DEMOLISHING EVIL ALTARS

Title: DEMOLISHING EVIL ALTARS

Main Text: Judges 6:25-32 
Supporting Text: 1 Kings 18:30-39

By Rev Samuel Arimoro

INTRODUCTION

Altars are significant places in the spiritual realm. They are places of worship, sacrifice, and covenant-making. In the Bible, we see altars built for God to honour Him and others set up by enemies to invoke demonic powers and oppress God’s people. Evil altars represent strongholds where demonic activities are orchestrated against the purposes of God in a believer’s life, family, or community. Just as Gideon demolished the altar of Baal in Judges 6:25-32, believers are called to identify and destroy evil altars that stand against God’s plan. This sermon will explore what evil altars represent and how to demolish them through spiritual warfare.

1. UNDERSTANDING EVIL ALTARS

a) Definition and Characteristics of Evil Altars (1 Kings 16:30-33; Deuteronomy 12:2-3) 
An altar is a place where sacrifices are made and covenants are established. Evil altars are places where demonic forces are invoked to control, manipulate, and oppress people. In 1 Kings 16:30-33, King Ahab set up an altar for Baal, leading Israel into idolatry. Deuteronomy 12:2-3 commanded the Israelites to destroy such altars. Evil altars thrive on sacrifices, rituals, and demonic agreements.

b) Sources of Evil Altars (Exodus 34:13; Numbers 22:4-6)
Evil altars can originate from various sources such as family lineage, cultural practices, witchcraft, and curses. In Exodus 34:13, God instructed Israel to tear down pagan altars. In Numbers 22:4-6, Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel by raising altars against them. Some evil altars can be generational, passed down through bloodlines and ancestral covenants.

c) Effects of Evil Altars (Judges 6:1-6; Ezekiel 16:36-37) 
Evil altars have detrimental effects, causing bondage, curses, spiritual stagnation, and oppression. In Judges 6:1-6, Israel was oppressed because they served Baal. Evil altars also open doors for demonic influences that hinder blessings, cause delay, and result in spiritual and physical afflictions (Ezekiel 16:36-37).

2. SIGNS OF EVIL ALTARS AT WORK IN A BELIEVER’S LIFE

a) Repeated Patterns of Failure and Stagnation (Deuteronomy 28:15-19; Haggai 1:6-7) 
When evil altars are in operation, there can be repeated patterns of failure, frustration, and unexplainable stagnation. Deuteronomy 28:15-19 lists curses that result from disobedience. Haggai 1:6-7 describes how efforts yield little result due to spiritual hindrances.

b) Unexplained Sicknesses and Afflictions (Job 2:7; Mark 5:25-26) 
Unexplainable and prolonged sicknesses may be a sign of evil altars. Job's affliction by Satan caused painful boils (Job 2:7). The woman with the issue of blood suffered for many years until she encountered Jesus (Mark 5:25-26). Some afflictions have spiritual roots tied to evil altars.

c) Bondage to Addictions and Sin (Romans 7:15-20; Isaiah 10:27) 
Spiritual bondage, addictions, and repetitive sin patterns can also signify the influence of evil altars. Paul describes this struggle in Romans 7:15-20, where he struggles to do what is right. Isaiah 10:27 speaks of the anointing that breaks yokes, indicating the power of God to destroy such bondages.

3. STEPS TO DEMOLISHING EVIL ALTARS

a) Repentance and Renunciation (2 Chronicles 7:14; Colossians 2:14-15) 
The first step to demolishing evil altars is genuine repentance and renunciation of any past involvement with ungodly practices. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray...". Colossians 2:14-15 speaks of Christ’s triumph over principalities and powers, cancelling every legal right of the enemy.

b) Raising a Godly Altar (Genesis 12:7; 1 Kings 18:30) 
After demolishing evil altars, it is essential to raise a godly altar in its place. In Genesis 12:7, Abraham built an altar to the Lord where He appeared to him. Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord before calling down fire (1 Kings 18:30). This involves prayer, worship, fasting, and studying God’s Word.

c) Engaging in Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-12; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5) 
To demolish evil altars, believers must engage in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10-12 instructs believers to put on the full armour of God. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 reminds us that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

4. ACTIVATING GOD'S POWER TO DESTROY EVIL ALTARS

a) Pleading the Blood of Jesus (Revelation 12:11; Hebrews 12:24)
The blood of Jesus is a powerful weapon against evil altars. Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb...". The blood speaks better things than that of Abel (Hebrews 12:24), breaking curses and nullifying evil covenants.

b) Using the Word of God (Matthew 4:4; Jeremiah 23:29) 
The Word of God is a fire and a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces (Jeremiah 23:29). Jesus defeated Satan in the wilderness by declaring the Word (Matthew 4:4). Speaking and declaring God’s Word against evil altars dismantles their power.

c) Fervent and Persistent Prayer (James 5:16; Luke 18:1-7) 
Fervent and persistent prayer is crucial in demolishing evil altars. James 5:16 states, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." In Luke 18:1-7, Jesus teaches the importance of persistent prayer. We must be relentless in our spiritual warfare until we see victory.

CONCLUSION

Evil altars are real, and their effects can be devastating to a believer's life, family, and community. However, God has given us the authority and power to demolish every evil altar through repentance, raising godly altars, and engaging in spiritual warfare. Just as Gideon destroyed his father's altar of Baal, we must boldly confront and demolish every evil altar in our lives. Through the blood of Jesus, the Word of God, and fervent prayer, we will see every evil altar demolished and God’s altar established in our lives.

PRAYER POINTS

1. "Father, I repent of every sin and iniquity that has given the enemy a foothold in my life."
2. "Lord, by the blood of Jesus, I break every covenant and evil agreement established against me."
3. "O God, expose every hidden altar speaking against my destiny and demolish it by fire."
4. "Father, raise a new altar of righteousness, holiness, and worship in my life and family."
5. "Lord, let every evil altar raised against my progress be shattered in Jesus’ name."
6. "O God, arise and silence every voice speaking against my blessings from evil altars."
7. "Father, send Your fire to consume every evil altar raised by my adversaries."
8. "Lord, release Your warring angels to dismantle and scatter every evil altar in my family lineage."
9. "O God, let Your Word be like a hammer to break every altar and stronghold in my life."
10. "Father, by Your power, let me walk in freedom, victory, and divine favour continually."

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that every evil altar speaking against your life is demolished by the fire of God.
2. I decree that you are released from every bondage and curse connected to evil altars.
3. I proclaim that the blood of Jesus has nullified every evil covenant affecting your destiny.
4. I declare that God is raising a new altar of blessing, favor, and breakthrough in your life.
5. I decree that the power of darkness over your family is broken, and you are free indeed.
6. I declare that every monitoring spirit from evil altars is blinded and destroyed in Jesus' name.
7. I proclaim that you will flourish, prosper, and advance in every area of your life.
8. I decree that you are covered by the blood of Jesus, and no weapon formed against you shall prosper.
9. I declare that God's light will shine upon you, dispelling every darkness raised by evil altars.
10. I proclaim that you are stepping into a season of divine favor, elevation, and open doors.

May the Lord empower you to demolish every evil altar and walk in victory, freedom, and divine favour!