In Preaching Articles: "Understanding"

Understanding Your Capacity

By Steve Smith on Mar 17, 2022

If we do not understand our own limits in this life, we will never be content, satisfied or happy!

Tags: recovery, Rest, soul care, avoiding burnout, Capacity, capacity  (view more)  (view less)

Understanding Halloween: A Biblical Perspective For Believers

By Josh Read on Oct 28, 2025

As the autumn leaves start to crunch underfoot and the air is turning crisp, Halloween pops up on our calendars once again. For so many, it's all about the costumes, candy, and a bit of harmless fun. But for us as believers, it often sparks some thoughtful questions: Is this just a lighthearted holiday, or is there more we should consider in light of our faith? Let's dive into Scripture together and explore a gentle, biblical lens on Halloween that helps us navigate it with grace and joy.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 2:4, Matthew 22:39, Ephesians 6:12, Deuteronomy 18:10-12  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Halloween, advice, Pastoring, church leadership, Church Leadership, pastoring, halloween  (view more)  (view less)

4 Tips For Understanding Any Passage Of The Bible

By Brandon Smith on Dec 1, 2022

Whatever you do, just read the Bible.

Tags: Study, Prayer, BIBLE STUDY, godly character, Bible Study, Reading God's Word, Christian community, personal holiness, Personal Devotions, bible study  (view more)  (view less)

Joe Mckeever Asks: What's The Point Of A Worship Service?

By Joe Mckeever on Jul 12, 2025

The carnal mind will never understand the things of God. But do we?

Tags: Service, Worship, understanding, joe mckeever, point  (view more)  (view less)

Ed Stetzer: Preach The Gospel, And Since It’s Necessary, Use Words

By Ed Stetzer on Oct 18, 2021

"Preach the gospel. Use words if necessary." There are two basic problems with this quote: One, Francis never said it, and two, the quote is not biblical.

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Tags: Preaching, earnest, understandable, st francis of assisi, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

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)

7 Things Forgiveness Is Not

By Ron Edmondson on Jun 10, 2022

Understanding forgiveness doesn’t make it easier to forgive, but it does make it more meaningful. I believe understanding the process could make us more likely to offer the forgiveness we are commanded to give.

Tags: Grace, Forgiveness, relationships, Loving Others, Being merciful , grace  (view more)  (view less)

How To Apply The Bible

By Josh Reich on Sep 21, 2022

"When we read the Bible, we want to understand it and apply it. We want to know what the Bible says and how it affects our lives. We want something to happen, we want to get something out of it. But we’re often left frustrated and wondering what we missed."

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12

Tags: understanding, BIBLE STUDY, Personal Growth, Bible Study, soul care, Growing in Christ, Study the Bible, applying scripture, bible study  (view more)  (view less)

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

By Jared Moore on Nov 19, 2020

Healthy congregations understand that preaching is not a performance to consume but a sacred moment to steward with prayerful participation and practical support.

Scripture: James 1:21-22, Acts 6:4, Hebrews 13:17, Galatians 6:9, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

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

Aim For The Ear

By Hershael York on May 24, 2025

Preaching is fundamentally an oral event, not a written one. Effective preachers understand that delivery, connection, and presence are essential to communicating the Word.

Scripture: Acts 2:37, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Corinthians 2:4, Nehemiah 8:8

Tags: Heart, Preaching, mistakes, Head, connection, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Preachers Need Humility When Saying "The Bible Says”

By Bruce D. Johnson on Feb 29, 2024

Biblical interpretation requires careful study and humility. Responsible interpreters recognize their limitations while striving to understand Scripture faithfully.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Peter 3:15-16, 1 Corinthians 13:12, James 3:1, Acts 17:11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Humble, Preaching, hermeneutics, Interpret, Biblical Authority, preaching, Hermeneutics  (view more)  (view less)

So You Waited Until The Last Minute To Start Sermon Prep

By Peter Mead on Mar 6, 2023

When I genuinely have had to prepare at the last minute, then I ask God for help and know that He understands.

Tags: Preaching, preparation, Excuses, sermon prep, last minute, Sermon Prep, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

No Pressure: Great Preaching Must Connect Worlds Separated By Time And Space

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Sep 18, 2021

Helping people understand the Scripture in its native Bible world is not enough. We must help people to experience it.

Scripture: Genesis 15:8-21

Tags: Bible, Preaching, guest preaching, lecture, bible story  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching Is More Than Telling The Truth

By Peter Mead on Mar 19, 2024

Effective preaching is not about clever outlines but about proclaiming Christ, explaining Scripture faithfully, and leading hearers toward understanding and transformation.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 17:11, 1 Corinthians 1:23, Nehemiah 8:8, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Truth, Preaching, memory, Outline, Homiletics, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

What I've Learned Preaching With Parkinson’s Disease

By Tom Teichmann on May 14, 2020

Living with Parkinson’s reshaped one preacher’s delivery, dependence, and understanding of the gospel’s power beyond personal performance.

Scripture: Romans 10:14-17, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Isaiah 55:11, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Galatians 4:13-14  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, disease, disability, Improve, Pastoral Ministry, preaching  (view more)  (view less)