AN EFFECTIVE PRAYER ALTAR

AN EFFECTIVE PRAYER ALTAR
“And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:20-22.
When God smell the sweet aroma from the altar, He spoke.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.” Hebrews 13:8-10.
Ezra 3:1-6 - The returnees from exile came to rebuild the temple but they first started with building the altar to back and sustain them throughout building the temple. They built the altar and keep sacrificing it. They maintained and sustained it as they prioritized it regularly. If you are connected to an altar, you will also partake of benefits of it – 1 Cor. 9:11.
An altar is a meeting place between the worshiped and the worshippers. It is where the Omnipotent meets the potent. It is a place of sacrifice for the deity to accept it. It is a place where the fats are burnt and incense rise to God. It is where we bring the sacrifice to the worshipped.
An altar is also the place of exchange – where you give your sacrifice, the deities release their blessing. Isaiah 40:31 says, they that wait on the Lord, they shall exchange their strength for the Lord’s.
The altar is a place of transformation and empowerment – Holiness is a divine attribute. If we shall attain it, it shall be in His presence – changing from one stage to another unto perfection. You may not be whom you wish to be now, but if you keep sitting at His presence, a transformation to His image will take place gradually till you reach the perfection.
The altar is a place of witness.
The altar speaks – “Then the sixth angel sounded: I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,” Rev. 9:13. If you a regular commuter at the altar, it will speak for you and offer you its benefits. Altar speaks life, it speaks backward to cancel your past sins and takes away your condemnation.
The altar is a place of refuge and protection.
Life has to do with the strength of altar backing him. The strength of alters are not the same.
What are the determinants of an altar?
The strength (power) of the deity
The sacrifice that is presented on the altar. The greatest of all altars is the one that has Jesus Christ the Son of the Most High on it. Having the blood of Jesus Christ speaking of a better covenant.
In 2 Kings 3:26-27, king of Moab killed his crown prince for sacrifice – the highest and most precious to his idol. Giving God poor sacrifice cannot move Him into action. Anyone offering God his best shall experience God in action in a greater measure. The poor sacrifice we bring to the altar of God is the reason why our altar could not produce its maximum.
What Altar Are We Talking About Now?
Our Altar as Christians is mobile – It is situated in our hearts and is connected to the throne of grace. It is moveable – It is within, not external. Every benefits of redemption that Jesus brought for us, we access it at the altar. If we are disconnected from the altar for whatever reason, we are in doom. Before starting a project, you must first build relationship. Elijah first rebuilt the broken altar and prayed at the right time – the hour of prayer (of evening sacrifice). Many unbelievers knew how to maintain their backups, but the Christians are weak.
Active Volcano – Power and Fire at the Altar
When the altar of Micah was taken away from him in Judges 18:14-26, he cried out in struggle to have it back. When your altar is taken away from you, you become empty and irrelevant. Your prayer altar must not be taken away from you; for it will speak for you in the day of trouble.
In conclusion, spend days and nights in God’s presence. Serve your altar with better offerings to win the divine approval and become partaker of His benefits. If/when your altar is sound and healthy, your building/projects will prosper.

ARISE AND SHINE

ARISE & SHINE!

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." Isaiah 60:1.

Who can shine?

He who has light life. The beauty of plant is its flower. Fresh leaf & stones cannot catch fire. Jesus is the light of the world. Only the man in Christ can shine as light in this world full of darkness.

When to Shine?

Light has no value when there s no darkness. When darkness is dominating is the right time light can shine - Isaiah 60:2.

When in darkness of oppression, we need light of liberation.

When in darkness of sickness, we need light of healing.

When in darkness of poverty, we need light of financial breakthrough.

When in darkness of barrenness, we need light of fruitfulness.

When in darkness of shame & disgrace, we need light of glory & power.

When in darkness of captivity, we need light of freedom... etc

Why "Arise"?

- The word "arise" is a command. It indicates that the person concern is sleeping or lying down hopeless - Isaiah 52:1-6.

- It is an order to encourage the man to resume his duty of destiny & be fulfilled.

- It comes from the higher authority to the lesser person - God to man.

- It is the set time to be fulfilled. If any man manifests before his time, he may be wasted (aborted) like a premature baby. But at the appointed time of God, fulfillment is inevitable. Gal. 4:4-5.

CHALLENGE...

Do you see reason for you to shine?

Do you believe it is your set time & turn?

Are you ready to shine?

Can you see God in your situation ready to turn the tide in your favour?

Can God ride on you to shine in you to the world?

If yes! Then the condition is...

