Key verses: 2 Timothy 1:6, Psalm 104:4, Hebrews 1:7, Exodus 3:1-10

Overarching Theme: Ablaze - National Youth Day theme

Key thought: We have been called not just to encounter the fire of God but to be made into or like flaming fires. Our responsibility is to fan into flame what God has deposited in us

Being ablaze for God has to do with allowing our calling and giftedness to be fully operational under covering of the Holy Spirit

Fanning into flame suggests some form input so that their growth and effectiveness

Our topic is picked from Hebrews 1:7 speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits and his servants flames of fire.”

So, we encounter the fire of God, so that we can become like a flaming fire, powerful vessels for the Lord.

The Bible describes John the Baptist in John 5: 35 that He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

We are therefore set ablaze so we can formidable servants of God.

There is a strong relationship between being ablaze and our zeal for God. Romans 12:11

Winds and flaming fires represent swiftness and effectiveness

How can we be ablaze for God? The call of Moses

1. Fire represents God's presence

The fire of God draws us to God by drawing our attention Exodus 3:3

We cannot be on fire without the presence of God, as children of God if there is one thing we have to pay attention to, is the presence of God.

We could be gifted by God but without fanning into flame our gifts, the gifts idle and therefore not beneficial to the kingdom.

2. Fire represents God's holiness

We cannot separate God's presence from His holiness.

Sin will quench their fire if we do not allow God to deal with it.

Consecration is an important aspect to consider if we are to be ablaze for God.

Yes, we are imperfect people, but God demands holiness.

3. Fire shapes our calling and our purpose

The fire is not for us just to feel good, it is to transform us

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended in "tongues of fire'' Acts 2:3

Being filled with the Holy Spirit enhances our sensitivity to the gifts and operations of the Holy Spirit.

Our Response

1.We have responsibility to respond to the fire

We must move to the source - we must also recognize that God is the only source of authentic fire - we can be made into a flaming fire when available ourselves

This may demand sacrifice, overcoming our fears.

 2. We must maintain the fire

The fire must be kept burning - Leviticus 6:13

We must take out the ashes, bring fresh firewood everyday

We can fan into flame, and become a flaming fire as long as the fire is of God

We must yield to being shaped by the fire, do not quench the Spirit

Personal and practical application - how can we be set ablaze?

Besides presence, holiness and accepting the call to serve we can also add the following

3. Prayer

Consecration- being set apart for holiness

The baptism of the Holy Spirit

Availability to serve

The pursuit of spiritual growth

Conclusion

• Being ablaze for God is a choice we can make.
• Lukewarm is not good enough!