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.

All Articles

These new texts and manuscripts, while not altering the message of the text, can give us better insight into particular historical and grammatical issues.
Death can make us feel like tourists or strangers traveling across the landscape of someone else’s life.
The story of these faithful Christians serves to highlight the roles of both Africa and martyrdom in the early church and today.
Nothing, not pain, hurt, resentment, bitterness, or hopelessness can separate us from God’s love for us in Jesus Christ.
It was reported that Hus died singing, “Christ, son of the living God, have mercy on me.”
We can’t all afford to travel the world, but the more we read from outside our own context, the bigger we see the world.
Sometimes, the bible bores me. Sometimes, I take scripture, grace, and Jesus lightly.
Original sin produces violent fruit.
Three of the most profound truths embedded in the fabric of the universe are that blood has a voice, blood cries out to God, and blood is heard by heaven.
The creeds provide a means of unified confession that is biblically sound, transcending denominational lines of demarcation.
When the church has gone astray, it has been the responsible (not slavish) approach to history that has helped correct the course.