The Altar

In this video, we'll be exploring the meaning and symbolism of the Altar in the Christian faith. This is an important lesson that you'll want to learn if you're interested in Christianity.Show more

The Altar is a symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. By understanding the Altar, you'll better understand the power of Christ's love and compassion. This is an important lesson to learn, so be sure to watch this video and learn what the Altar means to Christians!

There are over four hundred references to altars in the Bible.

An altar is a place of sacrifice - a place to meet with God.

There were two altars in both the Tabernacle and the Temple.
• One was for sacrifices and
• One was for incense – the symbol of believing and acceptable prayer, praise and worship (Hebrews 13:15).

Our Lord is seeking worshippers. He wants our offering up of praise.

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

We see that in Elijah’s time the altar had been neglected.

(30) …And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.

The altar needed repair.

The condition of the altar also represented the spiritual condition of the people.

Their spiritual life was in disrepair.

The altar speaks to us…
• Of Giving and receiving
• Of Worship
• Of Giving up
• Of Letting go

At the altar…
• We give up ownership
• We put into God's hands

Elijah repaired the altar in the name of the Lord - in v 32.

(32) And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD…

He restored what had been neglected. He wanted God to be glorified and honoured.

The Altar speaks of Faith, of Prayer. He prayed a humble prayer. The prayer of faith. The fire of the Lord fell.

(38) Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

Elijah claimed the old-fashioned power – the power of Prayer And the Fire fell. From Heaven.

Will we lay down…
• our desires
• our will
• our self
• our flesh.

At the altar we surrender – we die.

We can sometimes say it very lightly, this expression of being ""On the Altar"".

But - What does it really mean?
• Totally giving over
• Handing over
• Death
• Burning up

There’s no need for us now to sacrifice our choicest animals. The perfect sacrifice for our sin has been made - our precious saviour.

Yet, in a sense we are to be the sacrifice.

At the altar we make a sacrifice.

Sometimes the preacher invites people, spiritually speaking, to come to the altar.

Come and do business with God.

It’s like a decisive point people come to in their lives. To get things right with God.

They are willing to lay their lives down… To consecrate themselves for holy service.

Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

God calls us to a sacred service. A decisive dedication.

The altar speaks of us being dedicated to God.

The altar is a holy place.

We are called to be Holy and pleasing to God – consecrated – devoted.

Will you come to the altar today and surrender your life, be the sacrifice - be all that God can make you to be - and find that service He wants you to render unto Him?

At the altar we receive the call to service. As Isaiah did. We hear the call of God at the altar.

The Lord calls. Who will go for God?

May our motto be, as Christ’s was:

""To do His will"".

John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

How about us?

Do we want to be used of God – as He wills – to be available? To serve?

As we serve we find tremendous fulfilment…
• Joy
• Abundant life
• Blessings

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