Proximity to the Flame :
Proximity to the Flame This fire on the alter was not to go out because this was God's alter
When the Tabernacle was dedicated, the Lord sent fire down from heaven to ignite this fire that burned on the altar day and night
The flame was the visible symbol of God's presence among his people Old Covenant The alter is established in our hearts
Enters in based on relationship with Jesus
Hebrews 10:19-20 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,”
I Corinth 6:19 Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…
Matthew 5:14 - "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” New Covenant The source is the same; but the veil has been removed
Flame MaintenanceWho is on the hook? :
Flame MaintenanceWho is on the hook? It was the responsibility of the priest to make sure that the fire did not burn out
The priests were instructed to keep wood on the fire and see to it that the fire never went out
Other activities could be deferred Old Covenant No earthly mediator is required
it is our responsibility to assure that we maintain the fire of the Holy Spirit in our lives
If it fails it is your responsibility
I Peter 2:9 Peter "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into light.“ New Covenant
How do we maintain the flame? :
How do we maintain the flame? Oxygen – Praise Ignition – Word Acts1:14 - They all joined together constantly in prayer…
Acts 2:3-4 “3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Fuel – Prayer 2 Samuel 22:4 - “I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised”
Psalm 113:3 – “From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised.”
As we praise Him our fire grows Psalm 119:11 Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. The ingredients point us to relationship with Jesus
What happened to my flame? :
What happened to my flame? Salvation - 30 Years ago Today – 40 Something Responsibility Fear Adulthood Busy Lethargy Lazy Sluggish Competing priorities Finances Entertainment Casualness Distractions Juicy rationalizations Someone else will cover me Marriage Family
Fan into Flame :
Fan into Flame 2 Timothy 1:5&6 – “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”