Aaron Chalmers

It's the smallest book in the Old Testament. It's tiny and tucked into the back of your Old Testament, but at 440 words Obadiah packs a wallop. Actually, the Minor Prophets rack up the top eight spots in "The Old Testament's Smallest Books Category." But these short books have some stirring, relevant themes: Take God seriously, deal with your idols, pursue justice for the oppressed, judgment is coming, and God promises a beautiful restoration.

Eric Knox

This week we launch a 4-week series of articles and sermons that show why and how to preach through this important but often under-preached portion of the Bible. First, check out this excellent model sermon from new contributor Eric Knox based on Amos 5—"God's Anger and Mercy Toward Sin." Here's a gem from Knox's sermon: "Only the gospel knows how to put mercy and yet God's anger together." We also offer our first skills article on preaching the Minor Prophets, this one by Bible scholar Aaron Chalmers. In "Preaching the Minor Prophets," Chalmers shows three ways to properly engage contemporary culture with the text. Over the next few weeks watch for more resources on how to preach these powerful, relevant little books.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: Survey Says Children Don't Know Source of Food
• Featured Video: Great In the Small: This mini-movie is a poignant reminder that God does amazing things with the smallest of moments.
• Featured Sermon: "God's Anger and Mercy Toward Sin" by Eric Knox
• Featured Skills Article: "Preaching the Minor Prophets" by Aaron Chalmers

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

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