In Preaching Articles: "Words Do Hurt"

The Most Important Word In The Bible?

By Lance Witt on Jul 21, 2023

In your opinion, what is the most important word in the Bible? And you can’t say God or Jesus.

Scripture: Luke 7:50, Exodus 33:12-23

Tags: Glory

God’s Work In Your Depression

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 5, 2022

“Is this depression? I have almost no motivation for anything. I have been praying and I will keep praying for God to be my strength but how do you fight when you don’t feel like fighting?"

Scripture: Isaiah 43:2-3, Psalm 139:11-12

Tags: Emotions, Healing, endurance, Depression, Struggles, soul care, Fighting for Joy, Help for the Hurting  (view more)  (view less)

7 Ideas For Creativity In Series Planning

By Peter Mead on Jun 27, 2023

I believe in preaching series through books of the Bible. I do it. I teach others to do it. But I think we could all do with some extra creativity when it comes to planning a series.

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:4

Tags: Bible, Preaching, preaching the Word, sermon series, preaching, bible  (view more)  (view less)

Ed Stetzer: no Word, No Kingdom

By Ed Stetzer on Jul 15, 2021

Jesus’ parable of the sower reveals that the kingdom of God begins not with strategy but with seed. The Word alone produces lasting fruit.

Scripture: Matthew 13:3-8, Matthew 13:19, 1 Peter 1:23, James 1:21, 1 Peter 2:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: preaching, Parables Of Jesus, Preaching, the word, seed, Parables of Jesus  (view more)  (view less)

Four Foundations Of Handling God's Word

By Ed Stetzer on Aug 13, 2021

Faithful preaching requires more than using Bible verses. Preachers must present God’s Word so it is heard, organized clearly, trusted as sufficient, and applied usefully.

Scripture: Romans 10:14, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Acts 20:27, Hebrews 4:12

Tags: Bible, Preaching, Useful, God's Word, sufficient, preaching, bible  (view more)  (view less)

Why I Hate The Word Balance

By Lance Witt on May 30, 2023

A life of balance has always seemed like a “pipe dream”, something that just wasn’t realistic or attainable. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever had a moment of balance in my entire life. I can’t think of a single moment when every area of my life and ministry were “spinning” smoothly.

Scripture: Mark 10:46

Tags: Pastors, rhythm, emotional health

5 Words Of Wisdom To A Growing Church

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 11, 2022

It is GOD’s Kingdom, not ours, that is expanding. We may work hard and dream big, but every single spiritual change we see in the lives of people is completely and entirely a work of God.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:15

Tags: Wisdom, Humility, Church Growth, relational leaders

Words Create Worlds… Part 1

By Lance Witt on Aug 17, 2023

As a leader, your words carry more weight and they have more staying power. Your words get amplified and magnified.

Scripture: Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 16:24, Proverbs 12:25, Matthew 3:17, Proverbs 18:20, Proverbs 25:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Influence, kind words, Blessing Others, Encouraging Others

The Word Nobody Likes… Part 1

By Lance Witt on Jun 17, 2024

A couple of years ago I had the chance to sit down with a former staff member that had served on my team more than a decade ago. We really hadn’t kept in touch very much. At one point during our lunch the conversation turned more serious. And in a moment of candor he said to me “You know, you weren’t very easy to work for.” The truth is, he was right.

Scripture: Proverbs 27:5-6, Galatians 2:11-13

Tags: Humility, leadership, Accountability, Rebuke, Teachable, pastoral leadership, unteachable spirit, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

The Word Nobody Likes… Part 2

By Lance Witt on Dec 5, 2023

One of the reasons the word accountability gets a bad rap is because of the way some people have carried out accountability. Holding people accountable is not using your position as a club to embarrass, humiliate, mistreat, belittle or shame people. Our accountability of people should make those on our team better not bitter.

Scripture: Daniel 6:1

Tags: Humility, leadership, relationships, Accountability, Performance, Feedback, Pastoral Ministry, church ministry, Empowering Others, Effective Leadership, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

How To Do Justice And Not Undermine Evangelism

By Don Carson on Feb 17, 2025

D. A. Carson explains how Christians can pursue justice without eclipsing evangelism, keeping the gospel central while demonstrating genuine love through word and deed.

Tags: Evangelism, evangelism, Christian mission, Christian Mission

Do We Have To Be Perfect To Preach?

By Dean Shriver on Feb 10, 2025

True preaching power comes not from technique but from integrity. When our lives align with the truth we proclaim, God uses both our words and our example to change lives.

Scripture: John 1:14

Tags: Preaching, spiritual formation, Pastoral Integrity, Christian Leadership, preaching, Spiritual Formation, Expository Ministry  (view more)  (view less)

Preach The Word: The Pastor’s Highest Calling

By John Piper on May 16, 2025

Paul’s charge in 2 Timothy 4:2 defines the central responsibility of pastoral ministry. Faithful pastors must proclaim Scripture with clarity, authority, and heartfelt conviction.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Joshua 1:8

Tags: preaching, bible, Bible, Preaching, the word, teach, Pastoral Ministry  (view more)  (view less)

7 Word Study Mistakes That Distort Scripture

By Nicholas Mcdonald on May 20, 2021

Biblical word studies can clarify Scripture, but many common methods actually distort meaning. Understanding these mistakes helps readers interpret the Bible more faithfully.

Scripture: John 3:16, Acts 19:32, John 21:15-17, James 2:21-24, 2 Timothy 2:15  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Dictionary, fallacy, preaching, Study, Preaching, the word  (view more)  (view less)

Has The Word You Preach Changed You?

By Brian Orme on Jul 7, 2025

Before the preacher can persuade any sinner to turn to Christ, he must first be persuaded himself.

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Tags: Christ, Preaching, Sinner, Persuade, preach, preaching  (view more)  (view less)