When Religion Becomes Obsolete, Christ Does Not

By Russ Lackey | Mark Mattes

01/20/26

19mins

When Religion Becomes Obsolete, Christ Does Not

American religion did not become optional because the gospel failed. It became optional because religion slowly redefined itself around usefulness.

Bradley Gray

01/19/26

Behold the Lamb

The Passover wasn’t just Israel’s story; it’s ours.

Psalm 12, Part 2: The Saint Fails, The Word Purifies

Steven Paulson

01/16/26

Psalm 12, Part 2: The Saint Fails, The Word Purifies

God makes us pure saints by planting us back in the earth we imagined we needed to escape.

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Peter Nafzger

12/03/22

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-15 (Advent 3: Series A)

John the Baptist’s question in our text offers you an opportunity to help your congregation take seriously the doubts experienced by those who live by faith.

Craig Donofrio

11/30/22

Advent Anticipation Through the Ages

When and how did the church start this season of anticipation?

Peter Nafzger

11/26/22

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12 (Advent 2: Series A)

The Lord is coming, that much is certain. He is coming to reign, not only over the heavens, but also over the members of your congregation.

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.

David Schmitt

11/19/22

Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44 (Advent 1: Series A)

He cuts into our darkness with words that work like a knife. They awaken us from our routine to a sliver of light. Jesus reigns and He will return.

David Schmitt

11/12/22

Gospel: Luke 23:27-43 (The Last Sunday of the Church Year: Series C)

As the church year ends, we are not give a vision of Jesus on His throne, ruling over a new creation. Instead, we see Jesus ruling from the cross. His grace comes in the midst of suffering and pain.

Joshua Miller

11/11/22

Vitality in Pastoral Formation

Preachers and church workers must also hear the gospel preached to them.

David Schmitt

11/05/22

Gospel: Luke 21:5-28 (29-36) (Pentecost 23: Series C)

When God does not give you a life free from suffering, He calls you to look for Him in the midst of suffering. There you find Him doing His work, giving you words to speak and promises to hold onto.

Steve Kruschel

11/01/22

John of Ragusa: Prometheus of the Reformation

If a key part of the Reformation was placing God’s Word back into the hands of the people in a clear, understandable way, then John of Ragusa can be called a “Prometheus” in his own right.

Scott Keith

10/31/22

Why You Should Know About the Reformation

When the Reformers read the Bible (especially when studied in the original languages), they found a God who was gracious and merciful for the sake of Christ.

David Schmitt

10/30/22

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12 (All Saints: Series C)

The words of Jesus shine with a graceful brilliance among the broken fragments of this world.

Bradley Gray

10/24/22

The Book that Brings Deliverance

Every incendiary move of God’s Spirit is accompanied by a group of penitent people rediscovering the power and preeminence of God’s Word.

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