Rick McKinley

Here's the bull's eye for every sermon: "To see and hear Jesus revealed each week through his Word so that we can be transformed by his grace and power." Boom. That's it. But, according to Rick McKinley, it's far too easy for preachers to leave people with a sense of moralistic doom. How do we find the Big Story of Jesus in every text? Read McKinley. He's a great guide through the trap of moralistic preaching.

Matt Woodley

If you're preaching from the lectionary, or if you want a cross-focused sermon leading up to Holy Week, we offer a sermon by yours truly. In "The Ultimate Challenge" I explore how Jesus challenges three prevalent but false myths imbedded in our culture. A challenge-free life might be safe, but ultimately it's boring, trite, and empty. Jesus has something much harder but much better to offer us. So let your people have it.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: "How to Get Into D.C's Hottest Parties"
• Featured Video: Love Life: 1 Corinthians 13 shares the truest definition of love. This heartwarming mini-movie takes a peek at how this can play out in real life.
• Featured Sermon: "The Ultimate Challenge," by Matt Woodley
• Featured Skills Article: "Step 5: Find the Big Story," by Rick McKinley

In Christ,

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.