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

Chad Bird
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.
Donavon Riley
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
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
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.’
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
01/09/18

God the Trashman

When I was a boy, I wanted to be a trashman. Little did I know that I would grow up to need a God who was a trashman.
Kelsi Klembara
Kelsi Klembara
01/09/18

Yes, But...

Yes, but. It's a phrase I find myself repeating often in life. When my husband asks for forgiveness, I too often respond, "I forgive you, but…” and then continue with a list of my grievances.
Ted Rosenbladt
Ted Rosenbladt
01/08/18

Jesus Died for Failing Parents

God knows our need. He knows how it is to raise unruly children. He is very experienced in dealing with rebellion.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
01/04/18

Just Another Law-Gospel Sermon?

While I was still an over-eager seminarian the professor warned me, “Mr. Riley, this is exciting stuff.
Kevin McClain
Kevin McClain
01/04/18

The New Year’s Mirror

Freedom from the Law does not come through personal perfection, it comes through Jesus Christ. The answer is not a better you, but a you who is united to God through Christ.
Martin Luther
Martin Luther
01/02/18

On Demanding Good Works

You say: Since forgiveness depends on faith alone, why must one nonetheless do good works? Answer: If faith is of the true sort, it cannot be without good works, just as no good work can be where unbelief dwells.
Joel Hess
Joel Hess
12/28/17

Christmas is for the Naughty List

Merry Christmas sinner! Jesus was born for you. He died and rose for you.
Larry D. Hughes
Larry D. Hughes
12/22/17

R.C. Sproul

To lose a leader like this is always too soon!
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