In Preaching Articles: "Spiritual Preparation"

Christmas Is Too Big For One Day: Why We Celebrate Advent

By Dr. Andreas Kostenberger on Dec 5, 2024

Jesus’s birth did not come in a vacuum. His coming was the culmination of centuries, even millennia, of mounting expectation of the coming Messiah and Savior of humankind.

Scripture: Genesis 3:15, 1 Samuel 13:14, Luke 2:10-11

Tags: Advent, Christmas Advent, Waiting on God, Spiritual Preparation

Spiritual Loitering

By Lance Witt on Mar 28, 2023

Even though Easter was just a few days ago, it is likely that you have quickly moved on to the next “thing”. But I want to challenge you to not move on too quickly. I’m sure there are some stories and God moments from this past weekend that are worth lingering over. As pastors we need to do a better job with the discipline of “spiritual loitering”.

Scripture: Psalm 111:4, Psalm 143:5

Tags: Remember, inner peace, good work

The Spiritual Discipline Of Anticipation

By Lance Witt on May 24, 2022

Let me ask you, what are you trusting God for? Where are you practicing the spiritual discipline of anticipation?

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20

Tags: Preaching, anticipation, active faith, Possible with God, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Spiritual Oil Crisis

By Lance Witt on Oct 21, 2022

What are you trusting God for? What are attempting for God’s glory that requires faith? Sadly, the more years people serve in ministry, the less risk-taking faith they demonstrate. We can begin to rely on our experience, our skills, and our planning to win the day. Yet, without faith it is impossible to please God.

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20, 2 Kings 4:1-7, Hebrews 11:6

Tags: Faith, Ministry, Trust, Elisha, relying on god, Risk taking, church leadership, Daring Faith, ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching When Times Are Tight

By David R. Stokes on Mar 29, 2020

When finances shake confidence and fear grows, preaching must lift weary hearts toward Heaven, reminding them of the unshakable kingdom God has prepared.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1

Tags: Spiritual Renewal

Spiritual Disciplines And The Sinkhole Syndrome

By Donald Whitney on Jan 21, 2022

As the pressures of life increase and more deadlines loom, it becomes harder to maintain time for the devotional life. And herein is where the erosion begins.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:12, John 17:17, Luke 4:16, Matthew 14:23

Tags: Follow Jesus, Spiritual Maturity, Spiritual Discipline, Spiritual Failures, sermon spiritual  (view more)  (view less)

Screenwriting As Sermon Preparation

By Jeff Chaves on Apr 24, 2024

Expand your sermon prep and presentation skills through the art of screenwriting.

Tags: Teaching, pastor, Presentation, sermon prep, Pastor, Sermon Prep, teaching, presentation, Sermon prep, screenwriting  (view more)  (view less)

What Really Makes A Spiritual Leader?

By Bob Hamp on Apr 4, 2023

Spiritual leadership is not defined by position or productivity, but by transformation, presence, and the ability to lead others into real encounters with God.

Scripture: Mark 10:42-45, John 15:4-5, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Thessalonians 2:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Power, leadership, Counselor, Leadership, Christian Formation  (view more)  (view less)

Your Pulpit Is A Place Of Spiritual Warfare

By Peter Mead on Jun 29, 2021

There's no need to be paranoid, but there's no reason to be ignorant, either.

Tags: Spiritual Warfare, Preaching, pulpit, ignorant, paranoid, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Your Best Response To A Spiritual Attack

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 14, 2022

If you’re in the Kingdom, you’re in a battle.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12

Tags: Spiritual Warfare, Prayer, pressure, prayer warrior

3 Spiritual Lessons From Jonathan Edwards

By Kyle Strobel on Jun 6, 2025

If they were important to Jonathan Edwards, they should be important to you!

Tags: Preaching, practice, carnal vs spiritual, jonathan edwards, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

4 Spiritual Disciplines Pastors Often Neglect

By Charles Stone on Nov 15, 2023

What spiritual disciplines might you be neglecting?

Tags: leadership, Submission, confession, Solitude, Christian Disciplines, pastoral leadership, Spiritual Discipline, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Top 13 Preaching Mistakes

By Bob Hostetler on Jan 12, 2025

A practical guide outlining 13 common preaching mistakes, with tips to avoid them and deliver sermons that are clear, Christ-centered, and spiritually nourishing.

Tags: Preaching, Homiletics, preaching tips, Pastoral Ministry, Expository Preaching, Sermon Preparation, preaching, expository preaching, sermon preparation, Preaching Tips  (view more)  (view less)

When Is A Sermon Good Enough?

By Stephen Gregory on Jul 15, 2024

A pastor wrestles with preparation, expectations, and perfectionism, discovering how God uses imperfect sermons when the preacher is faithful, honest, and attentive to the flock.

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3

Tags: Church, Preaching, pastor, spiritual growth, Communication General, Pastoral Ministry, Ministry Leadership, Pastor, Sermon Preparation, preaching, church, sermon preparation, Preaching Challenges, Spiritual Growth  (view more)  (view less)

Preparation And Trust: A Preacher's Tug Of War

By Todd Hahn on Oct 23, 2024

There's a natural tension between preparation and trust, but one line we should never cross is trusting in our own preparation.

Scripture: John 19:28

Tags: Trust, Preaching, preparation, Tension, Tug Of War, preaching  (view more)  (view less)