Frank Di Pietro, author of The Fire That Once Was, and Rend the Heavens wrote the following introduction: I had no comprehension that these writings would ever become a book. The Fire That Once Was started out as biographical emails to a few friends; those “few friends” soon grew to include hundreds. The emails were not only forwarded around the world but were also printed and handed out in churches. My wife, Melissa, was the first to see the vision, followed by other family members. At first, I thought they were just patronizing me, but one day after church, a female member who received the told me that many souls could be reached through these writings in the form of a book….

Recently Jackie and I finished reading Di Pietro’s final installment of writings regarding the Great Spiritual Awakenings and Revivals that have been taking place down through the centuries since the birthing of the Church. As we read about those who turned the “sparks” of the Spirit into roaring flames, I wondered: Would our people benefit from his writings in the same way? It is with a little apprehension that I submit to you some daily excerpts from Di Pietro in the hopes that it will encourage, and inform us of our “lost”, and forgotten history motivating us into action, fulfilling the call and purpose of us all who carry the “scars” of Christ in our hearts, etched forever on our souls.

Chapter One Excerpts: A True Disciple

“The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.” – Tertullian

“How shall I feel at the judgment, if multitudes of missed opportunities pass before me in full review, and all my excuses prove to be disguises of my cowardice and pride.” – Dr. W.E. Sangster

“God save us from living in comfort while sinners are sinking into hell!” – Charles Spurgeon

“O Nebuchadnezzar, it is not necessary for us to answer you on this point. If our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up!” – Shadrach, Meshack, and Abed-nego