Ken Shigematsu

Easter turns the world upside down (or right side up, depending on how you look at it). But how do you preach that biblical message in a fresh and compelling way? Check out this week's featured sermon from our friend Ken Shigematsu from Vancouver, British Columbia. Ken uses John 20 to outline how Easter unleashes new joy, new courage, and new passion to make the world a better place. Ken describes John 20 this way: "As Mary turned and saw Jesus, it was as if the world was also turning on its axis just slightly … One second before, Mary had been this woman agonizing in the depths of sadness, in the face of unconquerable death. A second later, Mary is experiencing the highest possible human joy in the presence of the one who has conquered death." Check out "How Easter Turned the World."

Bryan Chapell

Have you ever tried something new in your preaching prep or delivery? Do you feel like the Spirit is nudging you to grow as a preacher? Well, even veteran preachers need to change and try new things. As an example, check out this interview with Bryan Chapell—"Preaching in the Moment." Bryan walks us through why and how he switched from writing complete and clean manuscripts to writing outlines. The process he went through provides some rich and challenging insights on sermon delivery and how to make changes in your own approach to preaching. I love this quote from Bryan: "Am I feeling at times that I am walking without a net? Yes … but I've always felt that part of effective delivery and pastoral communication is taking a risk on behalf of the people."

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: Our Hope Hinges on Easter
• Featured Video: On the Cross: This dark, reflective mini movie simply displays Jesus' last words on the Cross. A good fit for a Good Friday service.
• Featured Sermon: "How Easter Turned the World" by Ken Shigematsu
• Featured Skills Article: "Preaching in the Moment" by Bryan Chapell

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

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