Perpetual Fire

This fire was a perpetual fire If you notice the language of this verse - There is A threefold repetition that emphasizes the importance of keeping the fire going Leviticus 6:9 (KJV) 9 Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it. Leviticus 6:12 (KJV) 12 And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. And then our text Leviticus 6:13 (KJV) 13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out. Perpetual - means regularly or continuing something without interruption. This fire was a special fire Leviticus 9:8-24 (KJV) 8 Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself. 9 And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar: 10 But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses. 11 And the flesh and the hide he burnt with fire without the camp. 12 And he slew the burnt offering; and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar. 13 And they presented the burnt offering unto him, with the pieces thereof, and the head: and he burnt them upon the altar. 14 And he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt offering on the altar. 15 And he brought the people's offering, and took the goat, which was the sin offering for the people, and slew it, and offered it for sin, as the first. 16 And he brought the burnt offering, and offered it according to the manner. 17 And he brought the meat offering, and took an handful thereof, and burnt it upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning. 18 He slew also the bullock and the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings, which was for the people: and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled upon the altar round about, 19 And the fat of the bullock and of the ram, the rump, and that which covereth the inwards, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver: 20 And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar: 21 And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded. 22 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. 23 And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. 24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

The perpetual fire reminded the people of their access to God’s presence. The perpetual fire reminded the people of the availability of atonement. The perpetual fire reminded the people of the activity of God among them.

The New Temple was marked with another fresh fire from heaven - God moved in such power that the priests couldn't enter the temple to work.

The Church was birthed by the Pentecostal moving of the cleansing of the Holy Ghost. marked by tongues of fire on their head - FIRE -

How is the fire on the altar of your heart? Is it burning?

God gave the fire, but he gave them the responsibility of maintaining it.

Did you notice the instructions - they would put the fat on the altar at night and it would burn all night long - a sweet smelling savor to God.

I love to drive by Hog Wild Pit BBQ or other BBQ places in town - that smoky meat cooking smell. A savory smell.

This would be all night. You could look out your tent flap at night - think of that - Oh the fire is still burning - God is still with us. You could smell the air- they’re still burning the sacrifice - God is still pleased with us.

They were also told how to clean the ashes given specific instructions.

I grew up in a home where we used wood fire for heat. Not only did you have to have fuel, and air- but if the ashes built up too much - your fire would fizzle and die.

How long has it been since you have cleaned the ashes from the altar of your heart?

Ashes of disappointments - dashed hopes and dreams

Ashes of temptations that are lingering round ready to put out the fire if you let them

Ashes of procrastination waiting for the next revival or camp meeting - You can keep the fire going yourself

Ashes of the suggestions of Satan - You aren't worth anything - you're not talented - no one wants to hear what you have to say. etc..

You need everyone in a while to clean those ashes out - or you won't be able to keep the fire going.

How is it tonight is the fire going? Did you know in ancient times even coals were considered a fire. You know why - just a little air and a little dry kindling or grass and it will spring up into a great fire.

In fact in ancient times they would carry coals in a vessel on their heads -

Tonight I want us to think seriously about this - ask God about the fire in your heart - is it hot, is it burning? Is there fuel? Are the Ashes keeping the fire from going? Is it just coals - fan them brother fan them - don't let the fire go out.!!!