And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire unfolding itself, and brightness [was] about it, and out of the midst thereof as the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance [was] like burning coals of fire, [and] like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. And I saw as the color of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. Ezekiel 1: 4, 13, 27.
Note: like Isaiah and Job saw the vision of the holiness of God, admit to their unworthiness in his presence in comparison to their corrupt fallen nature; now in Christ Jesus, like David prayed to God to wash him and he shall be wither than snow (Psalms 51:7), so we ought to cry daily for help before the throne of mercy, for daily washing of water by the word, for sanctification and perfecting holiness in the fear of God - the word of his holiness, that we might see God, when death shall be swallowed up in victory. Isaiah 6: 1-6. Job 42:5-6. Ephesians 5:26. Overcoming the dangers and eternal destruction of increasing sin in the last days.
No man has seen God at anytime. The visions of God’s glory are given in diver’s ways and manners of revelations and visions as it pleases him. There is no mortal man that can see the King immortal, invincible and everlasting God in his glorious holiness and live. Exodus 33:20.
Moses was given the opportunity to see the back parts of God by divine permission. He received grace to speak with God mouth to mouth, but when he asked permission of God to see him face to face, he was denied, because this is exclusively reserved for those who will keep purifying themselves, even as he is pure, until they put on immortality. 1 John 3:3.
Because everything was created by the word of God, therefore you can found God in anything and everything created by him, these includes the wind and fire. Remember, God makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. Psalms 104:3.
Are we not made partakers of his divine nature in our new birth into his kingdom? The born again believer is compared as the wind because of the sovereignty of God over his life to lead and guides him at anytime wherever he wants him to go or be for him. The wind blows where it wants, and you hears the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:8.
God is spirit. John 4:24.
On the day of Pentecost, the Lord came down to dwell in each body of his disciples through the baptism of the Spirit which appeared in the form of a rushing mighty wind that fills the entire house, which precedes the tongues of fire that fell on the disciples on that glorious day Note: there are demons associated with fire such as the Dragon, Salamander, Agni etc. There is also the strange fire that burns within the blood and heart of a drunkard to give him woe, sorrow, strife, complaints, needless bruises, bloodshot eyes; but the fullness of the spirit in the life of a a believer will determines the manifestations of the intensity and the brightness of the fire of God to be seen in him, having the power to destroy the evil fire of the Dragon and other reptiles of darkness.
God is good to all and sundry, God is love. God is righteous. God is Holy. God is the great judge. God is holy. Moreover, he is the God of eternal vengeance, who shall render to everyman according to their works shall be, Jews or Gentiles.
Let none by ignorant of the deceitfulness of sin should fall into the hands the living God through their wrong perception of God's love. If we love him as he loved us, we would obey his word and walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing. John 14:23-24.
God is dreadful and terrible; a heavenly Father, who without respect of person, judges according to every man’s works, either good or evil. Let no one, through hardness of heart, or by Satan that hold them captive by their own will, erroneously think that the love and mercy of God will override his justice system of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:2.
Stop mocking and making fool of yourself before God by regular confession of your sin, but constantly going back to the same or other sins, just make yourself like a dog that goes back to his vomit before him. Proverbs 26:11.
The dogs shall have their place in hell for eternity. Revelation 22:15.
Is it not written that the man who confesses and then turns away – forsakes his sin shall obtain mercy? Proverbs 28:13.
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:34.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved. Ephesians 2:4-5. Obedient to the written word and the voice of the Spirit of God guiding us daily is the only way to keep ourselves in the love God as we anticipate the final confirmation of the initial mercy of Christ that brought us the salvation unto eternal life. Jude 1:21.
The law was given by Moses, but the grace and truth of God brought to us by Christ is the great mystery of godliness of God who was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory. 1Timothy 3:16.
And the God of all grace.1 Peter 5:10……this reveals the multifaceted aspects of grace that we can grow in grace to receive increasing grace and grace through the knowledge of the word of God to fulfill his will wherever we are lacking behind. 2 Peter 1:2.
By grace you are saved, through faith. Ephesians 2:8.
This is an aspect of grace freely given for salvation, teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. Christ has brought grace and truth to set you free, not grace to remain or continue in sin. Titus 2:11-14.
There is grace to be obtained from the throne of mercy to help in time of need to overcome temptations, if you want to though prayers. Hebrews 4:16.
There is the gift of stewardship grace given to each of us according to the grace received to function and manifest the gifts of the spirit and ministerial gifts in the church. Romans 12:6.
We are all under the covenant of grace, but there is a grace to excel above other recipients of grace which enables the beneficiary to laboring more than others, knowing and understanding God in a higher level than others. Ephesians 3:8.
Pray and ask God for grace to empower you fulfilling all things concerning his will. Some are weak in grace. Some have fallen from grace. Some have received it in vain by turning the grace of God into lasciviousness, while few are strong in grace, and increase in it as they abide and continue in their humble and faithful stewardship before the Lord. 2 Timothy 2:1.
There is a grace available to sustain you to endure the reality of going through Christian sufferings, empowering you to be patience in tribulation, while rejoicing in the hope of the eternal bliss and glory of Christ which is in you. Not everyone has this grace in the kingdom: for some, in the time of tribulations, afflictions and persecutions, because of the word, were offended and fall away from Christ. Mark 4:17.
If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new. How many are said to be new creatures, but are not walking in the newness of life? Romans 6:4. 2 Corinthians 5:17.
You must keep your heart, and guard it with all attention against the things that defiles it; otherwise, any of such things in your life can cause you eternal regret to miss heaven. Matthew 15:19.
Moses found grace in the sight of God to see part of him, but he lacks the essential grace to work on himself. Though, he was described as the meekest man of his time, but also a furious man; but the wrath of man does not works the righteousness of God. For his uncontrollable anger, he was punished not to enter into the Promised Land, though he was saved to enter heaven as by fire. Overcoming the excuses of the weakness of the saints in the last days. 1 Corinthians 3:15.
You must be able to identify and admit to any moral weakness in your life before God to receive his help to overcome it. whatsoever you don’t overcome as a moral weakness through divine power given to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust, shall be used by the devil to destroy you.
This essential grace is not freely given, except we see its necessity, importance, urgency to personally desire it through earnest daily prayer. It is the grace to sanctify God in our service or ministry, conducts, ways and dealings with people or before others that we might serve him acceptably with reverence and godly fear, because our God is a consuming fire. This is the true grace of God wherein you should stand to overcome the dangers and destructions of false teachers on the fallacy and deception of the grace of God in the last days. 1 Peter 5:12. Hebrews 12:29
This essential grace to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear was only made known to David on the day he saw Uzzah smote to death by God for his zeal to serve God without knowledge – And David was afraid of God that day. 1 Chronicles 13:12.
