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

David Rufner
David Rufner
05/14/19

The American Story in Light of the Gospel

In these two stories - one ending and the other beginning just a day apart - we find many ingredients that are uniquely American. We find grit, determination, and conquest.
Dan van Voorhis
Dan van Voorhis
05/08/19

Heresy, Deconstruction, and What to Do About It

When orthodoxy becomes a Law, heterodoxy can feel like the Gospel.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/07/19

God Doesn't Give Us a Pass, and That's Good

We're going to worry about what people think of us. It's going to get in the way of our relationship with Jesus. We're going to fear God's judgment. But, we're also baptized into Christ. So we don't give up hope. Jesus will help us and strengthen us. He will guide us in his Baptismal grace and peace.
Valerie Thur
Valerie Thur
05/07/19

Speak His Name

The wizard stares into Billy Batson’s eyes. “Speak my name so my powers may flow through you.”
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
05/04/19

Pigs, Politics, and Christ the Comedian

We do not, as followers of Jesus, put any hope or place any trust in “princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation” (Ps. 146:3).
Charles E. Fry
Charles E. Fry
05/02/19

Why We are All Theologians of Glory

If man can save himself, what need is there for the cross or the Gospel?
Bror Erickson
Bror Erickson
05/02/19

Not Today

One of the great themes of the Game of Thrones is the personification of Death, most concretely in the form of the Night King, supreme commander of the blue-eyed nightwalkers.
Grant Klembara
Grant Klembara
05/01/19

Moving Beyond Your Personality Type

The truth is that no amount of self-awareness will ever be enough; in fact, the more we seek after ourselves, the more inwardly bent we become.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
04/30/19

When God Gets a Grip On Us

When we get wrapped up in tying God down, when we worship and work in a way that seems good to each of us, it’s impossible to recognize God as loving Father and helpful Savior.
Kyle G. Jones
Kyle G. Jones
04/29/19

Beyond Our Grasp

We would rather be God ourselves. But, being God is always beyond our grasp.
Brandon Hanson
Brandon Hanson
04/25/19

I Believe In Yesterday

For many, “Yesterday" by The Beatles is a poignant and powerful song. It is one of, if not the most, covered songs by the Beatles.
Ken Sundet Jones
Ken Sundet Jones
04/19/19

It is Finished

And when He says, “It is finished,” He doesn’t just mean His life and ministry. He means you, your sin, your brokenness, and ultimately your death.
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