Finishing Strong Verses: A Comprehensive Guide for Ending Your Sermons with Impact

Finishing strong is crucial for leaving a lasting impression on your audience and driving home your message. Whether you're a seasoned preacher or just starting out, crafting effective finishing strong verses can elevate your sermons and captivate your congregation.

What is a Finishing Strong Verse?

A finishing strong verse is a powerful Scripture verse that summarizes and reinforces the central theme of your sermon. It serves as a memorable and impactful conclusion, leaving your audience with a sense of clarity and purpose.

Functions of a Finishing Strong Verse:

• Summarizes the sermon's key message
• Provides a final call to action
• Inspires and motivates the congregation
• Creates a memorable and lasting impact

How to Choose the Right Finishing Strong Verse

• Relevance: Choose a verse that directly relates to the sermon's topic and main points.
• Impact: Select a verse that is memorable, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant.
• Conciseness: Keep the verse short and to the point, typically one to two sentences.
• Personalization: Consider using a verse that has personal significance or is meaningful to your audience.
• Biblical Support: Ensure that the verse is rooted in Scripture and aligns with the overall biblical message.

Techniques for Using Finishing Strong Verses

• Read it aloud: Speak the verse clearly and with conviction to emphasize its significance.
• Use repetition: Repeat the verse several times for emphasis and memorability.
• Explain its meaning: Briefly explain the verse's context and how it applies to the sermon's message.
• Encourage reflection: Ask the audience to reflect on the verse and how it challenges or inspires them.
• End with a prayer: Conclude the sermon by praying over the verse and asking for its application in their lives.

Examples of Effective Finishing Strong Verses

• "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
• "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
• "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
• "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27-28)
• "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:6)