While doing research for my writing recently, I've been reading a lot by and about the famous preacher, C.H. Spurgeon. Many consider him the greatest preacher since the days of the New Testament, and I think I'd concur. God blessed him with remarkable success. Under his preaching, his church grew from a few hundred to the largest evangelical church in the world at the time. In a great many ways, Spurgeon was inimitable. But I think there is one factor related to his effectiveness that we can imitate—his entire ministry was centered on Christ.

Jesus said in John 15:26 that the Holy Spirit was sent to magnify Him (i.e., Jesus). Therefore, we can never expect the Spirit's help more upon our preaching, teaching, and witnessing than when we are speaking of Jesus Christ. The great theme of Spurgeon's preaching was always Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit greatly blessed Spurgeon's ministry. In this Christmas season—and always—let us seek to think and speak of Jesus more than ever.

It's time for our annual Ten Questions to Ask at a Christmas Gathering. Many readers of this newsletter have reported that this free bulletin insert has been very helpful when gathering with family or others during the Christmas season.

Here's a list of questions designed not only to kindle a conversation in almost any Christmas situation, but also to take the dialogue gradually to a deeper level. Use them in a private conversation or as a group exercise, with believers or unbelievers, with strangers or with family. To read or download the free bulletin insert, Ten Questions to Ask at a Christmas Gathering, click here, go to the homepage and click on "Bulletin Inserts."

If you want to think ahead to the Sunday after Christmas, here's a reminder that there's also a free bulletin insert on Ten Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Year at the "Bulletin Inserts" button on the website.

Speaking of Ten Questions, here's a new, brief video where I introduce my book, Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health. You'll find it helpful if you are interested in the book, or are considering it for use in a small group study, or want a tool for promoting interest in the group study.