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

John Bombaro
John Bombaro
03/31/24

Preaching the Gospel When Cities Burn

You are the baptized, for in Christ we are all wet. The demographic dividers are washed away.
Amy Mantravadi
Amy Mantravadi
01/24/24

Johann Spangenberg on Dying Well

A “good death” and “good life” are not accomplished through personal striving but are grasped by faith in the promises of God.
Steve Byrnes
Steve Byrnes
01/08/24

Is God Moved by our Petitions?

Do our petitions move God?
Erick Sorensen
Erick Sorensen
10/13/23

When You're Attacked By The "What If's"

Finding rest in God when the “what ifs”come calling
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
07/17/23

Resurrection Life for Resurrection People Part 2: Wittgenstein’s Resurrection Principle

If Jesus did not rise, then religion is just religion — a mere anthropological phenomenon.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
06/28/23

Pastoral Presence Makes All the Difference

Christ Jesus brings his word and presence to where you are and he is even willing to do so through the likes of your personally present pastor.
Bruce Hillman
Bruce Hillman
06/01/23

Why Do You Expect So Little of God?

When we forget that we live by promise, that's when the danger tends to creep in. Because failing to embrace promise means we usually fall back into notions of luck, or even worse--into works.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/15/23

Why We Need Preachers

Luther's emphasis on the need for sinners to have preachers who can provide them with the comfort and support they need for their faith in Jesus Christ and life is as relevant today as it was in his time.
John W. Hoyum
John W. Hoyum
02/03/23

Preaching Predestination with Jim Nestingen

Predestination, Jim knew, is no longer a frightening doctrine of mystery when you understand that God makes his choice about you in the simple word of God, given from one sinner to another.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
12/13/22

Malachi Prepares the Way for Jesus

The lesson of Malachi reveals God’s love for his people. When the people ask for proof of God’s love, he reminds them of their election.
Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
11/21/22

Refreshment for the Depressed Soul

Help comes for those who cannot help themselves. When we bottom-out and come to the end of ourselves, that is where hope springs.
Wade Johnston
Wade Johnston
10/25/22

How to Define Christian Community

There is no true life and meaningful community apart from forgiveness.
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