Some time ago managing editor Matt Woodley picked up a writing book called The Elements of Story, thinking that he might find a few communication principles that transferred to preaching. To his delight, he found a lot of principles useful for preachers. For example, "Most of [preaching] is good thinking." Read Matt's book review What Preachers Can Learn from a 'N.Y. Times' Features Editor.

Each week for the next several weeks, we'll present a sermon illustration based on a TV commercial debuted at the 2011 Super Bowl. See Ad Depicts 'Darth Vader' Starting a Car with Dad's Help.

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.