In Preaching Articles: "Power Within Us"

Jesus Prayed For Us: The Power Of The High Priestly Prayer

By David J. Lose on Sep 15, 2022

In John 17 Jesus prays for His disciples and for all future believers. This prayer reminds the church that we are loved, supported, and called to unity.

Scripture: John 17:6-26, John 14:26, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, Philippians 4:7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Jesus, Preaching, Prayer, Partner, high priestly prayer, preaching, High Priestly Prayer  (view more)  (view less)

There Is No 'us' Or 'them,' There Is Just 'us'

By Jeff K. Clarke on Dec 16, 2021

One of the primary reasons we struggle with differing views on any subject is that we believe acceptance equals agreement. That is, to accept a person or their argument is to agree with them.

Scripture: John 13:34-35

Tags: Love, Fear, conversation, anger, disagreement  (view more)  (view less)

If Your Church Is Drifting And Stuck, Should You Try To Change It From Within?

By Jonathan Herron on Jan 11, 2022

What do you do if you’re a frustrated support staff member of a visionless church? Do you try to change things from within?

Tags: church planting, Church Death, pastoral leadership, Church and change

Give Your Sermon Added Power

By Brian Croft on Apr 24, 2026

Brian Croft reminds us the very first ingredient in every powerful sermon. Does your sermon have it?

Tags: Preaching, preaching

The Power Of Concentration For Doing A Little More

By Brandon Cox on Sep 20, 2023

I believe that most of us can do more, need to do less, and that it’s possible to do more and less at the same time.

Tags: priorities, focus, energy, church leadership

Never Waste A Good Sermon!

By Brandon Cox on Nov 8, 2023

Do you ever get that post-sermon, anti-climactic feeling that all of your research, all of your writing, all of your preparation just got burned up in a single half-hour shot?

Tags: Teaching, Preaching, podcast, video, Effective Teaching, Maximize Usefulness, Sermon Uses, ebook, preaching, teaching  (view more)  (view less)

Why Growth Is Harder In A Small Church – And Change Is Essential

By SermonCentral .com on Apr 29, 2021

Big churches find it much easier to incorporate new people because the bigger the crowd, the smaller the impact each person has.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:19-20

Tags: Change, Visitors, Small Church, Christ in us

The Power Of Testimony

By Peter Mead on Nov 18, 2022

"Hearing how God has worked in a life can be very powerful. Having someone “give their testimony” can also backfire. Here are a few of the problems that can create the tension."

Tags: leadership, Church leaders, Our Testimony, Sharing My Testimony, Personal Testimony, christian testimony, church leadership, Power Of Testimony, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

Using Contextualized Language

By Ed Stetzer on Apr 17, 2024

This article is the third of six in a series on preaching in light of cultural shifts and biblical illiteracy.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16, Acts 17:16-34

Tags: Preaching, Context, Speaking, sermon prep, The Apostle Paul, Sermon Prep, preaching, context, speaking, Sermon prep  (view more)  (view less)

What The Bible’s Messy Lives Teach Us About Grace

By Ron Forseth on May 24, 2026

Many of the Bible’s most faithful figures lived deeply flawed lives. Their stories reveal both the reality of human sin and the power of God’s grace.

Scripture: Genesis 3:12, 2 Samuel 11:2-4, Hebrews 11:32-34, Hebrews 4:16, Galatians 6:7  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Bible, Preaching, Culture, messy, Dysfunction, preaching, bible, culture  (view more)  (view less)

Sticks And Stones Part 2

By Lance Witt on Oct 16, 2023

Pound for pound, nothing is as powerful as your tongue. As pastors, we count on God to use our tongues as His instrument. In last week’s article, we talked about using our words to bless and speak life into others. This week I want to add 2 additional strategies for the wise use of words.

Scripture: Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 17:28, Psalm 19:14  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Communication, leadership, godly speech, POWER OF WORDS, Leadership, communication  (view more)  (view less)

Can The Holy Spirit Use Ai? Should Christians Use It?

By David Harper on Sep 28, 2025

AI is changing the way we live, work, and even do ministry. This article explores how pastors can use AI to save time, communicate more effectively, and reach more people—while also guarding against the dangers of over-reliance, inauthenticity, and distraction from the Spirit’s leading.

Tags:

Preach The Past: Discover Powerful Illustrations And Lessons From Church History

By Chris Surber on Sep 30, 2025

A working knowledge of Church history teaches us to be humble. Our footprints aren’t the first tracks on this road.

Scripture: Acts 2:13-40, Acts 25:1-17

Tags:

The Power Of Vivid Description

By Peter Mead on Jul 21, 2024

Peter Mead: "I’m convinced that one of the key ingredients for effective preaching is effective and vivid description. Practice it. Learn it."

Scripture: Proverbs 22:6

Tags: Power, Preaching, illustration, descriptions, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Power Of Ugly Preaching

By Jamie Stilson on Apr 25, 2023

Ugly preaching is not sloppy preaching but Spirit-empowered proclamation that flows from weakness, authenticity, and a life deeply shaped by Jesus.

Scripture: Acts 4:13, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Ezekiel 37:4-5, John 9:25

Tags: Grace, Preaching, gospel proclamation, grace, preaching, Gospel Proclamation  (view more)  (view less)