Mike

What are the top 7 lessons you've learned about preaching? Mike Bullmore, senior pastor of CrossWay Community Church in Wisconsin, lists his top seven lessons in this week's skills article. But don't expect tired, predictable preaching points. Instead, this article has depth and challenge that will stir some new thinking about your own preaching ministry. For instance, Bullmore writes, "[Through your preaching ministry] you're building a house for your people to live in. It takes time. It's a life-long project. It has specific parts. There are certain things that need to get done in that house. A house needs a roof. A house needs windows. And it will need regular upkeep." Watch for Part 2 in next week's update.

Paco

In this week's featured sermons—"Brand New Image of God"—we're pleased to introduce Pastor Paco Amador, a fine young preacher from Chicago. I love Paco's passion for the Word of God, for his people, and to help people know and grow in Christ. As Paco warns in this sermon based on the Sermon on the Mount, "The religious people, the people who put Jesus in second place are going to be the people that will end up taking him to the cross, spitting on him, insulting him, and crucifying him. Beware that you and I are not people who put Jesus in second place."

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Skills Article: "Seven Things I've Learned About Preaching (Part 1)" by Mike Bullmore
• Featured Illustration: People Resist Exiting Dangerous Fires
• Featured Video: The Lord's Prayer: A video of Jesus' prayer in Matthew 6.
• Featured Sermon: "Brand New Image of God" by Paco Amador

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.