In Preaching Articles: "Spirit"

The Criticism I Hated—but Made Me A Better Preacher

By Joe Hoagland on Dec 27, 2019

None of us appreciate unsolicited, mean-spirited criticism, but we do need to hear people out.

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Preaching: More Than Exhortation

By Bob Hostetler on Jul 22, 2021

Even though exhortation is a gift of the Holy Spirit, our preaching needs at least four other vital ingredients.

Tags: Preaching, identification, inspiration, application, exhortation  (view more)  (view less)

The Prayer I Have Prayed Most

By SermonCentral .com on Aug 24, 2022

I suppose, in my little prayer nook in my study, where I have a little prayer bench that I built in 1975, as I’ve bent over that bench thousands of times, the most common prayer has been, “Lead me not into temptation. Deliver me from evil (see Matthew 6:13). Keep me. Keep me. I feel so utterly unable to do the next thing. My kids are at the breakfast table. I have nothing. I’m supposed to model joyful fatherhood, and I’m so depressed I can hardly remember their names. Help me.”

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8, Psalm 16:1-5, Romans 11:36, Romans 8:16, Jude 1:20, Matthew 6:13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Faith, Perseverance, Prayer, Depression, God's Strength, continue in faith, Power of the Spirit, By faith  (view more)  (view less)

There Is Something Else About Preaching...

By Guy Davies on Aug 29, 2024

"Great biblical preaching and preparation are indispensable to the church."

Tags: preparation, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep, Holy Spirit, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Does The Pulpit Need Orators Or Prophets?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Feb 18, 2023

We've all seen preachers who think that they can get away with oratorical talent rather than Spirit-led inspiration.

Tags: Prophet, Preaching, Talent, john the baptist, orator, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Preparing Sermons Takes Me So Long

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 31, 2020

A candid walk through sermon preparation, showing how prayer, Bible study, reflection, and disciplined refinement shape faithful and Spirit-led preaching.

Scripture: Exodus 14:8-14

Tags: Teaching, Study, Preaching, BIBLE STUDY, preparation, Homiletics, sermon preparation, Bible Study, Pastoral Ministry, Sermon Preparation, bible study, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Word Nobody Likes… Part 1

By Lance Witt on Jun 17, 2024

A couple of years ago I had the chance to sit down with a former staff member that had served on my team more than a decade ago. We really hadn’t kept in touch very much. At one point during our lunch the conversation turned more serious. And in a moment of candor he said to me “You know, you weren’t very easy to work for.” The truth is, he was right.

Scripture: Proverbs 27:5-6, Galatians 2:11-13

Tags: unteachable spirit, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership, Humility, leadership, Accountability, Rebuke, Teachable, pastoral leadership  (view more)  (view less)

The Secret Power Of Easter Still Available Today

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 7, 2020

Are we celebrating sacrifice apart from empowerment? Are we celebrating history without receiving the gift of the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead?

Tags: Easter, Preaching, Easter Good Friday, preaching

7 Marks Of Great Preaching

By David J. Lose on Feb 4, 2025

When a sermon includes the following seven central elements, and when the Holy Spirit is present, something happens—the Word comes alive and people come to faith.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2

Tags: Preaching, BIBLE STUDY, father's will, Bible Study, Prayer General, bible study, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

It’s Time To Get Mean About The Vision God Has Given You

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 1, 2021

Your church is in desperate need of a vision that is informed by God’s Word, inspired by God’s Spirit, and applied passionately and broken-heartedly to your local context.

Tags: Amen

Preaching To The Unchurched: 5 Essentials

By Rick Warren on May 4, 2024

In terms of seeing radical life changes in individuals, nothing can take the place of Spirit-anointed preaching. The message is still the most important element of a worship service for the unchurched.

Tags: evangelism, preaching, Evangelism, Outreach, Preaching, pastoral leadership  (view more)  (view less)

You Can Preach About Pentecost Then, But What About Pentecost Now?

By David J. Lose on May 23, 2023

Few holidays present themselves as ripe for nostalgia as Pentecost. Weren't these the glory days of the church--spirit-filled preaching, attentive listening, 3,000 converted in a single day?

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18, John 2:1-12

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Double-Edged Sword Of Ambition

By Lance Witt on Jul 10, 2024

Ambition is a blessing and a curse. When it is God-directed and Spirit-managed, it can bear tremendous fruit. But when it is hijacked by self and ego, it can leave a wake of destruction in its path.

Tags: entering God's rest, ministry vision, Faithfulness, motivation, Ambition, Rest in Christ, pastoral leadership, personal holiness  (view more)  (view less)

The Greatest Gift You Give Your Team- Part 1

By Lance Witt on Jul 11, 2024

This week work at paying attention to your soul. Listen to your emotions. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what is going on beneath the surface of all your “doing”.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:1, John 16:32, John 16:32

Tags: Approval, personal holiness, Growth in Christ, pastoral leadership, God's Approval, Guarding your heart, motives, soul care  (view more)  (view less)

Is Your Preaching Too Intense?

By Lane Sebring on Aug 16, 2019

I know what some of you are thinking… Wait! Heaviness is good. Intensity is good. People need their toes stepped on! That’s just the Holy Spirit working on them!

Tags: Preaching, preaching