Understanding Altars: Divine Exchange and Spiritual Warfare
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the concept of altars, both divine and demonic, and their significance in our spiritual lives. We began by defining an altar as a place of exchange, fellowship, and sacrifice. Altars have been used throughout history for various rituals, including sacrifices of food, incense, wine, fruits, animals, and even humans. In the Old Testament, altars were meticulously constructed according to God's instructions, serving as a means for people to draw near to His presence. The New Testament also references altars, emphasizing their role as places of fellowship with the divine.
We explored how demonic altars are erected by humans due to ignorance, cultural traditions, control, and dominance over others, and rituals passed down through generations. These altars give demons access to the natural realm, allowing them to manipulate and control people. However, the ultimate altar is the cross of Jesus Christ, where the divine exchange took place. Jesus, the just, was sacrificed for the unjust, providing us with the opportunity to have peace with God and be justified by faith.
The cross is the most powerful altar, dismantling all other altars erected by humans for Satan's kingdom. This divine exchange disarms and destroys these demonic altars, offering us a new altar where we can have direct fellowship with God, empowered by His grace and the Holy Spirit. We are called to sacrifice our own bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as stated in Romans 12:1-2.
We also discussed the importance of recognizing and dismantling demonic altars in our lives, families, and communities. These altars can manifest as patterns of mental illness, poverty, and other generational curses. By understanding the battle of altars, we can pray effectively and gain victory through the power of the cross and the resurrected life of Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Nature of Altars: Altars are places of exchange, fellowship, and sacrifice. They have been used throughout history for various rituals, including sacrifices of food, incense, wine, fruits, animals, and even humans. In the Old Testament, altars were meticulously constructed according to God's instructions, serving as a means for people to draw near to His presence. [11:17]
2. Demonic Altars: Demonic altars are erected by humans due to ignorance, cultural traditions, control, and dominance over others, and rituals passed down through generations. These altars give demons access to the natural realm, allowing them to manipulate and control people. Recognizing these altars is crucial for spiritual warfare. [41:03]
3. The Divine Exchange: The cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate altar where the divine exchange took place. Jesus, the just, was sacrificed for the unjust, providing us with the opportunity to have peace with God and be justified by faith. This divine exchange disarms and destroys all other altars erected by humans for Satan's kingdom. [36:20]
4. Living Sacrifices: We are called to sacrifice our own bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This involves a daily commitment to live according to God's will, empowered by His grace and the Holy Spirit. This personal sacrifice is a form of worship and a way to maintain fellowship with God. [46:28]
5. Spiritual Warfare: Understanding the battle of altars is essential for effective spiritual warfare. By recognizing and dismantling demonic altars in our lives, families, and communities, we can pray effectively and gain victory through the power of the cross and the resurrected life of Jesus Christ. This requires tenacity, consistency, and a deep understanding of our spiritual authority in Christ. [01:07:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:06] - Introduction to Spiritual Battle
[05:27] - Definition and Purpose of Altars
[11:17] - Old Testament Altars
[14:54] - New Testament References to Altars
[22:15] - Jesus and the Altar
[27:00] - The Cross as the Ultimate Altar
[29:59] - The Divine Exchange
[36:20] - Justification by Faith
[41:03] - Demonic Altars and Their Impact
[46:28] - Living Sacrifices
[49:16] - Fellowship with God
[51:38] - The Bronze Serpent as a Foreshadowing
[53:10] - The Power of the Cross
[54:38] - Witchcraft and Family Altars
[56:32] - Authority in Christ
[01:01:12] - Personal Testimony
[01:03:05] - The Battle of Altars
[01:04:29] - Spiritual Authority and Warfare
[01:07:55] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:1-2: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
2. 1 Corinthians 10:18-22: "Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he?"
