MEMORY VERSE: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10.
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 18:30-32.
INTRODUCTION
A physical altar is a raised platform in a place of worship where offerings are made to honour God. Altars have always played a significant role in God’s relationship with His people across the generations: Noah Genesis 8:20, Abraham Genesis 26:25, Jacob Genesis 35:7, and Moses Exodus 17:15, all built altars as places to connect with God,
Similarly, there is a spiritual altar within our hearts that must be prepared and maintained to experience God’s presence and achieve all-round victory. When our relationship with God falters, every aspect of our lives is affected.
OUTLINE
- ALTAR DESTROYERS
- REPAIR YOUR ALTAR NOW
- ALTAR DESTROYERS
When we neglect God’s altar, we inevitably build altars to other idols, devoting our time, talents, treasures, energy, effort, earnings, etc 1 Kings 18:18-21. Actions that damage our relationship with God include:
Sin Isaiah 59:2
Idolatry – placing anything or anyone above God Ezekiel 14:5.
Seeking benefits instead of seeking God Himself John 6:26.
A divided heart, trying to serve both God and at the same time conforming to worldly patterns Matthew 6:24; Romans 12:2.
Negative influences of ungodly companions 1 Corinthians 15:33.
People- pleasing, prioritising others’ approval over God’s Galatians 1:10. Pride,which distances us from His grace Psalm 138:6
Unbelief that leads to spiritual drift Hebrews 3:12.
Disobedience to God’s commands 1 Samuel 12:15
Lukewarmness, a half-hearted approach to faith Revelation 3:16.
Neglecting God shifts our devotion away from Him, creating barriers to the deep relationship He desires with us.
2. REPAIR YOUR ALTAR NOW
To repair is to restore what is damaged or broken to good condition. Repairing the altar symbolises restoring one’s relationship with God. A broken connection with Him can be rebuilt when we:
Repent and return to our ‘first love’ Revelation 2:4-5; Jeremiah 2:2: Repentance involves changing our actions and reigniting the early devotion we once had, such as prayer, Bible study and sharing our faith with others. In these Last Days, as love for God grows cold, we must keep rebuilding our altar starts by returning to these foundational practices Matthew 24:12.
a. Offer ourselves as a living sacrifice Romans 12:1: True surrender involves giving our body and soul to God’s will, living in complete submission to His purpose.
b. Rededicate ourselves to God Titus 3:5: Rededication is transformative. It is a return to God’s loving embrace, celebrating His grace, and committing to live according to His Word.
c. Seek restoration, forgiveness, and healing through humility and obedience. His mercy and unfailing love make complete restoration possible 2 Chronicles 7:14.
d. Submit our entirety fully to God James 4:7: Acknowledge God’s sovereignty and trust His plans Psalm 135:6, Isaiah 55:8-9. Absolute surrender means letting go of our ways and embracing His ways
CONCLUSION
Restoring our relationship with God is a journey of humility, love, and complete trust in His power and purpose.
FURTHER READING
Sun: Romans 12:1;
Mon: 1 John 1:9;
Tues: Philippians 4:8;
Wed: Romans 11:3;
Thurs: Matthew 5:8:
Fri: Hosea 8:11:
Sat: 2 Chronicles 33:16
Thank you for always doing this. Really goes a long way.