In Preaching Articles: "Why Jesus Bled"

Being A Pastor: Blessing Or Burden? Part 1

By Lance Witt on Apr 28, 2024

How do you not let the burden of ministry not rob you of the blessing of ministry?

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-3, Exodus 28:29, Philippians 1:7

Tags: Humility, Stewardship, Shepherd, Organize, Jesus' church  (view more)  (view less)

Two Keys To Flourishing In The Digital Age

By Tony Reinke on May 23, 2022

We all seem to sense that — for good or bad — our smartphones are changing us, our habits, and our relationships.

Scripture: Matthew 22:40, John 6:35, Luke 14:33, Luke 10:27, Matthew 13:44, Luke 10:1-25, Psalm 34:8, Psalm 73:25-26, Philippians 3:8, Matthew 10:37  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Jesus, Technology, Love Others, Love God

If Jesus Gave A Ted Talk Principle 4—free Up Working Memory (Capacity)

By Charles Stone on May 26, 2024

Free up Working Memory is the fourth installment of an 8 part series on how neuroscience can improve your preaching.

Scripture: John 3:1-21

Tags: Preaching, memory, sermon, Capacity, Sermon, neuroscience, preaching, sermonprep, capacity  (view more)  (view less)

If Jesus Gave A Ted Talk Principle 5—stimulate Long-Term Memory (Durability)

By Charles Stone on May 31, 2024

Stimulate Long-Term Memory is the fifth instalment of an 8 part series on how neuroscience can improve your preaching.

Scripture: Luke 2:49

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, pastor, sermon prep, Pastor, Sermon Prep, neuroscience, preaching, long term memory, teaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

Why Authentic Preaching Could Be A Trap

By Maurilio Amorim on May 14, 2020

Authenticity blesses the church, but permissive confession erodes repentance. True vulnerability must lead to real change, not sympathy without transformation.

Scripture: James 5:16, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Proverbs 28:13, Psalm 51:10-12, 1 John 1:8-9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Integrity

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)

Why Preaching Grace Feels Dangerous

By Peter Mead on Jun 26, 2020

Many pastors affirm grace while quietly qualifying it. This piece challenges preachers to proclaim God’s grace in its full, radical purity without diluting it with human safeguards or legal add-ons.

Scripture: Galatians 2:21, Galatians 5:1, Romans 6:1-4, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 2:11-14  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: law and Gospel, Law And Gospel

Why Ranting Does Not Equal Preaching

By Tony Merida on Sep 18, 2024

Tony Merida: "May God raise up a new generation of faithful, responsible expositors of Scripture who keep their finger on the text as they teach and preach."

Scripture: James 3:1, Hebrews 13:17, Nehemiah 8:8, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Tags: Preaching, Text, Pastoral Ministry, preaching

Why We Avoid Political Preaching

By Daniel Darling on Mar 19, 2024

During election seasons, pressure mounts for pastors to speak politically. Here’s why Bible-believing shepherds center the pulpit on Scripture, not party platforms.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2, Acts 20:27, 1 Corinthians 2:2, Psalm 139:13-16, Micah 6:8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Politics, Pastoral Ministry, preaching

Why Preachers Must Work At Their Preaching

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Aug 1, 2021

Some believe that if a preacher is truly called, preparation and training are unnecessary. In reality, faithful preaching requires both divine calling and diligent effort.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Timothy 4:13-16, Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, Isaiah 55:11, 1 Corinthians 15:10  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: preaching, teaching, Teaching, Preaching, the word, pious, notion  (view more)  (view less)

Why Exhortation Alone Is Not Enough In Preaching

By Bob Hostetler on Jan 12, 2023

Many sermons tell listeners what they should do but fail to move them toward real change. Effective preaching combines exhortation with identification, inspiration, and practical application.

Scripture: Romans 12:8, James 1:22, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, Colossians 1:28  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, identification, inspiration, application, Homiletics, preaching, Application  (view more)  (view less)

Why Expository Preaching Guards The Message

By Bob Hostetler on Apr 5, 2023

Many sermons today communicate good ideas but rely heavily on the preacher’s opinions. Expository preaching helps ensure that the message comes directly from Scripture.

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:8, Acts 20:27, 1 Timothy 4:13, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: preaching, expository, Exposition, Preaching, Expository, points, missing  (view more)  (view less)

Why Church Creativity Needs Structure

By Adam Russell on Jun 9, 2025

Creativity in the church does not flourish in chaos. Like vines in a vineyard, creative gifts require structure and support to produce lasting fruit.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27-28, John 15:5, Proverbs 29:18, Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Ministry Development, Fruit, leadership, creative, potential, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Why Churches Must Preach On Stewardship

By Mark Brooks on Jun 27, 2021

Many churches avoid preaching about money, yet Scripture consistently connects faith with stewardship. Ignoring the topic weakens discipleship and limits ministry.

Scripture: Matthew 6:21, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Malachi 3:10, Luke 16:10-11, Acts 20:35  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Money, Giving, Tithe, Preaching, Generosity, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

All Pastors Plagiarize--Here's Why

By Erik Raymond on Aug 5, 2021

We read, listen, talk, think, integrate, pray and listen. This is what we do. "In one very real sense, pastors don’t know what is original and what is not."

Tags: Steal, Preaching, pastor, Plagiarism, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)