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

Bonnie Petroschuk
Bonnie Petroschuk
04/04/17

I, Alone

Last night was one of those nights when I had an unscheduled 3:00 a.m. Life Assessment session.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
01/26/17

John Chrysostom: The Preacher with a Golden Tongue

The table is full-laden; feast ye all sumptuously. The calf is fatted; let no one go hungry away.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
12/20/16

There's No Joy But In This Boy

Our relief when we're troubled can't be found at the end of all our preparations and celebrations, no matter how pious our intent.
Steven A. Hein
Steven A. Hein
12/19/16

Christmas is Bigger on the Inside

“It’s bigger on the inside” is not only an evocative literary device, it is also a phrase heavy laden with Good News found in the true story of Christianity, especially at Christmas.
Steven A. Hein
Steven A. Hein
12/14/16

Behold The King Israel Never Expected

We have heard of the man born to be king. Here in Bethlehem, by divine condescension, the King—the King of kings—is born to be man.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
12/13/16

Clark Kent in a Manger

Jesus isn't Superman. He's not from another planet. He's from Earth.
Joel Hess
Joel Hess
12/09/16

Spending Advent in God’s Winter Garden

So it is with my little garden as well; dead, so it would seem. Nothing. Barren.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
12/06/16

Isn't There Anywhere A Person Can Be Still?

This time of year, Christmas time, the world isn't so much Christ-expectant as it is Christ-haunted.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
11/16/16

Showing Mercy to Former Ministers

I don’t care why you left the ministry—moral failure, congregational politics, burnout, whatever—the Christ whom you proclaimed has not left you.
Bob Hiller
Bob Hiller
10/28/16

Giving God A Nap

The Word of God wrecked the room. The wise and seasoned pastor along with the smart mouth vicar were all silenced in the fear and awe of a God who can seem so absent at times.
Brian W. Thomas
Brian W. Thomas
10/11/16

What's The Big Deal About The Liturgy? (Part 6: Good News)

Many Christians (including preachers) have succumbed to the idea that good preaching must be about practical living, and so most sermons are geared to scratch this pragmatic itch.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
05/19/16

God, You Lied to Me: A Pastor's Struggle

He has wandered away into the darkness of his doubting, got lost in his grief, confused by the pains he’s suffered. It happens. Shepherds sometimes become lost sheep as well.
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