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

John W. Hoyum
John W. Hoyum
05/24/19

Luther's Counsel for the Bereaved

For Luther, Jesus does something much better for those who grieve than simply identify with them: He brings suffering and evil to an end in His own death.
Martin Luther
Martin Luther
05/24/19

An Invitation to Join Our Company of Real, Great Sinners

I heartily sympathize with you and earnestly pray our Lord Jesus Christ to strengthen you and give you a cheerful heart. I should like to know, and am making diligent inquiries to find out, what your trouble may be or what has caused your breakdown.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
05/23/19

Jesus is Not a Life Coach

People say only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. But there are other certainties. Like the daily rising and setting of the sun. And like the fact that life itself has its risings and settings as well.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/21/19

How Jesus Will King for Us

Jesus has won the battle. The war is over. In His death, the victory’s sure.
Brandon Hanson
Brandon Hanson
05/17/19

We Preach Christ Crucified

While the cross of Christ is a stumbling block to our self-righteousness and an offense to our rationalism, this is where God has chosen to reveal His power and wisdom.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/15/19

For the Baptized, this is How it Goes

We can take comfort in the knowledge that He kills the sinner so we can get a new shot at life and life eternal.
Dan van Voorhis
Dan van Voorhis
05/08/19

Heresy, Deconstruction, and What to Do About It

When orthodoxy becomes a Law, heterodoxy can feel like the Gospel.
Jessica Thompson
Jessica Thompson
05/08/19

Joy Is Coming

Seasons of prolonged suffering have a way of beating your spirit down into the dust. Relational suffering. Physical suffering. Emotional suffering. Financial suffering.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
05/07/19

God Doesn't Give Us a Pass, and That's Good

We're going to worry about what people think of us. It's going to get in the way of our relationship with Jesus. We're going to fear God's judgment. But, we're also baptized into Christ. So we don't give up hope. Jesus will help us and strengthen us. He will guide us in his Baptismal grace and peace.
Valerie Thur
Valerie Thur
05/07/19

Speak His Name

The wizard stares into Billy Batson’s eyes. “Speak my name so my powers may flow through you.”
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
05/04/19

Pigs, Politics, and Christ the Comedian

We do not, as followers of Jesus, put any hope or place any trust in “princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation” (Ps. 146:3).
Charles E. Fry
Charles E. Fry
05/02/19

Why We are All Theologians of Glory

If man can save himself, what need is there for the cross or the Gospel?
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