The Consuming Fire and the Holiness That Comes Down

By Bradley Gray

10/02/25

23mins

The Consuming Fire and the Holiness That Comes Down

He doesn’t consume us, even though that is what we deserve. Instead, Jesus comes down to us and consumes all our sin by taking it on himself.

When Pastors Are Abused by Their Congregations

Donavon Riley

10/01/25

When Pastors Are Abused by Their Congregations

This article is the first part of a two-part series. The second part will take a look at when pastors abuse their congregations.

An Excerpt from Untamed Prayers: Psalm 123 and Psalm 136

Chad Bird

09/30/25

An Excerpt from Untamed Prayers: Psalm 123 and Psalm 136

The following entries are excerpts from Chad Bird’s new book, Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of the Psalms (1517 Publishing, 2025), pgs. 311 and 335

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Donavon Riley

01/30/18

When Doctrine Becomes Idolatry

I’m a drug addict. Specifically, a recovering drug addict. More specific, a grateful recovering drug addict.

Bradley Gray

01/29/18

The Drug of Behavioral Preaching

Preaching is a dangerous and difficult task. Some occupations might involve more harrowing situations and circumstances but I will continue to contend that there’s not a more perilous or vulnerable position to be in than behind the pulpit.

Bob Hiller

01/29/18

If You Don't Go to Church, You Won't Go to Heaven!

Heaven is as near as the Word proclaimed from the mouth of the preacher into the ear and heart of the sinner. It is as near as the bread and wine in your mouth. For, you see, Word and sacrament are where Jesus is.

Paul Dunk

01/26/18

Here We Are Now. Entertain Us.

Do you remember way back in May 2007, Charlie and his brother Harry were sitting on a chair when Charlie bit Harry's finger? The little guys broke the internet.

Chad Bird

01/26/18

The Unsexy Church

The following is an excerpt from Chad Bird’s new book, Your God Is Too Glorious: Finding God in the Most Unexpected Places (Baker Book, 2018).

Bonnie Petroschuk

01/24/18

You Can’t Fool God

Growing up in church I did not often hear the word “grace” uttered unless it was accompanied by the word “cheap” and said in a disapproving tone with a disdainful look.

Dominick Santore

01/18/18

Come and See

I know it’s hard for some people to put aside old ideas and notions about Christianity, Christians, and church in general.

Chad Bird

01/17/18

"I'm Fully in Control of This Situation" and Three Other Delicious Lies

Jesus lives amidst the twisted metal and smoking ruins of lives gone bad. It’s where he does his best work. Christ is the ultimate first responder.

David Rufner

01/17/18

Life Wrapped in Death, Wrapped in Life.

In Adam and in us, life has been wrapped in death. But in Jesus, God has wrapped death in life.

Donavon Riley

01/16/18

The Unforgivable, Forgiven

The pastor declares it. We receive it. The forgiveness of sins. It’s a simple thing.

Donavon Riley

01/16/18

That is Good

A heart that wants nothing that is not from God can only occur by the Holy Spirit speaking the Gospel into our hearts.

Joel Hess

01/11/18

The Light Shines in the Darkness

But another possible translation for the Greek word we translate as ‘overcome’ and one maybe more consistent with the context is ‘comprehend.’

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