Preaching the Gospel
Collected Sermons on Discipleship, Mission, Peace, Justice, and the Sacraments
Imprint: Cascade Books
This collection of Ron Sider's sermons and speeches delivered in his lifetime of global ministry capture the essence of his theology, ethics, and mission. It moves from stirring personal occasions (his sermon at his dad's funeral) to challenging calls for racial and economic justice (his influential, prophetic speech in apartheid South Africa in 1979). These sermons reflect his passion for both evangelism and social action, both personal holiness and just politics, both faithful congregations and just, peaceful societies. These short, gripping sermons convey the essence of what he has written elsewhere in dozens of books. This collection offers a highly readable, powerful summary of Sider's central ideas.
Ronald J. Sider is Distinguished Professor emeritus of Theology, Holistic Ministry and Public Policy at Palmer Theological Seminary at Eastern University, and Founder and President emeritus of Evangelicals for Social Action. He has published forty-five books including Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger and has a free blog at: ronsiderblog.substack.com.
“For nearly five decades I’ve been privileged to witness Ron Sider’s groundbreaking work as a leading evangelical voice for the imperatives of social justice. His earned reputation is as compelling Christian author and energetic social activist. But I welcome the publication of Preaching the Gospel because we see the whole of Ron’s ministry and commitment. These sermons and lectures reflect on marriage and holiness, as well as apartheid and violence. He ponders baptism and communion, as well as justice and peacemaking. This book is a treasure of Ron Sider’s pastoral and prophetic wisdom, held together holistically, just as he has lived. It’s a gift to all who have been inspired by his faithful witness.”
—Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, author of Without Oars: Casting Off into a Life of Pilgrimage and General Secretary Emeritus, Reformed Church in America
“I have heard Ron Sider preach over the past forty-five years. His sermons and prophetic speeches were a fountain of ‘understanding the times,’ anointed by the Holy Spirit, wrapped in a biblical and historical foundation that flowed like a river to one’s soul. What an incredible gift to now have these sermons and prophetic speeches available for these days and new generations to come. They are ageless.”
—Jo Anne Lyon, General Superintendent Emerita of the Wesleyan Church
“Ron Sider is one of the most powerful and prophetic voices in Christianity, yet his heart is deeply empathetic and his stories are as winsome as they are insightful. This book is where holiness and humility, justice and tenderness, reproach and repentance become partners.”
—Joel C. Hunter, former senior pastor of Northland Church, and chairman of Community Resource Network
"Perhaps the closest thing we have to a pastoral epistle in our time is a sermon manuscript—and the closest thing to a modern apostle is a preacher whose ministry extends beyond the local congregation. In this collection of inspiring and instructive sermons delivered in many places over a decades-long global ministry, the venerable Dr. Ronald Sider becomes a kind of contemporary St. Paul. This volume will be a precious resource for a long time to come."
—Rob Schenck, president of The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute, Washington, DC
“This book is a beautiful collection of some of Ron’s most powerful, edifying, and deeply personal sermons. In Preaching the Gospel, Ron does just that, and is all the more effective by drawing upon some of the most important milestones in his and his family's life. His commitment to Jesus and justice shine through. I highly commend this book for your consideration.”
—Adam Russell Taylor, president of Sojourners and author of A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community
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