In Preaching Articles: "Resistance"

Advent: How To Resist The Culture And Clutter Of Christmas

By Steve Smith on Dec 12, 2023

When I practice Advent, I get the opportunity to yet again, start my life over. I am invited to step out and away from my old ways and to begin new ways of living better–living in a different rhythm; living in a deeper–more sacred way.

Tags: Advent, Silence, Christmas Advent, spiritual clutter

Avoid The Wreck: 7 Ways To Crash A Sermon

By Carey Nieuwhof on Sep 24, 2025

What's the difference between a sermon that changes someone's life and one that no one can remember even as they drive out of the parking lot?

Tags: Preaching, Resistance, Ruin, call to action, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

10 Multisite Myths (And Realities)

By Jim Egli on Nov 2, 2020

Some preachers resist the idea of multiple sites. But what if technology increases your effectiveness?

Tags: Church, Growth, Missions, Multisite, Growth in Christ  (view more)  (view less)

Preach The Present Pentecost, Not The Past

By David J. Lose on Feb 20, 2023

There's nothing more resistant to purposeful, hopeful action in the present than nostalgia, the longing for a bygone era.

Scripture: Acts 5:1-30

Tags: Pentecost, Present, Preaching, past, festival, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

7 Ways To Help Prevent Leadership Loneliness

By Paul Loyless on Apr 22, 2020

Pastoral isolation is real, but preventable. These practical rhythms help pastors resist burnout, build community, and serve without losing heart.

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-33, 1 Corinthians 12:14-20, Exodus 20:8-10, Mark 6:31, Galatians 6:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Spiritual Renewal

Moms, Your Secret Sacrifices Matter

By Shanna Mallon on May 6, 2021

Mothers, resist the temptation to believe that if you're sacrificing and serving and no one notices, what you're doing must not matter at all. It matters.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Tags: mother's day, Motherhood, eternal rewards, Serving in Secret

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

Preaching God's Dangerous Truth

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jun 17, 2020

Preaching must resist political birthright-stealers and proclaim the dangerous truth that God has come. Advent calls us to vision, courage, and bold proclamation.

Scripture: Luke 2:10, Matthew 13:17, Matthew 10:7, Revelation 10:10-11, Micah 4:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, preaching, pastoral courage, Pastoral Courage

Four Subtle Ways Satan Sneaks Into Your Pulpit

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jan 27, 2025

Satan rarely storms the pulpit—he slides in subtly. These four tactics expose how he targets pastors and how to resist him with clarity, humility, and vigilance.

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:21, 2 Timothy 4:2

Tags: Ministry, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, Humility, Preaching, Faithfulness, Duty, pastoral leadership, ministry, preaching, Pastoral Leadership, Pulpit Integrity  (view more)  (view less)

Five Ways Satan Slips Into A Pastor’s Pulpit

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Mar 26, 2025

Pastors rarely fall through dramatic attacks but through subtle lies. These five common tactics reveal how the enemy quietly infiltrates a ministry and how to resist him.

Scripture: 1 John 4:4, 1 Corinthians 12:21, 2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 6:19-20, Revelation 22:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: church leadership, Church Leadership