In Preaching Articles: "Urgent Questions"

How To Handle The Gore Of Good Friday

By Peter Mead on Mar 25, 2026

Easter preaching raises a hard question for pastors: how graphic should the crucifixion be? This article explores wisdom, purpose, and pastoral sensitivity.

Scripture: Isaiah 53:3-6, Matthew 27:27-50, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Galatians 3:13, Hebrews 12:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Good Friday, gospel proclamation, Gospel Proclamation

Does Preaching Still Work?

By Kenton C. Anderson on Oct 6, 2020

Though many question its impact, preaching remains central to spiritual formation because God still speaks through His Word.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Romans 10:17, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Corinthians 1:21, Acts 20:27  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership

Loving Muslims Begins With Honesty

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 23, 2020

Do Christians and Muslims worship the same deity? It has become one of the most pressing and controversial questions in the world in the last fifteen years.

Scripture: 1 John 5:12, John 8:19, John 5:42-43, John 5:23

Tags: Islam, World Religions, disagreement, loving people, Identity of Jesus, what Muslims believe  (view more)  (view less)

The Growing Church Series: 10 Characteristics Of Churches That Grow

By Brandon Kelley on Feb 4, 2022

Instead of sitting and worrying about the state of the Church in America, let’s begin asking the question, what are growing churches doing differently?

Tags: Church Growth, intentional, proactive, Dying Church

Study: What Preachers Won't Preach About

By Toni Ridgaway on Mar 27, 2020

Over half of pastors avoid certain topics for fear of losing attendees. This report raises hard questions about courage, clarity, and faithfulness in preaching.

Scripture: Acts 20:17-32

Tags: Preaching, preaching, Biblical Faithfulness

How To Choose Your Next Preaching Series

By John Percival on Sep 14, 2020

Seven pastoral questions to help you prayerfully and wisely choose your next sermon series and feed your church a balanced biblical diet.

Scripture: Acts 20:27, 2 Timothy 4:2, Nehemiah 8:8, Colossians 1:28, Psalm 119:105  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: preparation, church leadership, preaching, Church Leadership, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Piper's Authority For Preaching

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 22, 2026

In this video John Piper answers the question, "What Bible passages do you use to base your claims about how we should preach?"

Tags: Bible Truth, preaching, bible, Preaching, Learning, Doctrine, Relevant, bible truth, Authority, Bible, Lesson, Joshua  (view more)  (view less)

Why Every Sermon Needs A Strong Title

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Dec 10, 2021

Some preachers question whether sermon titles are necessary, but a well-chosen title can clarify, guide, and reinforce the main point of a message for both preacher and listener.

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:8, Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, 2 Timothy 4:2, Colossians 4:6

Tags: Choose, title, Pastoral Ministry

9 Points For Preaching On The Problem Of Evil

By Norman Geisler on Jan 21, 2025

Evil raises hard questions about God, suffering, and justice. This article equips preachers to answer honestly, show why evil presupposes God, and preach real hope.

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:6, Colossians 4:6

Tags: Difficulties, problem of evil, Sin General, Trials, Apologetics, Evil, Satan, Hope, suffering, tragedy, Christian  (view more)  (view less)

Was Jesus Numerically Challenged?

By Ray Hollenbach on Jun 28, 2020

Is numerical growth proof of God’s grace? This reflection questions the assumption that size equals faithfulness and contrasts modern metrics with Jesus’ slow, seed-shaped vision of the church.

Scripture: Acts 2:41, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, 1 Peter 2:5, Matthew 13:31-33  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Growth, Faithfulness, number

Should Pastors Address Marijuana Use From The Pulpit?

By SermonCentral .com on Sep 1, 2023

Changing cultural attitudes toward marijuana raise new questions for pastors. Many younger Christians no longer view recreational use as sinful, creating a growing pastoral challenge.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 10:23, Galatians 5:22-23  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Faith

The Power Of Simplicity - Part 2

By Lance Witt on Aug 28, 2023

This option overload poignantly illustrates the increasing complexity of our world. It begs the question “in a world that is increasing in speed and complexity, how do we move toward simplicity?"

Tags: responsibility, Simplicity, Boundaries

Are You A "Do Something" Church?

By Miles Mcpherson on Jul 19, 2020

Many churches talk about impact but fail to act. Discover how counting real needs, walking toward the hurting, asking meaningful questions, and loving tangibly can transform a community.

Scripture: Mark 10:49-51, Luke 17:17-19, Luke 15:4, Luke 5:10-11, John 21:15-17  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Service, Servanthood

You Are Up To The Task Whether You Feel Like It Or Not

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 17, 2022

Deep in the heart of every man I’ve ever met lurks a daunting question that casts a shadow over every major challenge we ever face: Am I up to this?

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14, Philippians 1:6

Tags: leadership, Courage, Overwhelmed, confidence in God, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Reluctant Leadership Is Better Than Nothing

By Joe Mckeever on Jan 17, 2021

You ask the question and–this is critical–you remain standing. You are not just expressing a point of view, you are asking for answers. And you are doing so in such a sweet manner, no one can accuse you of trying to stir up anything.

Scripture: Romans 9:1-20

Tags: responsibility, Preaching, hurting people, servant leadership