THE ALTAR FIRE

The Altar Fire, a hermeneutical study of Leviticus, is an interpretation of the meaning of altar fire as depicted in Leviticus Chapter 6. The author has undertaken a rigorous interpretation, explaining the meaning within the context of Leviticus. The significance of fire, he demonstrates, lies in its force as a resistless energy of God which has both a cleansing, as well as a consuming impact. This features in sacrificing to God with a sweet savour and also has a purifying effect.

The author has found the need by the Old Testament hermeneutics, to encourage Christians to catch the fire and sustain it in order to guarantee sound relationship with God and fellow human beings.

This book teaches about the Christian altar and fire. On the altar table, the Eucharist is celebrated in remembrance of Christ, who made Himself an oblation for the redemption of mankind. In most cases, the priests minister the word and sacrament to God’s people, pronounce the absolution from sins and benediction at the altar. The altar is the physical center of the worship and liturgy in the church while the altar cross is a very important symbol representing the finished work of salvation and the ultimate victory of Christ over sin, Satan, death, and their powers.

This book is not just an academic study, it has a deep spiritual implication that must be understood. What is lacking in the church today which is the reason why evangelism, which is mission for soul winning, is at its low ebb is because; many Christians lack the required fire for the work. Many do not even consider their hearts as the altar of God in need of fire.

This work is out to re-awaken that consciousness in the Christian who is supposed to be the container of the Holy Ghost Fire. The fire of commitment is lacking in both the leadership and followership of our societal strata. The message is that for a better society, we need to be "set on fire", that it may become not voluntary but obligatory to be responsible. The obligation should not be just by legal demand, but by self-culture ignited in us by the fire and also engraved on our hearts by the fire. Since, many distractions are likely to vanish at the appearance of fire, it is impossible to have the fire and yet tolerate evil. Our homes and societies are in need of the fire. The time for the fire should be now in order not to prolong evil days or postpone our good days.