Ouch, That Hurts

Ouch, I’m Burning! Text: Leviticus 6:8-9,13

A letter was written by a relatively new Christian to the person whose life had influenced hers so greatly. She actually lists about a dozen qualities she found contagious in the life of this older Christian. Listen to some of what she wrote: You know when we met; I began to discover a new vulnerability, a warmth, and a lack of pretence that impressed me. I saw in you a thriving spirit - no signs of internal stagnation anywhere. I could tell you were a growing person and I liked that. I saw you had strong self-esteem, not based on the fluff of self-help books, but on something a whole lot deeper. I saw that you lived by convictions and priorities and not just by convenience, selfish pleasure, and financial gain. And I had never met anyone like that before. I felt a depth of love and concern as you listened to me and didn’t judge me. You tried to understand me, you sympathized and you celebrated with me, you demonstrated kindness and generosity - and not just to me, but to other people, as well. And you stood for something. You were willing to go against the grain of society and follow what you believed to be true, no matter what people said, and no matter how much it cost you. And for those reasons and a whole host of others, I found myself really wanting what you had. Now that I’ve become a Christian, I wanted to write to tell you I’m grateful beyond words for how you lived out your Christian life in front of me. Basically, she was saying, "Thanks for being a Contagious on fire Christian."

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 9 “Command Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the burnt offering: The burnt offering shall be on the hearth upon the altar all night until morning, and the fire of the altar shall be kept burning on it.13 A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out.

For every believer here today there is no excuse for not using what God has gifted you with presently. You will not be asked to be anointed Spiritually and burn feverishly for something you’ve never received. As a New Testament believer our call has to be Vs.13). A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out. Figuratively and biblically speaking, this fire represents divine inspiration that comes only through God’s presence.

When divine inspiration is given or imparted, it is like an inhaling or “breathing in” of divine influence! When divine influence is present we become candidates for additional degrees of illumination!

Jesus said in Matthew 11:15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear! ( We become candidates for additional degrees of illumination!)

In Matthew 25 Jesus told the man with one talent- “because you didn’t use it and you took it for granted it will be taken away!”

God understood what we have to understand- “if the fire doesn’t go out those around the fire will be warmed, changed, touched and influenced!”

Paul Harvey said, "Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men but keepers of the aquarium."

Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Listen, 1. We need the fire! 2. Our children need the fire. 3. Grand Children. 4. Visitors. 5. The sick and the oppressed need the fire!

John 14:16 Amplified Bible 16And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever--

Some of you have been in this church for a long time, but if the fire is burning (If you are inhaling and exhaling) your life is continually changing; therefore, you are like a new person every time you enter those doors!

Isaiah 51:1a “Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were hewn… (Hear this word, “apply, live and walk in the truth you already know and understand!”)

We must burn in what we already know, and then more will come! In other words, Receive and walk-in what has already been given to you!

To be divinely inspired is to have been breathed upon by the One who is our God! John 20:21-22 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: