In Preaching Articles: "Lord First"

"Jesus Is Lord” Is Not A Slogan

By Ed Stetzer on Oct 28, 2020

To confess Jesus as Lord in the first century was treason. Today it risks becoming cliché. The words still demand total allegiance.

Scripture: Romans 10:9, Philippians 2:11, Matthew 6:24, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Luke 12:32  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Lord, Jesus, Outreach, Missions, Preaching, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Confident In The Lord, Not In Ourselves

By Peter Mead on Jul 28, 2021

Paul’s confidence in Galatians wasn’t in persuasion or control but in God’s power to change hearts. Faithful ministry depends on the same trust.

Scripture: Galatians 5:10, John 6:44, Ezekiel 36:26, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Philippians 1:6  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Paul, Faith, Preaching, work, action, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Who Is Lord Of The Church?

By John Macarthur on Jun 15, 2022

The church today is badly in need of reformation again. And Christ’s lordship over His church is still the central truth we must recover, which requires the unleashing of His Word among His people again. We cannot merely float along with the latest evangelical trends and expect things to get better.

Scripture: Acts 10:42

Tags: Church, Body of Christ, Christ the head, Lord Of The Church, church  (view more)  (view less)

The Lord’s Prayer, A Missional Reading: Give Us Daily Bread

By Dr. Nijay Gupta on Apr 7, 2021

The “missional theology” movement has injected energy and life into the church. Who isn’t inspired when reading Emil Brunner’s famous words, “The church exists by mission as a fire exists by burning”? Missional theology has motivated many Christians and churches to seek out their purpose in God of bearing and embodying the good news of Jesus Christ.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:1-20, Exodus 16:1-36, John 6:1-71, Matthew 4:1-25

Tags: Humility, Lord's Prayer, Missional, walk by faith

Rethinking Our Witness To The Neighborhood

By David Fitch on Oct 30, 2020

The gospel is the announcement that Jesus is Lord and is renewing all things. Faithful witness today requires translating that royal reality into everyday relationships, struggles, and longings.

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 1:15, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Colossians 2:15, Romans 6:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Congregation, Jesus is Lord, Jesus Is Lord

Lord, Keep Me Desperate

By SermonCentral .com on Jan 14, 2022

From Genesis to Revelation, we find a consistent element present in the lives of persevering saints of God. And it is captured in this brief sentence in Psalm 119:67: “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.”

Scripture: Luke 11:13, Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28, 2 Samuel 11:1-27, Jude 1:24, Psalm 119:67, 2 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Samuel 20:3, Psalm 7:1-2, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, 1 Samuel 26:10-11  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Thorns, Prosperity, suffering, affliction, God's mercy  (view more)  (view less)

Lord, Search My Heart

By SermonCentral .com on Jun 3, 2022

Micah 6:8 exposes me: I can love abstract ideas of justice and kindness, and neglect their concrete expression. It admonishes me: I cannot “do justice” or “love kindness” without loving real people. It humbles me, which is just what the Doctor ordered, if I’m really ready to walk with him.

Scripture: Psalm 139:23, Micah 6:8

Tags: Humility, reflection, repentance, Conviction, Repentance  (view more)  (view less)

Do We Need A broader Definition Of Church Growth?

By Karl Vaters on Oct 12, 2023

Any definition of church growth that doesn’t allow for, even celebrate, churches that contribute in non-numerical ways is incomplete.

Tags: Church Growth, priorities, pastoral leadership, First Things First, Right Values  (view more)  (view less)

Lord, Deliver Me From Indifference

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 8, 2022

What enthralls us determines how we prioritize our lives.

Scripture: John 2:17, Titus 2:14

Tags: passion, zeal, Indifference, passion for Christ

The Essential Me-First Of Biblical Preaching

By Ken Burge on May 8, 2025

Biblical preaching demands personal application before public proclamation. The preacher must first live the message before declaring it.

Scripture: Ezra 7:10, James 2:18, 1 Corinthians 4:16, Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 4:16  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Self, example, application, Pastoral Ministry, preaching, Application  (view more)  (view less)

Grab Attention In The First 30 Seconds

By Dr. R. Larry Moyer on Oct 12, 2025

Listeners often decide within seconds whether a sermon deserves their attention. Strong openings, clear relevance, and sustained enthusiasm help preachers win attention and keep it.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17, Colossians 4:6, Nehemiah 8:8, 1 Corinthians 14:9, 2 Timothy 4:2  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Preaching, Attention, Enthusiasm, skill, entice, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The First Step In Being A Great Pastor

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 11, 2022

The first step in being a great pastor is to walk with God.

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:11

Tags: pastor, Basics of Christianity, Intimacy With God, intimacy with Christ, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

The First Step In Bringing Change To Your Church

By John Holm on Jan 23, 2023

Healthy leadership protects what must never change while courageously adjusting what must. Churches fail when they confuse strategy with identity.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Matthew 28:19-20, Proverbs 29:18, Ephesians 2:20, Jude 1:3  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Guide, strategy, Change, Strategy

Preach What Has First Burned In You

By Brian Orme on Jul 6, 2025

Powerful preaching begins before the pulpit. When the Word grips the preacher’s own heart, it carries weight, conviction, and authenticity to those who hear.

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37, Ezra 7:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 2 Corinthians 4:13, James 1:22  (view more)  (view less)

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

The First Step To Sparking Innovation In A Stuck Church

By SermonCentral .com on Mar 29, 2021

Church leaders need to spark the creativity of innovative believers by figuring out how to say yes to their passion.

Tags: Teamwork, Lay Leadership, ideas, work for God's glory