Understanding Altars: Spiritual Warfare and True Worship
Summary
### Summary
Good evening, family. Tonight, we delve into the profound topic of altars within the context of spiritual warfare. Understanding altars is crucial because they serve as the intersection between the divine and the human, a gateway to the spiritual realm. Historically, altars have been central to worship and sacrifice, starting from the early biblical accounts of Cain and Abel, through Noah, Abraham, and the Israelites. These altars were places where sacrifices were made to God, symbolizing obedience, submission, and covenant.
In the Old Testament, altars were physical structures where sacrifices were offered to atone for sins and connect with God. However, with the advent of Jesus Christ, the ultimate altar was established on the cross of Calvary. This act fulfilled the sacrificial system once and for all, making physical altars obsolete. Today, as New Testament believers, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as our rational act of worship (Romans 12:1).
The enemy has hijacked the concept of altars, using them to establish demonic strongholds in territories, families, and even nations. These demonic altars give legal rights to evil spirits to operate, causing oppression and bondage. Therefore, it is essential to understand the power and influence of altars, both godly and demonic, to effectively engage in spiritual warfare.
We must be cautious about where we direct our sacrifices and offerings. False prophets often exploit the concept of altars to deceive and bind people into covenants with demonic entities. True worship involves giving ourselves wholly to God, aligning with the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross. By doing so, we invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, making us living altars that carry the fire of God.
In conclusion, understanding the principles of altars and sacrifices is vital for walking in victory. We must discern between godly and demonic altars, ensuring that our worship and sacrifices are directed solely to God. As we embrace the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, we become empowered to break demonic strongholds and live in the fullness of God's presence and power.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Significance of Altars in Worship: Altars serve as the intersection between the divine and the human, a gateway to the spiritual realm. Historically, they have been central to worship and sacrifice, symbolizing obedience, submission, and covenant with God. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of our spiritual practices. [08:57]
2. The Ultimate Altar - The Cross of Calvary: With the advent of Jesus Christ, the ultimate altar was established on the cross. This act fulfilled the sacrificial system once and for all, making physical altars obsolete. Today, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as our rational act of worship. [26:03]
3. Demonic Hijacking of Altars: The enemy has hijacked the concept of altars, using them to establish demonic strongholds in territories, families, and even nations. These demonic altars give legal rights to evil spirits to operate, causing oppression and bondage. Understanding this helps us engage in effective spiritual warfare. [38:15]
4. Caution in Sacrifices and Offerings: False prophets often exploit the concept of altars to deceive and bind people into covenants with demonic entities. True worship involves giving ourselves wholly to God, aligning with the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross. By doing so, we invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, making us living altars that carry the fire of God. [50:23]
5. Empowerment through Understanding: Understanding the principles of altars and sacrifices is vital for walking in victory. We must discern between godly and demonic altars, ensuring that our worship and sacrifices are directed solely to God. As we embrace the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, we become empowered to break demonic strongholds and live in the fullness of God's presence and power. [52:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:28] - Introduction to Spiritual Warfare
[07:48] - Understanding Altars
[08:57] - Biblical Origins of Altars
[10:10] - Spiritual Mapping and Altars
[11:30] - The Power of Altars in Spiritual Warfare
[12:57] - Biblical Example: 1 Kings 13
[14:27] - Speaking to the Altar
[15:58] - The Role of Sacrifice
[17:17] - The First Altars in Genesis
[18:47] - Noah's Altar
[20:06] - The Significance of Sacrifice
[21:24] - The Covenant with Noah
