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

Wade Johnston
Wade Johnston
11/24/17

A Social Club with a 'T' on Top

“Christ is pretty ok doing all the redeeming that needs doing Himself—and He has redeemed you, and redeemed me.
Erick Sorensen
Erick Sorensen
11/21/17

Can I Love Someone Who Has Done Bad Things?

Over the last few weeks it’s been painful and disappointing to hear the stories of victims that have been abused and assaulted by powerful celebrities, executives, and politicians.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
11/19/17

How Churches Become Morality Clubs of Religion

We strive, in short, to master the art of swatting mosquitoes. And all the while, we remain blind to the fact that in pulpit after pulpit, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is as rare as Merry Christmas inside a synagogue.
Jay Sawrie
Jay Sawrie
11/16/17

I Still Need the Sacraments

Growing up, I dreaded the first Sunday of each quarter. Every time during the evening service, we would have Lord’s Supper after the sermon.
Kelsi Klembara
Kelsi Klembara
11/15/17

When Best Intentions Aren't Good Enough

His forgiveness gives us the courage to watch out for our neighbor in both the present and the future, and to act with wisdom while understanding failures are still ahead.
Zack James Cole
Zack James Cole
11/14/17

Bruised and Smoldering

“Obey God and he will bless you,” says the wind and the reed is bent over and bruised throughout. “God will never stop loving you but you can disappoint him,” says the wind and the once lit candle is now a sad smoldering wick.
Bror Erickson
Bror Erickson
11/09/17

My Father, Bo Giertz (Part 2)

History was one of dad’s favorite subjects and he shared his knowledge with infectious enthusiasm.
Rick Ritchie
Rick Ritchie
11/08/17

Making it Your Own

We practice infant baptism because that is the ancient practice, following the command of Scripture.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
11/06/17

Out of the Depths: When Churches Become Crime Scenes

For since it was not enough that the Lord of heaven and earth hung on our every word, the Word came down from heaven and hung upon the cross.
Joel Hess
Joel Hess
11/02/17

Still Replacing Relics

The devil tempts us to hope in things that we can do.
Brian W. Thomas
Brian W. Thomas
11/01/17

Between Rome and the Fanatics

Luther accepted Augustine’s view of the church as a mixed body.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
10/27/17

Facebook and the Edited Me

Whether we realize it or not, all these online, self-editing actions are nothing more than our admission that we believe that we are so deeply flawed that no one will love us just as we are.
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