Playlist: Consuming Fire (topic)
God's Sea of Glass (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFire before God's throne is a multifaceted symbol, and the fire mingled with the sea of glass is read in that light. The glassy sea stands for God's justice, holiness, and peace, while the fire adds His righteous indignation. God reveals Himself in fire throughout Scripture: the burning bush, Sinai, and Ezekiel's vision of a …
The Two Witnesses (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRevelation 11:5 says fire proceeds from the Two Witnesses' mouths and devours anyone who wants to harm them, and the emphatic "must be killed" implies inevitability. "Harm" is general, covering any persecution or hindrance of their work, so God lets nothing stop them until their task is finished. Whether the fire is literal or a …
Would Our God Do That?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), and His character is fuller than the "meek and mild" Jesus popularly preached; it includes righteous wrath against sin alongside love and mercy. The Day of Trumpets, with its teruwah and shofar , announces that God is drawing near, that His law is the standard of measure, and that a …
The Fear of God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), dwelling in unapproachable light that no man can see (1 Timothy 6:16). When the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle, the cloud was not itself His glory but a shield hiding it, protecting the people from being slain by an emanation of His awesome power. In the same way, a veil …