[22:52] - The Blueprint of Sacrifice
[24:36] - The Role of Sin and Sacrifice
[26:03] - The Cross as the Ultimate Altar
[27:29] - The Nature of Sacrifice
[28:55] - The Importance of Obedience
[30:10] - The Altar of Noah
[30:55] - Abraham's Altars
[32:44] - The Tabernacle and Its Altars
[34:13] - The Altar of Burnt Offerings
[35:20] - The Altar of Incense
[36:28] - The Fulfillment of the Tabernacle
[37:45] - Demonic Altars and Their Influence
[38:15] - Legal Rights and Spiritual Warfare
[39:15] - The Prince of Persia
[40:14] - Stopping Demonic Activity
[41:14] - The Power of Prayer
[41:45] - The Influence of Leaders
[42:15] - The Danger of False Prophets
[43:15] - Entering Covenants with Spirits
[44:19] - True Worship and Sacrifice
[44:49] - Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices
[45:22] - The New Covenant Sacrifice
[45:53] - Giving Ourselves to God
[46:23] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[47:23] - The Fire of the Holy Ghost
[47:53] - The Place of Sacrifice
[48:24] - Summary of Altar Principles
[48:53] - The Temporary System of Altars
[49:24] - The Danger of Demonic Altars
[49:55] - The Power of Obedience and Submission
[50:23] - The Misuse of Church Stages
[50:53] - The Danger of False Covenants
[51:24] - The True Covenant with God
[51:54] - The Story of a False Covenant
[52:24] - The Only Covenant We Need
[52:54] - The Danger of Human Covenants
[53:24] - The Importance of Discernment
[53:56] - The Story of a Crashed Jet
[54:27] - The Misuse of Covenant Language
[54:58] - The True Purpose of Giving
[55:31] - The Danger of False Promises
[56:03] - The Consequences of False Covenants
[56:44] - The True Focus of Giving
[57:22] - The Importance of True Worship
[57:55] - The Danger of Compromise
[58:26] - The Call to True Worship
[58:56] - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
[59:36] - The Call to Repentance
[01:00:06] - Praying Against Demonic Altars
[01:00:37] - Breaking Demonic Strongholds
[01:01:07] - The Power of True Worship
[01:01:37] - Family Altars and Generational Curses
[01:02:11] - The Story of Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
[01:02:41] - The Power of True Sacrifice
[01:03:11] - The Call to True Worship
[01:03:40] - The Need for Signs and Wonders
[01:04:11] - The Call to Sacrifice
[01:04:41] - The Confusion of False Worship
[01:05:10] - The Call to True Worship
[01:05:41] - The Ultimate Altar - The Cross
[01:06:10] - The Power of the Holy Ghost
[01:06:40] - The Call to Believe in Jesus
[01:07:11] - The Invitation to Salvation
[01:07:40] - Closing Remarks
[01:08:10] - Final Blessing and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:1 - "Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercy of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is your rational act of worship."
2. 1 Kings 13:1-6 - The story of the man of God from Judah who cried out against the altar in Bethel.
3. Genesis 8:20-21 - "Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: 'Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 12:1 urge believers to do, and how is this described as an act of worship?
2. In 1 Kings 13:1-6, why did the man of God cry out against the altar instead of directly addressing King Jeroboam? [14:27]
3. According to Genesis 8:20-21, what was Noah's first action after leaving the ark, and how did God respond to it?
4. How does the sermon describe the role of altars in both the Old and New Testaments? [26:03]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to present our bodies as "living sacrifices" in the context of Romans 12:1, and how does this differ from Old Testament sacrifices?
2. Why is it significant that the man of God in 1 Kings 13 spoke to the altar rather than the king, and what does this teach us about the power of altars? [14:27]
3. How does Noah's act of building an altar and offering sacrifices in Genesis 8:20-21 demonstrate obedience and submission to God?
4. The sermon mentions that demonic altars can give legal rights to evil spirits. How can understanding this concept help believers engage in spiritual warfare more effectively? [38:15]
### Application Questions
1. Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices. What are some practical ways you can offer yourself wholly to God in your daily life?
2. Reflecting on the story in 1 Kings 13, how can you identify and speak against "altars" in your life that may be leading you away from God? [14:27]
3. Noah built an altar and offered sacrifices as an act of worship and obedience. What are some ways you can demonstrate obedience and submission to God in your current circumstances?
