In this week's sermon, Francis Chan tells a powerful story about a pastor named Vaughn who works with children near the dumps of Tijuana. After one of Chan's friends spent the day with Vaughn, the friend said, "The day I spent with Vaughn was the closest I've ever been to walking with Jesus."

Chan asks this question: "Would people ever say that about us? In other words, would people ever say, 'It's so weird hanging out with you because it's like hanging out with Jesus'?" That question—and Chan's entire sermon titled "Think Hard, Stay Humble"—has been challenging and even haunting me for the past few weeks.

You'll also want to check out our new illustrations, including John Stott's musings on Jesus as the Hound of Heaven and quotes by Martin Luther King Jr. on faith. And in case you missed them, we've put together a recap of our best illustrations and sermons from 2010.

May you grow in love as you keep sharing Christ's love.

In Christ,

Matt Woodley

PreachingToday.com

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