Jay Sklar

For years I've heard jokes about read through the Bible in a year plans that get bogged down in Leviticus. Whew, that book has a lot of bloody sacrifices! But Jay Sklar argues, "The idea of sacrifice is central to understanding the Christian life and message. Take away sacrifice and you take away a major metaphor for describing the Christian life … [So] we need robust teaching on sacrifice. Leviticus can help. How so?" Check out this week's preaching skills article—and learn why "every time we read about an atoning sacrifice, we are reading about an act of grace." And then check out his sermon from Leviticus chapter 3—"Eating with God."

Claude Alexander

In the aftermath of the tragic shooting of nine persons at Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina, the sympathy of the nation overflowed. But we all know that sympathy will fade as media coverage moves on to the next big thing. In this week's bonus sermon, Claude Alexander argues that we must move "Beyond Sympathy to Solidarity." When it comes to race relations in America, or to any Christian service, "Solidarity causes one not simply to look as an observer, but to enter as a participant and agent of change"—which is exactly what Christ did for us.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: Bridge Collapses Due to Weak Structure
• Featured Video: Brother: We have seen enough of what divides us: race, status, religion. This mini-movie reminds us that we have more in common than we realize.
• Featured Sermon: "Eating with God" by Jay Sklar
• Featured Sermon: "Beyond Sympathy to Solidarity" by Claude Alexander
• Featured Skills Article: "Preaching on Sacrifice from Leviticus" by Jay Sklar

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

P.S. Looking to perfect your preaching abilities? Download our free eBook: The Preacher's Complete Skills Guide.

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