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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“The fear of the Lord” is our heart’s awakening to and recognition of God’s outrageous goodness.
The church does not await a verdict; she proclaims one.
If you struggle with doubt, take heart: You are not alone.
On second thought: Keep Lent, but sacrifice your concept of it.
Albrech Dürer is said to have brought the Renaissance north of the Alps and perfected the mass production and distribution of images.
We are called to believe in the church even when we don’t believe in the church.
Is there a significant difference between changing your mind and doing penance? Absolutely.
Luther’s final thoughts were not meant to bum you out or lead you to despair.
What do we do with Katie Luther? What kind of historical character can we paint her to be?
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.”
Longstanding tradition must be bolstered by something outside of ourselves that also lies outside of the traditions of men.
This is the second article in a special three-part Advent series on how Jesus is our prophet, priest, and king.