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

Adam Francisco
Adam Francisco
07/03/20

Citizenship in the Christian Tradition

The following is an excerpt from Adam Fransisco’s chapter in “Who Am I?” edited by Scott Ashmon (1517 Publishing, 2020).
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
07/02/20

The Number 666 and God’s Merciful Math

The number 666 in Revelation has been interpreted in a myriad of ways. To whom does it apply? Is it a reference to a particular man or humanity in general? In this article, Chad Bird describes how 666 is related to God's math of mercy in the Messiah.
Steven A. Hein
Steven A. Hein
07/02/20

Edward John Carnell: Defender of the Faith

Using common everyday events, Carnell sought to clarify that there are three standards of duty that we demand others to respect to protect our dignity.
Jeffrey Pulse
Jeffrey Pulse
06/28/20

Old Testament: Zechariah 9:9-12 (Pentecost 5: Series A)

The people gathered in Jerusalem that day were making a bold statement of faith. They believed Jesus was the New David.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
06/28/20

Epistle: Romans 7:14-25a (Pentecost 5: Series A)

Paul has gone through all this explanation to belabor the point: The incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything.
David Schmitt
David Schmitt
06/28/20

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30 (Pentecost 5: Series A)

Jesus did not come to be first. He came to be faithful, faithful to His Father’s mission for you.
Steven Paulson
Steven Paulson
06/26/20

The Hidden God and My Hiding Place

The God whom I met without a preacher is neither revealing nor hiding—but now, with a preacher, he has become my hiding place!
Pete Lange
Pete Lange
06/24/20

Scripture Interprets Scripture: What Does this Mean?

Scripture is clear in its main teachings and doctrines. People don’t need any special knowledge or training to understand sin, grace, forgiveness, and salvation.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
06/23/20

Which Party Are We Invited To?

We're not called to be obedient consumers. We're free in Christ to love and serve our neighbor according to his need
Ken Sundet Jones
Ken Sundet Jones
06/22/20

You Can't Handle God

The kingdom I seek is the lower-case realm ruled over by the almighty upper-case Me.
Peter Nafzger
Peter Nafzger
06/21/20

Gospel: Matthew 10:34-42 (Pentecost 4: Series A)

If your congregation promotes and supports “family values,” you should be prepared to take this text head-on.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
06/21/20

Epistle: Romans 7:1-13 (Pentecost 4: Series A)

St. Paul asserts the baptized have died in Christ but this death then makes them free to live unto Christ. Complicated? Yes, a little. Let us try to clarify things a bit.
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