Saved by Fire

Teresa Poucher

Fire is both wonderful and terrible. We enjoy a fireplace or a fire pit in the winter. It brings warmth to our body and comfort and connection to those who are near us.

  However, if it gets out of control, it will consume everything in its path. Ten thousand fires destroyed over 42 million acres in California in 2020, not counting the loss of human lives. (fire.ca.gov)

“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.” (II Peter 3:12)

  God used a flood to cleanse the earth in Noah’s day; next time, it will be fire.  

  How do I escape the fire?  Fight fire with fire!  Sometimes in a forest fire, firefighterswill start an additional fire to make a barrier.  The new controlled fire will consume all the fuel of the approaching wildfire.

  God appeared to Moses in a burning bush that wasn’t consumed in Exodus, chapter3.  For 40 years, Israel had a pillar of fire as they wandered in the wilderness.

  In chapter 6 of Leviticus, we read about the brazen altar and the fire that was never to go out.

“Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house.” (II Chronicles 7:1)

  They knew God accepted their sacrifice because the fire fell from heaven.  

  I’m not as concerned about my accepting Jesus as I am about Jesus accepting me.  

John the Baptist said: “… I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:” (Luke 3:16)

Then on the day of Pentecost: “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 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.” (Acts 2:2-4)

“If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (I Corinthians 3:15)

  If you don’t have the Holy Ghost, seek God.  This promise is for you! 

“For promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:39)

Now that’s being saved by fire!