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

Kathy Morales
Kathy Morales
03/17/16

Tell the Easter Bunny How Much You’ve Grown

I was walking through a mall recently, and all the spring decorations and colors were starting to appear. It was refreshing to see the fresh colors and a change of scenery as I strolled through the mall.
Scott Keith
Scott Keith
03/17/16

Justification and Faith

By Philip Melanchthon (from the 1535 Loci Communes), translated by Scott L. Keith, Ph.D., edited by Kurt Winrich
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
03/14/16

The Most Unusual Cemetery in America: New York City’s Hart Island and the Heart of Easter’s Lord

The Lord has a special place in his heart for those whom the world forgets. For the anonymous. For the rejected.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
03/09/16

The God of Second Chances—and Third Chances, and Fourth Chances, and More

If even your family has disowned and discarded you; yes, if every single person in this world regards you as a hopeless, embarrassing failure at life, the Father of all mercies does not.
Rod Rosenbladt
Rod Rosenbladt
03/08/16

How Do I Know I Have Actual Saving Faith?

The following conversation occurred between one of 1517's readers/listeners and Dr. Rosenbladt via email in February of 2016.
Bonnie Petroschuk
Bonnie Petroschuk
03/07/16

The Optimist Must Die

To whatever extent we follow God’s perfect commands we will benefit from following them.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
03/03/16

There's No Cure For That

“Why now,” I said to no one, or to myself, or to God. Whoever. I was drunk, strung out, mostly dead, hopeless in the darkness. I knew I’d done it all to myself. I didn’t need God to drive the point home.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
03/01/16

The Older Brother of the Prodigal Son Speaks Out

If there’s going to be a celebration, why not celebrate fidelity, obedience, hard work?
Dominick Santore
Dominick Santore
02/29/16

Miles To Go…

I was excited and eager to start my journey. I was driving from NYC to Florida to attend the Christ Hold Fast Conference in Orlando, meet some dear friends, and make some new ones.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
02/28/16

Pastors Don't Always Want to Go to Church Either

For many, there are days when they’re as excited about going to work on Sunday morning as you are about going to work on Monday morning.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
02/25/16

The Tragedy of Accomplishment

Cindy’s tragedy was that she was blind to the Christ from whom all her good gifts came.
Craig Donofrio
Craig Donofrio
02/16/16

Why Are You Asking For More Law?

Christ alone has finished your salvation. Christ alone could and has made satisfaction for your sins.
1517 is a Christian non-profit (501(c)3) multi-media organization. Our mission is to declare and defend the Good News that we are forgiven and free on account of the death and resurrection of Jesus alone.
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