4. The sermon warns about the influence of demonic altars. Are there any areas in your life where you might be unknowingly giving legal rights to negative spiritual influences? How can you address this? [38:15]
5. The concept of altars in the sermon highlights the importance of true worship. How can you ensure that your worship and sacrifices are directed solely to God and not influenced by false teachings or prophets? [50:23]
6. The sermon emphasizes the need for discernment in spiritual matters. How can you cultivate a discerning spirit to recognize and avoid false covenants and teachings? [52:54]
7. Reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. How does embracing this sacrifice empower you to break demonic strongholds and live in the fullness of God's presence and power? [26:03]
Devotional
Day 1: The Significance of Altars in Worship
Altars serve as the intersection between the divine and the human, a gateway to the spiritual realm. Historically, they have been central to worship and sacrifice, symbolizing obedience, submission, and covenant with God. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of our spiritual practices. From the early biblical accounts of Cain and Abel, through Noah, Abraham, and the Israelites, altars were places where sacrifices were made to God, symbolizing obedience, submission, and covenant. These physical structures were essential for atoning for sins and connecting with God.
Today, as New Testament believers, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as our rational act of worship (Romans 12:1). This shift from physical altars to living sacrifices underscores the importance of our daily lives as acts of worship. By understanding the historical and spiritual significance of altars, we can better appreciate the depth of our spiritual practices and the call to live a life of obedience and submission to God. [08:57]
1 Kings 18:30-31 (ESV): "Then Elijah said to all the people, 'Come near to me.' And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down. Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, 'Israel shall be your name.'"
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you need to rebuild your "altar" to God. What steps can you take today to restore your commitment and obedience to Him?
Day 2: The Ultimate Altar - The Cross of Calvary
With the advent of Jesus Christ, the ultimate altar was established on the cross. This act fulfilled the sacrificial system once and for all, making physical altars obsolete. Today, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as our rational act of worship. The cross of Calvary stands as the ultimate symbol of sacrifice, where Jesus offered Himself once and for all to atone for the sins of humanity. This monumental act rendered the old system of physical altars and sacrifices obsolete, ushering in a new era of spiritual worship.
As believers, we are now called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This means that our daily lives, actions, and decisions should reflect our commitment to God and His will. By aligning ourselves with the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus, we can live in a way that is pleasing to God and experience the fullness of His presence and power. [26:03]
Hebrews 10:10 (ESV): "And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Reflection: In what ways can you offer your body as a living sacrifice to God today? Consider your daily routines and habits—how can they be acts of worship?
Day 3: Demonic Hijacking of Altars
The enemy has hijacked the concept of altars, using them to establish demonic strongholds in territories, families, and even nations. These demonic altars give legal rights to evil spirits to operate, causing oppression and bondage. Understanding this helps us engage in effective spiritual warfare. Demonic altars are established by the enemy to create strongholds and exert influence over individuals, families, and even entire regions. These altars give legal rights to evil spirits to operate, leading to various forms of oppression and bondage.
To effectively engage in spiritual warfare, it is crucial to recognize the existence and influence of these demonic altars. By understanding their power and how they operate, we can take steps to dismantle them through prayer, fasting, and the authority given to us in Christ. This awareness empowers us to break free from the chains of oppression and live in the freedom that God has intended for us. [38:15]
Daniel 10:13 (ESV): "The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel oppressed or bound? How can you use prayer and the authority of Christ to break these strongholds today?
Day 4: Caution in Sacrifices and Offerings
False prophets often exploit the concept of altars to deceive and bind people into covenants with demonic entities. True worship involves giving ourselves wholly to God, aligning with the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross. By doing so, we invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, making us living altars that carry the fire of God. It is essential to be cautious about where we direct our sacrifices and offerings. False prophets and teachers can manipulate the concept of altars to deceive people, leading them into harmful covenants with demonic entities.
