In Preaching Articles: "Words Do Hurt"

Do You Think You're The Exception? Diagnosing Selfish Pride

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 19, 2022

At the root of many of our sins is an assumption that we are exceptional.

Scripture: Romans 8:21, Matthew 22:39, Romans 12:10, Mark 10:43-45, Hebrews 12:1, Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Matthew 7:12, James 1:19, Proverbs 15:1, Matthew 5:5, Hebrews 10:25  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Pride, self awareness, Battling Sin Nature, Overcoming Pride

Why Kids Need Exegetical Bible Teaching For The Long Haul

By Cameron Cole on Nov 15, 2022

"Preparing kids to face the real world on their own is scary and daunting. There are only so many things we can do and there are no guarantees. Within the realm of things, we can control resides the teaching of God’s word."

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16

Tags: Discipleship, teach, parenting, Equip, parenthood, Youth Ministry, guard the truth, child training  (view more)  (view less)

Do You Include These 3 Vital Elements When You Preach A Funeral?

By SermonCentral .com on Nov 19, 2019

Practical advice: "Don't preach them into heaven. Don't preach them into hell. Just preach the gospel for the people who are there."

Tags: advice, Respond, elements, preaching, Preaching, Funeral  (view more)  (view less)

Do You Pay Attention To God's Voice While You're Preaching?

By Mark Moore on Feb 1, 2024

We pay attention to our well-crafted manuscripts and outlines. But, honestly, how many of us are paying attention to the voice of God while we are preaching?

Tags: God, Preaching, voice, preaching

The Very Best Way To Connect With Your Listeners (And How To Do It)

By Brandon Kelley on Oct 10, 2025

Sure, it's simple: but that doesn't mean it's easy to do.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

When Illustrations Become Sermon-Killers (And What To Do About Them)

By Joe Mckeever on Dec 5, 2025

The smart preacher never tells a story that clobbers his sermon and destroys the point he is trying to make.

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Does Your Sermon Outline Serve You Or Do You Serve It?

By Joe Hoagland on Jan 20, 2026

Think you don’t need a sermon outline? Discover why using one can sharpen your message, increase clarity, and enhance your connection with the congregation.

Tags: Preaching, preaching tips, sermon prep, Sermon outline, Sermon Prep, preaching, Sermon prep, Preaching Tips, Sermon Outline, Preaching Structure  (view more)  (view less)

What Are We Doing When We Preach? What Are We Aiming For?

By Peter Mead on Aug 1, 2023

What are we doing when we preach? What are we aiming for?

Tags: Preaching, Intimacy With God, preaching Christ, intimacy with Christ, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Shut Down The Bus Tours: What Older Members Should Really Be Doing

By Carey Nieuwhof on Aug 9, 2023

What if this one generation actually just sacrificed for the sake of another? What if they gave up their preferences in music, style and taste so that others could come to know Christ?

Tags: God's family, Life Mission, mission, Intergenerational

One Major Thing You Can Do To Improve Your Worship Service

By Joe Hoagland on Apr 9, 2022

What if I told you there is one main thing you can improve to make people want to come back time and time again.

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

Real Love Encourages Others To Do The Right, Most God-Glorifying Thing

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 8, 2022

Ephesians 4:15 tells us to speak the truth in love, not to withhold the truth in love. Real love doesn’t quit or give up; it will offer help and point to Jesus Christ as the only true source of healing and forgiveness.

Scripture: John 1:14, Ephesians 4:15

Tags: Abortion, friendship, Real Love, speak truth in love

How Your Calendar Is Killing You (And What To Do About It)

By Carey Nieuwhof on Jul 1, 2024

Here’s the sad truth: when your calendar is out of control, so are you. And so is your life.

Tags: Schedule, Busyness, Time Management, productivity, Personal Life, Balanced Life, Workplace Balance, pastoral leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Luther And His Significance

By Dr. Stephen Nichols on Oct 5, 2022

Luther’s statement at Torgau on October 5, 1544, must be our watchword: “We can spare everything except the Word.”

Tags: Scripture, Church, obedience, God's Grace, Reformation, martin luther, Reading God's Word, justified by faith, church  (view more)  (view less)

The Morning Star Of The Reformation: John Wycliffe (C. 1330–1384)

By Dr. Stephen Nichols on Oct 19, 2022

"The reforming efforts of Wycliffe could not be quenched by the flames or stopped by a council’s declarations. This Morning Star shone brightly against the horizon, signaling the soon coming of daylight."

Tags: Word of God, Reformation, Church History, Wycliffe, study bible, Bible Translation, Authority of Scripture, guard the truth  (view more)  (view less)

Cut Off Your Hand, Tear Out Your Eye

By Ray Ortlund on Aug 3, 2022

Hard words are not harmful words—when they come from Jesus. The real Jesus loves us enough to accept us freely and confront us honestly.

Scripture: Colossians 2:23, Philippians 3:14, Hebrews 13:21, Matthew 5:6, Titus 2:11-12, Hebrews 12:4, 1 Corinthians 9:27, Matthew 5:29-30  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Righteousness, Theology, soul care, Hard Teaching