Anyone who speaks for a living knows that at some point you just run out of relevant stories to tell. And there's nothing more embarrassing to a preacher or teacher than a listener pointing out that they've heard a story three or four times now. What's a busy speaker to do? Edward K. Rowell and Leadership journal have come to the rescue with this fresh compilation of quotes, idea starters, illustrations, and humor to jump-start or add kick to speeches, sermons, and lessons. This easy-to-use volume is the perfect addition to the library of any pastor, teacher, or public speaker.

Be on alert! The enemy has already crippled believers in every nation around the world, and he continues to steal and destroy. But we have a part to play when Satan attacks. It is up to us to take responsibility and be watchful of his schemes. And we must become spiritually militant in order to counter his assaults. In this repackaged classic, bestselling author Dutch Sheets issues a call for watchmen who, through strategic prayer and the Holy Spirit's leading, pray a perimeter of protection around their loved ones, their cities, and their churches--while at the same time unraveling the schemes of the devil. God's call still goes out for watchmen. Can you hear it? Join your fellow believers in fervent prayer!

This year, take an insightful journey through the pages of the New Testament. Fifty-two pastors bring New Testament scripture alive in Walk Through the Word. Each day offers a passage of the New Testament and a meaningful devotional, and each week readers will be encouraged to journal their thoughts on the scriptures and commentary they have read. As readers continue their walk through God’s Word, their knowledge of Him will grow, and they will find themselves becoming more like Christ. Coupled with New Testament scriptures, daily devotionals help readers absorb biblical truths and practically apply scriptures to everyday life. Devotional topics include: the vastness of Christ’s love, investing in the growth of others, how repentance leads to transformation, how God uses His children to accomplish His purpose, and more.

Normally, discussions about One New Man focus on Jew and Gentile needing to reconcile. Usually, this conversation breaks down over the place of Israel in the Kingdom and end times. People rarely think, much less act, on the purpose behind the Lord calling us to be the One New Man. The fundamental issue of identity has been overlooked. When people recognize that their true identity is their Messiah, they will be drawn into a closer relationship with God. They have been born into a time where biblical prophecy is confirming that the unity between Jew and Gentile is ushering in a new season of outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the Lord is calling them to join in. There is a call in this season, as confirmed in Ephesians 2 and 3, for Jew and Gentile to come together as One New Man and to walk as joint heirs in the commonwealth of Israel. When Jew and Gentile come together as One, the Lord has stored up a release of blessing and power that will forever change humanity’s destiny.

Every preacher, teacher, or writer knows the value of a good illustration in helping connect the truth of the passage with the congregation or class—and how hard it is to come up with good illustrations week after week. This book contains the cream of the crop: 1001 illustrations carefully selected from among thousands on Christianity Today International’s popular website PreachingToday.com. These illustrations are proven, memorable, and illuminating. As the saying goes, they will preach! And they’re fresh, all written within the past seven years. Of course the best illustrations are no good if you can’t find the right one. These illustrations have been arranged according to twelve master topics, each divided into several subtopics. Further, they’ve been indexed according both to Bible references and to 500 keywords. A searchable CD-ROM is included, allowing you to get the illustration into your lesson or sermon with ease.

What is the meaning of life? The question has been asked by the brightest philosophical minds for centuries. Still to this day answers vary greatly depending on the worldview. Solomon, the wisest king in Israel's history, set all his energies to search for the ultimate meaning of life under the sun. His conclusions may shock and surprise you--vanity, chasing after the wind, absurdity, vanishing smoke. Are these the musings of a genius or of a mad man? If you are looking for a candy-coated appraisal of life then go ahead and put this book down. However, if you are looking for a no-frills, brutally honest, ragged-edged assessment of reality, then you have discovered an indispensable volume. In Journal of a Mad Man, pastor and author Derrick McCarson will carefully guide readers verse by verse through Solomon's meditations recorded in the Old Testament book of wisdom--Ecclesiastes. Not only will readers attempt to plumb the depths of some of mankind's most vexing questions, but they will also discover Solomon's secrets for wise living in a warped world.

Being “Jack” is a reference to a well-loved man, invariably trustworthy, the first person you would talk to about anything. To be “Jack” is to be kind, compassionate, and caring. A “Jack” is insightful, honest, and well intended-the kind of man who embraces his manhood, always trying to be the best example of his gender. There is a discipleship crisis in the American church. Jesus’ model of discipling men is being ignored. Every Man Jack addresses this urgent need. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14-ESV). Every Man Jack unpacks these qualities, equipping you to live your faith in God – as a man. Every Man Jack will guide you on the path to... Developing your private, inner and public spiritual life Loving yourself and those closest to you Understanding biblical justice, living it out in your daily life If you want to become a more decisive and positive influence in your world, this book is for you. Join the ranks of Every Man Jack.

Have you tried to overcome sin but nothing seems to work? Do you feel like something is missing in your relationship with the Lord? Are you experiencing more defeat than victory in your life? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions then I encourage you to read The Path to Purity. You will find answers. You will feel loved. You will be drawn closer to God and experience growth in Christ. Consider this book to be your call to Christlikeness. This is a "One size fits all" book, because we all face temptation, and we all need to become more like Christ. Please join us on this exciting journey as we learn how to follow the steps of the Master.

Lasso Them With LaughterThe way to your listeners’ hearts is through their funny bones. Want to grab their attention? Do it with humor. Need to drive home a point they’ll remember? Nothing does it better than a rib-tickling anecdote—like the ones in this book. 1002 Humorous Illustrations for Public Speaking is jam-packed with one-liners, jokes, humorous stories, and pithy proverbs for just about any subject or circumstance under the sun. Pick your topic. Appearances, Communication, Opportunity, Prayer, Self-Image, Sports . . . these and plenty more come to you conveniently alphabetized, numbered, and indexed for instant referencing. There’s even a space for you to log what you use, so fresh nuttiness doesn’t become old chestnuts.Tested by preachers and public speakers, this ensemble of humor is just the ticket to get your audience laughing—and listening.

Explore the biblical context for Advent in this series of contemplations. The pieces of the beginning of the Christian story come together, not from one set of hands, but many. For instance, in the four Gospels, Mark makes no mention of the events leading up to and surrounding the birth of Jesus. John, for the most part, points back to Genesis. Most of the historical pieces come to us primarily from Matthew and Luke. The scriptures together are the key to telling the story of the season. Allusions and references to other scriptures are accompanied by brief meditations so that readers may step more deeply into the Advent story and find its meaning and impact for their own lives.