“And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand… And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.”
— Acts 28:3–5 (KJV)
Introduction: A Prophetic Picture for the End Times
We are living in days the Bible describes as “perilous times” (2 Timothy 3:1). Darkness is increasing, deception is widespread, and pressure on believers is intensifying. Yet Scripture does not call the Church to retreat—it calls us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Acts 28 is not merely a missionary story; it is a prophetic picture for end-time believers. When Paul intensified the fire, the serpent reacted—but the fire prevailed. In these last days, prayer is not optional; it is survival and dominion.
1) Fire Must Be Fed Continually
Paul gathered sticks and laid them on the fire. Fires do not maintain themselves. Prayer must be intentional, deliberate, and continuous.
“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” — Luke 18:1
End times call for sustained fire, not occasional sparks. A neglected altar grows cold, but a tended one stays powerful.
Truth: You don’t wait for crisis to pray—you pray to prevent collapse.
2) The Heat Exposes Hidden Serpents
The viper came out of the heat. Intensified prayer provokes exposure. Many spiritual attacks surface precisely because prayer has begun to disturb old hiding places.
“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed.” — Luke 12:2
End-time prayer uncovers deception, compromises, and demonic strategies that would otherwise remain hidden.
Encouragement: Exposure is not failure—it is progress.
3) Reactions Do Not Nullify Victory
When the viper fastened onto Paul, observers misread the moment. In the last days, believers who pray intensely may be misunderstood, misjudged, or falsely accused.
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” — 2 Timothy 3:12
Resistance is not proof prayer failed; it is proof prayer hit something.
4) Shake It Off—Do Not Enter Negotiation
Paul did not attempt to pry the serpent off carefully; he shook it into the fire. End-time warfare requires decisiveness.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7
Prayer is not discussion—it is resistance. What prayer exposes must be returned to the fire.
5) Divine Immunity in a Dangerous World
“And he felt no harm.” This is a promise for believers who live on the altar.
“Behold, I give unto you power… over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” — Luke 10:19
In the midst of global turmoil and spiritual volatility, a praying believer walks in heaven-backed immunity.
6) Why Prayer Must Intensify in the End Times
Jesus gave clear instruction for the last days:
“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things.” — Luke 21:36
And the apostles reinforced it:
“Continue instant in prayer.” — Romans 12:12
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” — Ephesians 6:18
End times demand always-praying believers, not occasionally praying Christians.
7) Pray Without Ceasing: A Lifestyle, Not a Moment
Unceasing prayer does not mean being on your knees 24/7—it means constant spiritual engagement, a heart that stays connected to God.
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” — Matthew 26:41
A praying Church becomes untouchable. A praying believer becomes unmovable.
Final Exhortation
When prayer rises, reactions may follow—but do not fear reactions. The heat of prayer always outlasts the serpent. In these end times, turn up the fire, feed the altar, and refuse prayerlessness.
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” — James 5:16
Prayer: Turning Up the Heat
Father, in these perilous end times, I commit to a life of unceasing prayer. I receive grace to watch, to pray, and to remain fervent. Every hidden work of darkness exposed by prayer, I shake back into the fire. I walk in divine immunity and spiritual authority. My altar shall not grow cold, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
A Call to Salvation
If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, this authority begins with salvation.
Salvation Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I repent and receive You as my Lord and Savior. I surrender my life to You. Fill me with Your Spirit and teach me to pray without ceasing. From today, I belong to You. Amen.
Worship with Us
You are warmly invited to The Dream Centre of the Life Oasis International Church—a people of prayer and the Word.
📩 Email: info@dreamcentre.org
🌐 Website: http://www.dreamcentreoftheloic.org
🔴 Live: youtube.com/DreamCentreLiveSTREAMING/live
Keep the fire burning. Pray without ceasing. The heat will always win.
The Message Bearer (SmilingPreacher), Cornelius Bella
corneliusbella 