The Word Made Fresh: Preaching God's Love for Every Body

How can Christianity continue to bring good news into the world? That's the inspiring message readers will find in The Word Made Fresh.

In recommending the Rev. Dr. George A. Mason's new book to readers, the best-selling Christian author and theologian Brian McLaren says, "In the struggle for the future of Christianity in America, George Mason embodies great courage and graciousness as he continues to preach that we must welcome the most vulnerable among us."

For three decades, Mason's weekly messages have inspired those who attend Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, as well as George's followers nationwide. Now, this unique multimedia book collects 80 of George's most memorable and thought-provoking sermons along with links to videos of many of them. This collection covers timely themes ranging from the welcoming love of God and the basics of the Christian faith to such vital issues as the stewardship of our planet, the importance of interfaith relationships, the need to include the most vulnerable in our community life, and the importance of peacemaking.

Greg Garrett, another best-selling Christian author, writes in his preface, "George Mason is one of the Christian world's most accomplished preachers and pastors. A writer, teacher, activist, and media figure, during thirty-plus years as senior pastor at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, he modeled a Christian love of and advocacy for the marginalized, the disdained, the set aside, that feels absolutely like the Jesus I know, love, and serve."

In these pages "you'll see a master at work, a preacher weaving together some teaching, some storytelling, some pushing the limits to make us think," writes Amy Butler, founder of Invested Faith and author of Beautiful and Terrible Things.

Half of the sermons in this collection include QR codes so readers can opt to view and listen to videos of Mason's original delivery of these messages.

Readers and viewers will be glad they encountered Mason's mastery, writes Allen Walworth, Teaching Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs, Florida. "George carefully selects words like jewels, and then polishes and sets them in sentences designed to reflect light into the secret places of the heart. Sometimes his words of invitation to faith are a warm embrace, and at other times they are a poke in the ribs."

"Week after week, year after year, George's sermons proclaim our sacred interdependence," writes Nancy Kasten, Reform rabbi and Jewish Mindfulness Meditation teacher.

In his introduction, George asks readers the simple question that he asks himself as he approaches preaching: "Can you find the good news in each sermon?" His goal is to engage all of us in spreading hope throughout our communities. As you read these pages and watch these videos, please consider passing along that potent message of hope by recommending this book to friends.

The Rev. Dr. George A. Mason is the Founder and President of Faith Commons and Senior Pastor Emeritus of Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. He is a nationally recognized religious leader whose legacy includes innovations in clergy apprenticeship, interfaith initiatives and community service. For many years, George has served as an op-ed contributor to The Dallas Morning News and has written for publications nationwide. He is a co-founder of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and teaches at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Wilshire Baptist Church is Christian by conviction, Baptist by tradition and ecumenical in spirit-an inclusive Christian community that welcomes every body. Faith Commons is an interfaith nonprofit organization that amplifies diverse faith voices for the common good. Its programs include George's podcast Good God, featuring conversations about faith and public life. George was born in New York City and has lived in Texas for many years. He and his wife Kim enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. More information and additional multimedia resources are at GeorgeAMason.com.

The Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City. Pastor Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary and Wesley Theological Seminary. A mother of three children, she currently lives in Hawaii.

Greg Garrett is the Carole McDaniel Hanks Professor of Literature and Culture at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and Canon Theologian at The American Cathedral in Paris, France. He has written a number of books on the intersection of literature, culture, religion, and politics, most recently the novel Bastille Day and A Long, Long Way: Hollywood's Unfinished Journey from Racism to Reconciliation.