In Preaching Articles: "Altar Fire"

The Reverse Altar Call

By Greg Stier on Aug 2, 2023

Sometimes the words “altar call” trigger images of sawdust trails and endless verses of “Just as I am” with preachers prodding, pushing and persuading sinners to come forward down the aisle in front of God and everyone.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:2

Tags: Evangelism, strategy, Evangelism How To, Evangelism The Lost, evangelism  (view more)  (view less)

Playing With Fire: Proverbs And Sexual Temptation

By SermonCentral .com on Nov 3, 2020

Proverbs warns that lust is not harmless curiosity but destructive fire. Sexual temptation ignored becomes sexual devastation endured.

Scripture: Proverbs 6:23-29, Proverbs 5:8, Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:18, Hebrews 13:4  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: temptation, Sex, place, sexuality, proper, Temptation  (view more)  (view less)

10 Reasons Not To Give An Altar Call

By Thabiti Anyabwile on Mar 13, 2020

Thabiti Anyabwile offers a compelling argument against the use of altar calls. We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions.

Scripture: Numbers 1:1

Tags: Evangelism, Preaching, altar, Evangelism How To

4 Reasons Not To Give An Altar Call

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Aug 12, 2024

There is a place for a properly given altar call, but we must maintain a correct understanding of how, when, and where to use one.

Tags: Preaching, altar, Invitation, preaching

Sexual Fire Has Its Place: In The Home Hearth

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 14, 2023

No pastor sets out to cheat on their spouse, but it happens all too frequently. Why?

Scripture: Proverbs 6:23-26

Tags: Lust, temptation, Sex, Fire, biblical sexuality  (view more)  (view less)

Preacher's Block: 8 Sure-Fire Ways To Beat It

By Peter Mead on Aug 27, 2025

Time ticks by and Sunday's deadline keeps approaching. What should you do if you feel stuck?

Scripture: Ezekiel 16:25-35, Ezekiel 16:39-40, Ezekiel 16:49-50

Tags: writer's block, preaching, Read, Preaching, confess, writing  (view more)  (view less)

You've Given The Altar Call: Now Watch Out For 7 Mistakes Afterward

By David R. Smith on Oct 15, 2019

"There's nothing more frustrating to me than seeing someone fall between the cracks at such a pivotal moment because of missed opportunities and careless mistakes."

Tags: Gospel, Preaching, altar, Invitation, unbeliever  (view more)  (view less)

Has Mission Become Our Idol?

By Skye Jethani on Jul 29, 2024

Skye Jethani: "While a vision for serving God is needed, and the desperate condition of our world cannot be ignored, there is a higher calling that is going unanswered in many Christian communities."

Scripture: Psalm 62:1-6

Tags: Preaching, pastor, Fire, Pastor, evangelism, preaching, Evangelism, Missions  (view more)  (view less)

Why We Need To Seriously Reconsider The Idea Behind The Altar Call

By Jeff K. Clarke on Sep 15, 2025

We are so desperate to have people make a decision that we rarely, if ever, tell them about the costs associated with making that decision.

Tags: preaching, Discipleship, Preaching, converts, altar call, costs  (view more)  (view less)

Check Your Church's Outreach Heartbeat

By Kevin Harney on Mar 17, 2025

If your church is struggling to invest in reaching your community and the world, ask yourself this question: Are we a church that is on fire with a passion for God?

Scripture: Revelation 2:1

Tags: Faith, Heart, Growth, Health

Preaching That Makes Disciples: Three Texts You Must Preach

By Ray Hollenbach on Sep 14, 2022

For anyone who longs to preach about something more than a fire-insurance relationship with Jesus, these three passages will help you make disciples.

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-15

Tags: conformed, his image, preaching, Preaching, yoke, Make Disciples  (view more)  (view less)

6 Reasons To Preach The Same Sermon Twice

By Joe Mckeever on Apr 23, 2020

Joe McKeever: "Have fun preaching those repeats, pastor. At least this is one time you do not have to reinvent the wheel or discover fire all over again."

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Underground Translator: William Tyndale (C. 1494–1536)

By SermonCentral .com on Oct 20, 2022

"Bible translation and Bible truth were inseparable for Tyndale, and in the end it was the truth — especially the truth of justification by faith alone — that ignited Britain with Reformed fire and then brought the death sentence to this Bible translator."

Tags: Martyr, Know the Truth, study bible, Tyndale, defending the gospel, Scripture, justification, Reformation  (view more)  (view less)

Five Steps To Respond To A Hurtful And Hateful Email

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 7, 2022

“You have no business being the pastor of our church. All you are interested in is getting your own way and changing all the good things we have going. People are saying you should be fired. I agree with them.”

Scripture: Proverbs 15:1

Tags: church ministry, Difficult People, Facing Controversy, criticism, Leadership, Perseverance, leadership, conflict, Criticism, loving people, pastoral leadership  (view more)  (view less)

You Won't Accomplish Your Vision Without This

By Lance Witt on Mar 11, 2021

In my ministry Replenish, I am often asked “how do you know if a church is healthy”? What I know for sure is that the size of a church or it’s rate of growth or what happens on the platform in a weekend worship service is NOT a sure-fire indicator of health.

Tags: