The Significance of the Altar
- The word “altar” (A-L-T-A-R) and “altered” (A-L-T-E-R) are homophones, highlighting the connection between going to the altar and being changed.
- Altar (A-L-T-A-R) is a place for prayer.
- Altered (A-L-T-E-R) means to edit or change.
- Hebrews 13:8-15 was referenced.
- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
- Hearts should be established with grace, not with meats.
- Christ suffered without the gate to sanctify the people.
- Offer a sacrifice of praise continually, giving thanks to God’s name.
Altars in Genesis and the Importance of Thanksgiving
- Altars are mentioned 10 times in Genesis.
- Cain and Abel had to have an altar for their sacrifices, even though it’s not explicitly stated.
- The altar is not being used properly or enough today.
- Noah offered a sacrifice for thanksgiving after the flood.
- The altar should be used more for giving thanks and seeking God.
- A reminder is needed to pray more and offer intentional thanksgiving and prayer to God.
- Time should be spent seeking God instead of other things.
The Anointing and Being with Jesus
- Everyone wants the anointing, which is the presence of the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit empowers witnessing and sharing what God has done in one’s life.
- The Holy Spirit works through those who spend time with God.
- People should be known for having been with Jesus.
- The impact of one’s presence should leave behind the presence of God.
- Like John the Baptist, one must decrease so that God may increase.
Cain and Abel: Attitudes Towards God
- Cain and Abel’s story illustrates the importance of proper motivation and attitude towards God.
- Cain’s offering was rejected because he knew God but did not glorify Him.
- Abel offered a sacrifice with gratitude and dependence on God.
- Abel knew he had nothing good to offer.
- Abel’s sacrifice was acceptable because of his attitude.
Noah: Faithfulness and Salvation
- Noah preached for 120 years while building the ark.
- Noah’s story is one of enduring hardship and trusting in God.
- Noah was saved, and his children were saved with him.
- Noah had access to God.
Access to God and the Altar
- Born of incorruptible seed, believers have access to the throne of God for prayer, thanksgiving, and supplication.
- Even the smallest concerns can be brought to God.
- God cares deeply for His people.
- The altar in the Old Testament was a place where God encountered man.
- The Holy Spirit is the glory of God living inside believers.
- The encounter with God at the altar brings relief, deliverance, and the kingdom of God.
- Old things pass away, and all things become new.
The Purpose of Altars and Offerings
- Altars were places of burnt offerings (Noah) and offerings for sin (Cain and Abel).
- Cain and Abel knew what had been lost through their parents’ sin.
- There are many unanswered questions about the early world.
- Focus should be on holiness, love, and seeking things above.
- Directions from God are pinpointed and laser-beam guiding.
Prayer and Warfare
- Revelation speaks of an altar where the prayers of the saints ascend to God.
- Jacob built an altar after encountering God and seeing angels ascending and descending.
- Angels do the bidding and work of God.
- Each person has an angel that beholds their face in the presence of God.
- Engage in warfare against discord, which has infiltrated the house of God.
- Thoughts and imaginations that oppose God’s love should be pulled down.
- Everything should be brought before the Lord in prayer.
- If you think you don’t have anything to pray about, you are deceived.
- Some people are not praying or seeking God’s kingdom.
- Trouble, heartache, pain, and suffering are inevitable.
- Guilt, shame, and other negative emotions separate people from God.
Relationship with God vs. Works
- Some people do things in the house of God without a relationship with God.
- God hears every prayer, but He doesn’t always act on them.
- Most prayers are based on lust and are prayed amiss.
- The problem lies within oneself, not with God.
- It’s about believing and exercising faith, using the tools God has given.
- Pray continually and give thanksgiving to God.
Seeking Alteration and Unity
- Pray for continued alteration and editing according to God’s will.
- Unity and being in one accord are essential.
- Disrupt strongholds, being normal, and being content.
- Remember who you are in Christ, whether you live or die.
Lining Up with God and Receiving Help
- Imagine angels camped about, waiting for you to speak the word.
- Line up your heart with God and the Holy Spirit.
- Acknowledge what needs to be changed and ask for God’s help.
- Lay yourself out as a living sacrifice on the altar of God’s mercy.
- Receive help, grace, favor, and strength.
- Circumstances may not change, but you will be affected in a way that you can walk through the battlefield with joy, hope, strength, and peace.
David and Goliath: God’s Ability and New Encounters
- David knew that God was able to defeat Goliath.
- God put it in David’s heart to go down to the creek.
- God doesn’t need to do things the way He did yesterday.
- What He does today will be new.
- The benefits of God are renewed daily.
- Subject your thoughts, wills, and emotions to God.
- Accumulating things and bragging are discouraged.
The Race to Win and the Finish Line
- Run the race to win, not to lose.
- The finish line is heaven.
- Serving God is not a career to retire from.
- It’s about the souls of men.
Naaman and Continuous Warfare
- Naaman’s story illustrates the importance of seeking God for healing.
- The walk of faith is not clear and precise.
- The enemy continuously attacks our lives.
- Continuously pray and do warfare against everything that’s going on in your life.