True worship requires us to give ourselves wholly to God, aligning our lives with the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross. By doing so, we invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, transforming us into living altars that carry the fire and presence of God. This discernment helps us avoid deception and ensures that our worship is genuine and pleasing to God. [50:23]
Jeremiah 23:16 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.'"
Reflection: Reflect on the sources of spiritual guidance in your life. Are there any influences that may be leading you away from true worship? How can you ensure that your sacrifices and offerings are directed solely to God?
Day 5: Empowerment through Understanding
Understanding the principles of altars and sacrifices is vital for walking in victory. We must discern between godly and demonic altars, ensuring that our worship and sacrifices are directed solely to God. As we embrace the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, we become empowered to break demonic strongholds and live in the fullness of God's presence and power. By gaining a deeper understanding of the principles of altars and sacrifices, we equip ourselves to walk in spiritual victory. This knowledge helps us discern between godly and demonic altars, ensuring that our worship and sacrifices are directed solely to God.
Embracing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus empowers us to break free from demonic strongholds and live in the fullness of God's presence and power. This understanding is crucial for effective spiritual warfare and for living a life that is pleasing to God. By aligning ourselves with God's principles, we can experience His victory and power in every area of our lives. [52:54]
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: How can you apply the principles of altars and sacrifices to your daily life? What steps can you take to ensure that your worship and sacrifices are directed solely to God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Bible says that for lack of knowledge people perish. So if people perish because of lack of knowledge, and I can believe that also, having knowledge has this liberating ability, this transformative ability in it. So we need to know a lot of things. We need to know we are in the topic of spiritual warfare for almost one month." [06:28] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I walk in victory because this world is not only a physical, it's not only natural, it's not only what you see. There is more going on in the unseen world than you are aware of. And also the world in the physical realm as we know it is deeply influenced by the spiritual world." [07:48] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When there is no sacrifice in your life, there's no worship. The centrality, the main component of worship is sacrifice, sacrifice. And we'll explain that as we continue how sacrifice came into being." [24:36] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The cross was the ultimate altar, the ultimate, the final altar where the matter of sin, the subject of sin have been dealt with forever. Whatever divides us from God, whatever takes us away from the presence of God, whatever doesn't allow us to enjoy and fellowship with God, which was sin, was dealt with once for all." [26:03] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As a New Testament believer, it is impossible to be a worshipper of the Almighty God in the name of Jesus Christ without being a person of sacrifice. But sacrifice in a sense where we don't come anymore with something to, there's no more atonement gifting, there's no more atonement gifting, there's no more sacrifice for the eleven bread. No, all of that were fulfilled on the cross." [46:53] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So when you see heavy demons activity in a city, when you see heavy demonic, you know, activity going on in a country, you must know there's demonic altars somewhere that have been serviced by some people. And those demonic altars are what give access to these demons. Because through altars, you give permission, you give authority, you give legal right to any spirit to come into your life." [38:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we are servicing wrong altars, when we are worshipping wrong altars, when we are worshipping wrong divinity through these corrupt altars, all the time we allow demonic activities into our lives. And even though God wants to use us, we have to take that authority from that spirit. And how you take it out of him is we stop servicing those altars." [40:14] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we bring ourselves to the Lord, the Spirit of God coming inside of us does a symbol of the fire of the Holy Ghost, the fire of God coming and taking that sacrifice that has been given to him. And that sacrifice is us, is you, is every one of us that come to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." [47:53] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you understand the principle of altars, you understand the principle of sacrifice. You cannot be a worshipper of God without being sacrificial person. Amen. We're not sacrificing today to get atonement for our sin like it was done in the Old Testament. But we do that as Paul says. I think Paul gave a powerful statement in the book of Romans." [44:19] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So through that system, it was a temporal system like I say, but through that we see the heart of God who's a heart of sacrifice. The heart of God who's a heart of giving. A heart of always giving away. Okay? And what happened at the place of altar, like I say, is a place of obedience, a place of submission, a place of surrender, a place of covenant, a place of impartation." [49:55] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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