THE ALTAR OF FIRE

Title: THE ALTAR OF FIRE

Main Text: Leviticus 6:12-13 
Supporting Text: 1 Kings 18:30-39, Hebrews 12:29

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro 

INTRODUCTION
The altar of fire represents a place of divine encounter, consecration, and empowerment. In the Old Testament, God commanded that the fire on the altar must never go out (Leviticus 6:12-13). This signifies the perpetual need for divine presence and holiness. In our Christian walk, the "altar of fire" is symbolic of our hearts set ablaze with passion for God, filled with the Holy Spirit, and dedicated to His purposes. This sermon explores the significance of the altar of fire, its spiritual implications, and how we can sustain the fire of God in our lives.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE ALTAR OF FIRE

a) A Place of Continual Sacrifice (Leviticus 6:12-13; Romans 12:1)
The altar of fire was a place where sacrifices were continually offered to God. The priests were commanded to ensure that the fire never went out. Similarly, in Romans 12:1, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. The fire on the altar signifies our continuous dedication and commitment to God.

b) A Place of Divine Manifestation (1 Kings 18:30-39; Exodus 24:17) 
The altar of fire is where God reveals His power and glory. On Mount Carmel, Elijah called down fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice, demonstrating God's supremacy over the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:30-39). In Exodus 24:17, the glory of the Lord appeared as a consuming fire on Mount Sinai. The altar of fire attracts God's divine presence and manifestation.

c) A Place of Purification and Refinement (Malachi 3:2-3; Hebrews 12:29) 
The fire on the altar also symbolizes purification. Malachi 3:2-3 describes God as a refiner's fire who purifies His people. Hebrews 12:29 declares that "our God is a consuming fire." The altar of fire is where impurities are burned away, refining us to be holy and pure before God.

2. THE PURPOSE OF THE ALTAR OF FIRE

a) Empowerment for Service and Ministry (Acts 2:1-4; Isaiah 6:6-8) 
The fire of God empowers believers for service. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended as tongues of fire, filling the disciples and enabling them to preach the Gospel with power (Acts 2:1-4). Isaiah encountered the fire of God when a coal from the altar touched his lips, purifying him and commissioning him for ministry (Isaiah 6:6-8). The altar of fire equips and empowers us for effective ministry.

b) Igniting Passion and Zeal for God (Jeremiah 20:9; Romans 12:11) 
The fire on the altar ignites passion and zeal in our hearts for God. Jeremiah described God's word as a fire shut up in his bones, driving him to speak God's truth despite opposition (Jeremiah 20:9). Romans 12:11 exhorts believers to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. The altar of fire keeps our spiritual fervor alive, propelling us to serve God passionately.

c) Transforming Lives and Situations (Daniel 3:19-27; Isaiah 10:17)
The altar of fire transforms lives and circumstances. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, they were not consumed but were delivered by God’s divine presence (Daniel 3:19-27). Isaiah 10:17 describes God as a fire that consumes His enemies. The altar of fire releases divine power that transforms impossible situations and brings deliverance.

3. HOW TO BUILD AND SUSTAIN THE ALTAR OF FIRE

a) A Lifestyle of Prayer and Intimacy with God (Luke 18:1; James 5:16)
Building an altar of fire requires a life devoted to prayer and intimacy with God. Luke 18:1 encourages believers to always pray and not lose heart. James 5:16 reminds us that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. Prayer keeps the fire on the altar burning, maintaining our connection with God.

b) Regular Study and Meditation on God's Word (Psalm 119:105; Joshua 1:8)
The Word of God fuels the fire on the altar. Psalm 119:105 describes God’s Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Joshua 1:8 emphasizes meditating on the Word day and night. Regular study and meditation on the Scriptures provide spiritual nourishment that sustains the fire on the altar.

c) Obedience and Total Surrender to God (1 Samuel 15:22; Proverbs 3:5-6) 
Obedience and surrender are key to maintaining the altar of fire. 1 Samuel 15:22 teaches that obedience is better than sacrifice. Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and acknowledge Him in all our ways. A heart that is surrendered and obedient to God keeps the fire on the altar burning brightly.

4. GUARDING THE FIRE ON THE ALTAR AGAINST EXTINCTION

a) Guarding Against Spiritual Complacency and Lukewarmness (Revelation 3:15-16; 2 Timothy 1:6)
The fire on the altar can be extinguished by spiritual complacency and lukewarmness. Revelation 3:15-16 warns against being lukewarm, calling for zeal and repentance. 2 Timothy 1:6 encourages believers to "fan into flame the gift of God." We must remain vigilant, actively stirring the fire through spiritual disciplines.

b) Maintaining Purity and Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16; Psalm 24:3-4) 
Purity and holiness are essential for keeping the altar of fire burning. 1 Peter 1:15-16 calls believers to be holy in all conduct. Psalm 24:3-4 highlights that only those with clean hands and pure hearts can ascend to the hill of the Lord. Maintaining purity ensures that the fire on the altar is not quenched by sin.

c) Cultivating Fellowship with Other Believers (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42-47)
Fellowship with other believers is crucial for sustaining the altar of fire. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to not forsake assembling together. Acts 2:42-47 shows the early church thriving in fellowship, prayer, and breaking of bread. Fellowshipping with other believers stirs the fire on our altar through mutual encouragement and edification.

CONCLUSION

The altar of fire is a powerful symbol of God's presence, power, and purification. It is where lives are transformed, ministries are empowered, and God's glory is revealed. As believers, we are called to build and sustain our altar of fire through prayer, obedience, purity, and fellowship. Let us guard against anything that would extinguish this fire and continually seek to be ablaze for God. When the fire on our altar is burning bright, we will see God's power and glory manifested in and through our lives.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, ignite fresh fire on the altar of my heart.
2.  Lord, help me to maintain a life of prayer and intimacy with You.
3. "O God, let Your Word be a constant source of fire in my life."
4. "Father, purify my heart and keep my altar holy before You."
5. "Lord, empower me for service and ministry with Your divine fire."
6. "O God, deliver me from spiritual complacency and lukewarmness."
7. "Father, let my passion and zeal for You never diminish."
8. "Lord, guard the fire on my altar against every attack of the enemy."
9. "O God, help me to stay connected with other believers for mutual encouragement."
10. "Father, let Your fire transform every situation in my life."

### **PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:**

1. I declare that your altar will be set ablaze with fresh fire from God.
2. I decree that the fire on your altar will never go out but will burn continually.
3. I proclaim that you will be empowered and equipped for divine service.
4. I declare that your passion for God will increase daily.
5. I decree that every spiritual complacency and lukewarmness is destroyed in your life.
6. I proclaim that you will walk in purity and holiness, keeping your altar pure.
7. I declare that God’s fire will manifest His power and glory in your life.
8. I decree that every hindrance to your spiritual growth is removed by God’s fire.
9. I proclaim that you will be surrounded by godly fellowship that will keep your fire burning.
10. I declare that your life will be a testimony of God’s transforming power through His fire.

May the altar of fire in your life continually burn with passion, purity, and power, revealing God's glory to all around you!