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

Sam P. Schuldheisz
Sam P. Schuldheisz
05/30/25

Ascension with the Inklings

When Jesus ascends, he does so, bearing gifts for you.
Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
05/15/25

Why We Worship

“The fear of the Lord” is our heart’s awakening to and recognition of God’s outrageous goodness.
Bruce Hillman
Bruce Hillman
05/09/25

Church Attendance Increases in New Study—But Can We Trust It?

We needn’t fear statistics and studies as palm readings into a certain future. God is God, and his Spirit is alive through his Word.
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.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
04/22/25

A Review of The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World

Dave weaves together music, movies, and documentaries to illustrate all the ways we seek relief—and then, full and free, he connects our need to Christ’s gift.
Bruce Hillman
Bruce Hillman
04/22/25

What does Pope Francis’ Death Mean to Protestants?

While I disagree with many things Francis did and believed, I think he deserves credit for this: Francis showed us what Christian leadership can look like.
1517 Staff
1517 Staff
04/09/25

Lenten Love Songs

Three Lenten songs express the same astonishing wonder of a Lord who willingly suffers and dies.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
03/27/25

The Proclamation of Paint

How intentional will we be about utilizing gospel spaces that already inescapably communicate?
A.J. Vega
A.J. Vega
03/12/25

The “I” in Church

We are called to believe in the church even when we don’t believe in the church.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
02/12/25

Encountering Christ Through the Liturgy

In the liturgy, Christ is present, self-giving, and ever-addressing his people.
Wade Johnston
Wade Johnston
02/11/25

Singing with Simeon

Christians don’t need a bucket list. We’ve got the whole bucket: the Word fulfilled, life fulfilled, and life in full.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
02/06/25

Gospel Action

The liturgy ensures that the gospel is never something inward, merely a thought or sentiment of the believer.
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