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

Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
10/21/18

Gospel: John 8:31-36 (Reformation Observed)

So, in keeping with Mark’s focus on discipleship this Fall, your Reformation Sunday sermon on John 8 might reflect on what it means to be a disciple. As you proclaim the commands and promises of Christ, you might invite your hearers not only to believe his Word, but also to abide in it. To hear and mediate on his promises in the various ways he delivers them.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
10/16/18

Walking in Forgiveness

Jesus’ forgiveness will not collapse. Jesus’ forgiveness will take us places our legs can’t take us.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
10/13/18

A Lament for Hurricane Victims

Here is a lament I’ve written especially for victims of hurricanes. May it be for you, for your family, or for your church, a way to put into prayer the anguish of your souls.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
10/12/18

Whose Bones are Buried Beneath the Cross?

Let’s take a walk together. And as we do, I’ll tell you a mystery.
Cindy Koch
Cindy Koch
10/09/18

Our Daughter Problem

They say girls in our society should have nothing to worry about. They should have the opportunity for education and choices far beyond generations before.
Ryan Couch
Ryan Couch
10/01/18

Christ’s Gifts For Ingrates

Have you ever received a gift for which you were less than thrilled, but you had to pretend you really liked it so as not to offend the giver?
Jake Allstaedt
Jake Allstaedt
09/28/18

It Never Depended Upon You

I visited a senior man at his home the other day. I'll refer to him as “Jim.”
Bruce Hillman
Bruce Hillman
09/18/18

The Joy of Obedience

Can there be joy in obedience? That depends on if obedience if a free choice or the result of threats.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
09/18/18

Jesus Opens Us

Jesus opened our ears and mouth when He baptizes us. Jesus put His fingers into our ears, speaks to us, and washes our sins away.
Bror Erickson
Bror Erickson
08/31/18

Theses: 11-12 Shameless

This is the sixth installment in our special series on Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation. Translation of Theses 11 and 12 by Caleb Keith.
Valerie Thur
Valerie Thur
08/30/18

The Imperfection of Our Longings

Sehnsucht can echo the truth, but only Scripture reveals the God who experiences it.
Ken Sundet Jones
Ken Sundet Jones
08/22/18

Smashing Babies and Scarred Hands

Whatever loss you’ve undergone, whatever grief resides in the hollow of your heart, however much it seems like God has abandoned you, God sees that void as the place he wants to fill with new life and mercy.
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