In Preaching Articles: "Spiritual Knowledge"

Preaching Real Gospel Change In A World Obsessed With Self-Improvement

By Ed Stetzer on Jan 7, 2025

True transformation is not moral effort but new life in Christ. Preachers must translate “change” into gospel terms, clarifying how God recreates, reshapes, and renews His people.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7

Tags: Church, Growth, Discipleship, Preaching, Change, Transformation, counsel, Christian growth, new life in Christ, Spiritual Transformation, preaching, church, Christian Growth, New Life In Christ  (view more)  (view less)

How Does A Pastor Fight Through The Preaching Hangover

By Brian Croft on Sep 6, 2023

You may call it something different, but every pastor knows about it. It is the mental, emotional, and spiritual crash that takes place the next day (Monday) as a result of pouring your heart and soul out in the proclamation of God’s word to God’s people the day before.

Tags: Preaching, Silence, Rest, intimacy with Christ, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why I Said Yes To Pastoral Ministry

By Chuck Warnock on Dec 16, 2022

Pastoral calling can fade under pressure, success, or discouragement. This reflection uncovers why ministers lose sight of their call and how to remember it again.

Tags: Church, Call, pastor, Pastors, Small Church, Church General, Leadership General, Pastoral Ministry, Spiritual Renewal, Pastor, church, Ministry Burnout, Pastoral Calling, Clergy Encouragement  (view more)  (view less)

Does Your Soul Have A Backbone?

By Lance Witt on Apr 26, 2021

Over the last few years my single most consistent prayer has been for spiritual courage. Being a coward comes quite naturally to me. I don’t like to fight. I don’t like rejection. I am definitely not a fan of pain. All of these are essential qualities of a coward.

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4 Ways We Go Wrong In Thinking About The Holy Spirit

By Dr. Michael Horton on Jun 1, 2021

Who exactly is the mysterious third person of the Trinity? Why does he seem to possess less reality than the Father and the Son? Perhaps we think of the Holy Spirit as a divine force or energy that we can “plug into” for spiritual power. Or as the kinder and gentler—more intimate—side of God. But a person—in fact, a distinct person of the Godhead?

Scripture: Luke 24:25, John 5:39, John 15:26, John 16:15

Tags: Holy Spirit, trinity, Theology, Spirit of God, wrong understanding  (view more)  (view less)

The Dangers Of Self-Righteousness: Lessons From Luke 18:9-14

By Josh Read on Oct 30, 2025

In today’s world, especially in the age of social media, it’s easy to curate a version of ourselves that looks impressive—sharing successes, opinions, and spiritual highlights while hiding our struggles. But Jesus’ parable in Luke 18:9–14 cuts straight through that façade. It reminds us that self-righteousness doesn’t bring us closer to God, it drives us further from Him.

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14, Romans 3:23-24, James 4:10

Tags: Mercy, Parable, Prayer, confession, repentance, justification, sanctification, Repentance, Justification, Confession, Sanctification  (view more)  (view less)