"One of my biggest struggles in weekly sermon preparation is _________." How would you fill in that blank? What are some of your struggles in the beautiful calling to preach God's Word? Recently we caught up with Pastor H.B. Charles from Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Florida and asked him that question. It's the first segment in our new video-based series titled "The Authentic Preacher: It's a Beautiful Struggle." Watch for a monthly short video from preachers across the country telling honest stories and real angles on the art and craft of preaching.

We are also featuring a new sermon from one of my favorite preachers—John Ortberg. And this is classic Ortberg—biblical, clear (notice the simple Big Idea and outline), funny, well-illustrated, moving, and compelling (his hearers understand the application). As I read it, I kept telling myself, Pay attention, you are reading a master craftsman at work. As a bonus, John provides a great back story to this sermon on a familiar text from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Skills Article: "The Authentic Preacher: H.B. Charles" an interview with H.B. Charles
• Featured Illustration: Woman Delivers Water to Drought Victims
• Featured Video: Deer Lord: 1 Thess. 5:17 has never been this funny.
• Featured Sermon: The World's Greatest Talk: Choices by John Ortberg

In Christ,

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

P.S. Pastor Appreciation Month Freebie! Download our eBook, The Best of John Ortberg, which features 3 sermons and 2 articles by John Ortberg—plus get a special offer for $20 off a subscription to PreachingToday.com!

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