Pentecost and the Beautiful Mess of the Church
By Ryan Couch
06/06/25
15mins

Pentecost and the Beautiful Mess of the Church

Every time someone is baptized, every time bread is broken and wine poured, every time a sinner hears, “Your sins are forgiven in Christ,” Pentecost happens again.
Hymns at Midnight
Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
06/05/25

Hymns at Midnight

They were still praying, trusting, and hoping. Why? Because they knew who was with them and who was for them: the risen Christ.
What Now?
Wade Johnston
Wade Johnston
06/04/25

What Now?

So Christ is risen, but what now?

All Articles

Norman Nagel
Norman Nagel
10/29/19

Don't Condemn That Pharisee

We would be utterly miserable if we could not find somebody less than ourselves, somebody to look down on, somebody to make us more pleased with ourselves.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
10/28/19

You Can’t Be Late to Church—Here’s Why

We show up to this crowded sacred shindig on Sundays, all wings and halos and blue jeans, and shimmy our way into the sanctuary, late to church but not late to church, for how can we be late to a service that never ends?
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
10/28/19

Old Testament: Isaiah 1:10-18 (Pentecost 21: Series C)

Even though the sins of the Israelites are great, like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. In spite of great transgression, there is even greater forgiveness.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
10/28/19

Epistle: I John 3:1-3 (All Saints Sunday: Series C)

The lavish nature of God’s love is indicated by the fact that He, as Father, is the author of our being adopted as sons and daughters through Holy Baptism.
Joel Fitzpatrick
Joel Fitzpatrick
10/24/19

Ugly Prayer and the God of Sleep

God broke into the midst of our pain and allows us to bring our requests to him as those who are counted as “godly.”
Ryan Couch
Ryan Couch
10/23/19

The Gospel of the Unabomber

It is incumbent upon the faithful preacher, looking to see sinners transformed into the image of Christ, to preach a naked gospel.
Adam Francisco
Adam Francisco
10/22/19

Baptized into Christ, a Child of Paradise

When I hear my brother’s name, I will grieve a little. But I will also rejoice, for I know that he is with his Savior.
Kathy Morales
Kathy Morales
10/22/19

Blessed are the Lost

When we run deep into the darkness, Jesus runs deeper and deeper after us. Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
10/21/19

Remember Your Death

So long as we entrust death to Jesus, new life is ours. He has lunch ready and he is waiting for us in the power of his resurrection.
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
10/21/19

Old Testament: Genesis 4:1-15 (Pentecost 20: Series C)

Throughout Scripture it is clear that the “keeper” is the LORD... It is the LORD who “keeps” His people and His creation. He is the creator and sustainer (keeper).
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
10/21/19

Gospel: Luke 18:9-17 (Pentecost 20: Series C)

Faithful celebration of the Reformation is possible only for those who understand they have nothing. Whose incapability and insufficiency are obvious and owned. Who recognize their dependence on God for all things. In other words, Reformation is for children.
Bruce Hillman
Bruce Hillman
10/16/19

When Bible Reading Becomes Boring.

If the gospel is promise that means it is essentially relational. It stands that the nature of any promise is that it's only as good as the one who issues it.
1517 is a Christian non-profit (501(c)3) multi-media organization. Our mission is to declare and defend the Good News that we are forgiven and free on account of the death and resurrection of Jesus alone.
1517.org
Search
Academy
Donate

1517 grants permission for our free online resources to be printed, photocopied, and otherwise used freely for private and church use. We require that authorship and source (1517.org) are referenced and maintained. These resources may not be sold or included in any publications for sale.