God is holy with purer eyes than to behold sin in any man. He will judge his people and the world of ungodly men in righteousness by Jesus Christ whom he has sent to die for our sins, and was raised from the dead for our justification, if we believed in him that raised him up from the dead.
In view and light of this, Apostle Paul speaks and warms everyone about the terror of God - knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 2 Corinthians 5:11.
By John’s introduction of Jesus Christ in the first chapter of the book of revelation, we see the risen Lord as he that has his eyes like the flame of fire. This speaks of his pureness, perfection of purity and holiness, seeing and having perfect knowledge of all things going on in his church as he walks around the candlesticks to correct, cleanse and sanctify her in preparation for his coming in glory. Revelation 1:18-20.
In his early years in Egypt, Moses knew that his life was for a divine purpose, but with no idea on where to start from until he ran away from Egypt to the land of the Midian for his crime of murder until after forty years later, when he had an encounter and experience of God’s presence in the form of a fire in the burning bush, but he bush was not consumed as God spoke to him through it. Exodus 3:2.
Moses received the tables of the law and the commandments at Mount Horeb, the sight and the presence of God was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. And all the people saw the thundering, and the lightning, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces that ye sin not. Exodus 20:18-20. Exodus 24:17.
At Taberah as the place where the children of Israel complained in the wilderness for flesh to eat, and God sent his fire, showing his anger and displeasure to destroy those who murmured through their lusts for meat. Note: the lust of the flesh is an unholy passion in the soul of any man that indulges himself therein? This will prevent anyone from inheriting the kingdom of heaven, if they continue to seek or make provisions for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Numbers.11:1-3. Job 30:12.
Fire depicts the holiness of God and the purity of his divinity, as it is written, the sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walks righteously, and speaks uprightly; he that despises the gain of oppressions, that shakes his hands from holding of bribes, that stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. Your eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off. Isaiah 33:14-17.
Three sub divisions or categories of divine, devouring and dreadful fire of God.
1. The transforming power of divine fire for divine relationship, stewardship and fellowship in the kingdom of God.
Are you saved? It is your responsibility not to let the enemy quench the fire of your first zeal when you first come to Christ. Iniquity shall increase, and the love of many shall wax cold, but don’t let go the zeal and joy of your first arrival in Christ.
Overcoming the dangers and destructions of the last days, require sustainable presence and increasing manifestation of the fire of the Holy Spirit in your life, your lamp must be kept burning, and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately. Luke 12:36-36.
Prior to the arrival and presentation of Jesus to the crowd, John the Baptist made this public declaration in the wilderness about him: that though, he indeed baptize them with water unto repentance, but he that cometh after him is mightier than him, whose shoes he was not worthy to bear: he shall baptize them with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matthew 3:11-12.
The baptism of fire is meant to set you on fire for the Lord. It is to make you a warrior for the Lord with fire. The bible warns not to forbid speaking in tongues. The tongues of fire is not only to edify yourself whenever you pray in the spirit, it also confuses the enemy whenever you surrender before the Holy Spirit to help your weakness in prayer, - for every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. Isaiah 9:5.
After the resurrection and glorification of Christ, he ascended back to the Father in heaven to fulfill John’s prophetic declaration of the glorious event of the day of Pentecost when Christ, through the Holy Spirit, descended to live supernaturally in those who have received him as Lord and Savior, igniting each member of his body through the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost for stewardship, sanctification and power, - at that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. John 14: 18-20.
Be not slothful in the Lord’s business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11.
The fire in you is an emblem of distinction and separation between you and the lukewarm believers whom the Lord detests. Revelation 3:16.
Spiritual fervency is expected in the kingdom. It is good for believers to maintain his present relationship with Christ, while spiritual lukewarm is disallowed and punished by rejection from the Lord, if repentance is not presented before the Lord.
Lukewarm spirit is a laid off spiritual life. It is the signal of a lazy devotional spiritual life in a dying relationship with God. It is spiritual wretchedness of a miserable soul. It is spiritual poverty, sickness, blindness, and nakedness – an empty and a lost soul before God if adjustment is not quickly made. Revelation 3:17.
You must ask for more fire from the Lord. The intensity of the fire of God determines the capacity of light in you, shining as light in the world, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Psalms 18:28. Matthew 5:16.
Good work is not limited to charitable works. Good works includes soul winning, if you don’t want to get cut off as a branch from the vine if you don’t want to miss heaven. You should be consistent in your upright walk in the ways of the Lord, the righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. Job 17:9.
There is passion from the spirit of God which Apostle Paul calls the love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:18. Again, there is passion of the flesh which the bible calls the fleshly lusts which wages war against your soul to hell. 1 Peter 2:11.
The degrees by which the fire of the transforming Spirit increases in your life through daily cultivation and harvesting of the fruit of the spirit in your conducts, determines the level of your burning or shinning as the Lord is increasingly forming in you, revealing himself through you, flaming you for intense divine zeal, sanctifying you for holiness of life, because of your consecrated devotional life and services for him.
At the Garden and elsewhere, Simeon Peter openly denied Christ for there times before the crucifixion. He and others went back for fishing before the resurrection of our Lord. But on the day of Pentecost, after the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the transforming power of divine fire changed the timid and normal person into an unapologetic fire brand witness in Christ Jesus.
Peter stood up boldly to witness before the multitude about Christ, preaching salvation by faith in Christ Jesus. Peter was turned into a staunchly and a die- hard follower and lover Christ Jesus as the flames of the Spirit of God ignites his heart with unflinching love for God like Jeremiah’s love for God - for since I spoke, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. Jeremiah 20:8-9.
Love is strong as death. Many waters cannot quench love; neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned. Songs of Solomon 8:6-7.
There is always the beginner’s fire of the Holy Spirit ignited in everyone that comes to Christ. This is the fire which the Lord refers to as the first love (Revelation 2: 4), but Apostle Paul referring to this as your first vehement desire and zeal. 2 Corinthians 7:11.
If this first fire received in salvation for stewardship and relationship with God is zealously maintained, just as you have received Christ Jesus, rooted and built up in him, established in the faith, as you were being taught, overflowing with thanksgiving; the fire of his Spirit should be, first, a sort of a bullet proof around you against any external fire from the fiery dart of the enemy. The light in you must not be darkness, if the light in you is darkness, how great is that darkness? The brightest of the light in you, determines the brilliance of your atmosphere, and exposure of darkness around you. Note: those against whom the old serpents is most angry at, and is now afraid of, are the believer carrying and maintaining pure divine fire in them. These have higher dose of divine immunity of protection against the fiery darts coming from wrath of the old serpent against them. Satan cannot resist but to flee from them.
