In this session, we discussed the significance of keeping the fire burning on the altar—a powerful metaphor rooted in Leviticus 6:12–13, where priests were commanded to never let the fire on the altar go out. We explored how this translates into our New Testament reality: our hearts are now the altar, and our lives the living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
Together, we unpacked the symbolism of fire. It can represent the presence of God (like the burning bush), purification (Malachi 3), judgment (the lake of fire), and passion or zeal (Romans 12:11). We saw how fire isn’t just a dramatic biblical image—it’s a call to spiritual vigilance. One member insightfully reminded us that fire must be fed with the right wood, just like our spiritual lives need the right fuel: prayer, worship, the Word, and community.
We learned that the priests’ role to keep the fire burning was one of discipline and attentiveness—and now, as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), that responsibility rests with us. Someone brilliantly noted that Jesus is our ultimate High Priest, and our offerings—like worship, service, and prayer—keep the fire of His presence alive in us.
There were rich analogies too: one participant likened a believer without fire to a woodpile housing a snake—safe for the enemy to camp in! But when lit with prayer and the Word, hidden vipers flee. Another reminded us from 2 Timothy 1:6 to fan into flame the gift of God—meaning, spiritual fire needs intentional stoking.
We concluded that to keep the fire burning, we must:
1. Be consistent in prayer—talk to God before reacting or deciding.
2. Stay rooted in Scripture—God’s Word is the oil that sustains the flame.
3. Live a life of worship and service—purified acts that fuel the altar.
In the end, we encouraged each other not only to maintain our personal fire but to watch out for each other’s flames too. After all, fire spreads—and so should our zeal, our encouragement, and our love. Let’s keep that fire burning. And hey, maybe double-check your spiritual kindling—it might just be time to throw on some fresh wood!
Led by Stan