The Reason for Lent
By Christopher J. Richmann
01/23/26
15mins

The Reason for Lent

This is an excerpt from the introduction of Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Christopher Richmann (1517 Publishing, 2026).
Is Faith Enough?
Heather Schulz
Heather Schulz
01/22/26

Is Faith Enough?

We can bring our troubles, griefs, sorrows, and sins to Jesus, who meets us smack dab in the middle of our messy mob.
Why Christian Tradition? Why Confession
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
01/21/26

Why Christian Tradition? Why Confession

Confession isn’t a detour in the liturgy. It’s the doorway.

All Articles

Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
02/17/20

Old Testament: Exodus 28:8-18 (Transfiguration; Series A)

Because God makes the rules He is free to break them when He chooses, however, God only breaks His own rules on the side of grace!
Dominick Santore
Dominick Santore
02/13/20

Dear Pastor, Give ‘em Gospel!

Christianity has never been about getting people to clam up and look the part. It’s about Christ calling sinners to himself.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
02/11/20

Weaponizing Our Virtues

Virtue, like all good things, can easily be weaponized. And not only can, but constantly is. Indeed, I would argue that, for churchgoing, rule-following, tradition-honoring, morality-applauding people, virtue often becomes the cancer that we deem a badge of honor.
Bruce Hillman
Bruce Hillman
02/10/20

The Baptism that Swallowed the Rocks

The Church gathers around the Word and Sacrament in order to receive Christ and each other.
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
02/10/20

Gospel: Matthew 5:21-37 (Epiphany 6: Series A)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus establishes a whole new standard for what it means to live as one of His people.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
02/10/20

Epistle: I Corinthians 3:1-9 (Epiphany 6: Series A)

It is time to move on from the basics, says the Apostle. It is time to sink your teeth into some theological meat and understand He is working in those baptized into Christ.
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
02/10/20

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (Epiphany 6: Series A)

Obviously, the choice is very black and white: good or evil; life or death; blessings or curses...Unfortunately, the actions of the people will speak louder than their words.
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
02/03/20

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-20 (Epiphany 5: Series A)

The followers of Jesus have a function to perform. When they do not perform it—that is, when they are not being themselves—the world suffers.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
02/03/20

Epistle: I Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) (Epiphany 5: Series A)

Paul says Christian faith means confessing Jesus is Lord, beginning at the Cross, and owning the historical fact that God raised Him from the dead.
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
02/03/20

Old Testament: Isaiah 58:3-9a (Epiphany 5: Series A)

There are good, God-pleasing reasons to attend a Divine Service, but worship attendance can also be an action by which we try to earn or deserve the favor and love of God. This is an ongoing struggle in every worshiping community.
Ryan Couch
Ryan Couch
01/28/20

You Aren’t Jesus and You Don’t Need to Be

The gospel is the good news that in Christ we have been given the very righteousness of Christ himself. This means that everything God commands of us is given to us in Christ as a gift.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
01/28/20

Locking Preachers in the Pulpit

The Spirit did not plant preachers in the pulpit to be pontificating moralists or political hacks or spiritualizing psychologists or motivational speakers.
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.