John Ortberg

John Ortberg is really out on a limb this time. Literally! For this week's sermon—"Get a Grip"—Ortberg took trapeze lessons from a place called Circus Center, and then delivered his sermon from a trapeze stand in an empty gymnasium. The point of the sermon? To teach a powerful, unforgettable lesson about surrendering our lives to God. We don't expect everyone to ask WWJOD—What would John Ortberg do?—but every once in a while you can ask, What are some creative ways I can convey the truth of my biblical text? Okay, don't get on a high wire, but do step out and try something new in your preaching.

Daniel Fusco

We also feature a preaching skills article by Daniel Fusco titled —"Preaching Jesus in a Messy World." I love Fusco's line about doing exegesis in the study but application in the coffee shop (or at what he calls "street level"). Fusco writes: "Don't abandon 'theology nerd land.'… We should never neglect finding that truth [of a text]." But then hit the streets and talk to your people. Fusco adds, "When you are 'in public' thinking about the message, you will notice teenagers, homeless people, someone with an oxygen tank, single parents, or whomever. Then you start to ask yourself what the text means for them, right where they are."

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: 'Secular' Columnist Praises Work of Missionary
• Featured Video: Mini Pack—Free Indeed: This collection includes one countdown, three announcement loops, and 14 stills. Great for Independence Day/July 4th services!
• Featured Sermon: "Get a Grip," by John Ortberg
• Featured Skills Article: "Preaching a Real Jesus in a Messy World," by Daniel Fusco

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

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