Robert Smith, Jr.

What was your most difficult sermon? We caught up with master preacher and professor Dr. Robert Smith at a conference and asked him that question. We apologize for the sound quality (it was an impromptu interview), but you have to see this interview in our "The Authentic Preacher" series. Dr. Smith shares openly about preaching at his son's funeral after his son was murdered. How do you preach in deep pain? How do you preach in the midst of potential anguish, despair, and bitterness? Dr. Smith chose Psalm 42—"My tears have been my food day and night … Where is your God?" It's a powerful testimony to the faithfulness of God in the midst of lament and loss, and it's just one reason why we love Dr. Smith!

Mark Mitchell

For this week's featured sermon we offer a beautiful expository Christmas message based on an unusual but perfect Christmas text—1 John 4:9-10. Mark Mitchell's message titled "Estimating the Value of God's Gift" has a simple but textually-driven three part outline—The value of God's gift is measured by its motive; The value of God's gift is measured by its cost; The value of God's gift is measured by its usefulness. Like I said, it's simple and perfectly transferrable to almost any preaching context. Oh, and we loved the way Mark used some amazing illustrations.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: Store Hires 'Christmas Light Untangler'
• Featured Video: Mary: This charming short film brings home the reality of the event that changed history forever through the eyes of this iconic biblical character.
• Featured Sermon: "Estimating the Value of God's Gift" by Mark Mitchell
• Featured Skills Article: "The Authentic Preacher: Robert Smith Jr." by Robert Smith Jr.

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

P.S. Merry Christmas! Enjoy a free trial to Behemoth Magazine, our digital magazine exploring the awe and wonder of God.

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