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
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.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
10/07/18

The Two Reasons Our Past Can Be Changed

In Christ, God’s Son, yesterday, today, and tomorrow all collapse into one. He holds in himself everything from the beginning to the end of the world.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
10/04/18

Name Brand

Many scholars believe that what Jesus says in verses 18-20 are the key to Matthew's Gospel. Actually, it may be the key to the entire Bible, for in these three verses we see the full scope of the history of redemption brought to bear in one history-altering, cosmic event: Baptizing in God's name.
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.”
Tate Barber
Tate Barber
09/27/18

I May Not Be A Smart Man, But I Know What The Gospel Is

I am not a good Lutheran. I have only been around reformation theology for a few years.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
09/25/18

Our Fingerprints Are All Over the Crimes of the World

The Christian sees himself or herself as one just as guilty as the rest of the world. But we see ourselves not just as what’s wrong with the world, but in the One by whom the world has been redeemed.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
09/25/18

I’d Never Go to That Church

Would you go to the church on the corner knowing that the pastor is an ex-con?
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
09/20/18

Satan’s Two Favorite Lies

Jesus cuts right to the chase when it comes to the evil one. He calls the devil “a liar and the father of lies,”
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.
Ken Sundet Jones
Ken Sundet Jones
09/04/18

Learning the Cycle of Gospel Proclamation

True preaching arises when the Holy Spirit steeps the proclaimer in its own cycle of judgment and mercy.
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