get in the way of the Word, or, if used sensitively, they can amplify the power of our message. Recently a Duke student about to graduate knocked at my door. “Dr. Willimon,” he began, “one of your sermons saved my life. I was considering suicide until I heard you preach one Sunday. I just wanted to thank you before I left school for good.” “Wow! That’s great,” I replied. “When was this?” “I think it was last January, the week after classes started up again. The sermon