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.

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Jason Lane
Jason Lane
01/20/19

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (Epiphany 3: Series C)

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 is part of Paul’s continuing catechesis on the church. The church as God the Holy Spirit’s own creation through the Gospel is not to be preached or taught as any kind of human organization.
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
01/20/19

Gospel: Luke 4:16-30 (Epiphany 3: Series C)

This text reminds us that Jesus was a preacher. He also healed and worked wonders, delivered from danger and forgave sins. But here, immediately following his baptism, Jesus came to his own people in the synagogue of his hometown, and he preached.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
01/17/19

Is it OK for a Former Adult Film Producer to Serve Holy Communion?

Some things, once they are deemed disgusting or contaminated, permanently carry that quality with them. These things are even thought to be “contagious,” negatively affecting whatever they come into contact with.
Ryan Couch
Ryan Couch
01/17/19

The Myth of Christian Maturity

In a world where science tells us that everything is deteriorating and we’re all one day closer to our physical death it’s nice to think that there might be something we are getting better at.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
01/15/19

The Old Testament Roots of the Lord's Supper: Part 1

At the Passover, when Jesus said, "Take, eat, this is my body... take, drink, this is the New Testament in my blood, which is given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins," he wasn't inventing a "new" thing.
Dominick Santore
Dominick Santore
01/14/19

Move, Before Death Comes...

I got your life application right here! First off, Happy New Year! It's 2019 and there's a sense of optimism floating about in the air.
Jason Lane
Jason Lane
01/13/19

Epistle: I Corinthians 12:1-11 (Epiphany 2: Series C)

This text teaches us about concepts found in the Third Article of the Creed; concerning the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, and the communion of the saints (or of holy things). I would suggest, along with your study of the text, a devotional study of the Large Catechism on the Third Article this week.
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
01/13/19

Gospel: John 2:1-11 (Epiphany 2: Series C)

And there is Jesus to save the day. With a little prodding from His mother, and some help from obedient servants, He swoops in and solves the problem before anyone even knew it existed. That is what we are looking for from God, right? To swoop in. To save the day. These are good reasons to like this text, but they all miss the point.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
01/11/19

Slaying Monsters in Church: Why Baptism Should be Rated R for Violence

When people are baptized, time is transcended. They go back to the Jordan and the Jordan comes forward to them. In a single splash, or a single dunk, they enter the war.
Joel Hess
Joel Hess
01/10/19

A Church for Amnesiacs

Even after Jesus made it clear in His actions and commands that God’s grace is for all sinners, the apostles forgot the promises they received from their Savior.
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
01/07/19

Old Testament: Isaiah 43:1-7 (Epiphany 1: Series C)

The location of this text, its context, is quite interesting. Preceding this text is the very strong language of Isaiah 42 which is a judgement speech of Yahweh which proclaims a brutal rebuke of Israel which includes the destruction of the country of Judah, the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. But now, beginning in 43:1, we have what Reed Lessing calls “the oracles of assurance.”
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
01/07/19

Old Testament: Isaiah 43:1-7 (Epiphany 1: Series C)

The location of this text, its context, is quite interesting. Preceding this text is the very strong language of Isaiah 42 which is a judgement speech of Yahweh which proclaims a brutal rebuke of Israel which includes the destruction of the country of Judah, the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. But now, beginning in 43:1, we have what Reed Lessing calls “the oracles of assurance.”
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