Consumed by Fire

Key Text: Hebrews 12:29 (NKJV) — “For our God is a consuming fire.”

Introduction (Full Manuscript)

There is a fire that destroys—and there is a fire that transforms. Scripture is clear that God does not come merely to warm our hands or light our way; He comes to consume what does not belong and ignite what does. Many believers want the benefits of fire—power, passion, boldness—without the cost of being consumed. But biblical fire never leaves things unchanged.

From the burning bush that was not consumed, to the altar fire that fell from heaven, to the tongues of fire in the Upper Room, God’s fire always marked moments of divine encounter, purification, and commissioning. Fire in Scripture is not emotional hype; it is holy presence. It is God drawing near to reclaim what belongs to Him.

To be consumed by fire is not to be destroyed—it is to be transformed. It is to live no longer for self-preservation but for divine purpose. God is raising a people in this hour who are not casually warmed by His presence but wholly overtaken by it. This message is a call—not to visit the fire—but to live in it.

Point 1 — God’s Fire Reveals His Holy Nature

Scriptures:

Hebrews 12:29 (NKJV)

Exodus 3:2–5 (NKJV)

Isaiah 6:1–5 (NKJV)

God’s fire reveals who He is. When Moses encountered the burning bush, the fire burned without consuming because it was sustained by God Himself. Isaiah trembled not because of judgment but because holiness exposes reality. Fire strips illusion. It removes casualness. It awakens reverence.

Real-Life Illustration: A welder knows that fire reveals impurities in metal. What looks solid on the outside reveals cracks once heat is applied. In the same way, God’s presence reveals the condition of our hearts—not to shame us, but to heal us.

Spirit-Filled Truth: You cannot encounter holy fire and remain spiritually casual. Fire reveals what must change.

Point 2 — God’s Fire Consumes What Does Not Belong

Scriptures:

Malachi 3:2–3 (NKJV)

Leviticus 6:12–13 (NKJV)

Hebrews 12:27 (NKJV)

God’s fire does not negotiate with the flesh. It refines. It consumes pride, fear, hidden compromise, and self-rule. What the fire consumes was never meant to remain.

Real-Life Illustration: In a controlled burn, foresters remove dead undergrowth to prevent catastrophic wildfires later. God’s refining fire prevents future destruction by dealing with hidden decay now.

Spirit-Filled Truth: If God’s fire is burning, it is because He loves you too much to leave you unchanged.

Point 3 — God’s Fire Must Be Kept Burning

Scriptures:

Leviticus 6:12–13 (NKJV)

Romans 12:11 (NKJV)

2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJV)

The altar fire was never allowed to go out. Fire requires stewardship. Passion fades not because God withdraws, but because believers neglect the altar of prayer, Word, and obedience.

Real-Life Illustration: A neglected fireplace fills with ash and loses heat. Revival does not fade suddenly—it cools gradually through neglect.

Spirit-Filled Truth: Fire remains where devotion is maintained.

Point 4 — God’s Fire Empowers, Not Just Purifies

Scriptures:

Acts 2:1–4 (NKJV)

Luke 24:49 (NKJV)

Micah 3:8 (NKJV)

Fire is not only about cleansing; it is about commissioning. When the fire fell in Acts, timid disciples became bold witnesses. Fire brings power for obedience, not just emotion for experience.

Real-Life Illustration: A forge does not heat metal to admire it—it heats it to shape it for use. God’s fire equips believers for kingdom function.

Spirit-Filled Truth: If fire has fallen, fruit must follow.

Point 5 — God’s Fire Produces Holy Boldness

Scriptures:

Jeremiah 20:9 (NKJV)

Acts 4:31 (NKJV)

Proverbs 28:1 (NKJV)

Fire creates holy urgency. Jeremiah could not remain silent because the fire burned within. True fire removes fear of man and replaces it with obedience to God.

Real-Life Illustration: When a building is on fire, no one whispers warnings—they shout. Fire produces urgency.

Spirit-Filled Truth: Silence in the face of truth is evidence of firelessness.

Point 6 — God’s Fire Marks Ownership

Scriptures:

1 Kings 18:36–39 (NKJV)

Romans 12:1 (NKJV)

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

When fire fell on Elijah’s altar, the people knew whom they belonged to. Fire settles identity. A life consumed by fire is no longer owned by fear, past failures, or human approval.

Real-Life Illustration: A brand mark on livestock signifies ownership. God’s fire marks those who belong to Him.

Spirit-Filled Truth: What God consumes, He claims.

Point 7 — God’s Fire Sends Us Out

Scriptures:

Isaiah 6:6–8 (NKJV)

Matthew 28:18–20 (NKJV)

Mark 16:15 (NKJV)

Fire never ends at the altar—it sends. Isaiah’s “Here am I, send me” followed the fire. God is not looking for spectators of fire but carriers of fire.

Real-Life Illustration: A torch is not lit to be admired but to spread flame. Fire multiplies when carried.

Spirit-Filled Truth: If you have truly been consumed, you will be commissioned.

Conclusion

God is not inviting His church to manage fire but to surrender to it. This is not a season for controlled Christianity or comfortable faith. The world does not need believers who are warmed by God—it needs believers who are consumed by Him.

Altar Call

Today is not about emotion—it is about surrender. If you are tired of lukewarm living, divided devotion, and powerless faith, the fire is here. Lay yourself on the altar. What God consumes, He transforms. What He transforms, He uses.

Closing Prayer

Father, we present ourselves as living sacrifices. Burn away what does not reflect You. Ignite our hearts with holy fire. Consume us—not for our glory, but for Yours. Let us leave this place marked, empowered, and sent in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you would like, I can also provide:

A printable sermon manuscript (Word/PDF)

A one-page altar call handout

A companion devotional titled “Living in the Fire”

A branded cover page version for The Light Ministries