Sitting Around The Campfire Series

(The only lights in the sanctuary were those on stage, an there was a graphic of a burning campfire flickering on the screens)

This morning we’re going to be worshipping around a campfire - and since the Elders wouldn’t let me burn an actual fire on stage, you’ll just have to put up with this imagery campfire on the screens. At camp, kids would end their days by sitting around a campfire and singing campfire songs like this one… (sing along with me)

“Give me oil for my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning; Give me oil for my lamp I pray – Hallelujah; Give me oil for my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning; Keep me burning till the break of day. (CHORUS): Sing Hosanna, sing hosanna, sing hosanna to the King of Kings (repeat) - (VERSE) Give me oil for my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning; Give me oil for my lamp I pray – Hallelujah; Give me oil for my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning; Keep me burning till the break of day.”

KEEP ME BURNING, BURNING, BURNING.

But, how can I do that? How can I keep burning for God? Well, Hebrews 12:29 tells us that “our God is a consuming fire.” My God is the consuming fire that keeps me burning.

You know, there’s something ABOUT FIRE in scripture that tells us about our God. In the Bible, it’s amazing how much God used FIRE to relate to His people.

For example, sometimes God used fire as a warning of His power & His judgment. When Israel had come to Mt. Sinai to receive the 10 commandments. “Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in FIRE. The smoke billowed up like smoke from a furnace, (and) the whole mountain trembled violently.” (Exodus 19:18) And in Hebrews 12:21 we’re told that the sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I tremble with fear."

Later, when Nadab and Abihu (two of the sons of Aaron the High Priest) disobeyed God by using the wrong kind of fire on the altar of incense, we’re told “FIRE came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.” Leviticus 10:2

And even Jesus described the torment of hell by telling us that it was better to enter heaven without a hand or an eye than to be thrown into hell, “where their worm does not die, and the FIRE is not quenched” (Mark 9:48)

So sometimes God used fire to warn of His power and of His judgment. But other times God used fire to symbolize His presence and protection. When GOD led Israel out of Egypt, He was always visible to them - visible by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of FIRE by night. And the Israelites found comfort in the fact that God was always there with them… by cloud and by FIRE.

In the New Testament, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came into the upper room and settled on the Apostles in the form of TONGUES OF FIRE. And from that day on the Apostles KNEW God was always there with them. And they boldly preached to everyone … about Jesus.

And this morning - our text tells that Moses had come upon a BUSH that was on FIRE but didn’t burn up. The angel of the LORD appeared to (Moses) in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, "I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned." Exodus 3:2-3

Now notice – the burning bush didn’t frighten Moses. He was intrigued by it. He was drawn to it. (PAUSE) Now - fire CAN be dangerous… but there’s also something about fire that’s comforting.

ILLUS: According to researchers: “The sight of flame activates the emotional center of the brain. The flickering of flame promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Studies indicate that watching a fire can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, which contributes to an overall sense of calm and wellbeing.” (https://northeasternchimney.com/why-do-we-like-to-stare-at-fires/#:~:text=The%20sight%20of%20flame%20activates,sense%20of%20calm%20and%20wellbeing.)

That’s why people love campfires and fireplaces. There’s warmth there, and comfort and fascination. And… in this particular case (with Moses) where there was fire, there was… God!

God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And (Moses) said, "Here I am." Then (God) said, "Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground … I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. Exodus 3:4-6