Those with little or no fire will always seek for help from other believers, but till when? Iron sharpens iron, but there will be a sudden day, when the bridegroom shall appear unannounced, and those with sharp iron shall not be able to help those whose with dull iron, when their lamp shall totally went out, with no extra oil in their possession: worst, no one will be to help them, nor will they be able to borrow oil from anyone - be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord to overcome the dangers and destruction of false perception of the lateness of the second coming of Christ for his saints in the last days.
Faithful heroes of faith are believers who are on pure fire for the Lord.
Hebrews 11 speaks and shown the different aspects of life of those who at a time lived passionately and walked wholeheartedly with the God of Israel. Many waters of problems with the floods of the ungodly and furnace fire of trails of faith or the raging winds of life does not stop, neither overpower or overcome them. The pure fire of God in them is what makes them to be more than a conqueror.
Our Lord Jesus was describes as the Lion and the Lamb. Revelation 5:5-6.
While on earth, the Lord was meek and lowly in heart. He was also describes as he that for clothing was clad with zeal as a cloak.
Lion depicts spiritual ferociousness and violence in the spirit with ability to resist and overcome anything on the way. The lion is stunning, never turn away from any animal on its way. Proverbs 30:29.
The Lamb part of Christ nature depicts gentleness and submission to the will of God. Every believer born of water and spirit has these two attributes in them, but they should first submit themselves to God to have power and right to resist the devil. Those who will not submit to God, but seek to resist the devil, shall found it unattainable to resist the adversary, though they resist him, he will not flee from them, but keep troubling them. James 4:7.
Believers must be gentle from the inside out and spiritually on fire for the Lord from the inside out as well.
Christ nicknames the two sons of Zebedee, James and John, as the sons of thunder; for he knows they had great zeal- love for him. They are on fire for the Lord, and would not hesitate to call down fire from heaven on the Samaritans because they received not the Lord, though were restrained by Christ from doing so. Luke 9:54.
Christ is outwardly gentle as a dove, but inwardly and spiritually speaking, he is another thing entirely. Those who are on fire for the Lord are refreshed and refilled daily from inside out for fresh fire. They are not men pleasers. They don't seek for approval, praises, encouragement or opinion from anybody before they do the will and works of God as they are led by the Spirit of God.
Their zeal and fire is to stir up others from spiritual slumbering and for group or community revival.
Obededom, in the days of King Ahab, is the type of a believer who is on fire for the Lord, who is not afraid doing the will of God in the days of adversity or in the face of any danger, keeping and preparing the way of the Lord, until God send a true revival of repentance and holiness in the land. Micah 5:8. 1 Kings 18:13.
Christ says, and, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Revelation 22:12.
As in heaven, even so on earth. Look at it from this point of view, there are different laurel reward for the first, second and third winners in any field and track events. The first receives a gold medal icon. The second is rewarded with a silver medal icon. The third is rewarded with a bronze medal icon – so run, that you might receive the first place in your race to heaven for an incorruptible crown of gold. 1 Corinthians 9:24.
Yes, the death of each saint of God is precious in his sight (Psalms 116:15), but the level and honor of celebration and decorative entrance of a believer to heaven at death depends on the laborious fruitfulness and faithfulness of each in their stewardship. 2 Peter 1:11.
On the account of Stephen’s death, he received and testified to the uncommon standing ovation of the King of kings and Lord of lords for his braveness and zealousness in the face of death to enter heaven. Acts.7:56.
There was a chariot of fire prepared to carry the fire brand believers to heaven at death, while some believers shall by soul train travel to heaven at death.
Like the poor man in his death, from the story of the rich inconsiderate man, some shall be escorted to heaven in the company of angels. Luke 16:22.
Elijah was a prophet of a pure fire of God in comparison to the false prophets of Israel who has turned their backs from following after the Lord to worship Baal.
Only men and women with the pure, not a strange spiritual fire for the Lord, will make heaven, if they keep their fire burning to the end.
They are in the kingdom which suffers violence, and they know that only the violent will retain it to the end by the power and fire of the Spirit of God.
They know how to increase their inner fire, fortifying, sustaining and empowering the inner man. Unmatched in spiritual battles, they are the Lord’s special unit of forces just like King David’s thirty seven special forces of mighty men, who fought for him victoriously - I have commanded my sanctified ones; I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness. The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the Lord of hosts mustered the host of the battle. 2 Samuel 23: 8-38. Isaiah 13:3-4.
It is those with pure inner fire who shall be able to walk through any fire of challenges of life, trials and different difficulties, but will not get burnt, and they shall walk through the water, they shall not be drowned. They don’t give a damn to suffer and joyfully endure for the righteous cause of Christ on earth that they might be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which they are suffering. 2 Thessalonians 1:5.
God is Omnipotence, his power surpasses the power of darkness, for he makes light and darkness, but do not quench the fire of his spirit in you, rather than to keep the fire burning. 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
Divine fire in us is the fire that consume and destroys the works of the enemy: it is much more powerful to neutralize any power of the enemy’s fire ignited to consume you, but you must pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
When it comes down to doing the will of God, the fire brand believers don’t give in to any of the threats, either from man or Satan. They are willing to walk through whatever fire of affliction for his name’s sake. They never retreated, compromises or surrender to the enemy until death. God is their God, forever and ever, and he will be their guide, from now, even unto death. Psalms 48:14. Isaiah 48:10. Note: believer’s trials and affliction is not an excuse to compromise to sin; otherwise, the purpose and process of dying to the flesh to purge from sin and be delivered from the flesh is never accomplished - overcoming the dangers and delusion of carnal believers in the last days.
Apostle Peter exhorted the believers to hold onto Christ to the end, that the trial of your faith is much more precious than gold that perish, though tried by fire of unimaginable strange situations, the outcome will be to fulfill the purpose of your election in Christ Jesus; to be found unto the praise and honor and glory of God at Jesus’ appearing. 1 Peter 1:7. Note: it is those who are carrying pure divine fire in them that can confront the Pharaoh of their generation and prevail. Just as Moses rod turned to snake, overpowered and swallowed the snakes produced by the rod of Egyptian magicians – dark powers, so likewise shall believers with genuine baptism of fire, by patience, overcome their lightweight and momentary challenges and afflictions through the power of the Spirit generated by the fire of the Spirit of God in them to overcome the challenges and dangers of compromising in the last days in the church and in the world.
