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

God’s justification of us does not happen secretly in our spirits. God justifies you and me in His absolving Word
Luther contends that even our best spiritual, theological, and moral efforts are insufficient to save us.
As I came to read the Reformers, I found their words comforting. I started to hope again.
This book tells of my long and brutal journey. From married to divorced. From a seminary professor and pastor to a disgraced, bitter truck driver in the oil fields of Texas. From a man at war with God to a child redeemed by grace.
Rather than presenting Christ’s words as a rule or a threat, Luther reveals it to be the promise of God.
The Christian who understands Gospel-based love recognizes the false promises and rewards of the Playboy Mansion.
Recovery helps us see beauty in the ordinary; the miracle and wonder of creation in the oak leaf or the evergreen needle.
Satan cannot stand the Gospel, and so he goes to work to undermine and render God’s Word an impotent and absurd message.
While Lynch might not be everyone’s cup of tea, he certainly paints a world that many of our neighbors can relate to: a strange place governed by inexplicable entities, causes and forces.
I hear voices in my head accusing me, telling me these sins will be there on the Day of Judgment unless I make atonement.
If this opening verse offers to us both door and doorkeeper, then the doorkeeper stands with the door held securely shut.
Standing before Jesus is one of the cultural groups that the Lord sought fit to eradicate for their wickedness to preserve the line that would eventually birth Jesus.