In Preaching Articles: "Sermon Illustrations"

Why You Should Write Your Sermons At Least Two Weeks Ahead

By Bob Hostetler on Sep 5, 2025

Greater clarity, creativity and cooperation are just a couple of weeks away. Here's how.

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

Tags: Preaching, advance, preaching

You Won't Believe What Many Pastors Leave Out Of Their Sermons

By Peter Mead on Jun 9, 2025

"Explain and apply" just isn't enough for modern preaching. Too often there's one crucial element missing.

Tags: Preaching, Omission, preaching

You Won't Believe What Many Pastors Leave Out Of Their Sermons

By Peter Mead on Jul 8, 2025

"Explain and apply" just isn't enough for modern preaching. Too often there's one crucial element missing.

Tags:

Ok, Your Sermon Is Complete, But Here's One Way To Improve Tomorrow's Delivery

By Nicholas Mcdonald on Sep 13, 2021

The content is solid and the application is spot on, but there's one more way to improve.

Scripture: John 17:1-11

Tags: Confidence, slow down, Slow down, Preaching

Don't Play Games With Scripture: 10 Checkpoints For Your Next Sermon

By Joe Mckeever on Sep 17, 2025

"Here are a few 'preacher games' I've noticed over the years, all of them being dishonorable and unworthy."

Tags: preacher games, preaching, Preaching, unworthy, checkpoints  (view more)  (view less)

7 Bad Reasons Pastors Don't Share The Gospel In Every Sermon

By Greg Stier on Aug 14, 2023

In my interactions with pastors I’ve heard seven primary reasons for why some chose not to give the Gospel in every sermon.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 4:1-5

Tags: Evangelism, Gospel, Excuses, preaching Christ, evangelism, gospel  (view more)  (view less)

The Essential Me-First Of Biblical Preaching

By Ken Burge on May 9, 2025

Are you afraid to use yourself as the example for your sermon?

Tags: Preaching, Self, example, application, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Doctrine Is Not Enough: Does Your Preaching Connect With People?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Feb 21, 2023

Doctrinal sermons are fine, but do they connect to human experience?

Tags: connection, homiletical, preaching, people, Preaching, Doctrine  (view more)  (view less)

11 Common Preaching Mistakes That Distract From God

By Jared Moore on Jan 5, 2026

Avoid 11 common preaching mistakes that shift focus from God to yourself. Learn how to preach Christ-centered sermons that point hearers to God’s truth.

Tags: preaching tips, Expository Preaching, expository preaching, Preaching Tips, Preaching Mistakes, Biblical Communication, Christ Centered Sermons  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching On The Run: 7 Tips For Bi-Vocational Pastors

By Todd Hiestand on May 18, 2020

"My sermon prep is no longer about how many hours I 'spend studying.' With this approach, I genuinely believe that every hour of the week is sermon prep."

Tags: Preaching, preaching

1,700 Years Old And Still Fresh: St. Gregory Of Nazianzus' Christmas Sermon

By SermonCentral on Dec 24, 2019

The Eternal Word is ever new. Come celebrate with saints centuries old.

Scripture: Isaiah 17:1-14

Tags: Christmas, Preaching, eternal world

10 Things You Can Do To Make Your Pastor’s Sermons Better

By Jared Moore on Nov 19, 2020

Most people would be surprised there's anything they could do to help. Why don't you tell them?

Scripture: James 1:21-22

Tags: Preaching, pastor, teach, Learning, Improve, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

I Love Tv Shows, But I Don't Build My Sermons On Them

By Jonathan Malm on Feb 17, 2024

By all means we should connect with our listeners, but how we make that connection is a crucial choice.

Scripture: John 8:14-27

Tags: Preaching, permission, Reference, tv show, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

How To Finally Break Through And Work Ahead On Sermon Prep: The Ultimate How-To

By Jeramie Rinne on Nov 26, 2024

Some gifted preachers can regularly craft solid sermons on an abbreviated schedule. But most of us mortals need ample time.

Tags: Preaching, Research, writer, rehearse, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

4 Questions I Ask Myself Every Week As I Prepare My Sermon

By Dave Workman on Nov 8, 2025

Dave Workman has delivered thousands of sermons. His guidestars are five focus factors, and four key questions.

Tags: Preaching, preaching