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

Brian W. Thomas
Brian W. Thomas
12/16/25

Christmas for the Spiritual but Not Religious

Christianity doesn’t start with our speculation about God. It starts with God’s self-revelation.
Adam Francisco
Adam Francisco
12/15/25

Be Kind...But Why?

Christ did not merely urge humanity to be kind. He embodied perfect kindness by giving his life for those who neither earned nor expected such a gift.
Matthew L. Rubinstein
Matthew L. Rubinstein
11/20/25

The Greatest of Psalms

If Psalms 1 and 2 reveal the Christ who reigns, Psalms 3 and 4 reveal the Christ who remains.
Amy Mantravadi
Amy Mantravadi
11/19/25

A Review of "The Quiet Ambition" by Ryan P. Tinetti

While Thoreau’s Walden is seen as a central text of that most American of virtues—self-reliance—quiet ambition as envisioned by Tinetti is exactly the opposite: dependence on God.
Jason Oakland
Jason Oakland
10/27/25

The Blessings of Creation

He has freed you from a selfish fixation on gifts. He has freed you to look to the Giver.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
10/01/25

When Pastors Are Abused by Their Congregations

This article is the first part of a two-part series. The second part will take a look at when pastors abuse their congregations.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
09/30/25

An Excerpt from Untamed Prayers: Psalm 123 and Psalm 136

The following entries are excerpts from Chad Bird’s new book, Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of the Psalms (1517 Publishing, 2025), pgs. 311 and 335
Aaron Boerst
Aaron Boerst
09/19/25

The Shepherd Who Sees Our Stains

God leads us to green pastures. He comforts us with his grace in our darkest valleys.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
09/10/25

An Excerpt from Untamed Prayers: Psalm 86

The following entries are excerpts from Chad Bird’s upcoming book, Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of the Psalms (1517 Publishing, 2025), pgs. 191-192.
Steve Kruschel
Steve Kruschel
09/08/25

When Your Children Ask

When your child asks about what we believe, and why we believe it…answer.
Amy Mantravadi
Amy Mantravadi
09/04/25

A Review of 'Single Ever After: A Biblical Vision for the Significance of Singleness'" by Danielle Treweek

Treweek points us to the happy ending to come in eternity, when the entire church will be married to her Redeemer.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
08/27/25

The Saddest Story and the True Story

Here is the true story, the one worth remembering: You are a gift.
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