Seattle, June 16, 2005. (19)
A FIRE THAT IS GREATER THAN FIRE. The fire of the creator who created fire for the use of mankind is far greater than that which He created. He is an eternal fire and will quench all other fire. To demonstrate His superiority over man made fire He stepped into the fire Himself. The friends of Daniel, men of spiritual stamina and integrity determined not to bow to false gods. Consequently they were thrown into a fiery furnace that had been heated seven times hotter than was common or necessary. Dan. 3:19 There is a prophetic
message here pertaining to persecution in the end of the age. It will be increased seven times. The number seven that speaks of the end of the age prior to the second coming of Christ. Having been bound and cast into an exceedingly hot furnace. It was so hot it killed the solders who threw them in. Surely, they too would die. Dan. 3:21-22 The king in amazement saw not three but four. Furthermore he had more spiritual discernment than some modern day theologians. He said, the fourth is like the Son of God. Dan. 3:24-25 With the presence of the Lord it is possible to live in the greatest fire kindled by man. For our God is a flaming fire.
LIVING WITH FIRE. The fires of hell are not the only eternal fire in which men will live. Our God is an eternal blazing fire. Heaven is His throne and He will manifest Himself in all of His splendor. It was Isaiah who asked the question. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us will dwell with everlasting burning? Isa. 33:14 These words were relating to the condition that prevailed in Zion those whom The Lord called sinners and hypocrites. It speaks of a revival of holiness and purity returning to the church in these last days. The Lord also promised that He would, purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin. Isa. 1:25 How else is the dross removed except by fire? There is a time of sanctification about to break in upon the true church of the Lord which will change many practices and attitudes. Jesus had a special message for the Laodicean church pertaining to the gold market and it was not in New York. He urged them to buy of Him, gold, the righteousness of the Lord. The eternal Spirit and nature of the Lord. Spiritual gold and glory. Gold which had been thoroughly tested in the hottest of fire and has had all the dross separated from it. This is the time of the age where the bride should be seeking after her bridal gown by drawing closer to the Lord Jesus. Seeking Him and calling upon His name that she might be clothed with the garments of beauty and holiness. Be ready, for at such an hour as ye think not.