THE POWER BEHIND A GODLY ALTAR

Title: THE POWER BEHIND A GODLY ALTAR

Main Text: Genesis 8:20-22 
Supporting Text: 1 Kings 18:30-39

By Rev Samuel Arimoro

INTRODUCTION

In biblical times, altars were significant places of worship, sacrifice, and divine encounter. They were built to honor God, seek His presence, and experience His power. A godly altar symbolizes a life dedicated to God—a place of prayer, worship, and deep communion. The power behind a godly altar is not just in the physical act of building it but in the spiritual realities it represents. When we build a godly altar, we invite God’s presence, experience His power, and align ourselves with His divine purposes. This sermon will explore the principles that unlock the power behind a godly altar.

1. WHAT IS A GODLY ALTAR?

a) A Place of Divine Encounter and Communication (Genesis 12:7; Exodus 20:24)
A godly altar is a place where man meets God. In Genesis 12:7, Abraham built an altar after God appeared to him, signifying divine encounter. Exodus 20:24 states, "In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you." At the altar, we experience God’s presence, hear His voice, and receive His blessings.

b) A Place of Sacrifice and Surrender (Genesis 22:9-14; Romans 12:1) 
The altar is a place of sacrifice, where we lay down our lives, desires, and will before God. Abraham's altar, where he was willing to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:9-14), represents total surrender to God. Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. A godly altar is marked by a heart that is fully surrendered.

c) A Place of Covenant and Divine Exchange (Genesis 15:9-18; Hebrews 13:10) 
Altars are places of covenant where God makes agreements with His people. Genesis 15:9-18 describes God making a covenant with Abraham at the altar. Hebrews 13:10 mentions the altar from which believers have a right to eat. At the altar, we exchange our weaknesses for God’s strength, our fears for His peace, and our doubts for His promises.

2. THE POWER UNLEASHED AT A GODLY ALTAR

a) The Power of Divine Intervention (1 Kings 18:30-39; Psalm 50:15)
In 1 Kings 18:30-39, Elijah rebuilt the broken altar of the Lord, prayed, and God answered by fire, proving His supremacy over Baal. This story shows that a godly altar is a place of divine intervention. Psalm 50:15 says, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." A well-built altar attracts God’s intervention in our lives.

b) The Power of Spiritual Authority and Warfare (Judges 6:25-32; 2 Corinthians 10:4)
Gideon’s first assignment was to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and build a new one for God (Judges 6:25-32). This act unleashed divine authority and enabled Israel to win the battle against the Midianites. 2 Corinthians 10:4 reminds us that "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." A godly altar empowers us for spiritual warfare and establishes divine authority in our lives.

c) The Power of Provision and Blessing (Genesis 8:20-22; Philippians 4:19) 
After the flood, Noah built an altar to God and offered sacrifices. God responded by promising never to curse the ground again and established the principle of seedtime and harvest (Genesis 8:20-22). At a godly altar, God provides for His people and releases blessings. Philippians 4:19 states, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

3. STEPS TO BUILDING AND MAINTAINING A POWERFUL ALTAR

a) Repentance and Consecration (Joel 2:12-13; James 4:8-10) 
Building a godly altar begins with repentance and consecration. Joel 2:12-13 calls for turning to God with all our hearts, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. James 4:8-10 encourages drawing near to God, cleansing our hands, and purifying our hearts. A consecrated life is the foundation of a powerful altar.

b) A Lifestyle of Prayer, Worship, and the Word (Psalm 141:2; Colossians 3:16) 
Prayer, worship, and the Word are essential components of a godly altar. Psalm 141:2 likens prayer to incense before God. Colossians 3:16 exhorts believers to let the Word of Christ dwell richly in them. Maintaining a vibrant altar requires a lifestyle dedicated to prayer, worship, and immersing oneself in God’s Word.

c) Offerings and Sacrifices of Praise (Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 51:17) 
Hebrews 13:15 encourages us to continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God. Psalm 51:17 states that "the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." A powerful altar is marked by regular offerings of praise, thanksgiving, and a humble spirit before God.

4. KEYS TO MAINTAINING THE FIRE ON THE ALTAR

a) Constant Fellowship with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14; John 16:13) 
Maintaining the fire on the altar requires constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 13:14 speaks of the communion of the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 promises that the Spirit will guide us into all truth. The Holy Spirit fuels the fire on our altars, guiding, empowering, and refreshing us continually.

b) Regular Spiritual Cleansing and Renewal (Psalm 51:10; 1 John 1:9) 
A godly altar must be kept pure and holy. Psalm 51:10 is a prayer for a clean heart and renewed spirit. 1 John 1:9 assures that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us. Regular spiritual cleansing and renewal keep our altars strong and active.

c) Commitment to Spiritual Growth and Discipline (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:7-8)
Building a godly altar requires a commitment to spiritual growth and discipline. 2 Timothy 2:15 encourages studying to show ourselves approved unto God. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 emphasizes disciplining oneself for godliness. Consistent spiritual discipline ensures that the altar remains vibrant and effective.

CONCLUSION

The power behind a godly altar lies in its foundation, maintenance, and dedication to God. It is where we encounter God, receive His power, and experience divine intervention, provision, and authority. Building and maintaining a godly altar is essential for a victorious Christian life. As we commit to a life of prayer, worship, consecration, and spiritual discipline, we unlock the power of God in our lives and manifest His glory to the world.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to build a strong and godly altar in my life.

2. Lord, I repent of anything that has defiled my altar and ask for cleansing and renewal.

3. O God, ignite fresh fire on my altar and let it never go out.

4. Father, empower me to live a life of prayer, worship, and dedication to Your Word.

5. Lord, release Your divine intervention and power over every situation in my life.

6. O God, let my altar be a place of divine encounter, revelation, and transformation.

7. Father, grant me the grace to maintain a holy and consecrated altar.

8. Lord, let my altar speak against every evil altar raised against my destiny.

9. O God, fill me with Your Holy Spirit to sustain the fire on my altar.

10. Father, may my altar be a place where Your glory is manifested continuously.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that your altar will be a place of continuous divine encounter and power.
2. I decree that every evil altar against your life is destroyed by the power of God.
3. I proclaim that the fire on your altar will never go out; it will burn brighter daily.
4. I declare that you are empowered to live a life of holiness, prayer, and worship.
5. I decree that divine intervention will manifest in every area of your life.
6. I proclaim that your altar will release divine authority and victory over every challenge.
7. I declare that God will supply all your needs as you build and maintain your altar.
8. I decree that your altar will be a place of covenant and divine exchange.
9. I declare that the Holy Spirit will guide and empower you as you maintain your altar.
10. I proclaim that your altar will be a channel of God’s blessings, favour, and glory.

May the power behind your godly altar transform your life, bring divine intervention, and manifest God's glory continuously!