In By the Word Worked , Fleming Rutledge exhibits a lifetime of wisdom gained from reflection upon the power of the Word of God to address, convict, comfort, and exhort the church. Rutledge contends that the Word of God is the very lifeblood of the church, with preaching, based upon Holy Scripture, calling the church into existence, determining its identity, providing its calling and commission, and enabling its faith in the ultimate triumph of its Lord. Despite Satan's interference, the revelation of God in his Word continues to show itself triumphant, relevant, transformative, and powerful in the modern era. Rutledge asserts that the continued proclamation of the Word of God is for the church life itself, never to be neglected even in the face of intense and targeted adversity. In this initial volume of the Parchman Lectures series, Rutledge provides an incisive presentation of the power of the Word of God in its verbal form of Christian proclamation. Her call is for the reader to rediscover preaching that is not centered on human potential and the authenticity of the self, but on a divine Word of God that comes to us from outside ourselves, the Word of the Gospel, a Gospel that is both powerful in its effect and urgent in its appeal. These lectures challenge prevailing practices and paradigms in preaching but also present a faithful vision of Christian proclamation that is effective "by means of the Word worked." Simple but profound: such is Fleming Rutledge?s reminder of what a sermon actually is! An action of Christ the Word, an event of human communication, an urgent summons to be the Church at the turning of the ages: appearances often notwithstanding, the sermon is all this, whether it be in a mainline or an evangelical congregation. Informed by Barth, wrestling with postmodern voices, Fleming is, more importantly, turned unflinchingly and comprehensively toward the Scriptures, and Christ dramatically revealed there. This book matters to our confused ecclesial place and time more than we realize, for with its challenge comes the encouragement of grace. -- The Rt. Rev. Dr. George Sumner, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas In By the Word Worked , Fleming Rutledge sums up a lifetime of theological reflection on the practice of preaching with her characteristic eloquence and wit. Rutledge deftly situates the discussion in relation to deeply ingrained tendencies that have shaped preaching in many contemporary North American churches, from the way religion is taught to the legacy of modernism and postmodernism. These lectures are a gift to preachers who have lost their nerve, calling them to trust in the God who promises to speak a powerful Word through human witnesses today. -- Angela Dienhart Hancock, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty, and Howard C. Scharfe Associate Professor of Homiletics, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary The distinctive voice and stalwart perspective of Fleming Rutledge provide for preachers an anchor in Scripture, bringing the 'then' into 'now' and the 'there' into 'here' with a verve, creativity, and indefatigable commitment to exposition. Not hyperbolic is it to acclaim her outlook on biblical revelation and the current human situation unique. Ever fresh, creative, and timeless, her proclamation surely stands alongside the great expositors of the Church from Chrysostom to Maclaren in its timelessness and timeliness. If Lewis spoke to his age in Mere Christianity , embracing the great truths believed by the Church throughout the ages, Rutledge brings us mere exposition that stands the test of time and circumstance. -- Joel C. Gregory, Emeritus Professor of Preaching, Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University The distinctive voice and stalwart perspective of Fleming Rutledge provide for preachers an anchor in Scripture, bringing the 'then' into 'now' and the 'there' into 'here' with a verve, creativity, and indefatigable commitment to exposition. Not hyperbolic is it to acclaim her outlook on biblical revelation and the current human situation unique. Ever fresh, creative, and timeless, her proclamation surely stands alongside the great expositors of the Church from Chrysostom to Maclaren in its timelessness and timeliness. If Lewis spoke to his age in Mere Christianity , embracing the great truths believed by the Church throughout the ages, Rutledge brings us mere exposition that stands the test of time and circumstance. -- Joel C. Gregory, Emeritus Professor of Preaching, Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University Fleming Rutledge is an Episcopal priest widely recognized in North America and the UK as a preacher, lecturer, and teacher of other preachers. Her sermons have been widely praised. Ordained to the diaconate in 1975, Rutledge was one of the first women to be ordained to the priesthood of the Episcopal Church (January 1977). She matriculated at General Theological Seminary and received her Master of Divinity degree from Union