Ben DeHart

To avoid prepping for the General Ordination Exams back in 2012, I commented on various "Books of the Year" lists. On one "Top Theology Books of 2012," I suggested that the author check out Fleming Rutledge's collection of Old Testament sermons. It's brilliant and accessible; existentially satisfying and faithful to the biblical texts. When I simply can't bring myself to pick up the Bible, or find my own eyes and ears completely blind and deaf to its power, her clear yet round-about proclamation always seems to penetrate my numbness: unscaling my eyes and unclogging my ears. Rutledge's corpus has served as a daily devotional for most of this year.

The Crucifixion is the work of a lifetime. Writing over a twenty-year period, Fleming Rutledge has wrestled with seemingly every imaginable implication of the Cross. And if, as Luther put it, “The Cross alone is our theology,” what better gift for the preacher in your life. That said, this book wasn’t written for clergy. The author’s clarity, verve, and pastor’s heart make the center of the Christian faith accessible for the everyday churchgoer. For those whose faith has gone dry, this is required reading.

Fleming Rutledge's pen is a mighty sword. Full of verve and power, "Advent" makes you want to be Christian.