Becoming a soldier in the army of the Lord.
When I was given the topic to speak about Kingdom Fire, in the like manner I was given the example of being a soldier. A soldier goes through a training process and is ready to take their place in the battle field. This momentum stays while they are in combat. Once we become Christians we should be able to burn like fire for the kingdom of God shedding light, bringing deliverance and preparing the way to take out the old in order to bring in new growth. So I went and research the army process.
When becoming a soldier there is a check list that you must have. This checklist includes preparation from personal hygiene to grooming to acquiring the appropriate attire. You have to be physically and mentally prepared before you can start basic training.
In the army they go through three phases. They are known as the red, white and blue phase.
Working in the vineyard of Christ is no different. Ephesians 1:5 says that God has predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasures of his will. Verse 11 says, ‘in him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.’ In the book of Philippians 2:13 it says ‘for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.’ And Romans 8:14, ‘for those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.’
It is the Lord’s will that not one perish. We were all born into sin but God sent his soon to save us. Through his blood we are, redeemed, forgiven, cleansed, justified, and sanctified.
Some of us spent our entire lives being involved in the things of God, being covered through our parents. Some were saved at a young age and at some point went back into doing worldly things. Yet others spend most of their prior life caught up in the things of this world and being misled by misconceptions and/or discouraged by religiosity. Recall Apostle Paul’s story, ‘the Lord had to appear to him personally and inflict him with blindness for the Lords purpose and glory to be revealed through him (Acts Chapter 9). Through whatever means, we all have ended up now, or should end up, serving in the house of God and surrendering our all to his will.
We have grasp the concept that says ‘do not be conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God’(Rom. 12:2) and so we are not limited from receiving and applying Kingdom Fire.
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary defines fire as “one of the most arresting and suggestive metaphors in the Bible. They went on to say ‘it is a phenomenon common to all cultures ancient and modern and one that lends itself to a variety of imagery…... The most prevalent term for fire in the Hebrew Bible is es [vea]. The Greek word phos [fw'"], also normally rendered "light,” occurs a couple times in the New Testament as "fire" (Mark 14:54 ; Luke 22:56 ). Its figurative or theological testimonies are also numerous, however, fire generally relates to some manifestation of God's being or action.”
Additionally sources say “fire, as a theophany (a visible manifestation to humankind of God) communicates, first of all, the very presence of God. This is especially evident in the burning bush from which God spoke to Moses (Exodus).” Search the Bible for scripture on the fire of God and see what you some up with. So we can look at fire basically as divine presence.
In another context fire can be defined as the power of God from the Greek word Dunamis, where the English word dynamite derives from. As kingdom citizens we must know and recognize that power belongs to God as stated in Psalm 62:11, 1 Corinthians 6:14 (power belongs to God. God raise the Lord and will also raise us up by his power).
So how this does relates to becoming a soldier?
You were chosen by God. Look at Ephesians 1:4-5 and then 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will; 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Think of what you were when you were called or why God is still calling you. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. It does not matter what you use to do the Lord is no respecter of person just allow him to use you.
Once you have accepted the call or have chosen to be a part of the church of Christ. (This was step one, you are ready).
You began training; at this time there is a check list that must be completed. You have to prepare yourself for the end result. There is a process that you have to go through. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us “therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”You have changed the way you walk. You changed the way you talk. If you use to dress sexy you are covered up. If you used to partying you have stopped. If you use to curse your language has change. Most importantly, you have begun to study the word of God. Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3
Our minds are paced for the mission and the bible makes us burn for Christ (Luke 24:32). You have learnt how to pray and asked God for revelation of his word; you learn the weapons of warfare. The shield of faith, loins girded with truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, the whole amour God, The helmet of salvation (Eph. 6:10-17), the words of the Lord which is a consuming fire. [Is] not my word like as a fire? Said the LORD; and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29 you experience that Pentecostal experience as they did in Act 2. You are Baptist with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of the Lord is compared to fire or flames of fire – “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.” Acts 2:3 (Step two, this is set) your faith has grown and is increasing.
Thirdly, as in the army you are ready. You are sent out into the battle field, the fruits of the spirit begins to bloom; love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance. The gifts of the spirit are awakens in you; word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues . By this time your Faith as given you divine inspiration for the awakening of vision and ministry (Hebrews 13:7). You have laid aside every weight, and sin which clings to you, and is ready to run with endurance the race that is set before you. (Hebrews 12:1). You become like Micah (3:8), “filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD” you have the Kingdom Fire!
The book of Leviticus reminds us that (6:11-13) the fire on the altar shall be kept burning; “it shall not be put out. The Priest was told that a fire shall always be burning on the altar.” “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire” (1 Thessalonians 5:19).”