By Jason Oakland

05/23/25

10mins

A Hidden God Revealed in Promise

God chooses to clothe himself in promises and hides himself in his word.

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

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.

All Articles

Chad Bird

01/17/19

Is it OK for a Former Adult Film Producer to Serve Holy Communion?

Some things, once they are deemed disgusting or contaminated, permanently carry that quality with them. These things are even thought to be “contagious,” negatively affecting whatever they come into contact with.

Donavon Riley

01/15/19

The Old Testament Roots of the Lord's Supper: Part 1

At the Passover, when Jesus said, "Take, eat, this is my body... take, drink, this is the New Testament in my blood, which is given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins," he wasn't inventing a "new" thing.

Jason Lane

01/13/19

Epistle: I Corinthians 12:1-11 (Epiphany 2: Series C)

This text teaches us about concepts found in the Third Article of the Creed; concerning the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, and the communion of the saints (or of holy things). I would suggest, along with your study of the text, a devotional study of the Large Catechism on the Third Article this week.

Peter Nafzger

01/13/19

Gospel: John 2:1-11 (Epiphany 2: Series C)

And there is Jesus to save the day. With a little prodding from His mother, and some help from obedient servants, He swoops in and solves the problem before anyone even knew it existed. That is what we are looking for from God, right? To swoop in. To save the day. These are good reasons to like this text, but they all miss the point.

Chad Bird

01/11/19

Slaying Monsters in Church: Why Baptism Should be Rated R for Violence

When people are baptized, time is transcended. They go back to the Jordan and the Jordan comes forward to them. In a single splash, or a single dunk, they enter the war.

Joel Hess

01/10/19

A Church for Amnesiacs

Even after Jesus made it clear in His actions and commands that God’s grace is for all sinners, the apostles forgot the promises they received from their Savior.

Jeffrey Pulse

01/07/19

Old Testament: Isaiah 43:1-7 (Epiphany 1: Series C)

The location of this text, its context, is quite interesting. Preceding this text is the very strong language of Isaiah 42 which is a judgement speech of Yahweh which proclaims a brutal rebuke of Israel which includes the destruction of the country of Judah, the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. But now, beginning in 43:1, we have what Reed Lessing calls “the oracles of assurance.”

Jeffrey Pulse

01/07/19

Old Testament: Isaiah 43:1-7 (Epiphany 1: Series C)

Jason Lane

01/07/19

Epistle: Romans 6:1-11 (Epiphany 1: Series C)

Having Romans 6 as the Epistle for the Baptism of our Lord, and paired with Luke’s account of Jesus’ baptism and Isaiah’s prophetically rich baptismal language in Isaiah 43, allows preaches to proclaim Romans 6 in a more appropriate liturgical context. It could only be better, were someone in your congregation to be baptized on this day. If that’s your situation, the sermon will almost write itself.

Peter Nafzger

01/06/19

Gospel: Luke 3:15-22 (Epiphany 1: Series C)

The first Sunday after Epiphany is traditionally a time to think about the baptism of Jesus. It is common on this Sunday for preachers to make connections between Jesus’ baptism and our own. That seems like a natural move, for most sermons are directed primarily to the baptized.

Scott Davis

01/02/19

The Lord's Table Is Not A Potluck

Have you ever invited someone over to your house? Most of us have either invited someone into our homes for supper.

Cindy Koch

01/02/19

The Two Lies

Jesus’ coming and death and resurrection guarantee us the victory over the lies, the desire to be pitied, and the appeal of stuff.

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 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.

Articles

Podcasts

Scripture

Books

Events

Music

Videos

Courses

All Articles