Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

“And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.” – (Leviticus 9:24)

“Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.” – (2 Chronicles 7:1)

“Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.” – (1 Kings 18:38)

These passages show a powerful pattern in Scripture. At the dedication of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34 and Leviticus 9:24), Moses and the Israelites had obeyed God completely—building everything exactly as He commanded, anointing Aaron and his sons, and preparing every detail. In response, God’s glory filled the Tabernacle, and fire fell from heaven to consume the offerings, confirming His presence and approval.

Centuries later, the same thing happened at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 7:1). After earnest prayer and sacrifice, fire came down from heaven again, and the glory of the Lord filled the house—so powerfully that the priests could not stand to minister.

We see it once more on Mount Carmel with Elijah (1 Kings 18:38). In a moment of bold confrontation with idolatry, after Elijah rebuilt the altar and soaked it with water, the fire of the Lord fell dramatically—consuming not just the sacrifice but the wood, stones, dust, and even the water in the trench. The people fell on their faces, declaring, “The LORD, He is God!”

In each case, the fire fell after wholehearted obedience, separation from compromise, and focused dedication to God’s purposes.

I recall the early days of Christian Bible Church in South Toms River, when Pastor Rick Wedemeyer and a small group of believers started out. The church was truly “on fire.” It was fresh, passionate, and laser-focused on glorifying the Lord and winning souls for Christ. The people were fully committed to His will, and the fire fell—God stirred zeal in their hearts. In a short time, the church grew rapidly as souls were saved, converts discipled, and members stepped into service.

I’ve seen the fire of the Lord fall on our ministry here at Jersey Shore Baptist Church too, though often only in seasons and for limited periods. There have been wonderful times of revival when the people were stirred and zealous for the Lord’s work. But there have also been seasons of lethargy, cooling off, and unfortunately times of conflict.

I pray daily for the Lord to revive me personally and our congregation—that He would set us ablaze once more for His work and His glory. I believe the key is simple: if God’s people will separate from the world, dedicate themselves fully to Him and His purposes, the fire will fall again. It comes down to what we truly desire.

When the Israelites focused wholly on the Lord, the fire fell. When we do the same in our lives and ministries, we can expect God’s empowering presence to descend afresh.

Think back to when you first trusted Christ as Savior. Weren’t you more “on fire” then—eager to share your faith, hungry for the Word, quick to serve? Over time, many of us (and our churches) cool off. Busyness, distractions, or routine can dim that first love.

But here’s the good news: we don’t have to stay there. Right now, let’s confess any apathy to the Lord. Let’s ask Him to stoke the embers of our hearts, fan them into flame, and revive us. When we return to wholehearted devotion, the fire will fall once again—consuming what’s offered on the altar of our lives and igniting us for His glory.

Lord, send the fire! Revive us, we pray. Amen.