Build An Altar
“Jacob built an altar there and named the place El-bethel (which means “God of Bethel”) because God had appeared to him there when he was fleeing.”
Throughout the Old Testament, the building of an altar signified an intimate point of meeting with God, accompanied by significant change.
Traditionally, in the Christian era, we have called the front of the 'meeting place' (the altar). It was designated as the place where one could come to encounter the Lord Jesus through the divine work of His Holy Spirit.
When I came into the Pentecostal experience as a young man, it was common (in fact, expected) that there would be a call to the altar in every service. And perhaps that was the problem. It became too 'common' and, therefore, lost much of its meaning and power. However, over the years, I have personally witnessed the miraculous, life-changing power of God at work in His people at the altar.
I am not suggesting that we necessarily return to the practice as we once knew it. The altar is not primarily a place. It is an act! What happens at an altar is more vital than the place where that encounter happens.
Traditional altar calls did allow for a definite, immediate response to the presentation of a challenge from the Word of God. They indicated that some deliberate 'action step' was required and expected as a response to the message. When people came forward, it signified a personal declaration of a willingness to take the next step in offering oneself as a candidate for the work of the Holy Spirit.
While the traditional way of expressing this has been largely lost from the Church, 'next-gen' leadership must understand that it is indeed their constant, pastoral responsibility to create an 'altar environment 'within the context of every message. Each sermon preached should be the intentional assembling of the living stones of Scripture to establish an altar where people can respond.
A message from the Word of God should always conclude with:
An opportunity for the listeners to respond in some way to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
An intentional description of the next action step God is requiring as a response to His Word.
If there is no definitive opportunity given or instruction is not clearly articulated for action steps, a message, no matter how well-crafted or brilliant, is only a narrative or a download of information. As entertaining or as well-received as that might be, it is not enough.
As communicators of eternal truth, we are called to a higher standard in our preaching. We are not just aiming to be accomplished orators. Rather, we should be sobered by the fact that each time we preach, we are holding the issues of life and eternity before the people.
Not only are we to communicate truth in a way that challenges an encounter with the Holy Spirit, but we are to practically describe how that truth may be applied to our everyday behaviour. Potential growth steps need to be attached to every message we preach. This is how we progressively grow in the 'grace and knowledge' of the Lord Jesus.
The call to the altar cannot be ambiguous. It must be clear – 'This is what God is saying right here and now. This is what He is expecting us to respond to.' A non-definitive call is no call at all.
The call to the altar should be accompanied by a 'how' we may apply this truth right now in our particular situation. Agreement with what has been shared is not sufficient. Action needs to accompany agreement. We must give people ways to apply the truth that has been shared. How may we pray it out, write it out, walk it out and measure its impact over time?
“I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. ”
There is no greater honour than preaching the truth of the infallible, Spirit-inspired Word of God. We must hold it in the highest regard and handle it with anointed diligence.
Let's take care to build an altar every time we have the privilege to share the Gospel. God still meets people at the altar.
“Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!”
Al is an experienced pastor and counselor who works out of our ABNWT District Resource Centre in Edmonton as the Pastoral Care Coordinator. A pastor to the pastors, Al is a friend, mentor, and confidante to all.