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

Wade Johnston
Wade Johnston
03/19/25

Like a Mother Hen

Lent isn't simply a season. It's the Christian life in microcosm.
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.
Steve Kruschel
Steve Kruschel
03/17/25

Through the Tombs of the Kings: Jehoiada - Buried with Kings

This is the third installment in our Lenten series, Through the Tombs of the Kings, where Steve Kruschel explores God’s faithfulness to Judah’s kings—and to us—through life, death, and the burial of his Son.
A.J. Vega
A.J. Vega
03/12/25

The “I” in Church

We are called to believe in the church even when we don’t believe in the church.
Steven Paulson
Steven Paulson
02/27/25

Psalm 7: The Divine Contradiction – Only Faith Overcomes Revenge

God is a judge, but unlike you, God is just!
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
02/12/25

Encountering Christ Through the Liturgy

In the liturgy, Christ is present, self-giving, and ever-addressing his people.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
02/06/25

Gospel Action

The liturgy ensures that the gospel is never something inward, merely a thought or sentiment of the believer.
Karen Stenberg
Karen Stenberg
02/03/25

Homesick for Heaven

I realized that no matter where I call "home," I won't be able to shake the feeling of homesickness.
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.
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.
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.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
11/04/24

Two Kingdoms, Three Estates, One Christ

One Christ rules over all of it. He is the constant, the root that nourishes every estate and every vocation.
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