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

Bror Erickson
Bror Erickson
03/30/18

Christ’s First Word From the Cross: “Father, Forgive Them…”

This is the first of seven words of Christ from the cross.
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?
Larry D. Hughes
Larry D. Hughes
03/07/18

40 Days of Law-Then What?

The Law must attack because nothing outside of Christ can enter Heaven—nothing!
Jessica Thompson
Jessica Thompson
02/14/18

The Gospel for the Relational Failure

Today I want to give you some good news. It is good news for the relationship failure; for the one who is self-focused;
David Rufner
David Rufner
02/14/18

The Gift of Ashes

Gone, abolished, put away with, undone, and destroyed are any and all notions that my repentance unlocks, sets free, or earns God’s forgiveness.
Larry D. Hughes
Larry D. Hughes
02/07/18

The Authority and Power to Forgive

Neither did Christ’s absolution “run out” nor “reach a limit” due to Judas’ sin.
Ted Rosenbladt
Ted Rosenbladt
02/05/18

Discovering Peace Through Confession

The practice of Confession in the Christian church is given to us so that I can offload my sins to He Who takes my sins to death for me—none other than Christ Jesus.
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.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
01/26/18

The Unsexy Church

The following is an excerpt from Chad Bird’s new book, Your God Is Too Glorious: Finding God in the Most Unexpected Places (Baker Book, 2018).
Bonnie Petroschuk
Bonnie Petroschuk
01/24/18

You Can’t Fool God

Growing up in church I did not often hear the word “grace” uttered unless it was accompanied by the word “cheap” and said in a disapproving tone with a disdainful look.
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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