In evangelistic preaching especially, the illustration is as important as the point—to present the concept, to contemporize a two-thousand-year-old event, to clarify its meaning, to reinforce its significance, and to invite a response. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit succeeded despite my failure. The One who precedes me and follows my preaching found a way into the hearts of sinners. He convicted the unbelievers of guilt in regard to sin, righteousness, and judgment to regenerate them (John 16:8). I