In Preaching Articles: "Why Pain"

Are You Preaching For The Easy Shout?

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Sep 1, 2025

We want to give people hope, but why should we shield them from the pain of living?

Scripture: Matthew 23:33-36

Tags: Hope, Preaching, shout, preaching, Pain, pain  (view more)  (view less)

It Happened To A Church Family In Sutherland Springs, Texas

By Brandon Cox on May 30, 2024

Mourning with those affected by the devastating events that took place last Sunday in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

Scripture: Philippians 3:10, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Tags: pain, Hope, suffering, Texas, Pain  (view more)  (view less)

Good Friday: 4 Preaching Points To Remember

By Ray Hollenbach on Mar 30, 2026

We want to embrace the resurrection, but Good Friday is an opportunity to remind your people that Jesus calls us to the Cross, too.

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-25

Tags: Good Friday, Preaching, help, Why Jesus Died, Why Jesus Bled, Why People Lie, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

9 Preaching Tips That Will Change Lives

By Rick Warren on Jan 16, 2025

I'll say it over and over: The purpose of preaching is obedience. That is why you should always preach for response, aiming for people to act on what is said.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:13, Proverbs 6:18-20

Tags: preaching, Pain, Change, repentance, Alcohol, who is jesus, Repentance, grace, Eternity, Grace, obedience, Rumor, Preaching, Sex, pain  (view more)  (view less)

Does Your Sermon Pass The Geography Test?

By Chris Surber on Aug 18, 2025

The Gospel is for everybody everywhere. Is your sermon?

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-5

Tags: Preaching, suffering, affluence, preaching, Pain, pain, Sin  (view more)  (view less)

When Your Pain Makes It Hard To Say "It Is Well With My Soul”

By Randy Alcorn on Mar 29, 2024

The pain was great, but God’s grace rose to the occasion. Despite his heartbreak, Spafford could say without pretense, “It is well with my soul.”

Scripture: Psalm 31:7, John 14:27, Isaiah 66:12-14

Tags: pain, Trusting God, Grief, Loss, God's peace, Glorious Future, coping with loss, Resting in Christ, Pain  (view more)  (view less)

Why Faithful Preaching Educates, Forms, And Mobilizes

By Ken Collins on Jul 27, 2020

Faithful preaching educates without elitism, addresses real spiritual pain, motivates discipleship, and ultimately glorifies God through transformed lives and obedient faith.

Scripture: John 1:14, Ecclesiastes 1:2-11, James 2:17, Luke 6:46, Matthew 7:16-20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, motivation, goals, education, Leadership General, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

You Don't Feel Like Preaching? You're Not Alone

By Sherman Haywood Cox on Nov 13, 2021

"Just like Habakkuk wrote on and just like Andre sang on, I would encourage you to PREACH ON."

Tags: pain, Habakkuk, Preaching, Feelings, ignore, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

When Things Don't Change

By Matt Wade on Feb 2, 2022

The cold winter of depression or anxiety isn't forever, because seasons do change. No, not because our pain disappears, but because we have been here before and we made it out.

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-13

Tags: leadership, Anxiety, Depression, pain and suffering, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

When Church Members Leave: How Pastors Carry The Quiet Wound

By Greg Surratt on Apr 29, 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)

Facing The Issue Of Low Or Infrequent Church Attendance

By Ed Stetzer on Apr 19, 2024

This article is the fourth of six in a series on preaching in light of cultural shifts and biblical illiteracy.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24

Tags: Fellowship, Community, Preaching, Church Attendance, why go to church, community, preaching, church attendance, fellowship  (view more)  (view less)

Why The Cross Is Not Enough

By Ray Hollenbach on Jul 24, 2021

Christian faith cannot stop at the cross alone. The full pattern of Christ’s work includes incarnation, sacrifice, and resurrection power.

Scripture: John 1:14, John 10:18, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Philippians 2:5-8, Romans 6:4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Jesus, Preaching, Cross, Enough, Powerful, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Central Message Of The Church Is Reconciliation

By Jeff K. Clarke on Oct 10, 2022

“The essence of forgiveness is absorbing pain instead of giving it.” – Timothy Keller

Scripture: Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Tags: Forgiveness, Gospel, Reconciliation, God's Love, forgive, Forgiveness in Jesus, gospel proclamation, The Church's Message, gospel  (view more)  (view less)

Why I Love To Preach

By Joseph M. Stowell on Nov 25, 2021

Preaching is a strange mix of joy, agony, insecurity, and calling; this article explores why pastors keep returning to the pulpit and how God uses their weakness.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Hebrews 4:12

Tags: Church, Preaching, pastor, Palm Sunday, Homiletics, Disciplines General, Pastor, preaching, church  (view more)  (view less)

Why Story Preaching Works

By Peter Mead on Apr 11, 2025

Biblical stories were inspired in both content and form. When preachers honor the narrative shape, tension, and pacing, the Word lands with clarity, power, and conviction.

Scripture: John 12:21-34

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