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
06/03/19

Can Christianity and Science Coexist?

In life, we make decisions, from the most basic to the most lasting, lacking specific knowledge about the outcome.
Bror Erickson
Bror Erickson
05/31/19

Luther's Counsel on Persecution

While most of his letters were written as semi-private counsel and consolation, some, like the “Letter to the Christians of Miltenburg” were written openly for public consumption.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
05/30/19

Ascending Downward: When the Manger Becomes the Cosmos

Because of the ascension, the manger has become the cosmos.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/28/19

Jesus is Our True Happiness

We hold fast to Christ Jesus where He’s most God, most Savior, for us: in His gifts of word, water, bread, and wine.
Gretchen Ronnevik
Gretchen Ronnevik
05/28/19

This Is My Body, Broken For You

My family fills a row of chairs in the sanctuary of our church. I always feel bad for the people who sit around my noisy family. Our pastor loves children and has told me once he struggles to preach on the Sundays when they are all whisked off to Children's Church after the music once a month because the sanctuary is too quiet.
John W. Hoyum
John W. Hoyum
05/24/19

Luther's Counsel for the Bereaved

For Luther, Jesus does something much better for those who grieve than simply identify with them: He brings suffering and evil to an end in His own death.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
05/23/19

Jesus is Not a Life Coach

People say only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. But there are other certainties. Like the daily rising and setting of the sun. And like the fact that life itself has its risings and settings as well.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/21/19

How Jesus Will King for Us

Jesus has won the battle. The war is over. In His death, the victory’s sure.
Craig Donofrio
Craig Donofrio
05/20/19

For You

The words “for you” are what deliver burdened hearts into the glorious light of freedom, for they deliver the precious, life-giving cargo of God’s relentless grace to each of us.
Ken Sundet Jones
Ken Sundet Jones
05/17/19

Luther's Counsel for the Sick and Dying

As usual, Luther took what he received and turned it inside-out, so that it shifted from a series of demands and became a bestowal of God’s gracious promise.
Brandon Hanson
Brandon Hanson
05/17/19

We Preach Christ Crucified

While the cross of Christ is a stumbling block to our self-righteousness and an offense to our rationalism, this is where God has chosen to reveal His power and wisdom.
Brian W. Thomas
Brian W. Thomas
05/16/19

Font to Table: Why Does the Pastor Wear That?

The minister’s clothing represents his office of service, derived from the ministry of Christ, and never himself.
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