RETURN TO THE ALTAR: ENCOUNTERS THAT SHAPE DESTINY скачать в хорошем качестве

RETURN TO THE ALTAR: ENCOUNTERS THAT SHAPE DESTINY

Genesis 12:7,8 Every genuine move of God begins with an appearance of God and a response from man. Before Abram built a nation, he built an altar. Before God gave him descendants, God gave him direction. A new beginning does not start when we shout happy new or made new resolutions, it starts when God appears and people respond. In Genesis 12:7–8, Abram teaches us how to respond when God shows up. He does not rush to settle; he stops to worship. He does not pitch first; he builds first. And in this first revival service of the year, God is calling us back to the altar. 1) THE PROMISE THAT STIRRED WORSHIPPERS: 👇👇👇 Genesis 12:7,8 Hebrews 11:8; 13:10,15; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 12:1; Exodus 3:2; Isaiah 6:1; Acts 9:3-5 Altars are used in many religions, but for God’s people, altars were more than places of sacrifice. For a worshipper of God, altars symbolized communion with God and commemorated notable encounters with Him. Abraham’s altar was not built out of routine; it was built in response to the revelation he had. “And the LORD appeared unto Abraham…” (Genesis 12:7). Building the altar helped Abram to be conscious that God was at the center of his life. Renewed worship and consecration help us to maintain constant fellowship with the “Promise Keeper”. Every promise from God carries His power to fulfill it. He not only makes promises, He manifests them (Isaiah 55:11). His promises remain steady even when everything else shifts. By this act, Abram made an open confession of his faith in God’s promise and commitment to worship Him. In the passage, the promise precedes the altar but Abram worshipped before the fulfilment. As a worshipper, what God says to you in this covenant month should stir you to deeper worship, not casual living. 2) THE PRIORITY OF SACRIFICIAL WORSHIP: 👇👇👇 Genesis 12:7,8 Matthew 6:33; Leviticus 6:12,13; Romans 12:1; 2 Samuel 24:24; 1 Kings 18:30-38; Haggai 1:1- 15; 2:1-23 And Abram’s first response to God’s voice of promise was not comfort; it was consecration. Abram builded the altar before his tent. Building the altar cost him something, Obedience, Time and Sacrifice. During Elijah’s day fire never fell on empty altars. Many want to experience the fulfilment of God’s promises and answered prayers. This year will not be sustained by last year’s devotion. God is calling us back to timely obedient and sacrificial worship. There must be not procrastination and relapse in our worship. We must take seriously the counsel of the songwriter when he says “when His message comes to you, there is but ONE thing to do, Just Obey” 3) THE PROCLAMATION THAT SUSTAINED THE WALK 👇👇👇 Genesis 12:7,8; Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 116:2; Genesis 13:4; 26:25; 35:7; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 85:6; Abram did not just build an altar; he called on the name of the Lord. Calling on the Lord invites His presence and releases divine direction. Altar is sustained by prayer. Altar are not silent places; they are crying places. Our prayer life must be regular as we walk through this year. Abram’s altar was visible, others could see it. Others should see that we are ready to walk pleasing to God by devotion, prayer and service. When Isaac also built an altar, his was never the same. Jacob saw the need too and obeyed, God went him on a journey that would have ended his life but he returned in prosperity. Today, God is saying; build again, call again, surrender again. This is the encounter that shape your