1. You must be born again - John 3:3,5; 1 Cor. 5:17.

2. You must be washed clean daily through the blood of Jesus for cleansing and empowerment - 1 John 1:7.

3. Be filled with the Holy Spirit - He is the oil in the lamp - John 20:22; Eph. 5:18.

4. Live holy & be righteous everyday in spite of whatever challenge you are facing.

5. Walk in love with all men.

6. Be a forgiver as God has forgiven you - Luke 6:37; Matt. 6:12-15.

7. Let Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom - Col. 3:16; Eph. 3:17. Christ is our sufficiency - 2 Cor. 3:5.

BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Baptism with the Holy Spirit (alternatively Baptism of the Holy Spirit or Baptism in the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost ) in Christian theology is a term describing baptism (washing or immersion) in or with the Spirit of God and is frequently associated with the bestowal of spiritual gifts and empowerment for Christian ministry. While the phrase "baptism with the Holy Spirit" is found in the New Testament, and while all Christian traditions accept it as a theological concept, each has interpreted it in a way consistent with their own beliefs on ecclesiology and Christian initiation. One view holds that the term refers only to Pentecost, the "once-for-all" event for the whole Church described in the second chapter of the Book of Acts. Another view holds that the term also refers to an experience of the individual believer distinct from salvation and initiation into the Church.

Before the emergence of the holiness movement in the mid-19th century and Pentecostalism in the early 20th century, most denominations believed that Christians received the baptism with the Holy Spirit either upon conversion and regeneration or through rites of Christian initiation. Since the growth and spread of Pentecostal and charismatic churches, however, the belief that the baptism with the Holy Spirit is an experience distinct from regeneration has come into increasing prominence. Biblical description Greco's depiction of Pentecost, with tongues of fire and a dove representing the Holy Spirit's descent.

Further information: Holy Spirit (Judaism) In Christian theology, the work of the Holy Spirit under the Old Covenant is viewed as less extensive than that under the New Covenant inaugurated on the day of Pentecost. The Spirit was restricted to certain chosen individuals, such as high priests and prophets. Often termed the “spirit of prophecy” in rabbinic writings, the Holy Spirit was closely associated with prophecy and divine inspiration. It was anticipated that in the future messianic age God would pour out his spirit upon all of Israel, which would become a nation of prophets. While the exact phrase "baptism with the Holy Spirit" is not found in the New Testament, two forms of the phrase are found in the canonical gospels using the verb "baptize". The baptism was spoken about by John the Baptist, who contrasted his water baptism for the forgiveness of sins with the baptism of Jesus. In Mark and John, the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus "will baptize in (the) Holy Spirit"; while in Matthew and Luke, he "will baptize with Holy Spirit and fire". Jesus is considered the first person to receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus during his baptism and anointed him with power. Afterward, Jesus began his ministry and displayed his power by casting out demons, healing the sick, and teaching with authority. The phrase "baptized in the Holy Spirit" occurs two times in Acts, first in Acts 1:4-5 and second in Acts 11:16. Other terminology is used in Acts to indicate Spirit baptism, such as "filled". "Baptized in the Spirit" indicates an outward immersion into the reality of the Holy Spirit, while "filled with the Spirit" suggests an internal diffusion. Both terms speak to the totality of receiving the Spirit. The baptism with the Holy Spirit is described in various places as the Spirit "poured out upon", "falling upon", "coming upon" people. To "pour out" suggests abundance and reflects John 3:34, "God gives the Spirit without limit". Another expression, "come upon" is related to a statement by Jesus in Luke 24:49, "I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high". The language of "come on" and "clothed with" suggest possession by and endowment with the Holy Spirit. The narrative of Acts begins after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. The resurrected Jesus directed his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism in the Holy Spirit and promised, "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth". After his ascension, he was given authority to pour out the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, the messianic expectations found in early Judaism were fulfilled on the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2:1-41. The Christian community was gathered together in Jerusalem when a sound from heaven like rushing wind was heard and tongues like tongues of flame rested on everyone. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues, miraculously praising God in foreign languages. A crowd gathered and was addressed by the Apostle Peter who stated that the occurrence was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, "And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy". He then explained how the Spirit came to be poured out, recounting Jesus’ ministry and passion and then proclaiming his resurrection and enthronement at the right hand of God. In response, the crowd asked Peter what they should do. He responded that they should repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins in order to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter finished his speech stating that the promise "is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself". Baptism in the Holy Spirit occurs elsewhere in Acts. The gospel had been proclaimed in Samaria and the apostles Peter and John were sent from Jerusalem. The new believers had been water baptized, but the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen on them. The Samaritans received the Holy Spirit when Peter and John laid their hands on them. The Apostle Paul was also filled with the Holy Spirit when Ananias of Damascus laid hands on him, and afterwards Paul was baptized with water. Later in Acts, Peter preached the gospel to the household of Cornelius the Centurion, a Gentile. While he preached, the Holy Spirit fell on the gentiles, and they began to speak in tongues. The Jewish believers with Peter were amazed, and the household was water baptized. While the apostle Paul was in Ephesus, he found disciples there and discovered that they did not know of the existence of the Holy Spirit and had only received John the Baptist’s baptism. After baptizing them in Jesus’ name, Paul laid his hands on them, and they began to speak in tongues and prophesy. History In the early Church, the imposition of hands on the newly baptized to impart the gift of the Holy Spirit was the origin of the sacrament of confirmation. In the Eastern Church, confirmation continued to be celebrated immediately after water baptism. The two rites were separated in the Western church. According to Pentecostal historian H. Vinson Synan, "the basic premise of Pentecostalism, that one may receive later effusions of the Spirit after initiation/conversion, can be clearly traced in Christian history to the beginnings of the rite of confirmation in the Western churches". Many Puritans believed that the experience of becoming a Christian was followed by a later and distinct experience of the Holy Spirit. This experience was characterized by receiving assurance of one's salvation. English Puritan Thomas Goodwin equated this experience with the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the "seal of the Spirit" referenced in the Epistle to the Ephesians. Synan traces the influence of Catholic and Anglican mystical traditions on John Wesley's doctrine of Christian perfection or entire sanctification, from which Pentecostal beliefs on Spirit baptism developed. Furthermore, James Dunn notes early Methodist beliefs can be directly linked to Puritan teaching on the Holy Spirit. Wesley taught that while the new birth was the start of the Christian life, "inbred sin" remained and must be removed through a lifelong process of moral cleansing. John Fletcher , Wesley's designated successor, called Christian perfection a "baptism in the Holy Spirit". His Checks to Antinomianism later became a standard for Pentecostally- inclined holiness teachers. On the subject, Fletcher wrote: In mid-19th century America, the Wesleyan holiness movement began to teach that entire sanctification was less a process and more of a state that one entered into by faith at a definite moment in time. This second blessing, as it was commonly called, allowed Christians to be freed from the power of sin. Among adherence of the holiness movement, baptism in the Holy Spirit was synonymous with second blessing sanctification. After his conversion in 1821, Presbyterian minister and revivalist Charles Grandison Finney experienced what he called "baptism in the Holy Spirit" accompanied by "unutterable gushings" of praise. Finney and other Reformed writers, known as Oberlin perfectionists, agreed that there was a life altering experience after conversion, but unlike their Wesleyan holiness counterparts, they conceived of it as an ongoing process enabling believers to devote themselves wholly to Christ's service. Similarly, the English Higher Life movement taught that the second blessing was an "enduement of power". According to this view, Spirit baptism gave Christians the ability to be witnesses for the gospel and to perform Christian service. Wesleyan teachers emphasized purity while Oberlin and higher life advocates stressed power as the defining outcome of Spirit baptism.

In the early 1890s, R.C. Horner, a Canadian holiness evangelist, introduced a theological distinction that would be important for the development of Pentecostalism. He argued in his books Pentecost (1891) and Bible Doctrines (1909) that the baptism in the Holy Spirit was not synonymous with the second blessing but was actually a third work of grace subsequent to salvation and sanctification that empowered the believer for service. Charles Fox Parham would build on this doctrinal foundation when he identified speaking in tongues as the Bible evidence of Spirit baptism. Views Russian Orthodox depiction of Pentecost, c. 1497. The diverse views on Spirit-baptism held among Christian traditions can be categorized into three main groups. These are baptism with the Spirit as sacramental initiation (Orthodox and Catholic churches), regeneration (Reformed tradition), and empowerment for witness and vocation (Pentecostals and charismatics). Main article: Chrismation Orthodox Churches believe that baptism in the Holy Spirit is conferred with water baptism. The individual is anointed with oil (chrism) immediately after baptism.