3. Hebrews 13:10-15: "We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the different types of sacrifices mentioned in the Old Testament that were offered on altars? [11:17]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 10:18-22, what is the significance of participating in the altar of the Lord versus the altar of demons? [14:54]
3. How does Romans 12:1-2 describe the concept of living sacrifices, and what does it mean for believers? [46:28]
4. What does Hebrews 13:10-15 say about the altar of Jesus and its significance compared to the Old Testament altars? [27:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to recognize and dismantle demonic altars in our lives, families, and communities? [41:03]
2. How does the concept of the divine exchange at the cross impact our understanding of justification by faith? [36:20]
3. What does it mean to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, and how does this relate to our daily walk with God? [46:28]
4. How can understanding the battle of altars help us in our spiritual warfare and prayer life? [01:07:55]
#### Application Questions
1. Have you ever identified any patterns or generational curses in your family that could be linked to demonic altars? How can you begin to pray against these? [41:03]
2. In what ways can you offer your body as a living sacrifice to God this week? Be specific about actions you can take. [46:28]
3. How can you ensure that you are participating in the altar of the Lord and not inadvertently partaking in the altar of demons in your daily life? [14:54]
4. Reflect on the divine exchange that took place at the cross. How does this understanding change the way you view your relationship with God and others? [36:20]
5. What steps can you take to dismantle any demonic altars that may exist in your community? How can you involve others in this spiritual warfare? [01:07:55]
6. How can you use the power of the cross and the resurrected life of Jesus Christ to gain victory in areas of your life where you feel spiritually attacked? [01:04:29]
7. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to experience the divine exchange. How can you bring this area to the altar of Jesus and seek transformation? [36:20]
Devotional
Day 1: The Nature of Altars
Altars are places of exchange, fellowship, and sacrifice. They have been used throughout history for various rituals, including sacrifices of food, incense, wine, fruits, animals, and even humans. In the Old Testament, altars were meticulously constructed according to God's instructions, serving as a means for people to draw near to His presence. Altars were central to worship and were often built to commemorate significant encounters with God. They were physical representations of spiritual realities, where divine-human interactions took place.
In the New Testament, the concept of altars continues, emphasizing their role as places of fellowship with the divine. The ultimate altar is the cross of Jesus Christ, where the most significant divine exchange occurred. Understanding the nature of altars helps us appreciate the depth of our spiritual heritage and the importance of maintaining a place of communion with God in our lives. [11:17]
Exodus 20:24 (ESV): "An altar of earth you shall make for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you."
Reflection: What are the "altars" in your life where you meet with God? How can you make these places more intentional and sacred?
Day 2: Demonic Altars
Demonic altars are erected by humans due to ignorance, cultural traditions, control, and dominance over others, and rituals passed down through generations. These altars give demons access to the natural realm, allowing them to manipulate and control people. Recognizing these altars is crucial for spiritual warfare. They can manifest in various forms, such as patterns of mental illness, poverty, and other generational curses that affect individuals and families.
Understanding the existence and influence of demonic altars helps us to be vigilant and proactive in our spiritual lives. By identifying these altars, we can pray effectively and dismantle their power through the authority given to us in Christ. This requires discernment, prayer, and a commitment to living in the truth of God's Word. [41:03]
Deuteronomy 12:3 (ESV): "You shall tear down their altars and dash in pieces their pillars and burn their Asherim with fire. You shall chop down the carved images of their gods and destroy their name out of that place."
Reflection: Are there any patterns or strongholds in your life or family that could be linked to demonic altars? How can you begin to address these through prayer and spiritual authority?
Day 3: The Divine Exchange
The cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate altar where the divine exchange took place. Jesus, the just, was sacrificed for the unjust, providing us with the opportunity to have peace with God and be justified by faith. This divine exchange disarms and destroys all other altars erected by humans for Satan's kingdom. The cross is the most powerful altar, offering us a new place of direct fellowship with God, empowered by His grace and the Holy Spirit.
This divine exchange is central to our faith, as it represents the ultimate act of love and redemption. By understanding the significance of the cross, we can fully embrace the freedom and victory that Jesus has won for us. This knowledge empowers us to live boldly and confidently in our identity as children of God. [36:20]
Colossians 2:14-15 (ESV): "By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."
Reflection: How does the reality of the divine exchange at the cross impact your daily life? What areas of your life need to be brought under the power of the cross?
Day 4: Living Sacrifices
We are called to sacrifice our own bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This involves a daily commitment to live according to God's will, empowered by His grace and the Holy Spirit. This personal sacrifice is a form of worship and a way to maintain fellowship with God. It requires us to continually surrender our desires, plans, and actions to align with God's purposes.
