"Rebuilding the Altar of God: A Call to Spiritual Renewal"
In the journey of our Christian lives, there are times when the altars of our hearts, symbolic places of worship and surrender to God, may need rebuilding. We find inspiration in the Scriptures to explore the significance of rebuilding altars as a transformative act of devotion. Today, we delve into 1 Kings 18, Genesis 12, Genesis 35, Psalm 43, and Romans 12 to discover the profound meaning of rebuilding the altar of God in our lives.
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I. The Need to Rebuild Altars in the Christian Life: 1 Kings 18:30
Our journey commences with the acknowledgment of the need to rebuild altars, as exemplified in 1 Kings 18:30. Elijah, amidst a spiritually desolate nation, rebuilds the altar of the Lord as a symbolic act of reconnection with God. This narrative sets the stage for us to consider the altars in our own lives that may need reconstruction.
II. The Importance of Building Your Altar to the Lord: Genesis 12:7
Genesis 12:7 introduces us to Abraham, who, upon God's call, builds an altar to the Lord. This act marks the beginning of his journey of faith and establishes the importance of personal altars as expressions of devotion and commitment to God.
III. The Symbolic Meaning of Altars: Genesis 35:1
In Genesis 35:1, Jacob commands his household to put away foreign gods and purify themselves, highlighting the symbolic meaning of altars as places of consecration and separation unto God. Rebuilding altars involves cleansing our lives and dedicating ourselves afresh to the Lord.
IV. The Relevance of Altars in Worship: Psalm 43:3
Psalm 43:3 expresses the relevance of altars in worship. The psalmist yearns to come to God's altar, recognizing it as a place of communion and intimacy with the Divine. Rebuilding altars involves restoring our passion for worship and seeking God's presence with a fervent heart.
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V. The Altar as a Place of Total Surrender to God: Romans 12:1
Romans 12:1 presents the altar as a metaphor for total surrender to God. The apostle Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices—holy and pleasing to God. Rebuilding altars involves renewing our commitment to surrender every aspect of our lives to the Lord.
VI. The Reconstruction of Altars as a Response to Spiritual Desolation
The act of rebuilding altars becomes a poignant response to spiritual desolation. In times of dryness and distance from God, the reconstruction of altars signifies a deliberate effort to seek, encounter, and draw near to the Almighty.
- Sermon on Acts 2: The Outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost
- Sermon on Isaiah 6:8 Here I am, send me
- Sermon on 2 Chronices 20: The Battle is the Lord's
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the significance of rebuilding the altar of God, may our hearts be stirred to examine the altars of our lives. Let us recognize the call to rebuild as an invitation to deepen our devotion, consecrate ourselves afresh, and surrender wholly to God. Just as Elijah, Abraham, and Jacob rebuilt altars in response to God's leading, may we, too, be responsive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. As we engage in this transformative act, may the altars of our hearts become places of worship, intimacy, and surrender—a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the Lord. May the reconstruction of altars be a catalyst for spiritual renewal in our individual lives and in the life of the Church.
