The quote, “I set myself on fire, and the people come to see me burn” comes from the famous Methodist evangelist and preacher, John Wesley, during the First Great Awakening. This was a time of renewal and revival that swept through Britain and the 13 American colonies in the 1730’s and 1740’s. Secular rationalism had permeated culture and churches and religion had grown stale.

Along came Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, John Wesley and other preachers who called people to repent, place their trust in Christ, and die to their old way of life. Repentance and brokenness swept through Britain and the colonies. Taverns closed due to lack of business; police forces were downsized due to lack of crime. Marriages were saved; families were reunited. Thousands were converted, baptized, and joined Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Quaker, or Congregational churches.

Back to the quote about fire. You see, there has to be a sacrifice for fire to fall on the altar. Fire doesn’t fall on empty altars. As Tommy Tenney wrote in his classic book, The God Chasers, “If you want the fire of God, you must become the fuel of God.” That only comes through repentance, brokenness, and death to self. We must become “living sacrifices” as Paul states in Romans 12:1.

The Life Action Summit Conference is coming quickly: Sunday, April 21 is the opening gathering. This will be a time, if you commit to set aside the evenings, that will bring you to a deeper walk with God than ever before. However, it will require sacrifice of time and self.

The Holy Spirit truly can bring a Great Renewal! With that in mind, let’s prepare ourselves with repentance and brokenness before God. Let’s become living sacrifices so that God’s fire may fall from heaven.

Let’s watch each other truly burn bright for God!

Pastor Steve