"These texts bear witness to the power of God for new life. That is why we are here. God is at work giving new life," says Walter Brueggemann, Professor Emeritus of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decator, Georgia, in one the 67 sermons presented in this collection. In the foreword, Samuel Wells praises him for his talent and polished skills as a master exegete, a master theologian, and a master preacher. In the preface, Brueggemann outlines four reasons why preaching has become increasingly important to him.

1. We are called to let the text do its work and not to block it with our words and interpretations and stories.
2. We need more imaginative preaching that is bold and free.
3. We should offer viable religious alternatives to the secular world and its offering.
4. We should be thrilled to be part of a mission where preaching is "a performance of God's good rule."

On these pages you will find sermons on a variety of subjects including saints, miracles, faith, ministry, deep waters, fear, strategies for humanness, habits, medical care and much more. Here are some quotations from the sermons, just to give a few examples of Brueggemann's style:

• "That is why all around the world there is such conflict and turmoil in these days. It is because God is doing a new thing. The power of the gospel is at work breaking up old forms of power, permitting new possibilities, letting the weak ones have power, letting the sad ones laugh, letting the sick ones hope, letting the hungry ones eat."

• "Without forgiveness, the world works its way to death and destructiveness, generation after generation. The curse of unforgiveness leads to abuse and dehumanization, to despair and brutality."

• "God is indeed 'pro-life,' for the poor, for the hungry, for the homeless, for the naked. When these become the center of policy, the city becomes both pro-God and pro-life."