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Like a deadly disease, sin has infected the American colony of Havenhill, Connecticut, and Josiah Rush seems to be the only person who sees the evil that has gripped the town. Blamed for a fire that nearly destroyed the colony seven years ago, Josiah spent seven years in exile. Now, having returned as pastor of First Church, his cries of alarm fall on deaf ears. Determined to save the town he loves, Josiah Rush endures personal attacks as he battles an insidious unseen enemy who is equally determined to use the town for its own immoral purposes. With historical appearances by Great Awakening preachers Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, this novel portrays spiritual revival as the only cure for a sin-sick nation.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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About the author
Bill Bright
256 books54 followersWilliam R. Bright was an American evangelist. In 1951 at the University of California, Los Angeles, he founded Campus Crusade for Christ as a ministry for university students. In 1952 he wrote The Four Spiritual Laws. In 1979 he produced the film Jesus.
In 1996 Bill Bright was awarded the $1.1 million Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, and donated the money to promote the spiritual benefits of fasting and prayer. In 2001 he stepped down as leader of the organization and Steve Douglass became president.
In 1996 Bill Bright was awarded the $1.1 million Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, and donated the money to promote the spiritual benefits of fasting and prayer. In 2001 he stepped down as leader of the organization and Steve Douglass became president.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 10, 2019
4.5 stars
Oh my goodness...if there ever was anything that reminded me of just how powerful prayer really is...this is it.
Oh my goodness...if there ever was anything that reminded me of just how powerful prayer really is...this is it.
April 19, 2016
Fire is one of my favorite historic fiction stories (the entire series is great, but this one is the best, in my opinion). I've read it multiple times, and it's a wonderful tale about the power of the Holy Spirit!
October 23, 2017
This fictional representation of a small town and it's pastor during the time Jonathan Edwards and George Whitfield were creating revival wherever they went is wonderful. The new pastor senses his town has "soul sickness", but he has no idea to what extent that is true. The action is exciting, good and evil battle, and the change in the town is very real. I can't wait to read the third book in the series.
September 25, 2017
Although there are a couple of times of unintended irony especially where the writer's theological views collide with some prominent figures in American church history meet in the story , which are Jonathan Edwards and George Whitfield. However I still enjoyed this book and believe it will do it's intended purpose, which I believe is to introduce people to the Great Awakenings and to have that awakening birthed in it's readers.
January 8, 2018
so many good quotes about Gods power and the holy spirit!
August 22, 2019
I found this book to be a little slow at times. A young man with a heart for his city and God.
September 8, 2021
Awesome! I loved this book about what God has done in American history.
April 3, 2010
First in the Great Awakenings Series
While this book is written by both Bill Bright and Jack Cavanaugh, this is by no means Cavanaugh at his finest. Most of the story moves along slowly with nothing much to carry it. Josiah the main character, sets himself up repeatedly for accusations and the pointing of fingers -- often when it comes to Abigail who is engaged to someone else. Story picked up some in later pages.
He was living under an Old Testament mentality, telling God all he's done for Him and "Why did you pass me by?" As though God keeps a score card.
While this book is written by both Bill Bright and Jack Cavanaugh, this is by no means Cavanaugh at his finest. Most of the story moves along slowly with nothing much to carry it. Josiah the main character, sets himself up repeatedly for accusations and the pointing of fingers -- often when it comes to Abigail who is engaged to someone else. Story picked up some in later pages.
He was living under an Old Testament mentality, telling God all he's done for Him and "Why did you pass me by?" As though God keeps a score card.
July 1, 2013
The book was fine, but you need to be okay with a very Christian story.
The story kept me reading and there were plots that I didn't expect. Something I appreciated.
I also liked the fact that the main character, despite being a pastor, is depicted as a real human being with al the weaknesses and clumsiness that can come along with it. Not the perfect saviour-like type I - apparently subconsciously - expected. But perhaps this is the case in all christian books, I haven't read many.
Overall, a nice read.
The story kept me reading and there were plots that I didn't expect. Something I appreciated.
I also liked the fact that the main character, despite being a pastor, is depicted as a real human being with al the weaknesses and clumsiness that can come along with it. Not the perfect saviour-like type I - apparently subconsciously - expected. But perhaps this is the case in all christian books, I haven't read many.
Overall, a nice read.
April 15, 2009
Great book. I believe it may be the first I have given 5 stars.
February 13, 2012
Fire was a really good read, but found it slower reading that the first book in this series, Proof. Am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Storm.
April 10, 2013
I don't read much fiction, but this was right up my alley - a Christian story about a man with a heart for his city. This was a great "before-bed" book.
October 31, 2014
This is an awesome book about the moving of the Holy Spirit in people's lives. I enjoyed it immensely!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews