John Mark Comer

There's an easy, no-fail way to make your preaching more relevant. Talk about how the biblical text connects with the work people do. That's not a cute trick; that's being pastoral. Seriously, when you listen to your people talk about where they spend most of their waking hours (at their job), your preaching applications can come alive. Of course the questions is: How does a preacher do that? Well, check out this article from John Mark Comer—"Preaching on Vocation." He certainly made me rethink some of my cherished ideas about sermon applications.

Then John Mark provides an example of how to address faith and work. Preachers like to say (I know I've said this): "Who you are is what's important, not what you do." John Mark Comer says, "Really? I beg to differ. I mean, who you are is important, absolutely, absolutely crucial. What you do matters. What you do for work is central to your role as an image bearer of God." Again, I like John Mark's ability to mess with some of my sacred cows while providing positive ideas for my preaching.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: New Parachute Inventor Plunges to Death
• Featured Video: Messy Blessings: This mini-movie, from the Skit Guys, reminds us to give thanks to God for the messy blessings in our life.
• Featured Sermon: "The Blessing, The Curse, The Calling" by John Mark Comer
• Featured Skills Article: "Preaching on Vocation" by John Mark Comer

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.