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

Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/23/17

Our Strength and Song

Jesus is faithful even when we are faithless. He is our Strength, and Song, and Salvation. He's all this for us because He is God, and God is love.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
05/21/17

God Daily Gives Us More Than We Can Handle

He has given you clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home—as well as grocery stores, carpenters, and farmers to provide those goods.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/16/17

News That's Too Good to be True

True faith, saving faith that receives the good news about the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world is a faith created in us by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
05/15/17

The Faulty Foundation of The Benedict Option

Some form of the Rule of Benedict will not save or reinvigorate the church. The church already has what the church needs to do her work in the world: she has the Gospel.
Wade Johnston
Wade Johnston
05/12/17

When the Last Becomes First, and First Becomes Last

You are God’s people. Yet you are nothing in the world’s sight. To be honest, often less than nothing. Don’t feel bad, I’m nothing with you.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/09/17

Faith Upholds The Whole Law

Likewise, when God says, "Do this and you will live," we go about under the illusion that we have the ability to accomplish what God demands of us.
David Rufner
David Rufner
05/08/17

Beware The Lament

Beware the lament, dear readers, that is not soothed with the good-goods of Jesus.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
05/06/17

When Denominations Think They're God's Chosen Group

You may be surprised to discover that, rather than changing your theology, these other voices deepen and expand it in ways that never would have happened if you listened only to the “approved” voices.
Wade Johnston
Wade Johnston
05/05/17

The Lord’s Dogs Aren’t Too Proud to Beg

Jesus didn’t lie. He was called to preach to Israel. He would send His disciples out into the world. But that didn’t mean His message wasn’t for all.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/03/17

God's Not Angry At You

Even a sinner who is crushed by the weight of her offenses, who feels in her bones the weight of judgment, shame, and doubt can expect to receive God's good word.
Bob Hiller
Bob Hiller
05/02/17

Can I Be a Sinner in Your Church?

You can talk to me about how Jesus is really forgiving and how you want me around, but what happens when things don’t change in a month?
Cindy Koch
Cindy Koch
04/27/17

What’s Wrong with Women’s Bible Studies?

Week after week, I read through this women’s Bible study for the sake of my friends.
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