ALTARS AND THE GLORY OF GOD

Title: ALTARS AND THE GLORY OF GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 40:34-35
Supporting Texts: Leviticus 9:6, 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, Ezekiel 43:4-5, Romans 12:1

INTRODUCTION:
Altars are not just physical structures; they are spiritual platforms where God meets with His people. Throughout the Bible, altars have been associated with the manifestation of God’s glory. When believers raise an altar of worship, prayer, or sacrifice, it invites the presence and power of God, and His glory is revealed. This study explores how altars attract and manifest God’s glory, transforming lives and situations.

1. THE MEANING OF GOD’S GLORY

a) The Manifest Presence of God
God’s glory represents His divine presence revealed to His people (Exodus 33:18-19).

b) The Weight of His Majesty
The Hebrew word for glory, kabod, means weight or honour (Psalm 24:7-10).

c) A Display of God’s Power
His glory is revealed in miracles, signs, and wonders (John 2:11).

d) A Revelation of His Holiness
God’s glory reflects His purity and majesty (Isaiah 6:3).

e) Biblical Example: God’s glory filled the tabernacle after the altar was prepared (Exodus 40:34-35).

2. HOW ALTARS ATTRACT GOD’S GLORY

a) Through Sacrifice
A sincere offering invites God’s presence (Psalm 50:5).

b) Through Worship
Worship creates an atmosphere for the glory of God to descend (2 Chronicles 5:13-14).

c) Through Prayer
Altars of prayer draw the glory of God into situations (Acts 4:31).

d) Through Obedience
Obeying God’s instructions concerning the altar brings His glory (Leviticus 9:6).

e) Biblical Example: Solomon’s altar of sacrifice led to the manifestation of God’s glory (2 Chronicles 7:1-3).

3. THE EFFECTS OF GOD’S GLORY AT THE ALTAR

a) Transformation
Lives are changed in God’s presence (2 Corinthians 3:18).

b) Empowerment
God’s glory equips believers for service and victory (Isaiah 60:1-2).

c) Miraculous Intervention
God’s glory releases divine power to solve problems (John 11:40).

d) Revival
The manifestation of God’s glory sparks spiritual renewal (Habakkuk 2:14).

e) Biblical Example: The disciples were transformed by God’s glory at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).

4. MAINTAINING GOD’S GLORY AT THE ALTAR

a) A Lifestyle of Worship
Constant worship keeps the altar active (John 4:23-24).

b) Continuous Prayer
Persistent prayer sustains the presence of God (Luke 18:1).

c) Holiness and Purity
God’s glory thrives in a holy environment (Psalm 24:3-4).

d) Regular Sacrifices
Offerings of thanksgiving and praise keep the altar alive (Hebrews 13:15).

e) Biblical Example: Elijah maintained God’s glory on Mount Carmel by restoring the altar (1 Kings 18:30-39).

5. CHALLENGES TO EXPERIENCING GOD’S GLORY AT THE ALTAR

a) Sin and Disobedience
These hinder the manifestation of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).

b) Lukewarm Worship
Half-hearted worship repels God’s presence (Revelation 3:15-16).

c) Neglect of the Altar
A forgotten altar cannot host God’s glory (Judges 6:25-27).

d) Spiritual Ignorance
Lack of understanding of spiritual principles limits glory (Hosea 4:6).

e) Biblical Example: Eli’s sons lost God’s glory through their sin at the altar (1 Samuel 4:21-22).

CONCLUSION:
The altar is a powerful spiritual gateway for hosting and experiencing the glory of God. When believers raise and maintain active altars of worship, prayer, and sacrifice, they invite God’s glory into their lives, families, and communities. Let us build altars that attract His glory and sustain His presence in our daily lives.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, teach me to build altars that attract Your glory.

2. Father, let my life reflect Your glory in all I do.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to maintain a lifestyle of worship.

4. Lord, cleanse my altar from anything that hinders Your presence.

5. Father, let Your glory fill my family, church, and community.

6. I declare that every sacrifice I make will draw Your presence.

7. Lord, transform me by the power of Your glory.

8. Father, let Your glory bring revival in my generation.

9. I decree that Your glory will bring miracles into my life.

10. Lord, let my altar become a permanent dwelling place for Your presence.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Your altar will carry God’s glory and influence your generation.

2. Every obstacle to God’s glory in your life is removed today.

3. The glory of God will transform every area of your life.

4. You will walk in the light of God’s glory and overcome darkness.

5. Your altar will release the power of God into your situation.

6. The glory of God will bring breakthroughs into your family.

7. From today, your altar will be a gateway for divine encounters.

8. The glory of God will empower you for supernatural exploits.

9. You will be a carrier of God’s glory wherever you go.

10. God’s glory will distinguish you and make you a testimony to others.