Why Don't We Have the Fire?

I believe one reason we don't have the fire is that we really don't want it. Oh, we say that we do. But what too many of us really want is the kind of "fire" that will draw attention to our church, pack our auditoriums, increase our offerings, and solve all our problems. We don't want the fire that will consume, destroy, expose, root up, burn, and hurt. We're afraid of what might happen if God appeared on the scene. We want a tidy religious experience that we can control. Furthermore, we don't want the kind of preaching that precedes revival. I have found that many people want nothing but encouragement and "love" from the pulpit. They don't want the truth they want to feel good! Preaching on sin, repentance, holiness, brokenness, or confession is considered negative. I wish we were half as concerned about people having a proper view of God as we are about people having a proper view of themselves! Deceived by the world, our egocentric theology has become more concerned about self-image than about God's image.

I Thessalonians 2:4

vs. 4 - But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

II Thessalonians 2:6-8

vs. 6 - since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,
vs. 7 - and give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
vs. 8 - in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.


I Peter 4:17

vs. 17 - For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?