Israel was experiencing a sharp fall in its spiritual health under King Ahab. Ahab adopted and encouraged the worship of Baal, an idolatrous god, under the influence of his wife Jezebel. The people had abandoned worshiping the true God and abiding by His laws in favor of idolatry, immorality, and injustice.

Remember the James says about being unstable in your thinking as you approach God!

Elijah was sent by God to address Israel's disobedience.

Elijah issued a challenge to the Israelites on Mount Carmel: decide between Yahweh, the only true God, and Baal.

The people saw the might and actuality of the true God through the dramatic events that took place on Mount Carmel, particularly the amazing fire from heaven that consumed Elijah's sacrifice.

What is the Alter of God?
A place of sacrifice - An altar is any structure upon which offerings such as sacrifices are made to God.

A place of memorial - An altar was often built to commemorate an encounter with God that had a profound impact upon someone.

Abram - Genesis 12:7 ESV - 7 Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

Isaac - Genesis 26:24-25 ESV - 24 And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, "I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham's sake." 25 So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the LORD and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac's servants dug a well.

Jacob - Genesis 35:3 ESV - 3 Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone."

David - 1 Chronicles 21:26 ESV - 26 And David built there an altar to the LORD and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on the LORD, and the LORD answered him with fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering.

Gideon - Judges 6:24 ESV - 24 Then Gideon built an altar there to the LORD and called it, The LORD Is Peace. To this day it still stands at Ophrah, which belongs to the Abiezrites.

The altar is a place set apart for commitment and consecration to God.

The Alter of the Heart
There is an unseen altar inside every human heart where the struggle between the spirit and the flesh is unfolding.

Living Altars: Sustaining a Lifestyle of Worship

A Place of Signification - Sometimes God Himself commanded that an altar be built after He had delivered someone in a miraculous way.

The Broken Altar: Recognizing the Need for Restoration
a.During times of Israel’s rebellion and idolatry, the Lord’s altars fell into disrepair.

The Process of Rebuilding: Steps Toward Restoration

Conclusion
a.The Power of a Rebuilt Altar: Recap the journey of rebuilding the altar and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities.
b. Personal Application: Challenge the congregation to assess the condition of their own altars and take steps towards restoration and revival.
c.Call to Action: Encourage the congregation to commit to a lifestyle of worship, surrender, and dedication to God, seeking His fire of revival in their lives.

The Fire of Revival: God's Response to a Restored Altar