Jeffrey Arthurs

Here's a relief for every struggling preacher: You don't have to say something dramatically new this week. As Dr. Jeffrey Arthurs argues in this week's skills article—"Stirring Memory"—preaching often involves reminding people of truths they already know. But that doesn't make preaching easy. In his scholarly and yet accessible article, Arthurs describes four ways that we can make familiar truths come alive with vividness. His four "techniques" will help all preachers explore what Arthurs calls "half-dead, half-forgotten truths that feel trite" by re-animating them with new color and power.

Lee Eclov

With great pleasure we also offer a solid, four-part exposition of one of those under-preached portions of the Bible—the minor prophet Habakkuk. Veteran preacher Lee Eclov claims, "This tortured man of God is a gift to us, 'a most welcome [traveling] companion,' as Eugene Peterson put it. Not so much for his answers as his questions. Not for his sermons, but for his prayers." As always, Eclov provides food for your own soul and great ideas for your preaching series.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: Strange and Exciting Things Found in Used Books
• Featured Video: "Love Defined"
• Featured Sermon: "Last One Standing," by Lee Eclov
• Featured Skills Article: "Stirring Memory," by Jeffrey Arthurs

In Christ,

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

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