Living as a sacrifice means being intentional about our spiritual growth and being willing to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with God. It is a call to holiness and a life that reflects the character of Christ. By offering ourselves as living sacrifices, we participate in the ongoing work of sanctification and transformation that God desires for us. [46:28]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What does it mean for you to be a living sacrifice today? How can you practically offer your body and life as a holy and pleasing sacrifice to God?
Day 5: Spiritual Warfare
Understanding the battle of altars is essential for effective spiritual warfare. By recognizing and dismantling demonic altars in our lives, families, and communities, we can pray effectively and gain victory through the power of the cross and the resurrected life of Jesus Christ. This requires tenacity, consistency, and a deep understanding of our spiritual authority in Christ.
Spiritual warfare is not just about defensive measures but also about taking proactive steps to establish God's kingdom in our lives and surroundings. It involves prayer, fasting, and the application of God's Word to break down strongholds and set captives free. By engaging in this battle, we align ourselves with God's purposes and experience His power and victory in our lives. [01:07:55]
Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
Reflection: What specific areas of your life or community need spiritual warfare? How can you begin to pray and act with the authority given to you in Christ to dismantle demonic altars and establish God's kingdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "An altar is a place of exchange, an altar is a place of fellowship, an altar was a place to offer sacrifice. The altar is a place to call on the man, and alter is a place to call on the man. Such as food, incense, wine, fruits, and animals, even human beings at times. We see that with the worship of Molech, the sacrificing of children. Altars could be made of stone, earth, or metal with different types of altars associated with different rituals." [05:27] (214 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus received the punishment due to our transgress., which is, which we turn the transgress and in terms might be forgiven.. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the divine exchange we're talking about. Jesus put himself as the ultimate altar, meaning the eternal altar, his body, his blood. And now, because of that sacrifice, we come to that altar and we have peace with God, justified by faith in Jesus Christ." [36:20] (77 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross grants us a new altar where we have direct fellowship with God, empowered by divine grace, by the Holy Spirit, with the sprinkling of his blood through the sacrifice of our praise." [46:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have fellowship with God directly empowered by Grace by the Holy spirit with the sprinkled. of his blood. Whose blood? Jesus' blood through the sacrifice of our praise. And remember, the life is in the blood. The life is in the blood. The Bible says that Jesus poured out his life because what? He poured out his blood on the cross. That cross is an altar." [49:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross. I am dead in Christ. I am a new creature. It is not I who live, but it's Christ who lives in me now. When I was able to get that revelation, my family was under a witchcraft altar. I was able to take authority because the altar that I transact with is more powerful. It's a battle of altars." [01:03:05] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Now we know that there are demonic altars, but today, given this outline, I want to make sure that we understand the altar that we stand on is the altar of the true and living God, all power, all authority, through the blood of Jesus, by his grace, by the Holy Spirit given to us." [22:15] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The divine exchange can also happen that if we go to the wrong altar and we start worshiping the altars of demons which many people do in our generation in your culture my culture and every culture there's an exchange there as well there's an exchange there as well and remember an altar allows a spirit to have access to the natural realm the altar allows it's an entry point for the spirit to have access." [29:59] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you're coming up against an altar over your family, over your town, over your city, over your country, it's a destruction of a system or organization empowered by demons. It's a coming against of that system and organization. It's coming against it and gradually reducing its power and purpose. It doesn't happen overnight. You have to be tenacious. You have to be consistent." [01:07:55] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we understand this battle of altars, we will know how to pray and we will know how to fight in the energy and gain victory and gain victory and gain victory and gain victory and gain victory and gain victory. We have the cross is. We have a victory in the cross, and the cross." [01:04:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When Moses lifted up that pole with that bronze snake, it was an altar. It was a foreshadowing of Christ's crucifixion, his sacrifice. As an altar, Tr. twenty-Don of Mouse, and, which is what, he put himself a, he, the just go on the opinions, and he is that exchange. هو. It's truth, the game is the, the right, the crown., that exchange is that, he sees the justice of Jesus." [51:38] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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