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

01/21/19

The Old Testament Roots of The Lord's Supper: Part 2

Blood is the thing. In the Scriptures, sin must be covered or "atoned for" as it's called, by blood.

Wade Johnston

01/21/19

God's Two Contradictory Words

Both these words, Law and Gospel, are from God. The sinner needs both of them. Both are true and good.

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

01/17/19

Our Sins Are Either With Us or With Jesus

John’s message doesn’t inspire religious leaders to repent. Instead, John’s message provokes them to resentment and rage.

Dominick Santore

01/14/19

Move, Before Death Comes...

I got your life application right here! First off, Happy New Year! It's 2019 and there's a sense of optimism floating about in the air.

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.

Chad Bird

01/11/19

God Writes Straight With Crooked Lines

If I were granted three wishes, one of them would not be to know what the future holds.

Erick Sorensen

01/10/19

Jesus The Antinomian?

The other day on Twitter, I saw someone insult their theological opponent with the term "free-gracer."

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.

Walter Hwang

01/08/19

Where Are You?

I grew up playing baseball – mostly “street” baseball, with a bunch of friends. It was one of my passions in life.

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.

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.

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