ENCOUNTERING FRESH FIRE

Title: ENCOUNTERING FRESH FIRE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 2:3-4
"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Supporting Texts: Matthew 3:11, Leviticus 6:12-13, 1 Kings 18:38, Isaiah 6:6-7, Romans 12:11

INTRODUCTION:
Fire in the Bible symbolises the presence, power, and purifying work of the Holy Spirit. Fresh fire signifies a renewed encounter with God that ignites passion, revives spiritual fervour, and empowers us for divine assignments. Without this fresh fire, believers risk stagnation, compromise, and spiritual weakness. Encountering fresh fire is essential for maintaining spiritual vibrancy and fulfilling God's purpose in our lives.

1. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FRESH FIRE

a) Symbol of God’s Presence:
Fire represents God’s manifest presence. When fresh fire comes, it is evidence that God is near and actively involved in our lives (Exodus 3:2).

b) Agent of Purification:
Fire purifies and refines, removing impurities and preparing us for greater service to God (Malachi 3:3).

c) Source of Power:
Fresh fire empowers believers to do exploits for the kingdom. It equips us to face challenges and fulfil our divine mandates (Acts 1:8).

d) Sustains Spiritual Passion:
Fire keeps the believer’s zeal alive, ensuring that we remain fervent in spirit and committed to God’s work (Romans 12:11).

e) Biblical Example:
On Mount Carmel, Elijah called on God, and fire came down from heaven as a sign of God’s power and approval (1 Kings 18:38).

2. CONDITIONS FOR ENCOUNTERING FRESH FIRE

a) Desire for God’s Presence:
A heart that longs for God attracts fresh fire. Hunger and thirst for Him create the atmosphere for His presence to manifest (Psalm 42:1-2).

b) Altar of Sacrifice:
The fire of God falls on a prepared altar. Sacrifices of prayer, worship, and consecration are key to experiencing fresh fire (Leviticus 6:12-13).

c) Humility and Brokenness:
God responds to a humble and contrite heart. Fresh fire comes when we surrender our pride and yield fully to Him (Isaiah 57:15).

d) Unity Among Believers:
In Acts 2, the disciples were in one accord when the fire of the Holy Spirit descended. Unity in the body of Christ attracts fresh fire (Acts 2:1-3).

e) Biblical Example:
Moses encountered fresh fire through the burning bush when he turned aside to see what God was doing (Exodus 3:3-4).

3. BENEFITS OF ENCOUNTERING FRESH FIRE

a) Spiritual Empowerment:
Fresh fire empowers us for ministry and spiritual warfare, making us effective vessels for God (Luke 24:49).

b) Transformation of Character:
Fire refines and transforms, purging sinful habits and renewing our minds (Isaiah 6:6-7).

c) Revival and Restoration:
Fresh fire revives our spiritual lives, restoring lost passion and renewing our commitment to God (Psalm 85:6).

d) Breakthroughs and Miracles:
When fresh fire falls, miracles happen, and doors that seemed closed are opened (Acts 2:43).

e) Biblical Example:
The apostles in Acts 2 were empowered by fresh fire, and their ministry transformed the world, leading to thousands being saved.

4. HOW TO SUSTAIN THE FIRE

a) Continuous Prayer:
Prayer keeps the fire burning on the altar of our hearts. It is the lifeline for maintaining fresh encounters with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

b) Immersion in God’s Word:
The Word of God fuels the fire, providing guidance and wisdom to sustain our spiritual fervour (Jeremiah 23:29).

c) Fellowship with Other Believers:
Spiritual fire is sustained through regular fellowship, accountability, and mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:25).

d) Avoiding Spiritual Quenching:
Believers must avoid sin and distractions that quench the Spirit’s fire, choosing instead to live holy and consecrated lives (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

e) Biblical Example:
Paul instructed Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God in his life, ensuring the fire was continually stirred (2 Timothy 1:6).

5. LIVING AS A CARRIER OF FRESH FIRE

a) Be a Light to the World:
Those who carry fresh fire shine brightly in the world, drawing others to Christ (Matthew 5:14-16).

b) Impact the Kingdom of God:
Fresh fire enables us to make a significant impact in our families, communities, and nations for God’s glory (Acts 17:6).

c) Destroy the Works of Darkness:
Fire is a weapon against the enemy. Those who carry fresh fire have the authority to destroy demonic strongholds (Luke 10:19).

d) Inspire Revival in Others:
A carrier of fresh fire ignites revival wherever they go, spreading the power and presence of God (Acts 8:5-8).

e) Biblical Example:
The early disciples carried fresh fire and were described as those who turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6).

CONCLUSION:
Encountering fresh fire is a transformative experience that renews our passion, empowers us for service, and aligns us with God’s purpose. God desires to pour out His fresh fire on those who are hungry, prepared, and willing to carry His presence. As we seek Him earnestly, we will encounter His fire, and it will burn brightly in our lives, drawing others to Him.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, ignite fresh fire in my life today.

2. Lord, purify me and prepare me as a vessel for Your fire.

3. Father, let Your fire burn away every impurity in my life.

4. Lord, empower me with fresh fire for Your service.

5. Father, restore my spiritual fervour and passion.

6. Lord, let Your fresh fire fall upon my family and community.

7. Father, keep the fire on the altar of my heart burning continually.

8. Lord, empower me to impact my generation with Your fire.

9. Father, let fresh fire ignite a revival in my life and church.

10. Lord, make me a carrier of Your fire wherever I go.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Fresh fire from heaven will fall upon your life today in Jesus' name.

2. You will be empowered for greater exploits in the kingdom of God.

3. The fire of God will purify and prepare you for divine assignments.

4. Your spiritual passion and fervour will be renewed in the name of Jesus.

5. You will become a carrier of God’s fire, igniting revival everywhere you go.

6. Every spiritual stagnation in your life will be consumed by God’s fire.

7. The fresh fire of the Holy Spirit will destroy every work of darkness in your life.

8. God will use you as a vessel to spread His fire to the nations.

9. The fire on the altar of your heart will never burn out.

10. You will walk in the power and glory of fresh fire all the days of your life.