The Reason for Lent
By Christopher J. Richmann
01/23/26
15mins

The Reason for Lent

This is an excerpt from the introduction of Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Christopher Richmann (1517 Publishing, 2026).
Is Faith Enough?
Heather Schulz
Heather Schulz
01/22/26

Is Faith Enough?

We can bring our troubles, griefs, sorrows, and sins to Jesus, who meets us smack dab in the middle of our messy mob.
Why Christian Tradition? Why Confession
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
01/21/26

Why Christian Tradition? Why Confession

Confession isn’t a detour in the liturgy. It’s the doorway.

All Articles

Bruce Hillman
Bruce Hillman
06/30/20

God, I’m Mad At You

When we are hurt, we cry out to God. But sometimes when the hurt gets really intense, our lament turns to complaint. Not only is this normal, but almost every lament in scripture contains a complaint.
Bob Hiller
Bob Hiller
06/29/20

Out of Place Comfort

Comfort is not a platitude; it is a promise. A promise from our God who left his place of glory and died a sinner’s death for poor sinners.
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
06/28/20

Old Testament: Zechariah 9:9-12 (Pentecost 5: Series A)

The people gathered in Jerusalem that day were making a bold statement of faith. They believed Jesus was the New David.
David Schmitt
David Schmitt
06/28/20

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30 (Pentecost 5: Series A)

Jesus did not come to be first. He came to be faithful, faithful to His Father’s mission for you.
Ken Sundet Jones
Ken Sundet Jones
06/22/20

You Can't Handle God

The kingdom I seek is the lower-case realm ruled over by the almighty upper-case Me.
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
06/21/20

Gospel: Matthew 10:34-42 (Pentecost 4: Series A)

If your congregation promotes and supports “family values,” you should be prepared to take this text head-on.
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
06/21/20

Old Testament: Jeremiah 28:5-9 (Pentecost 4: Series A)

As a prophet, Jeremiah only speaks the LORD’s words. Obviously, this is the difference between a true and false prophet.
Ryan Stevenson-Cosgrove
Ryan Stevenson-Cosgrove
06/18/20

God's Upside Down Glory

When it comes to God’s word, our help only obscures his power and grace.
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
06/14/20

Old Testament: Jeremiah 20:7-13 (Pentecost 2: Series A)

Jeremiah trusts the LORD to be faithful. He knows the LORD must answer, even though he is not certain how He will answer.
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
06/14/20

Gospel: Matthew 10:5a, 21-33 (Pentecost 2: Series A)

The Father in Heaven is the only one we have legitimate reason to fear. But in Christ, we learn that the Father knows His children intimately and values His children exceedingly.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
06/09/20

Jesus Drowns Out The Storm Waves

As the storm waves of life crash into us, threatening to pull us down into the undertow of sin, Jesus comes and stands between us and the furious tides.
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
06/07/20

Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-20) (Pentecost 2: Series A)

Before the sending is the gathering. Before the gathering is the compassion. Before the compassion is the seeing. And it all starts with a gracious God.
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