SET THE ALTAR ON FIRE

SET THE ALTAR ON FIRE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Leviticus 6:12-13

Key Verse: “The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” (Leviticus 6:13, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:1-2; 1 Kings 18:36-39; Revelation 8:3-5; Hebrews 12:29

Description: A burning altar represents a life fully surrendered to God, ablaze with His Spirit and power.

INTRODUCTION:
The altar in Scripture symbolises a sacred place of encounter, sacrifice, and divine visitation. A fireless altar reflects a lifeless spiritual state, but when the altar is aflame, God’s glory is revealed, and His power is manifested.

Many believers today struggle spiritually because the fire on their altar has gone out. Distractions, sin, and complacency have extinguished the flame of devotion, leaving a void where passion for God once burned. A cold altar cannot attract heaven’s attention or release divine power.

Setting the altar on fire means rekindling our relationship with God, offering ourselves as living sacrifices, and maintaining the disciplines that keep our spirits vibrant. When the altar is aflame, miracles happen, prayers are answered, and lives are transformed.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE ALTAR OF FIRE
A burning altar is essential for sustaining intimacy with God and spiritual power.

a) The altar is a meeting place with God (Exodus 20:24)
God reveals Himself where sacrifices are made and prayers are lifted.

b) Fire symbolises God’s presence and approval (Exodus 3:2)
Divine fire validates a life surrendered to Him.

c) A cold altar leads to spiritual weakness (Judges 6:25-26)
Without fire, there is no power or divine backing.

d) A burning altar draws divine intervention (1 Kings 18:38)
Elijah’s fiery altar led to national revival.

Biblical Example: Elijah rebuilt and set the altar on fire on Mount Carmel, and God responded with consuming fire that turned the hearts of Israel back to Him (1 Kings 18:36-39).

2. STEPS TO SET THE ALTAR ON FIRE
Restoring the fire requires intentional actions and spiritual discipline.

a) Repentance and consecration (Joel 2:12-13)
Sin quenches the fire; repentance restores divine fellowship.

b) Renewed devotion in prayer and worship (Psalm 141:2)
Persistent prayer and heartfelt worship ignite the flame.

c) Feeding on the Word of God (Jeremiah 23:29)
The Word acts as fuel that sustains the fire.

d) Fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25)
Spiritual community fans the flame and prevents isolation.

Biblical Example: The early church in Acts 2 prayed, worshipped, and fellowshipped continually, and the fire of the Holy Spirit spread powerfully through them.

3. MAINTAINING THE FIRE ON THE ALTAR
Keeping the altar burning is an ongoing responsibility for every believer.

a) Daily renewal of your commitment to God (Romans 12:1)
Presenting yourself daily as a living sacrifice keeps the flame alive.

b) Guarding against distractions and worldliness (1 John 2:15-17)
Worldly entanglements extinguish spiritual passion.

c) Persistent prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21)
Fasting strengthens your spirit and keeps you sensitive to God.

d) Continual thanksgiving and praise (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Gratitude keeps the fire of joy and worship burning.

Biblical Example: Samuel consistently ministered before the Lord, and the lamp of God did not go out in the tabernacle (1 Samuel 3:3).

4. THE POWER OF A BURNING ALTAR
When the altar is on fire, heaven responds with signs, wonders, and breakthroughs.

a) A burning altar attracts God’s glory (2 Chronicles 7:1)
God’s presence manifests where His fire burns.

b) Miracles and deliverance follow (Acts 12:5-7)
Prayer from a burning altar releases divine intervention.

c) Revival and transformation occur (Habakkuk 3:2)
God ignites revival through surrendered vessels.

d) A burning altar overcomes demonic opposition (Mark 9:29)
Spiritual fire drives out darkness and establishes victory.

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas prayed and sang at midnight, and the fire on their altar caused an earthquake that opened prison doors (Acts 16:25-26).

CONCLUSION:
The fire on your altar determines the strength of your spiritual life. God is calling His people to rekindle the flame of devotion, prayer, and holiness. A burning altar is the secret to power, revival, and divine breakthroughs.

Do not allow complacency, sin, or distractions to put out your fire. Stir up the gift of God within you, keep the flame alive through worship, the Word, and prayer, and watch God move mightily in and through your life.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, rekindle the fire of Your Spirit upon my altar today.
2. Lord, purge my heart of every sin and distraction that quenches Your fire.
3. Father, grant me fresh passion for prayer, worship, and Your Word.
4. Lord, restore every area of my life where the fire has gone out.
5. Father, make my life a living sacrifice pleasing to You.
6. Lord, let Your fire consume every work of darkness in and around me.
7. Father, strengthen me to maintain consistency in my walk with You.
8. Lord, ignite revival in my family, church, and community through me.
9. Father, empower me to overcome spiritual coldness and complacency.
10. Lord, let my life reflect Your glory as a burning altar of worship.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall burn brightly for God, and your altar shall never go cold!
2. You shall carry divine fire that transforms lives and situations!
3. You shall overcome every spiritual dryness and be filled afresh with His Spirit!
4. You shall experience supernatural breakthroughs as your altar burns for God!
5. You shall walk in renewed passion and power in your spiritual life!
6. You shall see God’s glory manifest in every area of your life!
7. You shall become a channel of revival and divine visitation!
8. You shall not lose your fire, but it shall increase continually!
9. You shall be a light in darkness and a flame of hope to many!
10. You shall live as a testimony of God’s power and presence wherever you go!