From Altar to Heart: Keeping the Fire Alive
This week, Martin O’Brien powerfully continued his teaching on the altar of fire, showing how the image of fire moves from the Old Testament altar to the New Testament heart—and what we must do when that fire begins to fade.
The Fulfilment of Fire: From Malachi to Jesus
We began in Malachi 3:1–3, where the prophet speaks of one who is coming like a refiner’s fire—a foretelling of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who would purify, redeem, and restore us.
In John 1:29, we see that prophecy fulfilled:
“Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
Where once sacrifices were laid on the altar to atone for sin, Jesus became the final and perfect sacrifice—not just covering sin, but removing it.
Atonement and the Fire of Reconciliation
Martin reminded us of the meaning of atonement—to repair a broken relationship. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, reconciled us to God. The altar is no longer made of stone and bronze—it’s our hearts, set ablaze by His grace and love.
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
— John 15:13
“Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
— Ephesians 5:2
The Fire Falls Again: Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
In Acts 2, the fire of God descends again—not onto a physical altar, but onto people. The Holy Spirit, represented by tongues of fire, fills the disciples.
Now we are the carriers of the flame.
“Fan into flame the spiritual gift God gave you.”
— 2 Timothy 1:6
Martin urged us to keep the fire burning by staying connected to the Holy Spirit, and by living lives that reflect our ongoing transformation in Christ.
How Do We Keep the Fire Burning?
🔥 Daily Devotion:
Romans 12:1–2 calls us to be living sacrifices—holy and pleasing to God.
Not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Worship, prayer, and obedience fuel the flame.
🔥 Spiritual Discipline:
Paul teaches in 1 Timothy 4 to cultivate the gifts God has placed in us.
Don't let neglect or spiritual passivity put out the fire.
🔥 Zeal and Passion:
Romans 12:11 tells us:
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.”
🔥 Daily Sacrifice of Praise:
Even when it’s hard. Even when we don’t feel like it.
Your consistency keeps the flame alive.
When the Fire Fades… Fan It Back Into Flame
Sometimes we drift. Sometimes the fire dwindles. But Martin reminded us:
If your fire is going out, come back to the altar of your heart.
Return to worship.
Return to prayer.
Return to surrender.
Jesus, the Refiner’s Fire, will meet you there. Not to condemn—but to restore and reignite.
Final Encouragement
The fire that once burned on a physical altar now burns in you.
The presence of God no longer lives behind a curtain—it lives within Spirit-filled followers of Christ.
Will you be a living altar?
Will you fan into flame the gift God has placed in you?
Will you offer yourself—every day—as a sacrifice of praise?
Let’s be people who burn bright, who carry the fire, and who live lives pleasing to the One who first loved us.
Has your fire gone out?
It’s not too late.
Rebuild the altar. Return to Jesus. Reignite the flame.
