This is an excerpt from the third chapter of By Water and the Word: God’s Gift of Baptism for You by Brian Thomas (1517 Publishing, 2026), pgs 52-60.
Even when the bitter places sink down deep into our bones, the Restorer never relinquishes his grip on you.
To Live Well is therefore not a general advice book, but a message suffused with the gospel.

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God has told us everything necessary for faith. However he has not told us everything there is to know.
Ultimately, Scripture does not confront fear with commands. It confronts fear with a promise.
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” That word isn't just for Israel; it's also for you.
Curiosity, while it might kill the cat, just might be one of the most needed virtues of our time.
Bitterness took root when he began approaching the Word merely as a burden he was called to carry rather than a balm that his soul needed, too.
Instead of offering more details or more information, he does something even better: he promises his very presence.
In grace, God chooses to love his people.
Below is an excerpt from the personal devotional included in this year’s 1517 Advent Resources.
This article is part of Stephen Paulson’s series on the Psalms.
You have real freedom through the gospel of Jesus Christ, a freedom that doesn’t rest on founders, votes, or power plays.
Five promises were seemingly all those apostles, staring into the sky, had to go on. Five promises that were more than enough.
It's easy to have courage when things go well.