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

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.
Craig Donofrio
Craig Donofrio
06/02/25

The Gift of Metanoia: Alive in Christ, Dead to Sin

The baptized do not celebrate sin—they grieve it.
Sam P. Schuldheisz
Sam P. Schuldheisz
05/30/25

Ascension with the Inklings

When Jesus ascends, he does so, bearing gifts for you.
Ryan Matthias
Ryan Matthias
05/22/25

At the Edge of the Abyss

Jesus dove into the waters of baptism, plunging into our deepest need to rescue us.
Amy Mantravadi
Amy Mantravadi
05/21/25

A Review of "Raised in Splendor: The Hope of Glorification for a Secular Age by Jason B. Alligood

Alligood is at pains to stress that glorification is not the result of our own efforts any more than sanctification or justification.
Aaron Boerst
Aaron Boerst
05/20/25

Gone Fishin'

Forgiveness from Jesus is always surprising to us.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/19/25

On Pornography, Hunger, and Holy Rescue

The Christ who rescues does not wait for you to be clean. He comes to clean you. He does not need your strength. He brings his own.
Ryan Couch
Ryan Couch
05/16/25

How to Remember Your Baptism

When you remember your baptism, you're not recalling a ritual. You're standing under a current of divine action that has not ceased to flow since the moment those baptismal waters hit your skin.
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.
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