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

Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
07/09/25

Inception and the Paradox of Grace

Paradoxes hold everything together, not just in Inception’s plot, but in your life and mine.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
07/08/25

Only Christ, Not OnlyFans

We don’t flinch at sin. We speak Christ into it.
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.
Caleb Keith
Caleb Keith
06/23/25

What Makes a Saint: A Saint is Hidden

This is the second installment in the 1517 articles series, “What Makes a Saint?”
Scott Keith
Scott Keith
06/16/25

What Makes a Saint: A Saint is Justified

This is the first installment in the 1517 articles series, “What Makes a Saint?”
Michael Gibney
Michael Gibney
06/10/25

Why I Needed a Church That Gives Jesus: On Rooted Faith and Real Absolution

What I was missing—what so many are missing—is a Church that doesn’t just speak about Christ, but delivers him.
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.
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.
Joel Hess
Joel Hess
04/25/25

The Resurrection Should be Terrifying

It's one thing to hope for a new reality; it's quite another to stand before it, no matter how wonderful.
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.
1517 is a Christian non-profit (501(c)3) multi-media organization. Our mission is to declare and defend the Good News that we are forgiven and free on account of the death and resurrection of Jesus alone.
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