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

Ryan Couch
Ryan Couch
06/03/25

Bound to God, Free in the World: The Strange Freedom of the Christian Life

In Christ, you are bound. Bound to mercy. Bound to grace. Bound to a God who won’t let you go. And because of that, you are free—gloriously, joyfully free.
Aaron Boerst
Aaron Boerst
05/20/25

Gone Fishin'

Forgiveness from Jesus is always surprising to us.
Seth Moorman
Seth Moorman
05/07/25

A Kingdom Without Smoke: What the Conclave Can't Decide

The church does not await a verdict; she proclaims one.
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.
Delwyn Campbell
Delwyn Campbell
03/18/25

The Hunger for Righteousness in a World of Strife

Jesus satisfies, fills, and saves because he is the Son of God, who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns forever.
John W. Hoyum
John W. Hoyum
02/10/25

Martin Luther's Three Lights

Luther’s famous treatise contains great consolation for Christians struggling with grace, suffering, and hope.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
02/07/25

Captives in the Hollow of Grace

The addict’s condition speaks a hard truth: that we are all beggars before God, every one of us bent toward the grave.
Gretchen Ronnevik
Gretchen Ronnevik
01/29/25

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Katie Luther?

What do we do with Katie Luther? What kind of historical character can we paint her to be?
Wade Johnston
Wade Johnston
01/13/25

Epiphany Every Day

Epiphany is one of the most important festivals of the church year, although often sadly overlooked.
1517 Staff
1517 Staff
12/26/24

A Christmas Confession

It is impossible to live our lives in a way that would convince God of our value because he already knows our value. He is the one who gave it to us.
1517 Staff
1517 Staff
12/13/24

Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?

While Christmas may or may not have pagan roots, it will certainly have a pagan future if Christians lose sight of what it is all about.
Caleb Keith
Caleb Keith
12/12/24

The Word of the Lord Endures Forever: A Response to Young Men's Turn to Orthodoxy

Longstanding tradition must be bolstered by something outside of ourselves that also lies outside of the traditions of men.
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