This week we feature an excellent sermon on a tough topic: God's judgment. Hershael York ventures into a passage most of us would rather avoid—the destruction of the people of Ai in Joshua 8. York honestly engages the biblical text and contemporary culture (from a New York Times editorial to the Pandora music program). It's a great example of how to point to Christ even with a challenging Bible passage and a culturally sensitive topic.

Also, beginning last week we started including a few illustrations about preaching themes for Lent, Good Friday, and Easter. This week we feature an illustration about what's behind the sports phenomenon of home field advantage. The answer may surprise you.

May you feel the blessing of God as you preach in this rich season of the church year!

Sincerely in Christ,

Matt Woodley
Managing Editor, Preachingtoday.com
mwoodley@christianitytoday.com

Matt Woodley is the pastor of compassion ministries at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois.