Sermon by Pastor Eugene Tan in Faith Community Baptist Church on 22 Mar 2025.
Background:
Just like how houseflies is able to land on the stove when there is no fire, the church will be attacked if it is not on fire. Jesus is nowhere to be found. Without the fire of God, John Wesley wrote is not that we cease to exist but we become content to live without the fire of God.Scripture:
Acts 2:41-47 which talks about the early church...how they behave and their outcomes.
To be on fire is to be exceptionally passionate or excited about something or someone. The early church empowered by the Holy Spirit is a model for the church so that we can be a church on fire.
How do we become a church on fire?
1. Passionate about the Word of God
The early church devoted themselves (to hear and live) to the apostle's teaching on the Word of God. When we feel lost, the Word become a lamp to our feet and light for our path, and useful for teaching and rebuke. We should have the eagerness to want to read the Word, until our hearts burn within us.
2. Passionate about serving one another
The early church give to anyone in need, they meet together and ate together. They had everything in common and are willing to go the extra mile. We need to live a lifestyle that see others more important than ourselves, that we do work heartily for the Lord and not to men.
3. Passionate about Winning lost souls
The early Church has people added to the number daily
The church is the only organization that exist for the benefit of its non members - Archbishop William Temple
God does not want anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
Why people come to church? Small % by programs or bereavement...but 77% because they are invited by friends or family.
It is the duty of every Christian to show Christ to their neighbors - John Wesley
Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire - St Catherine of Siena