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

Brian W. Thomas
Brian W. Thomas
02/01/18

Let the Little Children Come to Me: A Sanctuary for Children

“In a culture that promotes self-interest, children in church learn that something much bigger and more important than themselves is going on in their midst."
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
01/30/18

When Doctrine Becomes Idolatry

I’m a drug addict. Specifically, a recovering drug addict. More specific, a grateful recovering drug addict.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
01/30/18

Love That Never Goes Cold

When we talk about love then, let us not talk about ourselves.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
01/28/18

Wasting Our Love

We follow the example of creation and her Creator, wasting our love quite prodigally in fulfilling our callings, whether we’re thanked or spurned, applauded or ignored.
Jeff Mallinson
Jeff Mallinson
01/18/18

Really? Will Anything Ever Be Okay in Jerusalem?

In him, retribution is set aside. Forgiveness comes. A new order begins. Remember that God’s mission will prevail, because grace is in, with, and under the fabric of human history.
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.
David Rufner
David Rufner
01/17/18

Life Wrapped in Death, Wrapped in Life.

In Adam and in us, life has been wrapped in death. But in Jesus, God has wrapped death in life.
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.’
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.
Daniel Deen
Daniel Deen
01/03/18

United in Suffering, Distracted by What To Do About It (Part 2)

Only a god could be wise. We are seekers, lovers of divine wisdom, but it is forever beyond our grasp due to human limitation.
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.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
12/31/17

God's New Year's Resolution

Jesus tears down every “but” that people try to build between us and God. He died and rose for us, and—not but—He makes Himself our Lord and Savior.
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