Is not my word like fire, says God? Jeremiah 23:29.
Those who have the written word dwelling in them richly in all wisdom, not handling the word of God dishonestly or deceitfully, (b) but keeping a constant fasting and prayerful life, (c) walking and established in righteousness before the Lord, will have fire in their bones. They shall vomit fire whenever they speak out what is written in the word of God - And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. 2 Kings 1:12. Jeremiah 20:9.
At France in 2009, during one of my personal evangelism outdoor, I met with a certain Jewish prophet who proclaims Jesus as Messiah and Lord, but whenever he was a man given to wine and marijuana, having very powerful prophetic ministry and words.
I asked myself, what kind of spirit was this? Where are the accurate revelations coming from?
Marvels not when you see a believer walking in the flesh, but manifesting a kind of fire in the name of the Lord. Probably, it is a left over fire of when he first begun, but the fire is gradually dying inwardly. It can also be a strange impure fire of the enemy to deceive others, just like Simon the sorcerer – a magician, who was thought by many to have a great power of God. Acts 8:9-10.
It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing. John 6:63.
If you are living in the spirit, but are you are not walking in the spirit, in a long run, the works of the flesh will ultimately quench the fire of the Spirit of God in you, opening yourself to the enemy's attacks to receive penetrable arrow from him. So, walk in the spirit, if you are living in the spirit, and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
The devil has no problem with the carnal believers. He knows, for as long as they keep walking after the flesh, they are dying spiritually, ultimately shall perish with him in hell for eternity – if you walk in the flesh, you shall die; but if you, through the help of the spirit, you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live, now and eternally. Romans 8:13.
Satan knows he has great advantages over the carnal believers because of their unwillingness to mortify the deeds of the flesh through the indwelling presence of the Spirit of regeneration for uninterrupted supply of the fire of God from a pure conscience, and for a pure service, presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable in relationship with God, which is their reasonable service. Romans 12:1.
Satan is daily in trouble and in constant fear of the fire brand believers. His great concerns and labor is to seek for all possible means to quench the fire of the Holy Spirit of God burning in them. These are men and women who are turning the world upside down, causing troubles for Satan and his kingdom anywhere they go or be, or are sent by the Lord. Acts17:6.
There are different kinds of spiritual distractions which are designed by the enemy to quench the fire of the Spirit of God in any believer. Any of them can prosper, if they do not prioritized the most important thing, which is the love of God with all the heart, mind and soul. Those who ignore the biblical legal means to obtain their goal will lose everything at the end. When you don’t focus on the purpose, you lose track of the goal and the reward of it which is the incorruptible crown which the Lord has promised to them that love him– be on constant fire for the Lord, irrespective of your trials of faith. James 1:12.
But we all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Believers should prioritized their time with God or spend more time before the throne of grace above every other things outside their professional life, which not jeopardize godliness which is profitable in all things in their lives.
Come what may, you must be consistent in your daily personal study and prayer life.
Be ready to stand up against the enemy's incitement of confrontation of sinners against you. Be not offended by the evils going on in the church today, nor by any of the conducts of the false brethren.
It’s not about giving money or doing God’s work. It is about walking worthy of the Lord in readiness to please him above any other. Avoid being addicted to social media applications or other things capable of diminishing your desire to pray and having personal time with God. Be not ignorant of the devices of Satan to quench the fire of God Spirit, little by little in you.
Forsake not the assembly of one another as the manner of some is. There is nothing bad in group bible study and prayer meetings, but you must learn how to spend personal qualitative time with God in your private daily study life, meditation on the word and increasing personal prayer life.
The lack of personal fire uncovers the lukewarm state of believers which endanger them to be financially exploited, paying for prayer to the so called prophetic prayer men and women of God. Note: those who are on fire for the Lord see and know the mind of God for themselves, before others could see or known for them. Anything seen or heard for them by others is just to confirm what they had first handed known and heard to strengthen their hands and heart in the Lord, that they are in the will of God.
It is all about discipline and determination of heart.We have a lot to learn from the daily prayer life of our Lord Jesus before the cock crow, to emulate his early morning prayerful lifestyle.
In the days of his flesh, Christ was daily reignited with new spiritual gas for fire for his daily ministrations. ‘And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed’. Mark 1:35.
David also practiced similar pattern of daily prayer and study life before the cock crow for daily intake of divine fire - O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsts for thee, my flesh longs for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Psalms 63:1-2.
It is not good to know or have the word of God in you in a state of prayerless lazy life. If you are prayerful, but are without the word dwelling in you richly in all wisdom, this is not also good for you.
There is a fire released and received through prayerful life. Also, there is another fire released and received through constant studying and meditating in the word. The fire received from daily and uninterrupted personal study and meditation in the word of God is different from the fire transferred through prayer without ceasing. But by combining the fire from the word and prayer together, you’ll be able to put the kingdom, powers and agents of darkness over the edge.
I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried (prayed): I hoped in thy word. Mine eyes prevent the night watches that I might meditate in thy word. Psalms 119: 147-148.
Your study and prayer life is interlocking. What good or benefit is it, if you pray without the word abiding in you, or you have the word in you without a constant and consistent prayerful lifestyle?
Those who are on fire for the Lord cannot be at ease in Zion, Christ command is to occupy till he come, woe unto them that are at ease in Zion. Amos 6:1. Luke 19:13.
Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17.
You should pray to find the ministry you belong to in your local church to occupy for the Lord in collaboration with other brethren. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 1 Corinthians 12:14-18.
The believers who are destined to hell don’t have any fire left in them. They are not reigniting the fire of the spirit of God through diligent prayer and study life, coupled with godly and righteous living for constant supply of fresh oil on them, and to have some extra oil in their possession to keep their lamps burning until the arrival of the bridegroom.
Extra oil is obtainable in the place of personal retreat and waiting on the Lord continually to renew your strength. Hosea 12:6.
God’s fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem. Isaiah 31:9.
Zion here refers to the church, the assembly of saints. Mount Zion is another spiritual name for the church where we can receive new and additional grace to go from glory unto glory, and from strength to strength for a new and fresh fire from the Lord, whenever we present ourselves before him with other brethren in the Lord. Psalms 84:7.
How many believers were once involved in spiritual warfare, but now retreated from that which they were called to be engaged in till the end as overcomes?
If you are in the Lord, determined to do his will and to please him, spiritual warfare is not a tale, but a reality you are called to face and engage to overcome the old serpent till the end. Is it not written, that the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ? Revelation 12:17.
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your mercy, Lord, and grant us your salvation. Psalms 85:6-7.
