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Last week’s bulletin introduced the subject of Revival. I mentioned that throughout the Scripture fire is a symbol of God’s presence. This week, I want to look at some of the properties that distinguish the fire of God. What makes it unique? Why do I need it?

God’s Fire Purifies - One of the first revelations God gave of Himself was to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2). Moses was intrigued because he recognized that this was no ordinary fire: the desert bush was burning but it was not consumed. The flames he saw were like no other flames he had ever seen. They burned without destroying. God’s judgment fire can consume the sinner (Deuteronomy 4:24). But God’s holy fire consumes the sin, not the sinner. When a sinner repents the fire cleanses; it does not destroy him or his personality. God’s fire in those who are totally surrendered to Him can burn on and on. It will transform, but it will not consume.

God’s Fire Brings Conviction of Sin - The power encounter on Mt. Carmel between Elijah and the prophets of Baal tells an amazing story (1 Kings 18:16-40). Elijah made a bold challenge: “The god who answers by fire—he is God” (v. 24). You know the story. The prophets of Baal prayed with frenzied intensity, shouting and slashing themselves with swords and spears. Nothing happened. Then Elijah prayed a brief prayer. “O Jehovah, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God” (v. 36). Before he could say “amen” the supernatural fire of God descended from the sky devouring the sacrifice, wood, stones, and dirt, even evaporating the water in the trench. Instantly the thousands watching fell on their faces and cried out over and over “Jehovah—He is God! Jehovah—He is God!” Never in history was there so instant a revival! The people seized the false prophets who had been deceiving them and put them to death.

God’s Fire Inspires Worship – When Solomon dedicated the temple, God again manifested Himself by sending fire from heaven to consume the sacrifices on the altar (2 Chronicles 7:1-3). All the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the Shekinah glory hovering over the temple. Their reaction? “They knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground and they worshipped and gave thanks to the Lord” (v. 3). Revival fire inspires worship.

God’s Covenant of Revival - The most well-known and often-quoted covenant of revival is God’s promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” God gave this beautiful promise to Solomon right after the dedication of the temple. Notice the steps:

1. “If my people will humble themselves” – How difficult it is to truly humble ourselves! Humble yourself in private prayer. Humble yourself in public prayer meetings. Humble yourself with fasting.

2. “Pray and seek my face” - In the history of the church, every revival that has come has followed extensive prayer and seeking of God’s face by some of His children. God requires more than casual prayers; He wants His people to hunger and thirst for this mighty working. It involves repeated and prolonged prayer. It often requires us to ask forgiveness of others. Are you seeking God’s face?

3. “And turn from their wicked ways” - There can be no revival without repentance. Revival requires examining ourselves to see if anything in our lives is hindering the move of God. Anything that grieves God, whether it is things we did or things we failed to do, will hinder the move of God’s revival fire. We need to repent as individuals; we need to repent together as the Body of Christ.

The above are three essential steps in preparing the way for revival. These are God’s covenantal conditions if we want to see Him work in a new and mighty way. The good news is, as surely as God is in heaven, when we fulfill His conditions God will do two things: forgive us and heal our land.

Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things. (Jeremiah 33:3)