Introduction

Beloved, in these times more than ever, we are in desperate need of the refreshing fire of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Isaiah 64:1-2 expresses this longing: "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you!"

We must understand that nothing can address the perplexing questions raised by our adversaries better than the fresh fire of the Holy Spirit. When this fire falls upon us, it ignites a boiling passion within us, causing the waters of our spirit to churn. The result is that God's name becomes known to His adversaries, and nations tremble in His presence.

The Secret of the Apostles

This was the secret of the lives of the Apostles. They constantly sought and received fresh fire from God. Every prayer meeting was an opportunity for them to be refreshed and filled anew. Their movements, evangelism, and ministry were marked by power and fire. It is no wonder they were accused of turning cities upside down for Jesus. May we also be accused of such radical impact for the Kingdom.

If we desire the fresh fire of God in our lives, we must allow the living water within us to boil. We must remain on fire at all times, for the enemy only attacks when our fire diminishes. If we find ourselves dozing off during prayer, struggling to read the Bible, or failing to share our faith, it is a sign that the enemy is lurking nearby. We must be vigilant and not allow him to gain a foothold. We must set ourselves free from complacency and remain fervent in our pursuit of God.

Keys to Receiving the Fire of God

Hunger and thirst for God's Word: We must have a deep longing for the Scriptures, devouring them with enthusiasm. The Word of God is our spiritual nourishment, and we must not neglect it.

Become a prayer addict: We must cultivate a lifestyle of unceasing prayer. Prayer is our means of communication with God, and it is through prayer that we tap into His power.

Live a life of holiness: We must strive to live a life free from sin, both in our actions and our thoughts.

Complete obedience to God: We must obey God without question, surrendering our will to His.

Have a great desire for the return of the Lord: We must eagerly anticipate the second coming of Jesus, purifying ourselves in preparation for His glorious return.

Have violent faith in God: We must trust God's promises and take Him at His word, refusing to waver in our faith.

Love sacrificially: We must love others selflessly, showing kindness and compassion to all.

The Need for Fresh Fire

By embracing these keys, we can draw closer to the fresh fire that is needed in these last days. God has called us, but the extent to which He can use us depends on our willingness to yield ourselves to Him. We must prioritize His will above all else and allow His fresh fire to consume us.

When God sets out to accomplish something, nothing and no one can hinder Him. He will do what He desires. However, we must align our priorities with His. We should not seek personal gain or selfish ambitions but rather seek to fulfill God's purposes in our lives. Let us position ourselves in the center of God's will, allowing His fresh fire to ignite and propel us forward.

It is crucial to recognize that obtaining gifts and manifestations without a pure heart and a life dedicated to God is futile. True power comes from a genuine relationship with Him. We must not be deceived by outward displays of power or seek popularity for ourselves. Instead, we should seek to know God intimately and carry His fire within us.

Hindrances to Receiving Fresh Fire

Pride: Pride is the exaltation of self and hinders the flow of God's fire in our lives. We must humble ourselves and seek to serve rather than seeking personal glory.

Lack of love: Love is the essence of Christianity, and without it, we hinder the work of God in our lives. We must love one another genuinely, showing kindness and respect.

Lack of dedication: We must be committed to God's cause and not grow weary in doing good. Patience and perseverance are essential in receiving and maintaining the fresh fire of God.

Not seeking the glory of God: We must always seek to bring glory to God rather than seeking personal recognition or power. We must be vessels through which His glory can shine.

Living in uncleanliness and secret sin: We must live a life of holiness, free from sin and impurity. If we harbor secret sins or uncleanliness in our hearts, it hinders our connection with God.

Conclusion

Today, let us fervently pray for the fire of God to come upon us afresh. Let us ask Him to baptize us with His Holy Spirit and ignite a burning passion within us. May we become untouchable and unquenchable fire for His glory.

May we all experience the fresh fire of God in our lives and be vessels through which His power and glory can manifest. Let us be consumed by His fire and become agents of transformation in this world. In Jesus' mighty name, amen.

Get the Full Sermon

• Sermon Notes
• Midweek Discussion Questions