Charlie Dates

Did you know that there's a special book filled with prayers and wisdom to encourage the preacher's soul? A book that will hit you with real life and raw emotions? A book that will help you and your people worship God as he is? It's called the Psalms, and as Pastor Charlie Dates from Chicago shows us in this week's Authentic Preacher video, these ancient prayers have had a huge impact on him as a preacher and on his congregation. Check out how the Psalms can encourage you and help your congregation grow in Christ.

Scott M. Gibson

How does work fit into what it means to be a follower of Jesus? That's the question preacher and homiletics professor Scott Gibson addresses in a sermon that's perfect for Labor Day— "The Good of Our Work." I love this topic, given the fact that many of our people spend most of their waking hours at work, it's critical to preach on how faith and work connect in their daily lives. Thanks, Scott, for a great resource.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: Famous Painter Haunted by 'God Question'
• Featured Video: A Back to School Prayer: The summer is over and our children head back to school. It is a time to take a moment to pray to God for them and ask for his hand on the new school year.
• Featured Sermon: "The Good of Our Work" Scott M. Gibson
• Featured Skills Article: "The Authentic Preacher: Charlie Dates" an Interview with Charlie Dates

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

P.S. Labor Day is right around the corner! Find illustrations and sermons for inspiration on our Labor Day Page.

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