Kindling Afire

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Acts 28:2

And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain…

1. Here was an early Shipwrecked Mariner's Society.

2. Among rough people there is much of genuine kindness. Let not people of a gentler mould, greater education, and larger possessions, come behind them.

3. Their kindness was thoroughly practical. We have too much of "Be ye warmed," and too little kindling of fires.

4. There may be spiritual as well as physical cold, and for this last the kindling of a fire is needed. This is our present subject.

I. THAT WE ARE VERY APT TO BE COLD.

1. The world is a cold country for gracious men.

2. By reason of our inbred sin, we are cold subjects, and far too apt to be lukewarm, or frozen.

3. Cold seasons also come, when all around lies bound in frost. Ministers, churches, saints, are too often cold as ice.

4. Cold corners are here and there, where the sun seldom shines. Some good men live in such cold harbours.

5. Chilling influences are now abroad. Modern thought, worldliness, depression in trade, depreciation of prayer, etc. If we yield to the power of cold, we become first uncomfortable, next inactive, and then ready to die.

II. THAT THERE ARE MEANS OF WARMTH.

1. The Word of God is as a fire. Heard or read, it tends to warm the heart.

2. Private, social, and family prayer. This is as coal of Juniper.

3. Meditation and communion with Jesus (Psalm 39:3; Luke 24:32).

4. Fellowship with other Christians (Malachi 3:16).

5. Doing good to others (Job 42:10).

6. Returning to first love and doing first works would bring back old warmth (Revelation 2:4, 5). Let us get to these fires ourselves, lest we be frost-bitten and benumbed.

III. THAT WE SHOULD KINDLE FIRES FOR OTHERS. We need the fire of revival, seeing so many are washed upon our shores in dying circumstances. Concerning a true revival, let it be remembered that it both resembles the fire in the text, and differs from it.

1. It must be lighted under difficulties — "because of the present rain." The sticks are wet, the hearth is flooded, the atmosphere is damp. It is not easy to make a fire in such circumstances; and yet it must he done.

2. The fire we need cannot, however, be kindled by barbarians: the flame must come from above.

3. Once get the flame, the fire begins with littles. Small sticks are good for kindling.

4. It is well to nourish the flame by going down on your knees, and breathing upon it warm and hearty supplications.

5. It must be fed with fuel. Think of the great Paul picking up a bundle of sticks. Let each one bring his share.

6. This fire must be kindled for "everyone." We must not be content till all the shivering ones are comforted.

7. The fire will be of great service, and yet it may warm into life more than one viper. Thank God, the fire which revived the creature into venomous life will also destroy it.Conclusion:

1. What can we each do towards this fire? Can we not each one either kindle or feed the fire? Bring a stick.

2. Let no one damp the flame.

3. Let us pray.

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