Mark Meynell

There's a problem in the pulpit these days. So argues our fellow-preacher Mark Meynell from London in this week's preaching skills article. The problem isn't with God's Word. And it's really not with the preacher either. It's how our culture perceives power, or as Meynell argues, "many of our contemporaries harbor deep suspicions of anyone in authority, perhaps especially when they speak publicly." The solution isn't to compromise on the authority of God's Word or to downplay your preaching ministry. However, we do have a responsibility to use power like Jesus, not like the world. So check out his article to understand the power problem and how you can convey Christ-like power in the pulpit.

Matt Chandler

Have you ever heard or preached a sermon on the theme of dying to self? I have to admit, unlike Matt Chandler in this week's sermon "The Counterintuitive Life," my sermons on this topic often convey rich exegesis but poor application. Dying to self—the concept can sound so abstract. How do you help your listeners come down the ladder of abstraction so they can see what it means to die to self? From the introduction to the solid exegesis and conclusion, Chandler masterfully shows us how to exposit a text and apply it to the human heart and mind.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: Stats on When We Feel the Happiest
• Featured Video: Easy Resolutions: This mini-movie challenges us to make a resolution to give up and let go instead of taking charge and trying harder.
• Featured Sermon: "The Counterintuitive Life" by Matt Chandler
• Featured Skills Article: "Power in the Pulpit" by Mark Meynell

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

P.S. Don't miss our Top 7 Illustrations from 2015!

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