Ebook
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.
“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