“The Call of Fire on Enemies and the Shouting of ‘Holy Ghost Fire’” by Akande Happy
Part 1: The Interaction
1. James and John: “…Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?” (Luke 9:54)
2. Jesus Christ: “But he turned, and REBUKED them, and said, YE KNOW NOT what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” (Luke 9:55-56)
If you are still shouting “Holy Ghost fire” and the “blood of Jesus” as magic words or prayer language, you need to unlearn and relearn the true principles of prayer. You also need to learn the spirit of Christ in relation to enemies or oppositions. Jesus Christ told the two disciples that they were ignorant of who they were and the purpose for which He came. Jesus Christ rebuked them! 10 Great Reasons for the Blood of Jesus Christ.
Part 2: The New Testament on Dealing with Satan, Spiritual Forces, and Seen Enemies
New Testament Teachings:
I. Dealing with Satan
1. Resist, put on the whole armor, and have self-control over anger.
- James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. RESIST the DEVIL, and he will flee from you.”
- 1 Peter 5:8-9 – “Be sober, be vigilant… Whom RESIST steadfast in the faith…”
- Ephesians 6:11 – “PUT ON the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the WILES OF THE DEVIL.”
- Ephesians 4:26-27 – “Be ye angry, and sin not… Neither give place to the DEVIL.”
- 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 – Forgiveness closes the door to Satan’s advantage.
II. Dealing with Spiritual Powers
2. Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18):
- Truth
- Breastplate of Righteousness
- Gospel of Peace
- Shield of Faith
- Helmet of Salvation
- Sword of the Spirit (Word of God)
- Prayer
III. Dealing with Physical Enemies
3. Actions toward physical enemies:
- Romans 12:20 – Feed your enemies when hungry.
- Matthew 5:44 & Luke 6:28 – Bless those who curse and pray for those who misuse you.
- Romans 12:14 – Bless those who persecute you.
- Luke 6:27 – Love those who hate you.
- Exodus 22:2 – Self-defense in case of a thief.
- 2 Corinthians 11:32-33 – Escape in times of threat.
- 2 Timothy 4:14 – Commit evildoers to God’s judgment.
Part 3: Objections Answered
1. But Elijah called down fire?
Yes, but Jesus rebuked James and John for trying to repeat Elijah’s act. Two reasons:
- The Spirit we now operate in is one of love.
- Christ’s mission is to save lives, not destroy them.
Demons do not die; they move from one host to another. Jesus and the apostles cast out demons—there was no shouting of fire.
2. But saying “Holy Ghost fire” works?
Just because something works does not mean it’s right. Fraud works too, but it’s wrong. God cares about obedience in the process, not just results.
Examples:
- Moses struck the rock (Numbers 20:8–12).
- Uzzah touched the Ark (1 Chronicles 13:7–10).
God rewards quality and obedience, not just success (1 Corinthians 3:13). John the Baptist did no miracle but was highly honored (Luke 7:28).
3. What about turning the other cheek? (Matthew 5:39)
This is about avoiding private retaliation, not refusing to defend oneself. Jesus and Paul both defended themselves in legal situations (John 18:22–23, Acts 23:1–5).
Conclusion
Jesus Christ rebuked the disciples for calling down fire on others. To do what He condemned is disobedience. As Christians, we must not adopt the practices of idol worshippers and rebrand them. Idol worshippers destroy their enemies through spiritual means—if we do the same, where’s the difference?
We are called to live by the Word of God.
