher personally, the message gains depth, credibility, and power.

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-24

Tags: identity, authentic, Leadership General, Communicator, Authentic  (view more)  (view less)

John Piper: Bible-Oriented Preaching Or Entertainment?

By John Piper on Aug 24, 2024

True preaching is bound to Scripture, not personality. A Bible-tethered preacher speaks with God’s authority, while entertainment preaching drifts from the Word.

Scripture: John 17:20, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 66:2

Tags: Scripture, Entertainment, john calvin, John Calvin

The Main Reason Our Sermons Don't Get Through To People

By Nathan Aaseng on Dec 3, 2025

Ask the average person in the street what Christianity is about and the answer will be nowhere near what most of us proclaim in our pulpits every week.

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Tags: Preaching, preaching

It's All About The Groom

By Lance Witt on Apr 12, 2024

In a healthy church Jesus is the most famous person. He gets the most airtime, he is the most talked about, and he is clearly center stage.

Scripture: Revelation 19:7, John 3:29, Song of Songs 8:1-4

Tags: Church Health, Pastoral Character, fixing eyes on Jesus, Christ Centered

Why I Pace Before I Preach

By Walter Wangerin Jr. on May 1, 2020

Preaching demands the whole person, and fear often accompanies love for God and His people. Pacing, trembling, and praying become part of delivering a faithful message.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:3, Jeremiah 20:9, Exodus 4:10-12, 2 Corinthians 4:7, James 3:1  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Emotions, Preaching, pulpit, preparation, preaching, Pastoral Life, Pulpit  (view more)  (view less)