Here's one sure thing about sermon prep: it's hard work. In this week's skills article, Bill Hybels admits that he's often had a love-hate relationship with sermon prep. But that doesn't excuse sloppy or lazy preparation. Instead, Hybels inspires us to get ahead of the game in our sermon prep. He also offers some simple practices that forge the time and discipline behind his sermon prep. There's a wealth of practical advice here—from a master leader and teacher.

This week we also feature:

• Featured Sermon: Keep the Sabbath, by Josh Moody
• Featured Illustration: Visit to Calcutta Orphanage Reveals a Woman's Sinfulness
• Video Illustration: Missing the Joy

Preaching Christ,

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

P.S. Next week we'll start featuring some fresh illustrations and News That Illustrates stories that you can use for your Thanksgiving sermon.

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