Let us go before the Lord to be baptized afresh with the Holy-Ghost and fire. Let him reignited his holy fire again in us, lest the lamp of God should go out of the temple of the Lord, which is your body, the temple of his spirit! 1 Samuel 3:3. 2 Samuel 1:21.
Just as the Israelis were guided by the pillar of cloud in the day and by pillar of fire at night for guidance in the wilderness, we are likewise protected by the wall of fire, and the angels of God are around us against spiritual assaults from the enemy.
Sin creates spiritual security beach and failure against the edge of the fire protecting you, paving the way for the serpent to crawl in to bite you.
The edge of fire is intended to protect you throughout the pilgrimage journey to heaven from the enemy, understand therefore this day, that the Lord thy God is he which goes over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before your face: so shall thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the Lord hath said unto thee. Deuteronomy 9:3.
But the devouring fire himself will consume you throughout all eternity, if you continue in sin, as it is written; the wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Psalms 9:17.
Elijah asked God to send fire to prove himself as the only true and living God at Mount Carmel. It is so with any spirit filled believer as the carrier of fire in his bones. Jeremiah 20: 9.
The fire of God is at believer’s disposal for spiritual battle. Prophet Elisha called down fire from heaven as weapon to destroy the two fifty companies of the captains of King Amaziah armies sent to arrest him ….if I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven to consume you and your armies. 2 Kings 1.
Upright believers have nothing to fear, than to be spiritually authoritative, be bold to call down fire during warfare prayers against the works of the enemy. They should call down fire over demons, and against unclean spirits, to torment them before their final judgment and condemnation in hell. Psalms 104:1-4. Matthew 8:29.
At the cleansing of the temple, the disciples were caught unaware to see the other side of Christ humanity and zeal as the gentle Lamb of God in such a heat.
Spiritual violent is spiritual aggression. Christ the Savior seemingly seems to be aggressive towards the worshippers in the temple; but afterward, the disciples remembered that it was written of him, that the zeal of your house has eaten me up. John 2:17.
This is the manifestation of the fire of the Spirit in a zealous and sanctified life, bringing every thought to the obedience of God, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
We are not allowed to do anything unbiblical in the house of God. The Lord’s act of cleansing the temple was to teach us to follow after his steps to repudiate any activity that does not promotes righteousness and hallow the name of Jehovah in the house called by his name, ethe house of prayer for all nations.
God’s presence must be sanctified in his temple and among his people in the church. He must be sanctified in our body, his spiritual temple. He must be sanctified in our conducts before others.
Those who are on fire for the Lord will not stand the sight of any silliness and ungodly act in the church, either they stop it, or walk away from such gathering, protecting themselves and what they have, lest another should take their crown.
Phinehas demonstration of zeal in holy-anger, by killing the Israelis man and the woman he brought into the camp to commit sexual sin, prevented the continuation of the outpouring of divine anger in the sin of Baal- poer. Numbers 25:3-10.
You must not tolerate, but hate, without participation in anything unbiblical going on in the church, if you want to overcome in this perilous time.
Be wise as the five wise virgins who bluntly refused to lend or shared their extra left over oil with the other five foolish virgins. You can’t be answering yes to everything in the name of love and tolerance. We must stand up for the truth, by following after righteousness, charity, and faith with them that call on the Lord out of pure heart.
The zeal of God's house forbids us to consult our own reputation, credit, ease and safety, if they come in competition against the word of God, or against his will or against our faithful execution of our responsibility before him.
The Lord was preaching to the crowd when he was interrupted that his mother wants to see him. Consider the response of Jesus is Mark 3; 33-35, when answered, who is my mother or brethren? Whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my mother and brethren. Note: those who are truly on fire for the Lord will not honor anyone above the word, work and will of God. John 4:33-34. Deuteronomy 33:8-11.
Only the genuine and radical born again believers who are on fire can speak and act like Nehemiah in the temple at Jerusalem. Lets us look into the real action of a great believer in his zeal to keep and maintain the sanctity and orderliness of the house of God and to redress the people to sanctify God’s presence in his house. ‘In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the Sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, what evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the Sabbath day? Did not your father’s thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? Yet you bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath. And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the Sabbath day. So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. Then I testified against them, and said unto them, why lodge you about the wall? If ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the Sabbath. And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: and their children spoke half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people. And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives? And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me. Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites. Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, everyone in his business; and for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the first fruits. Remember me, O my God, for good. Nehemiah 13:15-31.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory. Let there be no competition, comparison or vaunting.
We must be careful of the danger of zeal or fire of God in us without the sound knowledge of his word. The fire of God must not be ignited by us beyond the boundary of our calling or ministry, lest we be consumed by the consuming fire.
Any woman occupying any of the position in any of the five fold ministry is either defying or despising the word of God, or acting with zeal without a sound knowledge of her place and position in the church.
While such engagement is an open rebellious act against the word of God, except they stop, and repent in submission to the word of God, they’ll not escape the judgment of despising the judgment and condemnation of him who has respect to his word above his name. 1 Corinthians 14:34-37.
The spirit of the prophet or any believer is subjected to him. If we are gifted, there is an anointing that flows along the calling, but your fire should not be allowed to burn into another’s ministry – this is called spiritual intrusion which made God to killed Uzzah for his erroneous zeal. 2 Samuel 6: 1-9.
2. The purging and refining power of the holiness of God.
There is fire with a very dark smoke, and there is fire that is pure, blue and bright. It is important to be zealous and be on fire for God through the transforming fire of the baptism of Holy Ghost fire in righteousness and in true holiness.
Sin or any of the works of the flesh will do you no good after you leave this world, if the sanctifying power of the fire of God is absence in your life to serve, walk and live as becomes a saint, which is the purpose of your salvation and calling, lest you should be among the workers of iniquity the Lord shall repudiate and send into the furnace of fire prepare for Satan and his angels.
Fire represents the holiness and purity of God, believers must walk through the highway of holiness. Look at the description of Christ when John saw him at the Island of Patmos, - his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace. Revelation 1:15.
We are called to be saints – God’s holy people. 1 Corinthians 1:2.
We are called to live as becomes saints; meaning, we are to practice living in holiness, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:3.
We are to separation from sinners as Jesus separate from sinners. Hebrews 7:26.
Separation from all ungodliness and worldly lusts in the church and society; we are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Without holiness, no man shall see God. But who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean thing? Who can make one that is abominable and corrupt, a man that drinks iniquity like water to become holy? Job 14:4. Job 15:16.