According to Cyril of Jerusalem:

Main article: Confirmation (Catholic Church). The Catholic Church teaches that baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist —the sacraments of Christian initiation—lay the foundations of the Christian life. [42] The Christian life is based on baptism. It is "the gateway to life in the Spirit" and "signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit". The post-baptismal anointing (Chrismation in the Eastern churches) signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit and announces a second anointing to be conferred later in confirmation that completes the baptismal anointing. Confirmation, then, is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. When confirmed, Catholics receive the "special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost".[46] For the confirmand it increases the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord), unites more fully to Christ and the Church, and gives strength to confess Christ and defend the faith. The rite of confirmation orients toward mission, and many liturgical texts remind the initiate that the gift of the Holy Spirit should be used for service to the church and the world.

Main article: Reformed theology: The main Reformed position on Spirit baptism is that the gift of the Holy Spirit is given at the moment of regeneration, which, in Protestant terms, is not predicated on water baptism or membership in the visible church. Rather, all who have faith in Jesus Christ are members of the invisible church and as such are given the Holy Spirit. Many Puritans, such as Thomas Goodwin, viewed Spirit baptism as synonymous with being sealed by the Spirit, a reference, in their view, to a post-conversion event associated with receiving assurance of one's salvation. Many Baptists hold that Spirit baptism was an event that took place once and for all in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost. Confined to the first century and associated with signs and wonders, Spirit baptism authenticated the church as God's new institution after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After the Spirit came on Pentecost, and the associated events identifying Samaritans and non-Jews with the church in Acts 8, 10, and 19, the baptism of the Spirit was completed, not to take place again in the church age. Historic Baptists argue that Spirit filling is a ministry for this present day (Eph 5:18), but Spirit baptism took place in the book of Acts and is now over. Texts such as 1 Cor. 12:13 are interpreted as references to immersion in water. This view of Spirit baptism was dominant among early American Baptists, was taught by Southern Baptist theologians such as B. H. Carroll, and is almost universal among modern Baptists who deny the existence of an invisible church, but hold that the church is only local and visible, including, but not limited to, self- identified Landmark Baptists. On the other hand, modern Baptists who believe in a universal church are more likely to adopt a dispensational or Reformed view of Spirit baptism than the historic Baptist position. Within the Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, baptism with the Holy Spirit has often been linked to a sanctified life. The United Methodist Church has a sacramental view of baptism, believing that it is by both water and Spirit and "involves dying to sin, newness of life, union with Christ, receiving the Holy Spirit, and incorporation into Christ's church". It also believes that baptism is the "doorway to the sanctified life" defined as "a gift of the gracious presence of the Holy Spirit, a yielding to the Spirit's power, a deepening of our love for God and neighbor". By Water and Spirit , an official United  Methodist publication, states that "Confirmation is a divine action, the work of the Holy Spirit empowering a person 'born through water and the Spirit' to 'live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ'." The United Methodist Confession of Faith also affirms the doctrine of Christian Perfection: Similarly, the churches in the holiness movement emphasize "entire sanctification" (or Christian Perfection) as a definite experience linked to Spirit baptism. According to the Articles of Faith of the Church of the Nazarene , sanctification is a work of God after regeneration "which transforms believers into the likeness of Christ" and is made possible by "initial sanctification" (which is regeneration and simultaneous with justification), entire sanctification, and "the continued perfecting work of the Holy Spirit culminating in glorification ".

Entire sanctification (as opposed to initial sanctification) is an act of God in which a believer is made free from original sin and able to devote him or herself entirely to God: Classic dispensationalism argues, based on 1 Corinthians 12:13, that Spirit baptism is the means through which the Holy Spirit adds believers to the body of Christ, the universal church, and it takes place at the moment of regeneration. Unlike many in the classic Reformed tradition, dispensationalists typically limit regeneration and Spirit baptism to believers from Acts 2 until the coming of Christ at the Rapture. Signs and wonders are not considered to be associated with Spirit baptism. Most Pentecostal and charismatic Christians believe that all Christians have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. However, they believe that the experience commonly called "baptism in the Holy Spirit" is a separate and distinct experience occurring sometime after regeneration. It is an empowering experience, equipping Spirit-filled believers for witness and ministry. Extending from this is the belief that all the spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament are to be sought and exercised to build up the Church. It is Spirit baptism that initiates the believer in the use of the spiritual gifts. Pentecostals and charismatics look to the Bible to support their doctrinal position. According to their biblical interpretation, which arose out of the theological trajectory of Methodism and the Higher Life and Keswick movements, [61] the Gospel of John 20:22 shows that the disciples of Jesus were already born again before the Holy Spirit fell at Pentecost. They then cite biblical examples in the Book of Acts 2, 8, 10, and 19 to show that it was common in the New Testament for Spirit baptism to occur after conversion. In following the biblical pattern, they argue, Christians today should also ask Jesus for this baptism which results in greater power for ministry and witness. There are differences between Pentecostal and charismatic Christians' understanding of Spirit baptism. The Apostolic Faith Mission on Azusa Street, now considered to be the birthplace of Pentecostalism.

Classical Pentecostalism includes any denomination or group which has origins in the Pentecostal revival that began in 1901 and is most identified with the Azusa Street Mission of Los Angeles. Some Pentecostal denominations teach that speaking in tongues will always follow Spirit baptism, though this is by no means universally believed or practiced among Pentecostals.

On the subject of Spirit baptism, Donald Gee wrote: In Pentecostal experience, Spirit baptism can be quite dramatic, as shown by William Durham 's account of his Spirit baptism: In some accounts of Spirit baptism, Pentecostals report receiving visions, such as the account of Lucy Leatherman, an Azusa Street participant: Charismatics trace their historical origins to the charismatic movement of the 1960s and 1970s. They are distinguished from Pentecostals because they tend to allow for differing viewpoints on whether Spirit baptism is subsequent to conversion and whether tongues is always a sign of receiving the baptism. Some charismatics remain within existing Protestant and Catholic churches while others have started new denominations. The Catholic Charismatic Renewal believes that there is a further experience of empowerment with the Holy Spirit. As stated by Rev. Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, "baptism in the Spirit is not a sacrament, but it is related to a sacrament…to the sacraments of Christian initiation. The baptism in the Spirit makes real and in a way renews Christian initiation". Emphasis of the event is on the release of existing spiritual gifts already given to the individual through baptism in water and confirmation. During the 1980s, another renewal movement emerged called the "Third Wave of the Holy Spirit " (the first wave was Pentecostalism and the second wave was the charismatic movement). Third wave charismatics stress that the preaching of the gospel, following the New Testament pattern, should be accompanied by "signs, wonders, and miracles ". They believe that all Christians are baptized with the Holy Spirit at conversion, and prefer to call subsequent experiences as "filling" with the Holy Spirit. John Wimber and the Vineyard churches are most prominently associated with this label.

Main article: Confirmation (Latter Day Saints). In the Latter Day Saint movement , the "Baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost" refers to the experience of one who undergoes the ordinance of confirmation with the laying on of hands to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It follows baptism in water and is essential to salvation. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the privilege of receiving inspiration, divine manifestations, direction, spiritual gifts, and other blessings from the Holy Spirit. It begins the lifetime process of sanctification.

Bible references

Matthew 3:11 : …He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit…"

Mark 1:8 : …He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit…"

Luke 3:16 : "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit…"

Luke 24:49 : …stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." (see fulfillment in Acts 2 ).

John 1:33 : …the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit."

Acts 1:4-5 : …the Promise of the

Father…"; …you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…"

Acts 2:1-4 : "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages…"

Acts 2:14-18 : …I will pour out my Spirit…" (quoting Joel 2:28-29 ).

Acts 4:31: …they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…"

Acts 8:14-17: …prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit…"; …as yet the Spirit had not yet come upon any of them…"; …they received the Holy Spirit…"; …the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands…."

Acts 9:17: …Jesus…has sent me…that you may…be filled with the Holy Spirit."

Acts 10:44-48: "The Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word…"; …the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out…"; …people who have received the Holy Spirit…"

Acts 11:15-16: …the Holy Spirit fell upon them…"; …you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit"

Acts 19:1-6: "Did you receive the Holy Spirit…?"; …the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied…"

1 Cor 12:13 "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free..."

AT THE JUDGMENT SEAT

Martha Snell Nicholson writes these searching lines:

"When I stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ

And He shows me His plan for me,

The plan of my life as it might have been

Had He had His way, and I see

How I blocked there and I checked Him here,

And I would not yield my will -

Will there be grief in my Saviour's eyes,

Grief, though He loves me still?

He would have me rich, and I stand there poor,

Stripped of all but His grace,

While memory runs like a hunted thing

Down the path I cannot retrace!

Then my desolate heart will well-high break

With the tears I cannot shed;

I will cover my face with my empty hands,

I will bow my uncrowned head...!

O Lord of the years that are left to me,

 I give them to Thy hand;

Take me, and break me, mould me to

The pattern that Thou hast planned."

"Are you ready Christian, ready

For the shout and trump and voice?

Will His coming make you tremble

Or cause you to rejoice?

Are you walking, talking with Him,

Daily making HIM your care?

Do you live so close to heaven

That a breath would waft you there?"