The God Who Answers By Fire

THE GOD WHO ANSWERS BY FIRE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 18:36-39

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 12:29, Jeremiah 23:29, Malachi 3:2-3, Acts 2:1-4, Revelation 1:14

INTRODUCTION:

There are moments in life and ministry when we need more than words—we need God to show Himself. Elijah stood before the prophets of Baal and a nation drifting into idolatry, not with argument or debate, but with a demonstration of divine power. He called upon the God who answers by fire—and Heaven responded.

Fire in Scripture represents the presence, power, and purity of God. When God answers by fire, He silences doubt, reveals His glory, consumes every opposition, and brings His people back to repentance. Elijah’s prayer was short, but it came from a heart aligned with God. It was not eloquence that moved Heaven—it was covenant, passion, and faith.

In a generation where many hearts have grown cold and false gods seem to occupy the altar, we need a revival of fire again. This is the time for the Church and believers to call on the God who answers by fire, and to make room for His power to fall.

1. GOD’S FIRE CONFIRMS HIS PRESENCE

a) Fire represents God’s manifest presence (Exodus 3:2)

Moses encountered God through the fire in the burning bush — a holy ground moment.

b) When fire falls, God reveals Himself (1 Kings 18:38)

The fire from Heaven was a clear statement: “I am the Lord.”

c) Fire separates the true God from idols (1 Kings 18:24)

Only the living God answers by fire. Baal was silent.

d) The fire of God ends spiritual confusion (1 Kings 18:21)

When fire falls, people stop wavering between two opinions.

e) Biblical Example: God appeared to Israel in fire on Mount Sinai to confirm His covenant presence (Exodus 19:18).

2. GOD’S FIRE PURIFIES THE ALTAR

a) Before fire falls, the altar must be repaired (1 Kings 18:30)

Revival requires a restoration of prayer, worship, and obedience.

b) God will not consume a broken or polluted altar (Malachi 1:7–10)

He seeks honour in the place of sacrifice.

c) The fire tests what is laid on the altar (1 Corinthians 3:13)

Our motives and offerings are judged by the fire of God.

d) Only holy altars attract holy fire (Romans 12:1)

God responds to living sacrifices — lives surrendered to Him.

e) Biblical Example: In 2 Chronicles 7:1, fire fell when Solomon finished praying, consuming the offering on a sanctified altar.

3. GOD’S FIRE PROVOKES REPENTANCE AND REVERENCE

a) Fire awakens dead consciences (1 Kings 18:39)

The people fell on their faces when fire revealed the true God.

b) Fire turns hearts back to God (1 Kings 18:37)

Elijah’s goal was not fire for show, but fire for revival.

c) Holy fire humbles human pride (Isaiah 6:5–7)

Isaiah saw the Lord in His glory and cried, “Woe is me!”

d) The fire of God confronts sin and brings cleansing (Malachi 3:2–3)

Like a refiner’s fire, it purifies God's people.

e) Biblical Example: On the Day of Pentecost, the tongues of fire transformed fearful disciples into bold witnesses (Acts 2:3–4).

4. GOD’S FIRE EMPOWERS FOR SUPERNATURAL IMPACT

a) The fire releases boldness and authority (Acts 4:31)

The early Church prayed, and fire-like power emboldened them.

b) Fire equips us to confront evil (Jeremiah 23:29)

God’s Word is like fire, breaking resistance and consuming falsehood.

c) God’s fire sets us apart for divine assignment (Leviticus 6:13)

The altar fire must never go out — it fuels the priesthood.

d) Fire leads to a harvest of souls (1 Kings 18:40)

After the fire fell, the prophets of Baal were judged and revival came.

e) Biblical Example: The fire in the bush that called Moses empowered him to confront Pharaoh and deliver Israel (Exodus 3:10).

CONCLUSION:

The God who answered Elijah by fire is still alive and powerful today. He is not a silent spectator but a consuming fire, eager to reveal Himself to a generation that will rebuild the altar and call upon His name in faith. When the Church returns to holiness, prayer, and bold faith, we will again see God answering by fire.

Let us not settle for powerless religion or dead altars. It is time to call down the fire of God again—fire that revives, fire that purifies, fire that empowers. If we, like Elijah, will align with God’s covenant, prepare the altar, and cry to Heaven, the fire will fall!

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, ignite my heart with fresh fire for You.

2. Father, restore every broken altar in my life and home.

3. Let Your fire fall on the Church again and bring revival.

4. Consume every trace of sin and impurity in me.

5. Empower me with boldness to confront darkness.

6. Let the fire of Your Word burn afresh in my spirit.