Discussion How relevant is Fire to God and to a believer?

[FireHeart]

Fire has always been a major part of me and faith and relationship with God. It began when I read the bible for the first time and was dumb enough to begin with revelations lol. however I read about Jesus having fiery eyes and the second I did I was suddenly overwhelmed as if those eyes were right in front of me, I knew why those eyes burned so intensely the second I saw them.

they burned out of such a love for his children out of such protection for them and I saw such a fiery righteous anger against the dark ones who hurt his beloved's. That is when Fire became a part of me because I wanted those same eyes I wanted a burning love such as that, soon after God and I developed a very fiery kind of faith and love together. This fire that burned inside me gave me the strength to keep fighting even in times when I fell down so much and saw no end and did shameful things that I really hate speaking of. in those times I could hear satan rolling on the floor laughing at me I could tell he believed he had beaten me.

But the fire in my heart the fire that I saw in those eyes and the reason why they burned made me get back up and continue on believing in God refusing to back down. I am even now often times consumed by such a flame but there is another flame I know of that I want to speak about. I sometimes can see things inside my minds eye and I was in very bad pain one day and I wanted so bad to be healed, I then saw in my mind a fire that was made of rainbow colors like the colors themselves burned and were a fire.

I saw my hand reaching out and touching the fire but it didn't burn instead there was such a soothing feeling like the fire was healing me and mending my wounds and hurts
but also it gave life to me. I don't know how to describe the feeling of life but it's a feeling that is indescribable a feeling that is so wonderful beyond belief.

of course in reality I was not healed but it truly was an amazing experience, so what do you say? How do you think fire is with God and with a believer?

 

[Father Rick]

There are many symbols used in scripture to explain things to us about the nature of God, since it's just difficult to put some things in words.

Fire is one of the many symbols used for the Holy Spirit (along with water, wine, wind, a dove, etc.) While I think it can be very useful to use symbols in our thinking/understanding, if we get too caught up with just one aspect of His nature we can miss out the fullness of who He is.

 

[Alithis]

lets not lower it to base items of creation .

 

[rdclmn72]

The sign given to Pentecost is that of both the sound of a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire.
Both of which are specifically identified as symbols of judgment

Fie consumes the Holocaust which comes first before any other sacrifice.
Fire consumption is but one of many processes described in scripture, and there is then a specific reason for each in the life, growth and fruit in each of us.
Unbelief is the one thing that quenches the fire of the Holy Spirit and will not be tolerated.

 

[FireHeart]

Yes fire is seen in scripture as judgement but think about this. Fire can burn it can destroy it can leave horrible wounds but it also can be used to cook it can be used to purify it can be used to melt iron together it also above all else is a source of light.
Think also about this, a fire can engulf a giant field but that field will grow back greener and healthier than before and more beautiful. I also have always seen the holy spirit himself as a combination of fire power and love

 

[Father Rick]

The sign given to Pentecost is that of both the sound of a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire.
Both of which are specifically identified as symbols of judgment

Fie consumes the Holocaust which comes first before any other sacrifice.
Fire consumption is but one of many processes described in scripture, and there is then a specific reason for each in the life, growth and fruit in each of us.
Unbelief is the one thing that quenches the fire of the Holy Spirit and will not be tolerated.

Not sure where you got your information.
"Judgment' is only one of multiple meanings for fire in scripture.. including, but not limited to:
cleansing
illumination
warmth
comfort
empowerment
God's revelation of Himself

Also "wind" is used as a symbol of some of the same things...but is also commonly seen as a symbol of life (specifically, the use OT of "ruach Adonai" or breath/wind/spirit of the Lord).

IMO, this is indicative of the problem when we focus on the symbol rather than Whom the symbol represents. When we say "___ (whatever symbol)___" always means "y" then it's very easy to build a whole line of thought that sometimes completely misses the point... and sometimes even misrepresents the character/nature of God.

 

[ToBeLoved]

The sign given to Pentecost is that of both the sound of a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire.
Both of which are specifically identified as symbols of judgment

Fie consumes the Holocaust which comes first before any other sacrifice.
Fire consumption is but one of many processes described in scripture, and there is then a specific reason for each in the life, growth and fruit in each of us.
Unbelief is the one thing that quenches the fire of the Holy Spirit and will not be tolerated.

So God was judging 'who' at Pentecost?

Also, what does the 'Holocaust' have to do with God and the Bible?

 

[rdclmn72]

The quotes come from OT prophecy.
"as tongues of flame lick up straw, such is the judgment..."
"the sound of a mighty wind,..."
Blue letter bible.com is where you can look it up.

The Jews of the time and their system were judged, Paul would later state that those things shown as lacking are soon to disappear.
The actual condemnation came from both Jesus and Stephen.
Holocaust as in the holocaust offering described in the law.

 

[J. Bleize]

In a poetic sense, I think of God as the "Eternal fire of light" and Satan as "The lightless fire of heat", whereas humans are the "Small candles" that can choose from either. Not Biblical, although I do think it's somewhat credible.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

That was a really cool testimony regarding how you came to Jesus and how fire is important in terms of symbolism and its reality.

God reveals different parts of his personality to different people, I think it is really great what he has revealed to you.

 

[Father Rick]

The quotes come from OT prophecy.
"as tongues of flame lick up straw, such is the judgment..."
"the sound of a mighty wind,..."
Blue letter bible.com is where you can look it up.

My point exactly....

Different parts of scripture are written in different genres. Some portions are poetry. Some are proverbs/wisdom literature. Some of are history. Some are teaching. The entire book of "Song of Solomon" or "Song of Songs" (depending on which name you prefer) is actually a drama/play. And different genres have to be studied/understood differently. Not every part of scripture is to be taken overly literally... otherwise, we have to say God has hands like a man but wings like a chicken. This isn't to say that the PRINCIPLES aren't to be taken seriously... but just to realize that sometimes the language used to communicate is not meant to be taken literally "word for word". Language is bigger than individual words, but how they are used together to communicate an idea. And while most western languages are fairly linear, eastern languages are often very circular and/or idiomatic.

Much of scripture, particularly prophetic passages are written using poetic language. That language is full of symbols/symbolism. But the point of the passage isn't about the symbol used at that moment, but rather about the nature of God.

For example: a "trumpet" can be a symbol of judgment, of victory, of celebration, of repentance, of awakening, of blessing, etc. It just depends on how that symbol is used in the specific passage.
The same is true with "rain"... in one place (with Noah) it is a symbol of judgment. In other places, it is a symbol of God's mercy and blessing. The same symbol, with opposite meanings depending on how it's used.

"Judgment" is ONE of many ways that fire is used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and/or the work of God. But it is not the only one. If you take just one aspect and try to then apply it to every other time that same symbol is used, then you will have some very skewed views of various passages of scripture.

One must always be careful to look at the "big picture" when trying to interpret scripture, focusing on the over-reaching principles taught by a passage rather than trying to look at each individual word/symbol PARTICULARLY when reading prophetic/poetic passages that uses very colorful/symbolic language.

 

[rdclmn72]

Watering down scripture is a huge mistake.
It takes away from the obvious truth and serves no useful purpose.
When God talks plainly its up to us to take heed.

 

[Father Rick]

Watering down scripture is a huge mistake.
It takes away from the obvious truth and serves no useful purpose.
When God talks plainly its up to us to take heed.

Who said anything about watering down scripture??????

 

[J. Bleize]

Fire has always been a major part of me and faith and relationship with God. It began when I read the bible for the first time and was dumb enough to begin with revelations lol. however I read about Jesus having fiery eyes and the second I did I was suddenly overwhelmed as if those eyes were right in front of me, I knew why those eyes burned so intensely the second I saw them.

they burned out of such a love for his children out of such protection for them and I saw such a fiery righteous anger against the dark ones who hurt his beloved's. That is when Fire became a part of me because I wanted those same eyes I wanted a burning love such as that, soon after God and I developed a very fiery kind of faith and love together. This fire that burned inside me gave me the strength to keep fighting even in times when I fell down so much and saw no end and did shameful things that I really hate speaking of. in those times I could hear satan rolling on the floor laughing at me I could tell he believed he had beaten me.

But the fire in my heart the fire that I saw in those eyes and the reason why they burned made me get back up and continue on believing in God refusing to back down. I am even now often times consumed by such a flame but there is another flame I know of that I want to speak about. I sometimes can see things inside my minds eye and I was in very bad pain one day and I wanted so bad to be healed, I then saw in my mind a fire that was made of rainbow colors like the colors themselves burned and were a fire.

I saw my hand reaching out and touching the fire but it didn't burn instead there was such a soothing feeling like the fire was healing me and mending my wounds and hurts

but also it gave life to me. I don't know how to describe the feeling of life but it's a feeling that is indescribable a feeling that is so wonderful beyond belief.

of course in reality I was not healed but it truly was an amazing experience, so what do you say? How do you think fire is with God and with a believer?

Download the song "I see fire" by Ed Sheeran (Catholic I think) if you want to. I think you'd love it. It was the end credits song for The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug which was written by Tolkien (also Catholic) and it fits with everything that you said. The song was mainly meant as a kind of nostalgic song about an ancient home and lineage and the memories of the night of its destruction, but it is also quite obviously Christian. When you hear the lyrics you'll understand why. They are interpretable in many possible ways, but one can't deny the Biblical imagery in the song. It is one of the few good Christian songs that aren't labelled as Christian songs.

When (if?) you listen to the song, try to notice how the repetition of the words "I see fire" are in a kind of subtle contrast so that one can imagine that there are actually two fires - one dark and one pure.

 

[FireHeart]

That was a really cool testimony regarding how you came to Jesus and how fire is important in terms of symbolism and its reality.

God reveals different parts of his personality to different people, I think it is really great what he has revealed to you.

One of the reasons I chose the username Fireheart is because of how his fre burns so intensely inside me but this fire burns for one reason and one reason only and that is love. that is the fire I saw in jesus eyes in revelations that is the fire I know and have experienced.

I also could have sworn I heard God call me child of fire but I don't know his voice that well yet

 

[FutureAndAHope]

One of the reasons I chose the username Fireheart is because of how his fre burns so intensely inside me but this fire burns for one reason and one reason only and that is love. that is the fire I saw in jesus eyes in revelations that is the fire I know and have experienced.

Yes love is so important, and it is only as we spend time with Jesus that we can truely express love. As the bible says "In me no good thing dwells" ... yet all goodness can be found in God.

I also could have sworn I heard God call me child of fire but I don't know his voice that well yet

I would say if it encourages you it was from God.

 

[J. Bleize]

I would say if it encourages you it was from God.

Hm. If it encourages you it could be from God. Satan loves encouragement. Knowing which voice is God and which one is Satan is very difficult. My advice to @FireHeart would be to think of the Holy Spirit as a "conscience" voice. Once he becomes one with you he becomes your sense of morality, if you listen to him. Once you recognise that voice you should start listening for similarities between this voice and the "fire voice." I think the "fire voice" is God and Jesus might tell you something else. They are three, but they are one, their voice is one but they say different things. Listen well. Satan sounds like a human. A "very good person".

 

[FutureAndAHope]

Satan sounds like a human. A "very good person".

For me, I have never known Satan to tell me anything good. He is always discouraging. Telling me how God hates me, telling me I am not saved. God has always been an encouraging voice. The only time Satan has ever tried to appear good, is by pretending to be God, even then he does a bad job, commanding I act upon God's voice or miss out, or suffer the consequences.

God is one of the kindest most gentle voices out there. For my experience all voices in the Spirit realm sound almost identical, it is very hard to distinguish what is God and what is not. That is why I say if it is encouraging it is probably God. If the voice was saying, you are good jump off a cliff then there is a problem. God know what makes us feel happy, joy is a fruit of His spirit, anything that brings us true spiritual joy is a good thing in my opinion.

