Fire
Introduction

I. 	Fire has apparently always been important to man.
A. 	When fire is controlled, it heats our homes and cooks our food.
B. 	Fire can not only be helpful, but it can also be destructive.
II. 	The Bible contains many references to fire, and in this lesson we will give consideration to some of them.

Body

I.   Divine presence was associated with fire.
A. 	The angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a burning bush.  Ex. 3:1-3.
B. 	The Lord descended upon Mount Sinai in fire.  Ex. 19:18.
C. 	Upon Aaron’s being consecrated as High Priest, he offered a sin offering for the people and fire came from the Lord to consume it.  Lev. 9:15-24.
D. 	Elijah’s sacrifice when contending with the prophets of Baal was consumed by fire of the Lord.  I Kings 18:22-40.
E. 	David’s and Solomon’s offerings were also burned with fire from the Lord.             I  Chron. 21:26; II Chron. 7:1-2.
F. 	The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, and tongues like fire appeared.       Acts 2:3.
       
II. 	The Lord used fire to punish the wicked.  
A. 	Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire.  Gen. 19:23-28.
B. 	Nadab and Abihu were devoured by fire when they offered fire which God had not commanded.  Lev. 10:1-3.
C. 	The Hebrews complained about the manna and were burned with fire.     Num. 11:1-3. 
D. 	The 250 princes of Israel that joined in the rebellion of Korah and who offered incense were consumed with fire.  Num. 16:1-35.

III. 	The Lord will come with fire in the final judgment.
A. 	Jesus will render vengeance to those who do not know God and who do not obey the gospel.  II Thess. 1:7-9.
B. 	In the final day the earth will be destroyed by fire.  II Peter 3:1-13.
C. 	The final punishment is described as a lake of fire.  Rev. 21:8.

Conclusion
I. 	Fire is associated with God’s presence, power and vengeance.
II. 	The earth is a globe with a mass of molten fire within it. 
A. 	Volcanoes constantly spew forth the red hot lava.
B. 	Many cities and communities have been covered by such explosions.
C. 	We should not wonder that God can destroy the earth with fire.
III. 	We should prepare for the final removal of all things which are upon the earth.
IV. 	Will you obey the gospel today?
Prepared by:
   David Arnold
   January 10, 1999