Fire: 1740-1741 (The Great Awakenings Series #1) by Bill Bright

The Great Awakenings #2

by Bill Bright

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.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Christian Historical Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

William 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.

Reviews

[Kaitlyn Krispense · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Oh my goodness...if there ever was anything that reminded me of just how powerful prayer really is...this is it.

[Ashley Bogner · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Josh Stowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Skylar · Rating 5 out of 5]

so many good quotes about Gods power and the holy spirit!

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a little slow at times. A young man with a heart for his city and God.

[Janet White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! I loved this book about what God has done in American history.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Maithe · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I believe it may be the first I have given 5 stars.

[Debbie Lockledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book about the moving of the Holy Spirit in people's lives. I enjoyed it immensely!