Wade Johnston, Life Under the Cross: A Biography of the Reformer Matthias Flacius Illyricus, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis: MO, 2025.
This ancient “tale of two mothers” concerns far more than theological semantics—it is the difference between a God who sends and a God who comes.
This story points us from our unlikely heroes to the even more unlikely, and joyous, good news that Jesus’ birth for us was just as unlikely and unexpected.

All Articles

Your justification isn’t a matter of “Jesus plus” anything.
Paul has zero patience for the gospel of God to be called into question, especially when the ones questioning it are the ones who should’ve known better.
I didn’t see Christmas as a gift given to me to enjoy, I saw Christmas as a long list of expectations I needed to hold up to love those around me.
In an autobiographical telling, Gretchen Ronnevik shares the fate of two different fathers and the hope she has in Christ.
How the pumpkin patch has a lot to teach us about the love and work of Christ
In this piece, 1517’s Director of Publishing, Steve Byrnes, shares a personal story about a period of doubt in his life that eventually was replaced with confidence through God’s provision, and the care of the Christian community.
No plot spoilers here just some really Good News
A pastor shares his own experience of loneliness and hope
Delwyn Campbell wrestles with a situation that demands love and justice
The goodness of God's grace is also offensive to our egos
God gives good gifts to underserving workers. God gives good gifts to all of them.
We must also address the stigma surrounding addiction within so many churches.