In Preaching Articles: "Why Jesus Died"

Why Pandemics Are Dangerous For Jews

By Dr. Susan Michael on Oct 26, 2020

Throughout the Muslim world, rumors abound that the Jews developed the coronavirus to gain power, kill a large number of people, and make a fortune selling the antidote.

Tags: Danger, Jews, Pandemic

Ten (Christmas) Sermon-Starters From The Life Of Mary

By Ray Hollenbach on Dec 24, 2025

When you cover the familiar territory of the Christmas Story year after year, sometimes you have to try another angle.

Tags: Christmas, Jesus, Power, Preaching, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Your Greatest Prayer Partner

By David J. Lose on Sep 15, 2022

David Lose reminds us we are not alone in our task; someone has been lifting us up for centuries.

Scripture: John 17:6-26

Tags: Jesus, Preaching, Prayer, Partner, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Jesus Illustrated His Sermons: Shouldn't We Follow His Example?

By Justin Trapp on Dec 27, 2024

Discover how one of our Lord's faous sayings was actually a vivid, up-to-date illustration.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Jesus Didn’t Wake Up This Morning Depressed By The Size Of Your Church

By Karl Vaters on Apr 17, 2022

Jesus knows what happened and didn’t happen in church last Sunday.

Tags: Depression, Marriage Faithfulness, Church Attendance, God's perspective, e, church attendance  (view more)  (view less)

If Jesus Gave A Ted Talk Principle 1—begin With The End In Mind (Clarity)

By Charles Stone on Mar 15, 2024

Begin with the End in Mind is the first installment of an 8 part series on how neuroscience can improve your preaching.

Scripture: Luke 6:40

Tags: Preaching, pastor, sermon prep, sermon, Pastor, Sermon Prep, Sermon, sermon writing, neuroscience, preaching, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

If Jesus Gave A Ted Talk Principle 8—reinforce Life Application (Transfer)

By Charles Stone on Jan 3, 2024

Reinforce Life Application is the final instalment of an 8 part series on how neuroscience can improve your preaching.

Scripture: James 1:22

Tags: Church, Preaching, pastor, Preacher, sermon prep, Pastor, Sermon Prep, neuroscience, preaching, preacher, church, 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."

Tags: Preaching, Text, preaching

Why We Avoid Political Preaching

By Daniel Darling on Mar 19, 2024

To cut and paste partisan talking points or to substitute consistent exegesis with sample "election season" sermons is spiritual malpractice.

Tags: Preaching, Politics, preaching

Why Preaching On Thanksgiving Is So Difficult

By David J. Lose on Nov 17, 2025

Other than saying, "We ought to be thankful," what is there to say?

Tags: people, Preaching, Thanks, gratitude, Thanksgiving Holiday, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching Needs Community: Here's Why

By Todd Hiestand on Nov 19, 2020

"One of the most individual things done in churches these days is preaching." (And that's not a good thing.)

Tags: Community, family, Preaching, Group, encouragement, community  (view more)  (view less)

Why The Church? Six Preaching Points

By Ray Hollenbach on Oct 8, 2024

It's popular today to meet with friends at a coffee shop and call it "church." Popular, but wrong.

Tags: