Bec and Asa from Drive chatted to Pastor Shaphan Williams from Oceans Church about 4 key things that will keep our fire burning for God.
Faith is Fire
Pastor Shaphan began by setting a scene of camping, comparing our faith to a fire. If it is left alone, it will die out.
“Sometimes our faith can die out just like a fire if left alone. And Jesus said in the end times, the love of many will grow cold. And so there’s actually ways that we can fire up our fervency.”
Jump In
Pastor Shaphan described adding logs to an already hot fire.
“It’s much easier to put that log into the fire that’s already hot, rather than creating a brand-new fire on its own. If you want to get caught on fire, it’s jump in the fire.”
He did not mean this literally, but instead to paint a picture of keeping a strong flame ablaze.
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And really that means that we need to be in proximity with each other,” said Pastor Shaphan.
“Getting to church on Sunday or into a small group is a very practical way to get yourself on fire.”
Fuel the Fire
He explained that sometimes while camping, the fire might go out while you’re in a warm tent or swag. It would be easier for us to let it die out, rather than face the cold to get more firewood. Pastor Shaphan argued that it is worth the sacrifice.
“You need to bear the cold to fuel your fire,” he said, “Through the word of God.”
The Word Speaks to the Heart
“If you’re going to build your faith, faith comes by hearing the word of God. It’s time to get some word and put the word of God on your fire,” he said.
Help Build the Fire
Practical ways include encouraging someone, serve at your local church. Pastor Shaphan also listed physical movement as a great way to keep momentum.
“A study said that fatigue and energy levels can decrease up to 65% by engaging in regular exercise. It’s the same thing in church,” he continued.
“People think they need to feel better before they use their gifts to serve. what’s the same physically can be the same spiritually. It’s actually when you get engaged and start to get moving that your fire can actually begin to grow.”
Be Filled with the Fire of the Holy Spirit
In Matthew 3:11, Jesus said:
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Matthew 3:11
The Fervent Four that Fuel the Fire
- Jump In
- Put the Word Upon It
- Help Build the Fire
- Be Filled with the Spirit
He rounded off his poignant camping analogy by encouraging us in the lasting and powerful impact of the Holy Spirit, if we can take practical steps to invite Him into our lives.
Check out the full chat with Bec and Asa below.