The Original Sin of Preaching: The Constant Craving for a Useful God in Pulpit and Pew
By Magnus Persson
03/25/26
12mins

The Original Sin of Preaching: The Constant Craving for a Useful God in Pulpit and Pew

God is not a tool in our hands. He does not exist to serve our goals, our metrics, or our platforms.
Even Chuck Norris Needed a Savior
Russ Lackey
Russ Lackey
03/23/26

Even Chuck Norris Needed a Savior

The gospel isn’t for the strong but people who know they aren’t.
Post-Denominational Lutheranism
John W. Hoyum
John W. Hoyum
03/20/26

Post-Denominational Lutheranism

One great thing about our post-denominational age is that it has opened up opportunities to make common cause with other Lutherans who, despite their differences and eccentricities, can agree on some of the most important things.

All Articles

Magnus Persson
Magnus Persson
03/25/26

The Original Sin of Preaching: The Constant Craving for a Useful God in Pulpit and Pew

God is not a tool in our hands. He does not exist to serve our goals, our metrics, or our platforms.
Russ Lackey
Russ Lackey
03/23/26

Even Chuck Norris Needed a Savior

The gospel isn’t for the strong but people who know they aren’t.
Ryan Couch
Ryan Couch
03/04/26

Jesus is the Best Thing About Us

While we often talk about our growth, our progress, and what we are doing for the kingdom of God, the reality is that any goodness in a Christian does not originate in us.
Sam P. Schuldheisz
Sam P. Schuldheisz
03/03/26

Life through Death According to Bonhoeffer

For Bonhoeffer, Christ crucified, and the cross of the Christian life were not of peripheral importance, but foundational.
Seth Moorman
Seth Moorman
12/22/25

Comfort During a Blue Christmas

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” That word isn't just for Israel; it's also for you.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
12/19/25

A Christmas Message for Contemporary Pagans

To know the cure is not to become immune to sorrow.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
12/04/25

The God Who Moves When You Cannot

Illness is not romantic. It is not a test, a metaphor, nor a blessing in disguise.
Steven A. Hein
Steven A. Hein
11/26/25

Giving Thanks in Adversity

Why is it truly meet right and salutary that we should at all times and all places give thanks to God.
Ryan Matthias
Ryan Matthias
11/14/25

Dangerous Prayer

For the Christian, the iron gate of death was opened by the blood of Christ and the empty tomb.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
10/01/25

When Pastors Are Abused by Their Congregations

This article is the first part of a two-part series. The second part will take a look at when pastors abuse their congregations.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
09/30/25

An Excerpt from Untamed Prayers: Psalm 123 and Psalm 136

The following entries are excerpts from Chad Bird’s new book, Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of the Psalms (1517 Publishing, 2025), pgs. 311 and 335
1517 Guest Contributor
1517 Guest Contributor
09/26/25

Yardwork and the Antichrist

The Antichrist offers another continual presence. It is every whisper that tempts us toward autonomy, that tells us to carry it alone, that insists suffering is meaningless.
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