When The Fire Falls Series

WHEN THE FIRE FALLS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 18:36-39

Supporting Texts: Leviticus 9:24; Acts 2:1-4; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3; James 5:16-18; Hebrews 12:29

INTRODUCTION:

Mount Carmel was the stage for one of the most dramatic displays of God’s power in the Old Testament. Elijah stood alone before 450 prophets of Baal, at a time when Israel’s heart had turned to idolatry and compromise. The altar was broken, the nation was backslidden, and the true worship of Jehovah had been abandoned. But in this desperate moment, Elijah repaired the altar, called on the name of the Lord, and fire fell from heaven in response to his prayer.

This passage teaches that when God’s people return to Him in sincerity and faith, He answers by fire. The fire is symbolic of revival, divine approval, purification, and the presence of God. Today, we may not need literal fire from heaven, but we desperately need the fire of the Holy Spirit to fall again—reviving the church, exposing falsehood, and bringing people back to God.

1. REVIVAL COMES WHEN THE ALTAR IS RESTORED

Before the fire fell, Elijah first repaired the broken altar of the Lord.

a) Broken altars represent neglected devotion and spiritual compromise

Israel had abandoned true worship for Baal, and the altar of God lay in ruins.

b) God responds to prepared hearts and restored worship

Revival begins when we rebuild our commitment to God in prayer, consecration, and obedience.

c) No fire will fall on an altar that has been neglected or defiled

The condition of the altar reflects the condition of the heart.

d) National revival starts with personal reformation

Before God revives a people, He revives individuals.

Biblical Example: King Hezekiah restored temple worship and brought national revival (2 Chronicles 29:3–10).

2. GOD’S FIRE CONFIRMS HIS PRESENCE AND POWER

When Elijah prayed, fire fell from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and even the water.

a) “Then the fire of the Lord fell…” (1 Kings 18:38)

The fire was not man-made—it was a divine response to prayer and faith.

b) Fire in Scripture represents God's approval and consuming presence

It shows that God is near, listening, and responding with power.

c) When God’s fire falls, falsehood is exposed and truth is revealed

The fire proved that Jehovah is the true and living God.

d) A fireless altar may suggest a lifeless church

We need the fire of the Holy Spirit to reignite zeal and purity.

Biblical Example: Fire fell on the day of Pentecost, igniting the early church with boldness and power (Acts 2:3-4).

3. PRAYER IS THE CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH FIRE FALLS

Elijah didn’t dance, shout, or perform rituals—he prayed sincerely.

a) “Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are God…” (1 Kings 18:37)

His prayer was God-centred, not self-centred.

b) Prayer rooted in God's will always produces supernatural results

Elijah prayed according to God’s purpose—to turn Israel’s heart back.

c) The fire fell not because of eloquence but because of alignment

God responds to hearts that are surrendered, not just voices that are loud.

d) Every true revival has always been birthed through fervent intercession

No prayer, no fire.

Biblical Example: James recalls that Elijah prayed earnestly, and heaven responded (James 5:17-18).

4. WHEN THE FIRE FALLS, THE PEOPLE RETURN TO GOD

The dramatic response of fire caused the people to fall on their faces and confess that the Lord is God.

a) “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39)

A single moment of divine manifestation accomplished what years of preaching could not.

b) True revival breaks hardness of heart and brings people to repentance

It confronts sin, convicts hearts, and redirects lives.

c) God's fire awakens spiritual awareness in those who have drifted

Suddenly, idols lose their appeal, and God becomes real again.

d) Fire produces surrender—men fall on their faces in reverence

When the fire falls, pride melts and worship flows.

Biblical Example: When fire fell on Solomon’s altar, the people bowed and worshipped (2 Chronicles 7:1-3).

5. FALSE RELIGION IS SILENCED IN THE FIRE OF GOD

Baal’s prophets prayed, danced, and cut themselves—but there was no response.

a) “There was no voice; no one answered; no one paid attention.” (1 Kings 18:29)

False gods cannot respond because they are lifeless and powerless.

b) Elijah’s bold confrontation exposed the emptiness of idolatry

The fire made a clear distinction between the living God and human invention.

c) Revival does not just ignite passion—it destroys deception

When the true God shows up, counterfeits are unmasked.

d) In every generation, God raises a voice to call people back to truth

We must be that voice today.

Biblical Example: Paul confronted the idol worship of Athens with the message of the true God (Acts 17:22-31).