1517's Favorite Books from 2025
By 1517 Staff
12/29/25
1min

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

Michael Gibney
Michael Gibney
06/10/25

Why I Needed a Church That Gives Jesus: On Rooted Faith and Real Absolution

What I was missing—what so many are missing—is a Church that doesn’t just speak about Christ, but delivers him.
Ryan Couch
Ryan Couch
06/06/25

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.
Sam P. Schuldheisz
Sam P. Schuldheisz
05/30/25

Ascension with the Inklings

When Jesus ascends, he does so, bearing gifts for you.
Steven Paulson
Steven Paulson
05/27/25

Psalm 9: Blood Avenger and Mercy Seat

Should you then abandon David’s plea that God use his law against his enemies and send a Legal Avenger? No, the law must be preached to the Christian (insofar as he is not one).
Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
05/15/25

Why We Worship

“The fear of the Lord” is our heart’s awakening to and recognition of God’s outrageous goodness.
Bruce Hillman
Bruce Hillman
05/09/25

Church Attendance Increases in New Study—But Can We Trust It?

We needn’t fear statistics and studies as palm readings into a certain future. God is God, and his Spirit is alive through his Word.
Joel Hess
Joel Hess
04/25/25

The Resurrection Should be Terrifying

It's one thing to hope for a new reality; it's quite another to stand before it, no matter how wonderful.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
04/22/25

A Review of The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World

Dave weaves together music, movies, and documentaries to illustrate all the ways we seek relief—and then, full and free, he connects our need to Christ’s gift.
Bruce Hillman
Bruce Hillman
04/22/25

What does Pope Francis’ Death Mean to Protestants?

While I disagree with many things Francis did and believed, I think he deserves credit for this: Francis showed us what Christian leadership can look like.
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.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
03/27/25

The Proclamation of Paint

How intentional will we be about utilizing gospel spaces that already inescapably communicate?
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.
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