When Religion Becomes Obsolete, Christ Does Not

By Russ Lackey | Mark Mattes

01/20/26

19mins

When Religion Becomes Obsolete, Christ Does Not

American religion did not become optional because the gospel failed. It became optional because religion slowly redefined itself around usefulness.

Bradley Gray

01/19/26

Behold the Lamb

The Passover wasn’t just Israel’s story; it’s ours.

Psalm 12, Part 2: The Saint Fails, The Word Purifies

Steven Paulson

01/16/26

Psalm 12, Part 2: The Saint Fails, The Word Purifies

God makes us pure saints by planting us back in the earth we imagined we needed to escape.

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Bradley Gray

01/29/18

The Drug of Behavioral Preaching

Preaching is a dangerous and difficult task. Some occupations might involve more harrowing situations and circumstances but I will continue to contend that there’s not a more perilous or vulnerable position to be in than behind the pulpit.

Bob Hiller

01/29/18

If You Don't Go to Church, You Won't Go to Heaven!

Heaven is as near as the Word proclaimed from the mouth of the preacher into the ear and heart of the sinner. It is as near as the bread and wine in your mouth. For, you see, Word and sacrament are where Jesus is.

Bror Erickson

01/24/18

My Father, Bo Giertz (Part 3)

His clarity and fearlessness made him a favorite interview subject for the press in both great and small questions.

Donavon Riley

01/16/18

The Unforgivable, Forgiven

The pastor declares it. We receive it. The forgiveness of sins. It’s a simple thing.

Donavon Riley

01/04/18

Just Another Law-Gospel Sermon?

While I was still an over-eager seminarian the professor warned me, “Mr. Riley, this is exciting stuff.

Martin Luther

01/02/18

On Demanding Good Works

You say: Since forgiveness depends on faith alone, why must one nonetheless do good works? Answer: If faith is of the true sort, it cannot be without good works, just as no good work can be where unbelief dwells.

Scott Keith

12/25/17

Even At Christmas, It is Still All About the Gospel

We thus come together to eat and drink, exchange gifts, serve one another, and even while celebrating, we proclaim the Gospel of Christ to one another.

Donavon Riley

12/19/17

The Wisdom and Art of Faith

Faith does not distinguish between worthy and unworthy, saint and sinner, great faith and anemic faith, it only focuses on Christ Jesus.

Donavon Riley

11/28/17

What is God's Will?

Even “our faith” is a gift from God’s fatherly hand. Our performance, desire, and perseverance do not factor into God’s will for us.

Sam P. Schuldheisz

11/23/17

Luther the Storyteller

Above all, Luther understood the importance of the Biblical narrative as the story of God’s love and man’s salvation revealed in Christ Crucified.

Chad Bird

11/19/17

How Churches Become Morality Clubs of Religion

We strive, in short, to master the art of swatting mosquitoes. And all the while, we remain blind to the fact that in pulpit after pulpit, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is as rare as Merry Christmas inside a synagogue.

Bror Erickson

11/09/17

My Father, Bo Giertz (Part 2)

History was one of dad’s favorite subjects and he shared his knowledge with infectious enthusiasm.

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