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
09/02/25

Christ-centered' Isn’t Good Enough

While ambiguous “Christ-centeredness” by its very nature fragments Christianity by way of its subjectivism, Christological commitments beget unity or, at least, move strongly in that direction.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
08/22/25

Our Most Subversive Song

The “mystery of faith” entails the article of faith: Incarnation, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension, and, finally, his Parousia.
Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
08/06/25

The Parable That Preaches the Cross

Just as each servant was sent to bring back the Master’s fruit, so did God send his prophets to bring back the fruits of a life shaped by the Word.
Ryan Couch
Ryan Couch
08/04/25

When our Childhood Heroes Die

Why reflect on these three men — MacArthur, Ozzy, and Hulk Hogan — in the same breath?
Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
07/25/25

Grace for Unbearable Days

Instead of offering more details or more information, he does something even better: he promises his very presence.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
06/27/25

Tongues of Fire & Breath of God

The Church speaks not with the cleverness of men, but with the breath of God.
Sam P. Schuldheisz
Sam P. Schuldheisz
06/12/25

Dorothy Sayers and the Trinity

The doctrine of the Trinity is not so much the story of a “who-dunnit” as it is the story of the “who-is-it.”
Sam Leanza Ortiz
Sam Leanza Ortiz
06/09/25

August Hermann Francke: A Practical Pietist

Though several generations removed from Luther’s generation, Francke came of age right on time for a new wave of spirituality to collide with the Reformation in the movement known as Pietism.
Ryan Couch
Ryan Couch
06/06/25

Pentecost and the Beautiful Mess of the Church

Every time someone is baptized, every time bread is broken and wine poured, every time a sinner hears, “Your sins are forgiven in Christ,” Pentecost happens again.
Steven Paulson
Steven Paulson
05/27/25

Psalm 9: Blood Avenger and Mercy Seat

Should you then abandon David’s plea that God use his law against his enemies and send a Legal Avenger? No, the law must be preached to the Christian (insofar as he is not one).
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/19/25

On Pornography, Hunger, and Holy Rescue

The Christ who rescues does not wait for you to be clean. He comes to clean you. He does not need your strength. He brings his own.
Amy Mantravadi
Amy Mantravadi
04/30/25

Album Review: Jesus, by Jon Guerra

This is a fine addition to Jon Guerra's growing discography, and I look forward to hearing what new songs his continued contemplations will produce.
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