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

Kyle G. Jones
Kyle G. Jones
12/04/19

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Despite its familiarity and frequent usage, the imagery in "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," is often underappreciated.
Jessica Thompson
Jessica Thompson
12/04/19

Coming to the God Who Hears

It seems too good to be true, and yet it is the truest of all truths. This is our God. This God sees and chooses to trample our sins under his feet.
Philip Bartelt
Philip Bartelt
12/03/19

The Promises of Advent: Born of a Virgin

God does not combat the impending armies of Satan with might and power, but with the weakness of a babe.
Joel Hess
Joel Hess
12/03/19

The Promises of Advent: Will Conquer Satan

The Son of Eve disarmed Satan’s hold on humanity, not with an earthquake, atomic bomb, or brilliant essay, but with his dead body and final words, “It is finished.”
Robert Farrar Capon
Robert Farrar Capon
12/02/19

Faith Doesn't Paint Houses

I can only disbelieve you or believe you. If I disbelieve you, I go on being a miserable bore.
John T. Pless
John T. Pless
12/02/19

Advent Midweek Sermon 2: The Second Article of the Apostles' Creed

Under the lordship of the crucified and risen Emmanuel, our existence is one of blessedness. Blessedness means we are not under the condemnation of the Law, but the benediction of God’s favor here in time and, hereafter, in eternity.
Ryan Tinetti
Ryan Tinetti
12/02/19

Setting the Sails: The Canon of Discovery

Through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, you are not so much coming up with something to preach about as you are coming upon it.
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
12/02/19

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12 (Advent 2: Series A)

The problem is not that we are unrepentant. The problem is our contrition is too small.
Philip Bartelt
Philip Bartelt
11/29/19

The Church is Hidden, the Saints Concealed

Instead of defining the true church in the way of the law, Augustine approaches the issue pastorally in the way of the gospel.
Dominick Santore
Dominick Santore
11/26/19

We All Sink Like Peter

We are still so much closer to Peter in our flaws than his virtues, and Christ is still our rescue.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
11/26/19

What is God's Will for My Life?

The real question we must ask about God’s will isn’t, “God, command us according to your will and we’ll do it,” but, “God, what are you willing to do for us who can’t do what you command?”
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
11/26/19

The God I Don't Believe In

When I hear people describe the god they don’t believe in, no longer believe in, or can’t bring themselves to believe in, I often nod in agreement. Yes, as a follower of Jesus, I do not and would not believe in that god either.
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