This is an excerpt from the introduction of Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Christopher Richmann (1517 Publishing, 2026).
We can bring our troubles, griefs, sorrows, and sins to Jesus, who meets us smack dab in the middle of our messy mob.
Confession isn’t a detour in the liturgy. It’s the doorway.

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God's doing for us that gets done is Word and Sacrament stuff. Everything else flows from His speaking to us, baptizing us, bodying and bloodying us. Jesus sees our need.
These studies can expose some very disturbing truths about Christianity in America.
"Are you Republican or Democrat?” “Liberal or conservative?” “Yankees or Red Sox?” “Star Wars or Star Trek?”
Throughout his life, Melanchthon was embroiled in quite a few internal as well as external controversies.
As a pastor I am often asked if pets go to heaven? The question may sound childish, or even sentimental, but it is extremely important for those who ask it.
Some form of the Rule of Benedict will not save or reinvigorate the church. The church already has what the church needs to do her work in the world: she has the Gospel.
You may be surprised to discover that, rather than changing your theology, these other voices deepen and expand it in ways that never would have happened if you listened only to the “approved” voices.
Christianity is not a solo endeavor. Not a private relationship between Jesus and me.
What is your fight club? Who is your Tyler Durden?
Last night was one of those nights when I had an unscheduled 3:00 a.m. Life Assessment session.
Some days, people need a touch. Not just any touch, but something that says, "I care about you, and I love you."
Wisdom speaks in proverbs, parables and riddles. And the simple continue to wander right past her words of life.