Sermon Central
-
One Dozen Liberating Life Lessons That Give Pastors Rest For Their Souls
By Ray Hollenbach on Oct 25, 2019
We are loaded down with so many "shoulds," we find ourselves paralyzed by the inability to apply what we know.
Knowledge can become a terrible burden. The weight of information can bend the back of the strongest man. We are loaded down with so many "shoulds," we find ourselves paralyzed by the inability to apply what we know. We open up our web browser, and ten thousand voices shout for our attention, each one urgent. Through our computers, radios, televisions and even our friends, urgent knowledge reaches out and tries to shake us into action.
Here are a dozen smooth stones with only one aim: to provide rest. These lessons do claim ultimate authority; they are not a call to action, nor do they command obedience. They whisper simply, “Here ...”
One dozen liberating life lessons:
1. I don’t have to know the answer.
2. Just because I know an answer doesn’t mean I have to answer the question.
3. The answer is rarely as interesting as the person asking the question.
4. Knowing the answer sometimes keeps me from asking the right question.
5. Facts are never true. They are merely facts.
6. God’s presence is an observable, objective fact, and we can recognize his presence.
7. Faith, hope, and love are abiding, eternal things, and I can start cultivating them now.
8. Celebrity authenticates no one—but neither does it disqualify anyone from speaking the truth.
9. The wisdom of Yoda was not very deep, but it was interesting because he was small, green and funny-looking.
10. If a picture is worth a thousand words, actually being there is worth a trillion.
11. The end of a matter is better than its beginning; patience is better than pride.
12. Lists convey a false sense of authority.
What about you? Do you have a collection of quiet truths, the kind that give you peace and rest? What gems have you picked up along the way?
Related Preaching Articles
-
Can We Preach The Tithe?
By Dean Shriver on Apr 2, 2025
Scripture presents covenantal, legalistic, and worshipful tithing. Only worshipful giving reflects New Covenant generosity rooted in gratitude, allegiance, and grace.
-
Just What Is Pulpit Plagiarism?
By Ron Forseth on Jan 1, 2024
A thoughtful look at plagiarism, quotation, and citation in preaching, showing how conscience, diligence, and trust shape ethical and faithful sermon use.
-
Why Preparing Sermons Takes Me So Long
By Joe Mckeever on Jul 31, 2020
A candid walk through sermon preparation, showing how prayer, Bible study, reflection, and disciplined refinement shape faithful and Spirit-led preaching.
-
Developing Spiritual Intelligence With The Journey
By Alan E. Nelson on Mar 3, 2020
Spiritual intelligence helps believers integrate faith into everyday life. This article introduces The Journey, a practical tool to assess and plan soul growth.
-
Five Things God Never Said
By Dr. Larry Moyer on Jan 1, 2025
Common sayings about God and salvation often distort the gospel. Exposing five popular misconceptions helps believers regain clarity, confidence, and grace in evangelism.
-
Building A Healthy Pastor–worship Leader Relationship
By Chuck Fromm on Mar 4, 2020
Pastors and worship leaders thrive when unified. Addressing conflict, clarifying roles, and pursuing Spirit-led collaboration strengthens worship and the church.
-
Busting Out Of Sermon Block
By Haddon Robinson on May 28, 2020
Weekly preaching can feel creatively exhausting. Learn a two-phase approach, practical rhythms, and daily habits that keep your sermons biblical, fresh, and deeply fed all from Haddon Robinson.
-
The Power Of Multisensory Preaching
By Rick Blackwood on Jun 2, 2020
Multisensory preaching engages more of the listener, increases clarity and retention, and can reignite your joy in teaching by making sermons more vivid and memorable.
