At the tabernacle and at Solomon's temple, the fire of God fell on a building. But on the day of Pentecost the fire fell on people. This time the house had a heartbeat.
In Part 2 of our Overflow series, I open Acts 2:1–4 and ask one question: what is the fire for? God does not fill us to make us famous. He fills us to make Jesus known.
"They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them." Acts 2:3 (NIV)
Here are three things we do with the fire of God:
Build the altar: Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord before he prayed for fire (1 Kings 18). God sends His fire to a ready altar.
Fan the flame: "The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out" (Leviticus 6:13). Paul told Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6–7).
Carry the fire: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8). The fire is not only for Sunday. It is for your home, your work and your street.
I also look at three fires in Peter's life. There was the fire where he denied Jesus, the fire on the beach where Jesus restored him, and the fire of Pentecost that sent him out to preach. Your failure does not have to be your future.
"Filled with fire, sent with power."
Watch or Listen Now
Is your fire burning low? Come back to the altar and ask God to fill you again.
Watch or listen to the full message below, and join us next Sunday for Part 3, New Wine.
