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

Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
06/14/18

The Paradox of Pastoral Preaching

At times, evangelical Christianity can be a paradox. For as much as Protestants have spurned Roman Catholicism, they’re much more Catholic than they’d ever like to admit.
Scott Keith
Scott Keith
06/11/18

Preach Christ, Not About Christ

There is a difference between preaching about Christ and preaching Christ.
RJ Grunewald
RJ Grunewald
06/06/18

The Scandal of the Cross

A Roman execution device isn't exactly a picturesque scene of divine love on display.
Bob Hiller
Bob Hiller
06/01/18

The Real Threat to Our Preaching

Many Christians are worried—perhaps legitimately—that the state is a short step away from turning the Law of God into hate speech and silencing the legal preaching of God’s Word.
John T. Pless
John T. Pless
05/14/18

Preaching Pentecost

The miracle of Pentecost is not obvious; it is the miracle of faith created through the preaching of the word of the cross.
Jessica Thompson
Jessica Thompson
03/29/18

God at the Feet of Sinners

The disciples and Christ have just finished their last meal together. The disciples, of course, didn't know this, but Jesus did.
Valerie Thur
Valerie Thur
03/29/18

Seven Stanzas at Maundy Thursday

There is something about high art forms that touches the soul.
Kyle G. Jones
Kyle G. Jones
03/28/18

God’s Word in Our Mouths

What makes a meal more than food? We all have important meals in our lives; birthday meals; anniversary meals; traditional holiday meals.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
03/22/18

The Church Doesn't Need "Children's Church"

In an age when families are already fractured beyond comprehension, are we seriously going to separate parents from children in the one service in which God himself is present to unite us to himself and one another?
Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
01/29/18

The Drug of Behavioral Preaching

Preaching is a dangerous and difficult task. Some occupations might involve more harrowing situations and circumstances but I will continue to contend that there’s not a more perilous or vulnerable position to be in than behind the pulpit.
Bob Hiller
Bob Hiller
01/29/18

If You Don't Go to Church, You Won't Go to Heaven!

Heaven is as near as the Word proclaimed from the mouth of the preacher into the ear and heart of the sinner. It is as near as the bread and wine in your mouth. For, you see, Word and sacrament are where Jesus is.
Bror Erickson
Bror Erickson
01/24/18

My Father, Bo Giertz (Part 3)

His clarity and fearlessness made him a favorite interview subject for the press in both great and small questions.
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