Live Worship @ CLC Scarborough
The Fire of God
1 Kings 18:36-39 NIV84
At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”
What It's About
The false prophets had already done their part and nothing has happened. Now it was Elijah's turn to demonstrate who the true God is. After his simple prayer, God came with fire from heaven and burned the sacrifice and licked up all the water in the altar. The people were amazed and turned their hearts to God and worshipped Him. The fire of God is a symbol of His powerful presence
He Addressed the Person
"God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel". Elijah identified the God of his forefathers.
He Ascribed the Position
""You are God in Israel - I am your servant". Elijah recognized who God is. He is not just another God. He is the God of Israel. There is a relationship between us and I am the servant.
He Asked his Petition
"Answer me O Lord..." Elijah wanted the Lord to show His power that the people's hearts will turn back to God.
Fire Removes Contamination
The church today is contaminated with impurities such as materilaism, compromise, apathy, rebellion, etc. The fire of God removes the dirt klike the laundere'rs soap. (Mal. 3:2-4)
Fire Refines and Purges
The intense heat melts gold and silver and impurities come out leaving only the pure metal. God allows you to go through a process of intense heat from fire, not to destory you but to bring the best out of you. (Isa. 43:2; 1 Peter 1:6-7)
Fire Softens
Even the hardest metal can be bent through the fire. The most fragile and breakable glass can become pliable through the fire. The fire of God in our lives can help us become flexible so that He can mould us to what he wants us to be.
Conclusion
We need the fire of God to revive our spirit and build a fresh passion for Jesus. We must be willing to offer ourselves to Him and let the refiner's fire remove the contamination, purge and purify us, and soften our hearts. The Lord is looking for Elijahs who will stand and cry out to God in prayer to pour out the fire of revival that people's heart will turn back to God and remove the spiritual drought so that the blessings of God can flow in the land.
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