Contributor
Matt Johnson

Matt Johnson is a husband, father to two little girls, and is an armchair student of theology. He is a freelance writer and editor with a penchant for redemptive snark. Until recently, Matt spent 7 years as an associate volunteer pastor in counseling and recovery ministry. Many moons ago Matt forwent a proper education and traveled the country playing drums in bands you've never heard of. He likes long walks on the beach, puppies, and has questionable taste in music.

  1. The Scandal of the Incarnation

    book
    12/17/20
    4 mins
    Matt Johnson
    If we want a true depiction of the Christmas story, we ought to consider the scandal of the coming of Jesus.
    The Scandal of the Incarnation

  2. When to Pass on a Baptism Candidate

    book
    07/26/19
    10 mins
    Matt Johnson
    Everything was perfectly teed up to move the needle on the baptism metric, but I just couldn’t do it. I told her she shouldn't get baptized.
    When to Pass on a Baptism Candidate

  3. Abs-of-Steel Man & Mr. Sad-Sack

    book
    06/03/19
    6 mins
    Matt Johnson
    I saw a commercial once that said I just have to do whatever it takes to actualize my best me. And it makes sense, really. Doing results in being, cause and effect. Want six-pack abs? Just buy the right product and give your new, healthy lifestyle 110% for 10 weeks and maybe you’ll see results.
    Abs-of-Steel Man & Mr. Sad-Sack

  4. Pastor Of Disaster

    book
    04/16/19
    6 mins
    Matt Johnson
    How are things at your church? Are people getting saved in droves, are there mass baptisms every Sunday, is giving at an all-time high, and are your members model citizens and pillars of the community?
    Pastor Of Disaster

  5. God Shows Up When The Chips Are Down

    book
    04/02/19
    7 mins
    Matt Johnson
    If everyone would just live by the rules, the world would be a better place, wouldn’t it?
    God Shows Up When The Chips Are Down

  6. Why Bad News Is Good News

    book
    03/26/19
    7 mins
    Matt Johnson
    Martin Luther knew something about economics. Well, God’s economics anyway.
    Why Bad News Is Good News

  7. The Advantages Of Praying Drunk

    book
    03/13/19
    8 mins
    Matt Johnson
    Is there ever a time in a Christian’s life when there is less need for grace? Think about it.
    The Advantages Of Praying Drunk

  8. Jesus – The De-Motivational Speaker

    book
    03/04/19
    8 mins
    Matt Johnson
    Americans love the vicarious sense of pride they get from the odds-defying underdog myth.
    Jesus – The De-Motivational Speaker

  9. Why Rules Alone Never Work

    book
    02/25/19
    7 mins
    Matt Johnson
    Your eternal salvation isn’t dependent on performance or effort. Well, not your performance anyway...
    Why Rules Alone Never Work

  10. God’s Not Looking For Spiritual Gurus

    book
    02/15/19
    7 mins
    Matt Johnson
    To be human is to be preoccupied with averting pain and despair. But despair gets a bad rap.
    God’s Not Looking For Spiritual Gurus

  11. When It’s Time To Give Up

    book
    02/06/19
    7 mins
    Matt Johnson
    In our democratic society we love to talk about freedom. But anybody out there ever tried to be perfect? Ah, shucks. Turns out we’re not as free as we thought.
    When It’s Time To Give Up

  12. Stop Serving the Lord this Year

    book
    01/05/16
    1 min read
    Matt Johnson
    Ah, the New Year. It’s the stuff of resolutions. To be better. Do better. Live more healthful. And yet, year after year, we never quite change as much as we hope. Entropy is still a scientific fact.
    Stop Serving the Lord this Year

1517 creates and distributes theological and apologetic resources anchored in the central message of the Bible: that Christ died for sinners and rose for their justification.

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