The answer is found in God who has made Christ unto us sanctification. Whatever Christ was made unto us are the things we should practically be living for. Was Christ made unto you sanctification? Sanctify yourself therefore unto the Lord in holiness, and be not stiff-necked. 1 Corinthians 1:30.
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25.
But God will sanctify your body, soul and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23), but his works and purposes, both to will and do according to his good pleasure in you, won’t come to fruition without your willingness and cooperation, if you do not take heed to his word, that your ways might be made cleansed or holy. Psalms 119:9.
The major instrument of God bringing about his holiness in every one of his children eligible for heaven is through divine chastening. You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, my son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. If ye endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Hebrews 12: 4-12. Note: because of the nature of our new birth, which is through the incorruptible seed of God’s word, he will not welcome or receive any spoilt brat or any morally corruptible believer and spiritually spoiled child into his eternal kingdom, if anyone sow to the flesh, they shall reap corruption, but if they sow to the spirit, they shall reap incorruption, eternal life.
Christ will continue to walk in the midst of the seven candlesticks, not only to watch over his flocks, to keep building and establishing his church; but to inspect, to praise, to correct, or to condemn individual’s or any group found guilty of any evil conducts among his church, by issuing warnings, encouragements and re-assurance of his second coming for their preparation and perfection in his will, encouraging them to be faithful, and to hold on to the end under any circumstance, through godly submission to God’s will designed to produce the peaceable fruits of righteousness unto those that are exercised thereby. Deuteronomy 21:18-21. Hebrews 12:11.
Like a chisel metal tool with a sharpened edge at one end used to chip, carve, or cut into a solid material, God must carry out his remolding works through chastening on all those who are hungry and looking forward to be with him in heaven to produce the men that are pure in heart, that they might see and be with him.
Divine chastening is designed to straighten believer’s paths into the highway of holiness, but how many are willing to walk therein? God’s chastening is to redirect or reroute his beloved children back to the good old ways, the narrow way and the straight gate, but how many have found it to walk through it to heaven, if indeed, they desire to be partaker of his holiness on earth before death?
Have you not read about following after the example of how Christ suffered for us in the flesh that you might ceased from sin? 1 Peter 4:1-2.
Apart from the sanctification power of the word of God, if perhaps, we apply the truth we know, that it might set us free (I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. Romans 6:19), otherwise, it will not do us any good, if we don’t live by it.
Have you not also read about the fact that if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but rather glorify God on this behalf? 1 Peter 4:16.
But what is a Christian suffering?
First, apostle Paul describes it this in way, - for ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. 2 Corinthians 11:20.
If we endure our persecutions or affliction of the gospel which may come in different ways in joyful submission to the gospel of Christ, they are meant to refine us unto the likeness of Christ, helping us growing in endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing, - Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:2-4.
Second, Apostle Peter calls it as fiery trial which is to try you - Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God rest upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:12-19.
Fiery trial is the language of divinely ordained trials, like the Lord was led by the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.
Though, going through fiery trials, you will never get to the point in your life shedding your blood for any purpose like Christ prayed at Gethsemane and the sweat coming out from him was like a drop of blood, or like he actually shed his blood on the cross for your sin, while you are striving against sin.
Here, the purpose is for the flesh to die daily, that the scripture might be fulfilled that they that are in Christ, have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts. Galatians 5:25.
In fiery trials, God will not allow you to be tempted more than what is needful to bring out his holiness in you, that you might come out like a pure gold which has been transformed through fire: but he knows the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10.
Generally speaking, if we continue to commit sin, God does not instantly act against us. If he should mark iniquity, who can stand, but forgiveness is with him, that we might be feared. Psalms 130:4.
The fools in the kingdom have taken the love and forgiveness of God for granted to play at sin, ignoring and despising any threats from the word of God against sin, hardened by its deceitfulness, so they fret against, and rebel at any corrective measure of divine chastening, thus making themselves bastards, and not genuine children of God by their continuous rebellious acts: if ye endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? Hebrews 12:7-9. Note: the rod of correction give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame. There is folly of flesh and produce of sin in every man which requires spiritual brokenness. Who can say, I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin? Proverbs 20:9. Proverbs 29:15.
This is the reason we are all partakers of divine chastening, and none is spared in the kingdom, if they shall inherit eternal life; now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Hebrews 12:11.
Apostle Paul thorn in the flesh was a divine disciplinary measure to keep him humbled, lest he should fall under the same condemnation of Satan which is pride: to prevent him from going to hell. Different methods of disciplinary measure shall be sent to help us get rid of all the works of the flesh, if we will submit to the Father of spirits and live.
God corrects individuals in measure according to the degree of their errors, for he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God. For I am with thee, says the Lord, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet I will not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. Jeremiah 30:11.
The ultimate goal of divine chastening is to be made conformable to the image or death of Christ, being partakers of divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lusts. Many shall be self willed in sin, and self condemned, and shall be delivered to a reprobate mind, because they refused to change, until they shall suddenly be destroyed, that without remedy. Note: if we take God for granted, he will take us for nothing. Your own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, says the Lord God of hosts.. Proverbs 29:1. Jeremiah 2:19.
All that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, should reap the same. Job 4:8.
None is excluded, everyone that shall be accounted worthy of heaven must come under divine chastening that they might be partaker of the holiness of God: but God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such a one as goes on still in his trespasses - as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel. Psalms 125:5. Psalms 68:21.
After several warnings without genuine repentance and amendments of their doings and ways before God, the two sons of Prophet Eli were destroyed the same day; and Eli generation was barred from the priesthood as chastisement of defiling it. Note: those whom God has graciously set apart for himself, should not observe lying vanity to forsake their own mercy, but to value the position of their relationship, and to set themselves apart for him.
While Jonas was chastised for three days in the belly of a whale for his disobedient, before he finally submit himself to the preaching at Nineveh, the people of Nineveh were spared from the rod of him that chastises the heathen (Psalms 94:10), because they hearkened to the voice of God from prophet Jonas through national chastening of their souls in three days fast for national repentance. Jonas 3:10.
However, be not a partaker of other men’s sin. Learn from the chastening of Sapphire the wife of Ananias for colluding with her husband lies to deceive the church, and she died untimely by the hand of God. Acts.5:9.
The faithful saints undergo spiritual training (s) for personal spiritual developments and increasing growth until Christ is formed in them. Believers shall go through different experiences which should works out or develop patience in them, if they patiently wait while going through different experiences, it will work out divine purpose in them, entirely perfect, not lacking anything.
The believers shall have tribulations in the world which comes in different forms. While certain experience can appear like chastisement, but they are not, because he will not afflict willingly: my soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say unto God, do not condemn me; show me wherefore thou contends with me. Job 10: 1-2. Lamentation 3:33.