 

[FireHeart]

For me, I have never known Satan to tell me anything good. He is always discouraging. Telling me how God hates me, telling me I am not saved. God has always been an encouraging voice. The only time Satan has ever tried to appear good, is by pretending to be God, even then he does a bad job, commanding I act upon God's voice or miss out, or suffer the consequences.

God is one of the kindest most gentle voices out there. For my experience all voices in the Spirit realm sound almost identical, it is very hard to distinguish what is God and what is not. That is why I say if it is encouraging it is probably God. If the voice was saying, you are good jump off a cliff then there is a problem. God know what makes us feel happy, joy is a fruit of His spirit, anything that brings us true spiritual joy is a good thing in my opinion.

Sorry I didn't reply I was busy lol. Yes I know the enemies voice well because he is always condemning always talking bad about me always trying to put fear and doubt in me. I have noticed that God's voice always seems to be encouraging always lifting me up when I am down, sometimes it's voice that I can hear clearly yet it's like a whisper at the same time others I see he will speak through me where I will say things my lips have never known and later find them to be biblical I have heard his voice as whisper in my heart as well.

To be called child of fire by him or even fire heart would bring me so much joy and encouragement because I desire to be his child of fire because that fire that burns and how it always consumes me has always been a major part of who he and I are together. The fire that I saw in Jesus eyes in revelations the reason why they burned so intensely how it overwhelmed me seemed to had impacted my heart. ever since then fire has become a very major part of me as a believer even when I am not consumed by this fire as I sometimes am I know that fire is still burning just as strongly in my heart even if I can't feel it. I admit this fire when it consumes me makes me very strong i mean a kind of strength of faith and love of knowing who God is of knowing what it is he and I are to do that only comes when this fire consumes me. I can easily see the holy spirit I can feel his power and his fire and his love flowing through my veins.

But I do not rely on this fire or rather I don't rely on feeling it or being consumed by it because there is a major difference between feeling strong and actually being strong, above all else I seek God I seek his heart with a very hungry and thirsty heart a very endearing and greedy heart for him. whether I am a child of fire or not there is one thing I know I am and that is a seeker of his heart just as David

 

[J. Bleize]

Sorry I didn't reply I was busy lol. Yes I know the enemies voice well because he is always condemning always talking bad about me always trying to put fear and doubt in me. I have noticed that God's voice always seems to be encouraging always lifting me up when I am down, sometimes it's voice that I can hear clearly yet it's like a whisper at the same time others I see he will speak through me where I will say things my lips have never known and later find them to be biblical I have heard his voice as whisper in my heart as well.

To be called child of fire by him or even fire heart would bring me so much joy and encouragement because I desire to be his child of fire because that fire that burns and how it always consumes me has always been a major part of who he and I are together. The fire that I saw in Jesus eyes in revelations the reason why they burned so intensely how it overwhelmed me seemed to had impacted my heart. ever since then fire has become a very major part of me as a believer even when I am not consumed by this fire as I sometimes am I know that fire is still burning just as strongly in my heart even if I can't feel it. I admit this fire when it consumes me makes me very strong i mean a kind of strength of faith and love of knowing who God is of knowing what it is he and I are to do that only comes when this fire consumes me. I can easily see the holy spirit I can feel his power and his fire and his love flowing through my veins.

But I do not rely on this fire or rather I don't rely on feeling it or being consumed by it because there is a major difference between feeling strong and actually being strong, above all else I seek God I seek his heart with a very hungry and thirsty heart a very endearing and greedy heart for him. whether I am a child of fire or not there is one thing I know I am and that is a seeker of his heart just as David

It is a good thing that you still remain aware of the fact that God is not all about fire. If you watch Game of Thrones, the character "Melisandre" will probably irritate you very much. I'd advise you not to watch Game of Thrones.