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

Cindy Koch
Cindy Koch
01/10/18

Walking the Boring Path?

We are dangerously good at focusing on our exciting, or boring, walk of faith.
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.
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.
Brandon Hanson
Brandon Hanson
12/14/17

Childbearing Now Saves You

I bet you have seen this verse pop up in Bible study before.
Joel Hess
Joel Hess
12/14/17

Christmas on the Battlefield

In the midst of suffering, hate, and sin, Jesus sets a table for soldiers. He feeds the fearful with forgiveness and eternal life.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
12/04/17

What a Trail Taught Me About Worship

In an age when the phrase “new and improved” applies to everything from phones to marriages, when we as a nation mimic juveniles, lustily pursuing the next new thing, the worst decision a church can make is to cater to this weakness.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
11/25/17

We All Show up Late for Church

Our little congregation is part of a much larger church—the body of Christ, both here on earth as well as in heaven. And that church worships 24/7, never ceasing in its adoration of Jesus our Savior.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
11/19/17

How Churches Become Morality Clubs of Religion

We strive, in short, to master the art of swatting mosquitoes. And all the while, we remain blind to the fact that in pulpit after pulpit, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is as rare as Merry Christmas inside a synagogue.
Cindy Koch
Cindy Koch
11/14/17

Those Who Dig For the Gospel

You are made new by the eternal satisfaction for sin in Christ, by the precious treasure at God’s right hand.
Rick Ritchie
Rick Ritchie
11/08/17

Making it Your Own

We practice infant baptism because that is the ancient practice, following the command of Scripture.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
11/03/17

When Love Repents Us

The following excerpt comes from Chapter 7, “When Love Repents Us,” in Chad Bird’s new book, Night Driving: Notes from a Prodigal Soul.
Brian W. Thomas
Brian W. Thomas
11/01/17

Between Rome and the Fanatics

Luther accepted Augustine’s view of the church as a mixed body.
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