STRANGE ALTARS AND THEIR EFFECTS

Title: STRANGE ALTARS AND THEIR EFFECTS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 6:25-27
Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 7:5, 1 Kings 18:30, Exodus 20:3-5, Ezekiel 20:29

INTRODUCTION:
An altar is a place of spiritual transaction, where sacrifices are made, and covenants are established. While godly altars draw the presence and blessings of God, strange altars invite demonic influences, curses, and spiritual bondage. Idolatry and the worship of strange gods were major reasons for Israel’s downfall. In a believer’s life, strange altars can be physical or spiritual and must be recognised, confronted, and destroyed to walk in liberty and fulfil destiny.

1. WHAT ARE STRANGE ALTARS?

a) Definition of Strange Altars
Strange altars are ungodly places of worship dedicated to idols, false gods, or demons (Deuteronomy 12:2-3).

b) Origin of Strange Altars
Strange altars often arise from idolatry, rebellion, or ignorance (1 Kings 12:28-30).

c) Spiritual Transactions at Strange Altars
These altars involve covenants, sacrifices, and rituals that empower demonic operations (Leviticus 17:7).

d) Forms of Strange Altars Today
These include idol worship, occultism, and spiritual practices contrary to God’s word (Isaiah 44:9-10).

e) Biblical Example: Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal in his father’s house (Judges 6:25-27).

2. THE EFFECTS OF STRANGE ALTARS ON BELIEVERS

a) Spiritual Bondage
Strange altars create spiritual chains, limiting progress and freedom (Judges 6:6).

b) Hindrance to God’s Presence
God cannot dwell where strange altars exist (1 Kings 18:21).

c) Generational Curses
Strange altars often establish covenants that affect future generations (Exodus 20:5).

d) Loss of Divine Favour and Protection
Believers entangled with strange altars lose God’s covering (Hosea 4:17).

e) Biblical Example: King Solomon’s alliances with idol-worshipping nations led to the establishment of strange altars, causing divine displeasure (1 Kings 11:1-11).

3. SIGNS THAT STRANGE ALTARS ARE IN OPERATION

a) Repeated Failures and Stagnation
Unexplained hindrances in life can signal the operation of strange altars (Deuteronomy 28:15-19).

b) Patterns of Sin and Addiction
Strange altars enforce spiritual oppression, leading to sinful cycles (Romans 7:19-20).

c) Unexplained Oppression or Attacks
Persistent spiritual attacks, sicknesses, or nightmares often indicate strange altars (Psalm 91:5-6).

d) Resistance to God’s Word and Presence
A hardened heart or disinterest in spiritual growth can point to strange altars (2 Corinthians 4:4).

e) Biblical Example: The worship of Baal in Israel caused drought and famine under King Ahab’s reign (1 Kings 18:17-18).

4. HOW TO DEAL WITH STRANGE ALTARS

a) Identify and Renounce Them
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any strange altars in your life and renounce their power (Psalm 139:23-24).

b) Destroy the Altars and Their Influence
Engage in spiritual warfare through prayer and fasting, declaring the destruction of strange altars (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

c) Break Ungodly Covenants
Use the blood of Jesus to break every evil covenant tied to the strange altars (Colossians 2:14).

d) Raise a Godly Altar in Its Place
Replace the strange altar with a godly altar of worship and prayer (1 Kings 18:30-39).

e) Biblical Example: Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord and destroyed the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:30-40).

5. SUSTAINING VICTORY OVER STRANGE ALTARS

a) Live a Consecrated Life
Walk in obedience and holiness to remain free from the influence of strange altars (Romans 12:1).

b) Be Spiritually Vigilant
Stay alert in prayer and discernment to avoid spiritual traps (1 Peter 5:8).

c) Feed on the Word of God
Meditate on Scripture to renew your mind and build your spiritual strength (Joshua 1:8).

d) Fellowship with Other Believers
Regularly fellowship with other believers for encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:25).

e) Biblical Example: Josiah destroyed all the altars of false gods in Israel and Judah, leading to national revival (2 Kings 23:1-25).

CONCLUSION:
Strange altars bring spiritual darkness, delay, and destruction. Believers must identify, confront, and destroy these altars to walk in liberty and fulfil their divine purpose. By raising and sustaining godly altars, we can ensure consistent fellowship with God and enjoy His blessings.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, expose every strange altar operating in my life.

2. I destroy every evil altar speaking against my progress in Jesus’ name.

3. By the blood of Jesus, I break every covenant tied to strange altars.

4. Holy Spirit, empower me to raise a godly altar in my life and family.

5. Father, restore everything stolen by strange altars in Jesus’ name.

6. I cancel every evil transaction made on strange altars concerning my life.

7. Lord, let every altar of idolatry in my bloodline be consumed by fire.

8. By divine authority, I nullify the power of every ancestral altar over my destiny.

9. Father, give me victory over every satanic altar in Jesus’ name.

10. I declare that only the altar of the Lord will speak over my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Every strange altar working against you is destroyed by fire in Jesus’ name!

2. The Lord will expose and uproot every evil altar tied to your family.

3. You are delivered from every bondage of strange altars!

4. The blood of Jesus speaks better things for you than any evil covenant.

5. Your life shall only respond to the altar of God’s blessings.

6. The power of strange altars over your destiny is permanently broken.

7. God will raise you as a repairer of broken godly altars.

8. Your family shall be known as a household of faith and prayer.

9. Divine breakthroughs shall follow the destruction of strange altars in your life.

10. The Lord will establish His covenant of peace and prosperity with you!