Ford Escort will not start

I have a 1997 ford escort with 90000 miles. The car died on me in the middle of the road, and will not start back. I had just pulled out from getting gas when this happened. It had not been acting up any before this, and the check engine light had not come on. I checked the timing belt and it was intact and turning when cranking the engine. It did not act like it was getting any fire from the coil pack, so I replaced it along with the plugs and wires. Still will not start. A friend of mine had a little test light that you can put between the plug and wire to see if you have any fire coming from the coil. I put that on, and the light will flicker when you first start cranking the engine, then it quits. I am at a loss. Any ideas?