Many righteous and upright men shall be called home unexpectedly to prevent them from falling into evil ensnarement they are likely to be susceptible, so that they should not lose the rewards of their long walk and years of many good works for the Lord. Isaiah 57:1.
Just as the day of the Lord is fast approaching, so the wrath of the serpent is tremendously increasing. Spiritual battles, trials and ungodliness in the last days shall be fierce, so much that those who think that they are standing shall also required disciplinary helps from above, because of the infirmities of their flesh.
Chastening or rod of reprove sent to those who have sinned will produce the holiness of God, so that all can be made partakers in his holiness in preparation for, and admission to heaven - And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. Daniel 11:33-35.
God’s training is different from his chastening, remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? Or where were the righteous cut off? Job 4:7. Note: whenever you see a believer going through tough times, don’t insinuate what is not by falsely accusing him of sin, lest you sin against God. Accusing and condemning someone going through formation through his fiery trails of faith, is an iniquity to be punished by God. David says, because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. Psalms 55:3. Job 32:11-13.
When God seems to be silent, you can always ask questions of what you don’t understand to be made know: my soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say unto God, do not condemn me; show me wherefore thou contends with me (Job 10:1-2), but you shouldn’t argue or reply back against him, by complaining that you don’t deserve what he allows you to go through. This is murmuring or the spirit of rebellion, instead of subjection; you are challenging his Fatherly role, questioning his love and Sovereignty over your life. Job 4:17. Job 10: 1-2.
The difference between divine training and chastening is that God’s training brings promotion afterwards, preparing us for future exploits, but his chastening corrects us against the past and present sins to return back in penitence unto him: but the people have not return to him who struck them, nor have they sought the Lord Almighty. Isaiah 9:13.
Let us not get confused between God’s training, though such training is rigorous to the flesh, but grace we sought after in prayer will facilitate all things.
Manna was rained down each day from heaven to feed the Israelis in the wilderness for the extended period of forty years was to train or teach them that man does not live by bread alone Deuteronomy 8:3.
Besides, God’s decision to walk them through the wilderness was with the intent to train them on how to trust, rest in his love, and to depend on him to the end (Exodus 13:17): but God’s chastening were such as the plagued sent against the Israelis for making golden calf in the wilderness. Exodus 32:35.
Divine chastening such as the leprosy sent upon Miriam for speaking against Moses and Aaron (Numbers12:10), or the destroying angel sent to destroy the murmured Israelis in the wilderness, are for the learning for the present days believers, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Corinthians.10:10-11.
Apostle Paul had his training to gain experience and have ability on how to live in contentment through experience or to enjoy plenty in prosperity – I have learned on how to enjoy plenty and to suffer need, I can do all things through him that strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13.
David’s experience of a young shepherd boy from his father’s house was divinely designed to prepare him to meet, confront and conquer the Goliath of his destiny, before the day of his manifestation to the people of Israel; but he was severely chastised and cursed by God for sleeping with another man’s wife and killing Uriah to cover up his sin.
Moses had his trainings at Egypt as a prince in Pharaoh’s palace; but afterwards, he received more trainings as a shepherd in the land of the Midianites where he sojourned for forty years, married with two sons, while God was preparing him for his leadership role.
We should be worried of our eternal state with God, if we are not going through divine chastening and corrections, whereof all live through, who shall be counted worthy of heaven, to become partakers of his holiness, without which no man shall see him. Ezekiel 20:37-38.
The sinners in Zion who are the persistent sinful believers, (Isaiah 33:14) receive different and tougher chastening for correction in order to make them wise and upright in the way of righteousness. If they accept discipline in submission to the Father of spirits, it shall be well with them: surely it is good to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: that which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. Should it be according to thy mind? He will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou know. Job 34:31-33.
He who withholds the rod of discipline hates his son, but he who loves him chastises him betimes. Proverbs 13:24. Thus, the chastening of God is the manifestations of his love for us: to keep us in his will or bring us back to him, and to draw us nearer in our walk and communion with him – it was good for me to be afflicted (chastised and humbled), that I may learn your righteous judgment. Psalms 119:71.
Chastening is to refine us from spiritual foolishness of sin. And if they be bound in fetters, and be holding in cords of affliction; then he shows them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. He opens also their ear to discipline, and commands that they return from iniquity. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. Job 36:8-12.
Behold, happy is the man whom God correct: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: for he makes sore, and binds up: he wounds, and his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. Thou shall be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shall thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. At destruction and famine thou shall laugh: neither shall thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. For thou shall be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. And thou shall know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shall visit thy habitation, and shall not sin. Thou shall know also that thy seed shall be great, and your offspring as the grass of the earth. Thou shall come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season. Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good. Job 5:17-27.
Proverbs 29 verses 19, a servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understands he will not answer. Are we not God’s servants, servants of righteousness unto holiness through obedience, to have our fruits unto holiness, and the end, eternal life?
God will scatter every high place you are not willing to demolish in your life. He will be sanctified in you by chastening, if you will not sanctify him in your life. God will turn your carnal wisdom into foolishness, weakened your self- perceived strength in the way (Psalms 102:23), so that you should know that his strength is made perfect in your weaknesses.
God will disappoint and turn down every self-appointment or engagement outside his will, by sending his rod to mar, shatter and to break every pride and every outward confidence of ungodly reliance’s and associations; for his sole glory and holiness in your life.
He will bring his judgment to light every morning (Zephaniah 3:1-7) by chastening of the heart through his word: blessed is the man whom thou chastises, O Lord, and teaches him out of thy law; that thou may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it. Psalms 94:12-15.
The believer’s present troubles or sufferings in the way of duty and obedience to the Lord are different from the troubles or sufferings that may come on anyone as the result of sins.
The affliction of the righteous is not the same as the affliction of sin. The former is from the enemy of our soul (Psalms 34:19), but the latter is from God on his rebellious children – I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light. Surely against me is he turned; he turns his hand against me all the day. My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones. Lamentation 3:1-4.
God met the requirement of our salvation in Christ Jesus, but he will meet our reformation through chastening, if we will not live by his word: and if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me; then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins. Leviticus 26:27-28.
Sometimes, God chastened us to spare us from untimely and second death: art thou not from everlasting, O Lord my God; mine Holy One? We shall not die. O Lord, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. Habakkuk 1:12.
Sometimes, God judges sin in his children to chastise them even unto premature death, lest they should be condemned with the world.
