In Preaching Articles: "Sherman Cox"

How Long Should A Sermon Be?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jul 10, 2020

There is no universal sermon length. What matters most is clarity, focus, and the preacher’s ability to hold attention around one central point.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, Nehemiah 8:8, 1 Corinthians 14:8, Colossians 4:6

Tags: Communication, Preaching, preparation, Homiletics, Time, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Overcoming Blind Spots In The Pulpit

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jul 21, 2020

Every preacher gravitates toward familiar themes. Identifying and addressing pulpit blind spots helps congregations grow into spiritual maturity and biblical balance.

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23, Ephesians 4:13-15, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:28  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Church Growth, Pastoral Ministry

You Can Tell The Story, But Preach The Points

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Aug 2, 2020

Stories captivate listeners, but faithful preaching must also guide understanding. These approaches help preachers honor the biblical story while making clear points.

Scripture: Mark 4:33-34, Luke 8:22-25, Daniel 3:16-28, Nehemiah 8:8, Matthew 13:34-35  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, preaching, teaching

Do You Know Your Pulpit Blind Spots?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Feb 12, 2023

Every preacher gravitates toward familiar themes. Addressing pulpit blind spots requires intentional planning, biblical breadth, and pastoral self-awareness.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:13, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:28

Tags: Preaching, spiritual growth, preaching, Spiritual Growth

How Preachers Silence Themselves

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Aug 7, 2020

H. Beecher Hicks warns that preachers are often silenced not by persecution alone, but by fear, compromise, money, and moral failure.

Scripture: Jeremiah 20:9, Acts 4:19-20, Galatians 1:10, 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Ezekiel 33:7-9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Homiletics

Is There Good News In Your Sermon?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Aug 11, 2020

When preachers struggle to find a sermon celebration, the issue is often focus. Centering on God’s gospel activity reveals good news worth celebrating.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10, Mark 6:1-13, Romans 8:1-11, Ephesians 2:4-10, 2 Corinthians 3:5  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Good News, Homiletics, preaching

Preaching Without Notes: Four Must-Have Skills

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Jul 12, 2021

Preaching without notes requires discipline, clarity, and structure. Without a clear gospel claim, sermons drift and leave listeners with nothing to remember.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:8-9, Habakkuk 2:2, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 2:15

Tags: Communication, preparation, communication

Looking At The "Insignificant” Parts Of The Text

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Sep 24, 2020

Familiar passages can still preach with power when you slow down, notice “insignificant” details, and unearth what the text actually emphasizes without forcing novelty.

Scripture: John 3:1-21, John 1:4-5, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Tags: Preaching, storytelling, preaching, Storytelling

Waiting To Preach? How To Steward The Season Well

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Oct 4, 2020

Feeling overlooked in ministry can breed doubt and envy. Here are five biblical ways to steward a season of limited preaching opportunities faithfully.

Scripture: Esther 1:1-4, 2 Timothy 4:2, Romans 11:29, James 3:16, Revelation 12:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, spiritual growth, preaching, Spiritual Growth

From Information To Transformation: Preaching That Changes Lives

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Oct 15, 2020

Great preaching goes beyond inspiration and information. Transformative sermons call both preacher and congregation into present-tense obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Scripture: John 10:10, 1 Corinthians 2:4, John 16:8, 1 Timothy 4:16, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: God, leadership, Preaching, Leadership, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Danger Of The Unrelated Point In Preaching

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 1, 2023

A sermon can contain many true statements yet still fail if those truths are disconnected from the text’s main point. Preachers must discipline themselves to maintain clarity and focus.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:15, Nehemiah 8:8, 1 Corinthians 14:33, Proverbs 4:25  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Power, Preaching, Homiletics, points, aside, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Do Your Listeners Feel The Text?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Nov 26, 2020

Faithful preaching requires sound exegesis, but powerful sermons also help listeners experience the biblical story. Learn how engaging the senses can deepen your preaching.

Scripture: Luke 8:48, Luke 8:43, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, audience, Engage, feel, exegesis, preaching, Exegesis  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching Is God's Truth Shining Through Your Personality

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 14, 2021

Sermons are not delivered irrespective of the preacher. We are part of the message as well.

Tags: Preaching, Personality, preaching

Are You Running From Your Calling As A Preacher?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 30, 2023

Some pastors avoid difficult truths in preaching, choosing encouragement over correction. Faithful ministry requires proclaiming the whole counsel of God, even when it is uncomfortable.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 3:12, Isaiah 55:11, 1 Peter 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, teach, run, Biblical, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

When Preaching Opportunities Are Limited

By Sherman Haywood Cox on May 20, 2021

Many associate or assistant ministers feel called to preach but receive few opportunities in their local church. Faithful ministry often requires serving in supporting roles while finding other outlets to proclaim God’s Word.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:24, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Colossians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 15:58  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ministry, Support, Preaching, opportunity, lead, ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)