Preachers love books and especially books that provide ideas for or about preaching. That's why PreachingToday.com regularly runs book reviews with titles that begin with the words "A Preacher's Perspective on the Book … ." We review books with the very special focus on what this book will contribute to your preaching, either in a better understanding of what it takes to preach well or in ideas, quotes, illustrations and the like that you can use in a sermon. We review books that have won the Christianity Today annual book awards and that are of interest to preachers.

This week we review the award-winning book I Told Me So, which is on the subject of self-deception and the connection that has with the spiritual growth of our hearers. See A Preacher's Perspective on the Book 'I Told Me So', by Sarah Sumner.

The Thanksgiving holiday is near, and with that in mind, our newest sermon focuses on the subject of how to find joy and shows the relationship of joy to a spirit of thanksgiving. See The Joy You've Always Wanted, by Mike Woodruff.

For the next six weeks, from November 15th through December 20th, we will feature a new sermon each week on Advent/Christmas themes. During that same period, you can expect to see one or more new Christmas illustrations each week as well.

As always you can search our database at any time for our full collection of Thanksgiving and Christmas sermons, illustrations, and images. Search on the keywords "thanksgiving" or "Christmas."

Another way to access Thanksgiving and Christmas material is to go to the "Holidays and Events" page. On the main menu, click on either "Find Sermon Illustrations" or "Connect with Culture" and then on "Holidays and Events."

Pastors, we would like to learn about your experiences with mental illness in your churches and families. Please take a few minutes to complete our new survey. Everyone who completes the survey will receive a $20 discount on BuildingChurchLeaders.com. Click here to take the survey.

Preaching Christ,

Brian Larson
Editor, PreachingToday.com
blarson@christianitytoday.com

Craig Brian Larson is the pastor of Lake Shore Church in Chicago and author and editor of numerous books, including The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching (Zondervan). He blogs on Knowing God and His Ways at craigbrianlarson.com.