08/06/2026
Today's Sermon
07 June 2026 Sunday Service
* Keep the Fire Burning
*Text: Leviticus 6:12-13, Romans 12:11, Luke 24:32*
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*Intro*
Priests in the Old Testament had one job that never stopped: *Leviticus 6:13* “The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.”
God doesn’t just want us to start for Him. He wants us to burn for Him. But fire doesn’t stay lit by accident.
Let’s pray: _Lord, rekindle every cold heart in this room. Let us burn for You again. Amen._
*1. WHAT is the fire?*
The fire = your passion, zeal, first love for God *Revelation 2:4*. It’s not emotion. It’s the Holy Spirit’s heat in you.
*3 signs the fire was on:*
1. *Luke 24:32* - The disciples said “Did not our hearts burn within us?” Fire makes the Word alive.
2. *Acts 2:3* - “Tongues of fire” came at Pentecost. Fire gives power to witness.
3. *Jeremiah 20:9* - “His word was in my heart like a fire, shut up in my bones.” Fire makes you unable to stay silent.
*Point:* The fire is not you working harder. It’s God’s presence burning in you.
*2. WHY must we keep it burning? -*
*Leviticus 6:13* “It must not go out.” God commanded it.
*3 reasons:*
1. *For sacrifice*: Fire is what made the offering acceptable. Cold hearts can’t worship. God wants your heart on fire, not just your hands serving *Romans 12:11* “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
2. *For protection*: Fire keeps predators away. Sheep stay safe near fire. Cold Christians get attacked by doubt, temptation, discouragement. Lukewarm is dangerous *Revelation 3:16*.
3. *For light & heat*: A burning church warms the cold and guides the lost. Matthew 5:14-16. If your fire goes out, who will you light?
A campfire. If you walk away and don’t add wood, it dies. Same with your walk with God.
*3. HOW do we keep it burning?*
Priests had 3 jobs daily:
1. *Add wood - Feed it*: *Romans 12:11* “fervent in spirit”. You feed fire with:
- *Word*: Psalm 119:105 is light + heat
- *Prayer*: Luke 18:1 “pray and not give up”
- *Fellowship*: Proverbs 27:17 “iron sharpens iron”. Cold coals die alone, hot coals together burn hotter.
2. *Remove ashes - Clean it*: *2 Timothy 2:21* “purge himself”. Ashes = sin, bitterness, offense, compromise. Ashes choke fire. Repentance daily.
3. *Stir it - Be intentional*: 2 Timothy 1:6 “stir up the gift of God”. Don’t wait for a conference. Fan the flame yourself. Worship when you don’t feel like it. Pray when it’s dry.
*Point:* God gives the fire. You keep the fire.
*4. WHERE does the fire burn?*
*Leviticus 6:12* “On the altar.” The fire only burns on the altar.
The altar = surrender. Your body, your plans, your dreams laid down *Romans 12:1*. You can’t keep fire in your pocket. Fire needs an altar.
*3 altars today:*
1. *Personal altar*: Your prayer closet. Morning devotion.
2. *Family altar*: Praying with spouse/kids. Fire spreads at home first.
3. *Corporate altar*: Church. We burn brighter together.
If the altar is gone, the fire dies. If the altar is dirty, God can’t use it.
*5. WHEN do we keep it burning?*
*Leviticus 6:13* “Continually… all night until morning.”
Not just Sundays. Not just conferences. *24/7*.
*4 seasons:*
1. *When it’s easy*: Don’t get lazy in good seasons. Add more wood.
2. *When it’s dry*: Elijah had fire, then Jezebel threatened him. Fire must burn in drought too.
3. *When it’s dark*: All night until morning. The darkest hour is before dawn. Don’t quit at 3am.
4. *When you’re tired*: “The fire shall ever be burning”. Consistency > intensity.
*Point:* Fire isn’t a feeling you chase. It’s a decision you keep.
*Closing + Altar Call*
God is not looking for perfect people. He’s looking for burning people.
Maybe your fire is low today. Maybe it’s out. Good news: God never runs out of fire. *Luke 3:16* “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire.”
*Application:*
1. Go back to your altar tonight.
2. Add wood: Open your Bible 10 mins tomorrow morning.
3. Remove ashes: Forgive that person. Confess that sin.
4. Stir it: Worship for 1 song even if you don’t feel it.
*Altar Call:* If you want fresh fire, come. Let’s pray: _Holy Spirit, come like fire. Burn away coldness. Burn away fear. Make us a burning church for a dying . In Jesus’ name, Amen._
Visionary, Servant & Apostle, ArchBishop Peter Maguduru.