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

Cindy Koch
Cindy Koch
12/05/19

When Brokenness isn't Enough

Our brokenness cuts deeper than just the times when we recognize it needs to be fixed.
Philip Bartelt
Philip Bartelt
12/03/19

The Promises of Advent: Born of a Virgin

God does not combat the impending armies of Satan with might and power, but with the weakness of a babe.
Robert Farrar Capon
Robert Farrar Capon
12/02/19

Faith Doesn't Paint Houses

I can only disbelieve you or believe you. If I disbelieve you, I go on being a miserable bore.
Ryan Tinetti
Ryan Tinetti
12/02/19

Setting the Sails: The Canon of Discovery

Through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, you are not so much coming up with something to preach about as you are coming upon it.
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
12/02/19

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12 (Advent 2: Series A)

The problem is not that we are unrepentant. The problem is our contrition is too small.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
11/28/19

Thanksgiving with Capon

We long for the Great Thanksgiving that hasn’t happened yet.
Dominick Santore
Dominick Santore
11/26/19

We All Sink Like Peter

We are still so much closer to Peter in our flaws than his virtues, and Christ is still our rescue.
John T. Pless
John T. Pless
11/25/19

Revisiting an Overlooked Classic: Franzmann on the Gospel According to Matthew

Franzmann walks alongside of readers of the Gospel according to Matthew like a sharp-eyed and knowledgeable tour guide pointing out features of the evangelical landscape which invite and provoke deeper reflection and, in turn, cannot but help make preaching more interesting and robust.
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
11/25/19

Old Testament: Isaiah 2:1-5 (Advent 1: Series A)

Isaiah 2:1-5... is a beautiful eschatological prophecy focusing on the era of peace that comes along with the coming of the LORD.
Pete Lange
Pete Lange
11/22/19

Back In Time

JFK was not the only national figure who died on November 11, 1963. Though his death certainly took up most of the headlines, the acclaimed writers C.S. Lewis and Aldous Huxley also died that day as well.
Bruce Hillman
Bruce Hillman
11/21/19

Rescuing religion from culture: Friedrich E.D. Schleiermacher and the origins of Liberal Theology

If you want to boil Schleiermacher down to some foundation upon which to build up his theology, think feelings.
Philip Bartelt
Philip Bartelt
11/20/19

Is Absolution a Sacrament?

If someone confesses their sins into my ears, I have no options but to forgive them in the name of Christ.
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