1517's Favorite Books from 2025
By 1517 Staff
12/29/25
17mins

1517's Favorite Books from 2025

Below is a list of our favorite theological books - across all categories - from 2025. A special thanks to our contributors who submitted titles, wrote summaries and full reviews for these books and more throughout the year.
The Scandal and Splendor of the Savior’s Birth
Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
12/26/25

The Scandal and Splendor of the Savior’s Birth

Every sinner can trace their salvation back to this moment when the Savior was born in accordance with the Word of God so that all of God’s words would be realized.
What to Preach and Not to Preach at Christmas
Steven Paulson
Steven Paulson
12/25/25

What to Preach and Not to Preach at Christmas

Christmas is not for remembering, thinking, pondering, trying to make sure you are really celebrating it properly, or for wondering whether you truly have faith.

All Articles

Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
04/29/25

The Cross Speaks Peace

Do it again, God,” rings the psalmist’s appeal.
Steven Paulson
Steven Paulson
04/03/25

Psalm 8 From the Mouth of Babes: Why do you care, O Lord?

The Psalm now is this: as Christ suffered and then was exalted, so we are also in him.
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.
Caleb Keith
Caleb Keith
03/07/25

The Mistranslation That Sparked the Reformation

Is there a significant difference between changing your mind and doing penance? Absolutely.
Steve Kruschel
Steve Kruschel
03/06/25

Through the Tombs of the Kings: Asa - Laid In the Tomb He Made

This is the first 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.
Edward Killian
Edward Killian
02/18/25

We Are Beggars: Martin Luther’s Final Words and the Heart of the Gospel

Luther’s final thoughts were not meant to bum you out or lead you to despair.
John W. Hoyum
John W. Hoyum
02/10/25

Martin Luther's Three Lights

Luther’s famous treatise contains great consolation for Christians struggling with grace, suffering, and hope.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
02/07/25

Captives in the Hollow of Grace

The addict’s condition speaks a hard truth: that we are all beggars before God, every one of us bent toward the grave.
Gretchen Ronnevik
Gretchen Ronnevik
01/29/25

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Katie Luther?

What do we do with Katie Luther? What kind of historical character can we paint her to be?
Steven Paulson
Steven Paulson
01/23/25

Psalm 6: Wrestling with God

By the end of this prayer of wrestling, David finally has the strength to claim victory over his lying enemies.
Kelsi Klembara
Kelsi Klembara
01/21/25

Baptism: Return or Redo? On the 500th Anniversary of the Anabaptist Movement

There is a “re” involved with baptism, but unlike the Anabaptists, it’s not a “re-do,” but a “re-turn" or a “re-member.”
Seth Moorman
Seth Moorman
01/02/25

The Narrative of the Nativity

The narrative of the Nativity is what Christmas is all about.
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.