Was Aaron and Moses not chastened with premature death for their sin at the water of strife? This was a wise judicious divine act to prevent the accuser of the brethren, Satan from having any legal ground of argument to contend against the souls of his saints. Numbers 27:12-27.
Though Christ died for our sins, and by his stripes we were healed according to the scriptures, but God will still afflict and chasten anyone with sickness, even to the extent of taking them away prematurely by untimely death, because they consciously and presumably dare to eat the body of Christ and drink his blood in unrighteousness: wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep – died. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 1 Corinthians11:27-32.
3. The eternal consuming power of divine fire in the final judgment of the ungodly world of men in hell fire
For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. Deuteronomy 33:22. Note: fire of wteawrdship without the santifying fire of holiness will do you no good, if yiou are not serving, walking and living as becomes a saint, even, as he which has called you is holy, lest you become a worker of iniquity, those who the Lord shall finally reject and send into the furnace of fire prepare for Satan and his angels.
In view of the awfulness and dreadfulness of the just and thrice holy God on what is coming to happens on earth which God has reserved to be destroyed by fire, the writer of the letter to the Hebrew encourage and warns us to be careful and thoughtful, not careless in our service towards God and in relationship with him: but the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 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? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 2 Peter 3:12-14.
Holy relationship with God should be valued above becoming an unsanctified vessel of dishonor. Though many are being used, but God will not preserve them for eternity to dwell with the devouring fire, but to be sent into everlasting fire.
We should desire to be used by God, as a purged vessel, sanctified and meet for every good use of the master, but not as a vessel of dishonor, used but discarded or dumped by the Lord at the end and throw into eternal fire. 2 Timothy 2:20-21.
If you are not by now genuinely born again, it is time to repent from your sins to give your life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, so your name to be written in Zion. Psalms 87:6. John 3:3.
If your name is presently written in the book of life, make sure you are walking worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, making your calling and election sure, lest afterward, you discover the irreversible surprise after death that your name has long been cancelled from the book of life, you’ve been long cut off as a branch from the vine. John 15:1. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:30-31.
Strange fire is forbidden to be seen, neither in us, nor be kindled in the church.
What is the strange fire? It is anything outside the word which cannot be found in Christ who is the true light that lighted every man that come into the world. Anything which is not written in the word of God, if brought into our lives or introduce inside the church, is a strange fire.
It is also the boasting of a false gift, such as giving false prophecy, speaking false and confusing word of knowledge and revelations, when you had received nothing of such from the Lord, but faking the manifestations of the gifts you have not received. Whosoever boast himself of a false gift is like cloud and wind without rain. Proverbs 25:14.
What does the bible says about such men and women in the church who are faking prophecy, either by divination or by whatever means or method, apart from the Spirit of God?
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 2 Peter 2:17-19.
Another example of a strange fire is seen through many greedy and covetous pastors who are just ordaining unqualified men, worst still, women pastors, unemployed men in the secular world or anyone around them to become church pastors in the name of having plenty pastors under them and branches everywhere.
This is another strange fire certain men of God are setting up in the last days, ordaining anyone as pastors, who don’t have the actual call of God, for selfish expansion, by laying hands anyone to ordain others, they are partakers of their sins, but shall be burnt altogether in the lake of fire, for the Lord shall hold them responsible for the souls led strayed by such unqualified men they ordained over the heritage of God.
The consequence of any of the strange fire you kindled is eternally unbearable, if you do not put it off as soon as possible through genuine repentance before God.
In the last days, many people shall make ministry as a personal business, not a vocation from God, because they think that godliness is gain, this is another strange fire in the church, the Lord warns to turn yourself away from such; otherwise, you will end up in hell with them.
Some are called into a specific and certain ministry work in the church, but they are not content with their place and position before the Lord. Like Dathan, Koran and Abiram coveted the priesthood of Moses and Aaron to function in the anointing they had not received from the Lord, divine wrath fell on them and the earth opened and devoured the rebels, this is another example of a strange fire.
The ignition of a strange fire was the first disobedient act of the beginning of the fall and rejection of King Saul by God. He refused to play his role as king, but instead, he precipitated to intrude, obliged himself, presumably though himself capable to sacrifice, and to operate in the priestly office he was not called and anointed to function under. 1 Samuel 13:1-14.
Strange fire is a falsification and pretentious manifestations of evil or demonic anointing power, deceitfully attributed to the presence of God and of the working of his Spirit, but it is the working of Satan to deceive others.
There are many so called preachers today professing relationship with the Lord and stewardship towards him but are sorcerers in the true sense of it like the false Prophet, whose name was Bar- Jesus, a sorcerers. Acts13: 6-11.
Strange fire is also the manifestation of zeal to appear fervent in the Spirit and filled with the Spirit of God, but it is the influence of any stimulant substance such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine, ecstasy and alcoholic consumption at the temple worship or before going to the house of God.
Such deceptive act is evil and unacceptable, considerable of mocking the Spirit of God in the church.
It was the error committed by the sons of Aaron as they ministered before the Lord under the influence of alcohol in the temple. They were instantly consumed by the fire of God’s indignation from heaven and were divinely electrocuted - And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said unto Aaron, this is it that the Lord spoke, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace….And the Lord spoke unto Aaron, saying, do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: and that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; and that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses. Leviticus 10:1-11. Note: fire shall devour the tabernacle of the hypocrites, because their joy is for a moment, and they shall perish forever like their own dung. It is hypocrisy, crooked and a mockery acts against God, when we seek to represent him before others in the capacity or ability which his grace, glory, strength and power have not bestowed upon us - hell fire awaits such. A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Job 20:1-7.
The world was created by the word of God, the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 2 Peter 6-7.
Behold, is it not of the Lord of hosts that the people shall labor in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity? Habakkuk 2:13.
Though, this present evil world is reserved to be dissolved by fire by the word of God, yet, he will also be fulfilling the promise of eternal vengeance, the mystery of the suffering of eternal punishments, where their fire does not quench, and their worms never dies, not only for the unrepentant sinners, but also for the backsliders, unholy, unmerciful and the unfaithful brethren in the Lord. Isaiah 66:24. Jude 1:7. 2 Thessalonians 1:9.
The believer’s banner must be holiness unto the Lord, if he has to keep the fire on the altar of his life burning without ceasing before the Lord.
Don’t be fooled by those preachers of inconsistence and ungodly lifestyles showing, though they are showing some sort of fire.
If the initial pure flame sparked by God in your life should not dies off, you must present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service… and the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, command Aaron and his sons, saying, this is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it. And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar. And he shall put off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry forth the ashes without the camp unto a clean place. And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out. Leviticus 6: 8-16.