Keeping The Altar Burning

KEEPING THE ALTAR BURNING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Leviticus 6:12-13

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:1, Hebrews 13:10, 1 Kings 18:30-39, Revelation 3:15-16, Psalm 51:17

INTRODUCTION:

The altar is a spiritual meeting point where man offers sacrifices and God responds with His fire. In the Old Testament, the priests were commanded to ensure the fire on the altar never went out. This fire symbolised God's presence, power, and continual communion with His people.

In the New Covenant, our hearts have become the altar, and the fire represents our passion, devotion, and intimacy with God. However, life’s busyness, distractions, compromise, and spiritual coldness can cause the fire to dwindle. That is why God commands us to keep the fire burning continually.

To walk in sustained revival, power, and divine presence, we must accept personal responsibility for maintaining spiritual fire. God may send the fire initially, but we must feed it daily through devotion, sacrifice, and consistent fellowship.

1. THE FIRE REPRESENTS GOD’S PRESENCE AND POWER

Before we can keep the fire burning, we must understand what it stands for. The fire is symbolic of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives.

a) The fire consumes sin and purifies the believer (Isaiah 6:6-7):

It is God's holiness that purges us as we remain on the altar.

b) It empowers us for supernatural living (Acts 2:3-4):

At Pentecost, fire rested on the disciples and they became bold witnesses.

c) The fire signifies acceptance by God (1 Kings 18:38):

When God accepts our sacrifice, He responds with fire.

d) Without the fire, our altar becomes ordinary (Revelation 3:15-16):

Lukewarmness is a sign the fire is going out; God desires fervency.

Biblical Example: Elijah repaired the altar and fire fell—symbolising God's approval and power (1 Kings 18:30-39).

2. KEEPING THE ALTAR BURNING REQUIRES DAILY SACRIFICE

The fire on the altar cannot remain without fuel. We must offer ourselves continually to God.

a) Offer your body daily as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1):

Our total surrender is the wood that sustains the fire.

b) Spend time daily in the Word and prayer (Psalm 1:2):

Spiritual discipline fuels intimacy and revelation.

c) Keep your heart free from unconfessed sin (1 John 1:9):

Sin quenches the Spirit; confession rekindles the fire.

d) Consistent worship and thanksgiving keeps the flame alive (Psalm 100:4):

A thankful heart remains burning with love for God.

Biblical Example: The priests in Leviticus 6:12–13 added wood to the fire every morning, symbolising our daily devotion.

3. DESTROYERS OF THE ALTAR FIRE

Just as fire can be maintained, it can also be extinguished if we are not careful.

a) Disobedience and compromise quench the fire (Judges 16:20):

Samson lost the fire through careless living.

b) Prayerlessness causes the fire to fade (Luke 22:45-46):

Jesus rebuked His disciples for sleeping in a critical moment.

c) Bitterness and unforgiveness suffocate the altar (Hebrews 12:15):

These pollute the heart and shut down divine flow.

d) Familiarity with sacred things breeds contempt (Malachi 1:6-10):

When we take God's presence for granted, the fire leaves.

Biblical Example: King Saul started with fire but lost it due to pride, disobedience, and lack of repentance.

4. HOW TO KEEP YOUR ALTAR BURNING CONTINUALLY

It is not enough to ignite the fire—we must learn how to preserve it.

a) Fan the flames through spiritual hunger (2 Timothy 1:6):

Stir up the gift of God inside you.

b) Surround yourself with burning believers (Proverbs 27:17):

Company matters; iron sharpens iron.

c) Serve God passionately (Romans 12:11):

Never be lacking in zeal; keep your spiritual fervour.

d) Cultivate a lifestyle of intimacy with the Holy Spirit (James 4:8):

The more you draw near, the brighter the fire burns.

Biblical Example: David constantly sought God and maintained the fire of worship and intimacy (Psalm 27:4).

CONCLUSION:

The command to keep the fire burning is not optional—it is essential for spiritual survival and effectiveness. When the fire burns, you remain sensitive to God, empowered for purpose, and protected from spiritual coldness. But when the fire goes out, the altar becomes desolate, and your life becomes vulnerable.

It is time to rebuild broken altars, remove the ashes of yesterday, and fan into flame the fire of God's presence. Your life, your ministry, and your destiny depend on the fire that burns on your altar.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, rekindle Your holy fire upon the altar of my heart.

2. Father, help me to offer myself daily as a living sacrifice.

3. Every spiritual laziness and lukewarmness, be consumed by fire.

4. Holy Spirit, stir up fresh hunger and passion for You in me.

5. I receive grace to maintain consistent prayer and worship.

6. Every strange fire competing with God’s fire in my life, be extinguished.

7. Lord, make my heart Your dwelling place continually.

8. Father, connect me with fire carriers and burning believers.

9. Let nothing in my life quench the flame of Your Spirit.

10. From today, my altar shall never lack divine fire again.