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E-Pistle

FreeWay Foundation            February 22, 2013

 

 

At the crossroads

Dr. Curt Scarborough

(Jeremiah 6:16)

 

 

Introduction:

Railroad Crossing:  Stop . . . Look . . . Listen

I.   STAND AND LOOK

            1.  Stio – "Be Still (Psalm 46:10)

2.  Take inventory:  (Hagai 2:15-23)

            - Where did we come from?

            - Where are we now?

            - Where are we going?

II.   ASK AND LISTEN

            1.  Where are the ancient paths? (Isaiah 51:1)

                        - Roots:  original charter, purpose (Deuteronomy 32:7)

                        - Goals . . . motivations . . . methods

            2.  Where is the good way/

                        - Which "ancient path" is still good?

                        - Is some new road better?

III.  WALK AND FIND REST

            1.  Follow the road God chooses (Joshua 1:7)

            2.  Experience success (Joshua 1:14-15)

                 (Fulfillment, joy, peace, satisfaction, victory)

CONCLUSION:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gently and humble in

heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden

is light,"  Matthew 11:28-30

 

 

 

when fire falls from heaven

Dr. Curt Scarborough

 

 

 

 

In 1752, Benjamin Franklin conducted a very dangerous experiment.  He made a silk kite,

fastened a piece of wire near its top, attached a long string to the kite, and tied an iron key to the free end

of the string.   He sent the kite up into an heavy thunderstorm and watched the loose ends of the string

stiffen as lightning flashed.  He put his hand hear the key and instantly felt a shock as a spark traveled

from the key to his finger.  Dangerous? Scientists have found that one stroke of lightening measures more

than 15 million volts.  In the U.S. alone, lightning kills one person and injures four others every day.  And,

it's not true that lightning never strikes in the same place twice.  Lightning strikes the Empire State Building

30 to 48 times a year.

The Bible speaks a number to times about fire falling from heaven.  Only four times, however, does

God's fire fall on man's sacrifices.  Let's examine those occasions to discover that they signify, remembering

that Paul says Old Testament writings are for our learning . . . examples for our admonition and instruction.

(Romans 15:4; I Corinthians 10:11)

I.  FIRE FELL ON AARON'S SACRIFICE   (Leviticus 9:24)

            Here Aaron and his sons have just been set apart for service in the priestly worship.  They have carefully

followed God's instructions for preparing themselves and the sacrifice.  "Aaron lifted his hand toward the people,

blessed them, and came down from offering the sin offering, the burnt offering, and peace offerings. God's glory

will be exhibited in us when we come to know the efficacy of Christ's atonement (Hebrews 9:13, 14; 10:12-14), and

present ourselves as acceptable sacrifices (Romans 12:2).  In Matthew 23:19, Jesus reminds us the altar sacrifices

the gift.  In New Testament terms, the cross is the altar where the sacrifice is offered . . . we are to be "crucified

with Christ," Galatians 2:20.  You may recall the hymn, "Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?  Your heart does

the spirit control?  You can only be blest and have peace and sweet rest:  As you yield Him your body and soul."

II.  FIRE FELL ON DAVID'S SACRIFICE (I Chronicles 21:26)

            This passage speaks of David's second major sin.  Apparently out of pride or to demonstrate his own

military strength, he conducted a census.  A prophet of God confronted him about his sin and pronounced

judgment.  Gad, the seer, gave David a choice of punishments:  three years of famine, three months of defeat

in warfare, or three days of plague.  David chose the 3-day penalty.  In repentance and confession, David asked

God for mercy on the people perishing because of his sin.  He bought a place, erected an altar, offered a sacrifice,

and called on the Lord.  God answered from heaven with fire on the burnt offering and withdrew his death angel

and the plague ceased. 

            The second "Falling Fire" was to signify God's mercy; an end to punishment; forgiveness; and restoration. 

God's mercy (forgiveness and restoration) will be operative in us when we truly repent of our willful sin against

God.  See I John 1:7; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 19:4.

III.  FIRE FELL ON SOLOMON'S SACRIFICE (II Chronicles 7:1)

            In the early chapters of II Chronicles, we read of Solomon's construction of the Temple.  The building is

furnished, the Ark of the Covenant is brought into the Temple, and King Solomon offers a dedicatory prayer.

"When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the offering and sacrifices; and

the glory of the Lord filled the Temple."  All the people bowed their faces to the ground and worshipped and

praised the Lord saying, "He is good, His mercy endures forever."  (II Chronicles 7:1-3)

            The third "Falling Fire" was to confirm God's sovereign choice of a place where His presence would

dwell.  God's sovereign choice to confirm His presence will be manifested when we invite Him to fully occupy

His temple . . . our body.  See I Corinthians 3:16, 17; 6:19, 20; Luke 11:13; and Galatians 5:18.  It is in this same

seventh chapter of II Chronicles that we discover God's plan for revival.

IV.  FIRE FELL ON ELIJAH'S SACRIFICE (I Kings 18:38)

            This is the dramatic account of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.  Elijah

prayed that the nation would recognize Jehovah as God and return to the true God.  "Then the fire of God

consumed the sacrifice."  All the people saw it, fell on their faces, and said, "The Lord, He is God!" 

(II Chronicles 18:36-39)

            The fourth "Falling Fire" demonstrated God's power and superiority over false gods.  God's power will

be demonstrated in us when we boldly take our stand against the enemy, Satan (Ephesians 6:10-18; Revelation

12:10, 11; and Acts 4:29-31) 

            Pastor, do you desire the fire of God to fall upon you and your congregation?  Then meditate on these

Old Testament examples, allow God's Spirit to illuminate the eyes of your understanding, Ephesians 1:18. 

            LIKE AARON, PRESENT!  LIKE DAVID, REPENT!  LIKE SOLOMON, INVITE!  LIKE ELIJAH, FIGHT!

 

I am thankful: 

FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE

IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.

 

 

 

 

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