REPAIRING YOUR BROKEN ALTAR

TITLE: REPAIRING YOUR BROKEN ALTAR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 18:30
Supporting Texts: Judges 6:25-26, Jeremiah 6:16, Romans 12:1

INTRODUCTION:
An altar represents a place of sacrifice, worship, and communion with God. It signifies our relationship with Him. When the altar is broken, it means that our connection with God has been compromised, either through sin, neglect, or distractions. This sermon addresses the importance of repairing our broken altars so that we can restore true worship and experience God's presence in our lives.

1. WHAT IS A BROKEN ALTAR?

a) A place of neglected prayer and worship
A broken altar represents spiritual neglect. When we stop praying and seeking God, the altar breaks down.

b) Compromise in spiritual commitment
When we allow sin or worldly distractions to take precedence, our devotion to God diminishes, breaking the altar.

c) Lack of faith and trust in God
When we doubt God's promises or lose faith, our connection to Him weakens.

d) Forsaking the Word of God
Without the foundation of Scripture, our spiritual lives crumble.

Biblical Example: The Israelites during the time of Elijah (1 Kings 18:21-30) had forsaken the true worship of God for Baal, and the altar was in ruins.

2. WHY THE ALTAR MUST BE REPAIRED

a) Restoring fellowship with God
The altar is where we meet God. Without it, our relationship with Him is distant.

b) To experience God's power
God moves where there is true worship. Elijah repaired the altar, and fire fell from heaven (1 Kings 18:38).

c) Renewing covenant and commitment
A repaired altar signifies renewed commitment to live for God and follow His commands.

d) To offer acceptable sacrifices
When the altar is repaired, we can present our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).

Biblical Example: Gideon was instructed to repair the altar of God and destroy the altar of Baal (Judges 6:25-26).

3. HOW TO REPAIR A BROKEN ALTAR

a) Repentance
Repentance is the first step to restoring our relationship with God. We must turn away from sin and seek His forgiveness.

b) Rebuilding through prayer
A powerful prayer life is essential in repairing the altar. Prayer rekindles our connection with God.

c) Studying and obeying the Word of God
The Word of God should guide our lives and actions. We must recommit to studying and applying it.

d) Fasting and consecration
Fasting helps break strongholds and brings spiritual focus, allowing us to rebuild our altar of worship.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, which symbolically restored the city's spiritual altar (Nehemiah 2:17).

4. SIGNS THAT YOUR ALTAR NEEDS REPAIR

a) Lack of spiritual fervor
When your love for God and spiritual activities has grown cold, your altar needs repair.

b) Constant defeat in spiritual battles
A broken altar leaves you vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy.

c) Prayerlessness
A weak or non-existent prayer life indicates that the altar is broken.

d) Disobedience to God's Word
If we continually disobey God's commands, it shows that our connection to Him is broken.

Biblical Example: King Saul, who disobeyed God and lost his spiritual authority (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

5. THE BLESSINGS OF A REPAIRED ALTAR

a) Restoration of God's presence
When the altar is repaired, we experience a renewed sense of God's presence in our lives.

b) Spiritual empowerment
God releases His power when the altar is in order, empowering us for His work.

c) Answered prayers
A repaired altar aligns us with God's will, making our prayers effective.

d) Victory over enemies
When we restore our altar, we gain victory over spiritual enemies.

e) Biblical Example: Elijah's restored altar led to the defeat of the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:40).

CONCLUSION:
Our altar is the place of connection with God, and when it is broken, we miss out on His presence, power, and blessings. Just as Elijah repaired the altar and called down fire from heaven, we must rebuild our spiritual altars through repentance, prayer, and devotion to God. When we repair our broken altars, we will see God's fire fall once again in our lives.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, I repent of any sin or negligence that has caused my altar to break.

2. Father, restore the fire of prayer and worship in my life.

3. Lord, grant me the grace to rebuild my altar and walk in close fellowship with You.

4. Let every power trying to destroy my altar of worship be consumed by Your fire.

5. Father, help me to always prioritise Your Word and Your presence.

6. Lord, let the fire of Your presence fall upon my life as I rebuild my altar.

7. Lord, give me victory over every spiritual enemy that is attacking my life.

8. Father, help me to walk in obedience and renew my covenant with You.

9. Lord, empower me to offer acceptable sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving.

10. Father, restore every broken area of my life as I rebuild my altar of worship.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will restore your altar and experience the fire of God in your life.

2. Every broken area of your spiritual life is being repaired now.

3. As you rebuild your altar, victory is coming to every area of your life.

4. The presence of God will return to your home and your heart.

5. You will experience divine empowerment as you reconnect with God.

6. Every obstacle in your life is being consumed by the fire of God.

7. Your prayers will become effective and produce great results.

8. As you restore your altar, doors of favour and breakthrough will open for you.

9. Your spiritual life will grow stronger day by day as you seek the Lord.

10. The fire of God will continually burn on your altar, and you will never be the same again.