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

Chad Bird
Chad Bird
01/24/25

The Dumpster Sermon

Wisdom lurks in the outer places. Rich gratitude sprouts from the impoverished and forgotten.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
01/02/25

After The Festivities Have Faded

In Simeon's hands and Anna's gaze, we are reminded of God's promise—not distant, not fading, but alive.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
12/06/24

Hannah and the Divine Upending of Grace

The Lord did for Hannah what he loves to do: he shifted everything into reverse, making the bottom the top and the top the bottom.
Amy Mantravadi
Amy Mantravadi
11/26/24

Erasmus' Decision: An Excerpt from Broken Bonds

This is an excerpt from Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi (1517 Publishing, 2024), pgs. 24-27
Amy Mantravadi
Amy Mantravadi
11/12/24

An Excerpt from Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation

This is an excerpt from Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi (1517 Publishing, 2024), pgs. 12-14.
John Bortulin
John Bortulin
11/11/24

Oh Lord, How Long?

The Lord has an answer to your tears, your trouble, your weariness, your enemies, your grief, your shame, your sin.
Scott Keith
Scott Keith
10/16/24

Essential Reading for Lutheran Theology: The Thinking Fellows List

Below is the Thinking Fellows Essential Reading List with contributions from each of the Thinking Fellows hosts.
Matt Popovits
Matt Popovits
10/15/24

The Shallowness of Happiness

This is an excerpt from Chapter 7 of Junk Drawer Jesus written by Matt Popovits (1517 Publishing, 2024). Available today!
Sam P. Schuldheisz
Sam P. Schuldheisz
10/07/24

A Zoological Theology

God’s creatures on four legs are some of the greatest storytellers of the Scriptures.
Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
09/25/24

God's Paradoxical Patriarch

Jacob is given the gospel afresh right when he needed it and it is because of this gospel that his faith is stirred up anew.
Wade Johnston
Wade Johnston
09/18/24

Help Thou Mine Unbelief

Are you tempted to say with the father in Mark 9, today or any day, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief"?
Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
09/17/24

Faith Alone and the Divine Logic Behind Jericho’s Fall

The mere fact of “having faith” or saying that “you believe” is not as important as in what or in whom your faith rests.
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