Build A Fire Series

Note: Thanks you to Wayne Dority from notes received years ago. Great message.

Title: Kindle The Fire

Theme: To show the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Text: Acts 28:1-10

Acts 28:1-10 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live." But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

2 Timothy 1:6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

INTRODUCTION

Looking at Acts 28, I believe that there is nothing written in this book that is insignificant. God orchestrated everything in the life of Paul,

The smallest details are ordained by God.

Some of the most profound truths are in the details of God’s word.

Nothing that happened on this tiny island was by chance…

God was orchestrating it all.

The “when” of this event was significant…

The passage in acts that we read is the conclusion of a long journey that Paul and the crew of the Alexandrian ship. They were advised not to continue to sail by Paul and others yet they did anyway and it ends in disaster. But by the time they get done the Lord has been glorified. Paul had utter faith in God and told the crew and leaders that they were make it because God had given him a promise. He was going to Rome and an angel had appeared to him.

They had just survived what had to be one of the most traumatic events of their lives…

Caught for weeks in a terrifying storm

And finally shipwrecked on the shore of this strange little island.

We must realize that on the other side of the storm God may not bring us to a resort paradise,

But to a place where we can be a blessing to others.

The “where” of this event was significant

It was not by chance that they landed on this island … Often we’re so busy licking our scars and talking about the storm That we miss the real opportunity to make a difference for God.

What they did on this island was significant…

Down to the smallest detail.

Notice the first thing they did when they found themselves on this island.

Vs. 2,3 And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

They were tired, weary, they were in a confusing place and situation…

But they took time to build a fire.

The fire would comfort them.

The fire would change their condition. (Of being Cold and Wet, to Warm)

The fire would mark them… it would tell others where to find them. The fire will attract others.

The fire would guard them from the elements

Herein lies a spiritual key for our life.

When you’re weary, weak, confused And don’t know what to do…

Build a Fire!

- When the fire of the Holy Ghost gets in you, you will know it is God.

This is who we are on this Pentecost Sunday we are fire builders. Listen to Matthew 3

Matthew 3:11 "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.