Lawrence Aker III

What's the hardest sermon you've ever preached? We posed that question to Rev. Lawrence Aker III, Senior Pastor of the historic Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. Lawrence talked about preaching on a comforting text (Romans 8:28) during a painful time of loss (his father's funeral). Watch him tell his story and give some advice for preaching your own "hardest sermon" in our new "The Authentic Preacher" video series.

Joel Gregory

Also, this week we kick off our series of Christmas sermons with master preacher and professor of homiletics Dr. Joel Gregory's exposition of Matthew 1—the genealogy of Jesus. This isn't dry and dusty stuff. Instead, Dr. Gregory argues, "A word for Christmas from this genealogy is that God may not work quickly but he works certainly."

By the way, did you know that too many talented athletes can decrease the chance of winning in certain pro sports? Check out this week's Editor's Choice illustration.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Video: Thanksgiving Welcome: Let people know how thankful you are for them.
• Featured Sermon: "The Promise of the Ages" by Joel Gregory
• Featured Skills Article: "The Authentic Preacher: Lawrence Aker III" by Matt Woodley with Lawrence Aker III

In Christ,

Matt Woodley
Editor, PreachingToday.com
mwoodley@christianitytoday.com

P.S. Need Illustrations for your Thanksgiving sermon? Make sure to check our Top 10 Thanksgiving Illustrations on PreachingToday.com!

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