THE POWER OF A RAISED ALTAR

Title: THE POWER OF A RAISED ALTAR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 18:30-39
Supporting Texts: Genesis 12:7, Exodus 17:15, 2 Samuel 24:18-25

INTRODUCTION:
Altars have always played a significant role in the spiritual life of God's people. They are places of divine connection, sacrifice, worship, and covenant. When an altar is raised, it has the power to influence the spiritual atmosphere, bringing God's presence, blessings, and guidance. A raised altar is not merely a physical structure, but a spiritual point of contact where God's power is invoked. This message will examine the impact of a raised altar, showing how it shifts the atmosphere and releases divine intervention.

1. A RAISED ALTAR ESTABLISHES A POINT OF DIVINE CONTACT

a) A Place of Covenant and Sacrifice
Altars are places where sacrifices are made to establish covenant with God (Genesis 12:7).

b) Drawing the Presence of God
A raised altar creates a direct line of communication with God, inviting His presence (Exodus 17:15).

c) Spiritual Authority and Power
When we raise an altar, we establish spiritual authority and invite God's power to move in that environment (1 Kings 18:30-39).

d) Generational Blessings
A raised altar speaks of generational continuity and blessing, bringing God's favor to future generations (Genesis 13:18).

e) Biblical Example: Elijah raised an altar on Mount Carmel, and God answered by fire, demonstrating His power and sovereignty over Israel’s situation (1 Kings 18:30-39).

2. A RAISED ALTAR INFLUENCES THE SPIRITUAL ATMOSPHERE

a) Releasing God's Presence
A raised altar shifts the spiritual atmosphere by drawing God's presence into the situation (Exodus 24:12-13).

b) Declaring the Lordship of God
Raising an altar declares the supremacy of God over every situation and forces of darkness (Joshua 24:26-27).

c) Breaking the Power of Idols
When an altar is raised to God, it nullifies the influence of idol worship and any spiritual opposition (1 Kings 18:25-29).

d) Setting the Atmosphere for Miracles
Raised altars prepare the ground for miraculous interventions, breakthroughs, and signs from God (Acts 10:30-33).

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites raised an altar after crossing the Jordan, and it marked a spiritual shift that led them into the promised land (Joshua 4:20-24).

3. THE SPIRITUAL POWER OF A RAISED ALTAR IN WARFARE

a) A Weapon of Spiritual Warfare
A raised altar is a place where spiritual warfare is waged, as it calls upon God to fight on behalf of His people (Exodus 17:15).

b) Destroying the Works of Darkness
A raised altar dismantles the works of the enemy, breaking every chain of bondage (2 Samuel 24:18-25).

c) Enforcing God's Will
At a raised altar, God's will is enforced in the earth, aligning the spiritual realm with His divine purposes (Daniel 10:12-13).

d) Repelling Spiritual Attacks
A raised altar serves as a shield against spiritual attacks, protecting individuals and communities from the enemy’s schemes (Psalm 91:1-2).

e) Biblical Example: The altar raised by King David after the plague stopped brought healing to the land and the people's lives were spared (2 Samuel 24:18-25).

4. THE IMPACT OF A RAISED ALTAR ON SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION

a) Bringing Personal Revival
A raised altar has the power to ignite revival within the individual, transforming their heart and mind (Romans 12:1-2).

b) Shifting National or Corporate Spiritual Atmospheres
Raised altars can bring about spiritual transformation not just for individuals, but for entire communities, cities, or nations (2 Chronicles 7:14).

c) Spiritual Reformation
A raised altar brings about spiritual reformation and realignment, renewing the mind and soul according to God's Word (Nehemiah 2:17-18).

d) Establishing God’s Dominion
Through a raised altar, God's dominion is established in the heart of His people, and His will is manifested in the earth (Matthew 6:10).

e) Biblical Example: After Elijah raised the altar on Mount Carmel, the people of Israel turned their hearts back to God, and revival broke out (1 Kings 18:37-39).

5. THE CONTINUING POWER OF A RAISED ALTAR

a) A Place of Ongoing Worship
A raised altar becomes a continuous point of worship, keeping the atmosphere constantly filled with God's presence (Psalm 34:1-3).

b) A Place of Ongoing Intercession
The altar is a place where intercession continues to rise before God, releasing His intervention on behalf of His people (Revelation 8:3-4).

c) A Continuous Source of Blessings
The raised altar serves as a continual source of blessings, drawing down God's favor and grace (Genesis 28:12-13).

d) A Legacy of Faith
A raised altar leaves behind a legacy of faith, transforming future generations by the example set by those who built it (Psalm 78:6-7).

e) Biblical Example: Abraham built an altar wherever he went, marking the spots of his covenant with God, and it remained a lasting legacy of faith (Genesis 12:7).

CONCLUSION:
The power of a raised altar is undeniable. It shifts the spiritual atmosphere, establishes God's authority, and releases divine power into any situation. Whether it is a personal altar or a corporate altar, the spiritual influence of a raised altar brings about transformation, victory, and blessings. As we raise altars in our lives, we align ourselves with God’s divine will, and we witness His power move on our behalf, both in the natural and spiritual realms. Just as altars in the Bible served as places of divine encounters and intervention, so too can our altars today.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I raise an altar of worship and sacrifice in my life, inviting Your divine presence.

2. Lord, may Your power be released in my life through the altar I raise before You.

3. Every force of darkness, I command you to bow to the power of the altar raised in Jesus' name.

4. Let my raised altar be a place of divine connection and victory in every area of my life.

5. Father, release divine instruction, clarity, and direction as I raise an altar before You.

6. Let my altar be a place of continuous revival and transformation in Jesus' name.

7. Every power hindering the influence of my raised altar, I bind and cast out in the name of Jesus.

8. Lord, let my raised altar be a place of intercession for my family, community, and nation.

9. Let the spiritual atmosphere in my life shift as I raise an altar to You.

10. Father, let my raised altar become a legacy of faith and blessing to future generations.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. As you raise an altar of worship, God's presence will fill every area of your life.

2. Your altar will become a place of divine intervention, where miracles and breakthroughs will manifest.

3. The power of God will be released upon your raised altar, changing your spiritual atmosphere forever.

4. You will see victory in every battle as you raise an altar of sacrifice and worship.

5. Your raised altar will become a foundation for generational blessings and favor.

6. Divine instructions and direction will flow from the altar you raise to God.

7. This year, every altar you raise will bring about lasting transformation and spiritual renewal.

8. As you stand before your altar, God will answer by fire and give you victory in all areas of life.

9. Your raised altar will open the doors for blessings, miracles, and favor.

10. From this moment, your raised altar will bring continuous blessings and favor to your life and family.