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
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
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

All Articles

Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
07/24/21

Old Testament: Exodus 16:2-15 (Pentecost 10: Series B)

The presence of the Glory Cloud at the presentation of the manna makes clear who is providing this meal.
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
07/24/21

Gospel: John 6:22-35 (Pentecost 10: Series B)

In His grace, Jesus promises that all who come to Him in faith will live abundantly and eternally.
Bob Hiller
Bob Hiller
07/24/21

Epistle: Ephesians 4:1-16 (Pentecost 10: Series B)

The unity we have in the Church is a gift, a gracious creation of the triune God and not a work we accomplish or decide on.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
07/24/21

What Is the Purpose of the Church?

Ascertaining the what and how of the Church greatly factor into the very purpose of the Church, that is, they essentially answer the question why the Church?
Steven A. Hein
Steven A. Hein
07/19/21

That's A Good Question: Is God Responsible for Death?

We do not have to endure the pain and suffering of this fallen existence forever, just for a little while.
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
07/17/21

Old Testament: Genesis 9:8-17 (Pentecost 9: Series B)

The rainbow is a sign of the covenant God is making with “all flesh which is on the earth” and to the coming generations.
Bob Hiller
Bob Hiller
07/17/21

Epistle: Ephesians 3:14-21 (Pentecost 9: Series B)

Prayers for the faith of the Church—prayed in love from a place of suffering—not only define much of Paul’s ministry, but are formed by the Christ they imitate.
David Schmitt
David Schmitt
07/17/21

Gospel: Mark 6:45-56 (Pentecost 9: Series B)

When the One who created the world comes to you, there is reason for courage and never reason to fear.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
07/17/21

“When the Humbling Comes”: A Funeral Sermon for the Impressive

The good news is Christ Jesus is faithful to the end, even to the point of death and through death, with a steadfast and vocal faith in God our Savior for those who cannot do so in their lives any longer on account of their altered state.
Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
07/13/21

A Kingdom of Sheathed Swords and Severed Ears

But Jesus didn’t see it that way. He saw his arrest not as the kingdom’s program being thwarted but as it being “fulfilled.”
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
07/12/21

That's a Good Question: Once Saved, Always Saved?

The acquisition of salvation, the giving of salvation, and the keeping of salvation are entirely dependent upon the Savior himself.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
07/11/21

First Principles of Preaching: The Exegetical Imperative (Part 4)

Accuracy and quality are the preacher’s responsibility. How affective and effective the sermon may be, of course, belongs to the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
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