Introduction

A while ago, in New York City, a woman visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the paintings of the French artist Monet. One of his famous paintings depicted a boat with its reflection on the water, like a mirror. As the woman observed the painting, she became convinced that something was wrong with it. She approached a security guard and then the museum curator to express her concern. Both assured her that there was nothing wrong with the painting and that she shouldn't try to become an art expert overnight. Frustrated, the woman left the museum and went to a bookstore where she bought a book on Monet's paintings, including the one in question. With the book in hand, she returned to the museum and compared it to the painting. She then contacted an art critic from the New York Times, and together they revealed to the media that for almost four months, in front of thousands of visitors and numerous art critics, the painting of the boat on the water had been hung upside down. It took a passionate woman to notice the difference.

What does this have to do with today's message? We live in a culture where something seems to be amiss. When we compare what we see in God's Word with what we see in the world, things appear to be upside down. Sin is exalted, righteousness is ridiculed, and we are told that everything is fine. What do we need to do to correct the moral decline in our society today? We need men and women, like many of you, who have a passion for Christ.

I. The Fire on the Altar

1. The presence of God: The fire on the altar represents the presence of God. Throughout the Bible, fire often symbolizes His presence. For example, God spoke to Moses through the burning bush. The nation of Israel was led in the wilderness by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. The sacrifice of Elijah on Mount Carmel was consumed by fire from heaven. John the Baptist said that one would come after him who would baptize with fire. And on the day of Pentecost, tongues of fire appeared over the believers. The fire represents the presence of God.

2. The passion of the heart: The fire also represents the passion of the heart. It symbolizes a burning and passionate heart. It is the passion that consumes our thoughts, ignites our speech, stirs our soul, and stirs our emotions. This fire on the altar of our hearts represents our passion for Jesus Christ, and God tells us to keep the fire burning and never let it go out.

II. Stoke the Fire of God's Gift

The second point is to stoke the fire of God's gift. In 2 Timothy, Paul writes to his young disciple and friend, Timothy. Timothy grew up in a Christian home, had a godly mother and grandmother, and had been taught by the apostle Paul himself. However, Paul was concerned that Timothy's fire for Christ might begin to fade, that his passion might die down.

In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul advises Timothy to stir up the gift of God that is within him. If the passion for Jesus Christ in your life, the fire on the altar of your heart, has started to cool down, then stir up the fire. Blow on the embers on the altar of your heart.

Here are five quick tips to keep your passion for Jesus Christ alive:

1. Remember God's grace: Don't forget where you came from and how much you have been forgiven. Understand the depth of your sin and the greatness of God's mercy. The more you realize how much you have been forgiven, the more you will love Him.

2. Rely on God's resources: Don't try to live the Christian life in your own strength. Depend on God's resources. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

3. Don't settle for substitutes: Don't replace intimacy with Christ with religious activities or rituals. Don't settle for anything less than a personal relationship with Him.

4. Guard your testimony: Your testimony is precious. Protect it with all diligence. The enemy would love to steal your testimony and extinguish the fire on the altar of your heart.

5. Practice spiritual disciplines: Spend time in God's presence daily. Read His Word, pray, and seek His face. These disciplines will help keep the fire burning in your heart.

III. Faith that Finishes Strong

Lastly, let's look at 2 Timothy 4:6-8. In his final days, Paul writes again to Timothy. Instead of asking for his release or rescue, Paul instructs Timothy to bring his books, parchments, and scrolls because there are still things he wants to learn from God.

What are the characteristics of a faith that finishes strong? A faith that reaches the finish line is one that eagerly awaits the coming of the Lord and continues to grow in knowledge and understanding.

Conclusion

To keep the fire burning in our hearts, we must remember God's grace, rely on His resources, avoid substitutes, guard our testimony, and practice spiritual disciplines. We must eagerly await the coming of the Lord and continue to grow in our knowledge of Him.

May we be a church filled with men and women who have a passionate and fervent heart for Christ. Let us keep the fire burning on the altar of our hearts, never allowing it to go out. May our lives be a testimony to the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

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