In Preaching Articles: "Understanding"

Why Illustrations Make Preaching Unforgettable

By Dr. Larry Moyer on May 21, 2020

Illustrations turn speakers into communicators. They clarify truth, reveal the preacher’s understanding, awaken attention, and help listeners see biblical realities clearly.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, John 6:44, Matthew 13:34, Proverbs 25:11, Psalm 78:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, illustration, sermon prep, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

Embrace The 5 Types Of Church Visitor

By Ron Edmondson on Aug 6, 2020

Not all church visitors come for the same reasons. Understanding why people visit can help churches respond wisely and increase the likelihood they return.

Scripture: Romans 15:7, Hebrews 13:2, 1 Corinthians 9:22, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:41-47  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: guest, Hospitality, Pastoral Ministry

How Pastors And Parents Can Help Children Benefit From The Sermon

By Erik Raymond on Oct 13, 2025

Erik Raymond suggests some things he has done as both dad and pastor to help kids hear and understand the message in “big church.”

Tags: Forgiveness, Preaching, preaching

Theology Can Blind You To God

By Marshall Segal on Mar 31, 2022

How do we know when our systems for understanding God have become sick with sin and paradoxically subtle justifications for opposing him?

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-13, John 3:30, Mark 3:22, Mark 2:16, Mark 1:22, Mark 7:3-6, Mark 10:33-34, Mark 11:18, Mark 12:24, Mark 12:34, Mark 14:1, Mark 11:28-33, Mark 15:1-11, Mark 12:38-40, Acts 3:13-15, 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Corinthians 8:1-3, Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Leviticus 19:18, John 14:6, Mark 8:31  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Greed, Pride, hypocrisy, Pharisees

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

The Post-Sermon Bible Test

By Peter Mead on Jan 10, 2024

Good preaching doesn’t end when the sermon ends. It equips listeners to return to the text, understand it, desire it, and handle it for themselves in the days ahead.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16

Tags: Discipleship, Preaching, preaching

10 Ways To Authenticate Your Preaching

By Jared Moore on Aug 10, 2020

Your hearers often hear you before they hear the Scriptures. If your people know you, they’ll have a better basis for understanding your sermons.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Tags: Service, Humility, Preaching, Biblical, Context, authentic, preaching, context, Authentic  (view more)  (view less)

Which Bible Translation Is Best? How To Choose The Right One

By Clay Smith on Jul 16, 2021

Christians often debate Bible translations, but the real goal is understanding and living God’s Word. Learn how different translations work and how to choose wisely.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16, Acts 2:6, Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 119:105, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Bible, Holy Spirit, Guide, translation, Bible Influence, bible  (view more)  (view less)

7 Word Study Mistakes That Distort Scripture

By Nicholas Mcdonald on May 19, 2021

Biblical word studies can clarify Scripture, but many common methods actually distort meaning. Understanding these mistakes helps readers interpret the Bible more faithfully.

Scripture: John 3:16, Acts 19:32, John 21:15-17, James 2:21-24, 2 Timothy 2:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Study, Preaching, the word, Dictionary, fallacy, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

One Hard Truth Of Leadership

By Ron Edmondson on Sep 2, 2022

There is one truth about leadership every leader must understand, but is difficult to receive by some leaders. The probability is good you won’t like this truth either.

Tags: leadership, church conflict, fear of man, People pleasing, pastoral leadership, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, good leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

When Church Members Leave: How Pastors Carry The Quiet Wound

By Greg Surratt on Apr 28, 2020

Pastors feel deep pain when people leave their church. Understanding why it happens and how to respond wisely can turn hurt into growth, humility, and renewed strength.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25-35, John 6:66-67, Proverbs 19:11, Romans 12:18, 2 Timothy 4:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Church, Church Growth, Connect, Assimilation, Church Practices, connect, church  (view more)  (view less)

Why Sermon Transitions Matter More Than You Think

By Peter Mead on Dec 1, 2020

Strong sermons require more than good content. Clear transitions help listeners follow the message, maintain momentum, and understand how each point fits together.

Scripture: Proverbs 11:24, Galatians 5:1, Nehemiah 8:8, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Timothy 4:13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, Preaching, transition, effective, conclusion, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Faith Often Lives In The Tension

By Jonathan Martin on May 16, 2021

The Bible presents a world filled with complexity, flawed people, and unresolved tensions. Learning to live faithfully within that tension can deepen our understanding of God’s grace.

Scripture: Psalm 103:10-14, Romans 5:8, John 8:10-11, Hebrews 4:15-16, 2 Corinthians 12:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Grace, Jesus Christ, Certain, ambiguity, christian living, grace, Christian Living  (view more)  (view less)

11 Kinds Of Preacher | Which One Are You?

By Peter Mead on May 23, 2021

Effective preaching requires understanding not only Scripture and culture but also the preacher’s own personality. The inner world of the preacher inevitably influences how the message is prepared and delivered.

Tags: Preaching, Preacher, Personality, type, preaching, preacher  (view more)  (view less)

4 Ways Pastors Can Refill Their Depleted Souls

By Charles Stone on Apr 20, 2022

Although we intuitively understand how to refuel ourselves, we often don’t do it. He challenged us to ask why we don’t.

Scripture: Mark 1:35-39

Tags: relationships, Rest, soul care, intimacy with Christ