Establish The Altar
Key Thought:
Freedom is not sustained by empty spaces; it is sustained by the presence of God.
Key Scriptures
Matthew 12:43–45
Genesis 2:15
Joshua 24:15
Psalm 127:1
1 Corinthians 6:16–17
2 Corinthians 10:5
1 Timothy 3:4–5
Introduction: Get book “Suitcase Jesus”
Key Points:
Many believers have welcomed Jesus as Savior but not enthroned Him as Lord.
Jesus desires access to every room of our lives.
God does not want visitation; He desires habitation.
Takeaway:
Jesus did not come to visit your house. He came to dwell there.
Remember:
Jesus cannot heal what we refuse to surrender.
1. Whatever You Permit Eventually Takes Root
Key Scripture:
Genesis 2:15
Key Points:
Adam was commanded to guard the garden.
Atmosphere must be protected.
What enters the home eventually influences the home.
Areas to Guard:
Thoughts
Conversations
Media
Imagination
Relationships
Attitudes
Takeaway:
Whatever you repeatedly permit eventually gains influence.
Remember:
What lives strong in the house eventually grows strong in the next generation.
2. Some Altars Are Still Burning
Key Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 6:16–17
2 Corinthians 10:5
Key Points:
Some people leave physically but remain attached mentally.
Healing requires more than behavior modification.
The imagination can rebuild what the body has left behind.
Takeaway:
Healing begins when you stop romanticizing what wounded you.
Remember:
You cannot tear down an altar your flesh still enjoys visiting.
Prayer:
Lord, I don't just want freedom from the act; I want freedom from the appetite.
3. The Altar Must Be Rebuilt
Key Scripture:
Joshua 24:15
Key Points:
God's presence belongs in the home.
Prayer belongs in the home.
Worship belongs in the home.
The Word belongs in the home.
Takeaway:
Whatever owns the altar eventually governs the house.
Remember:
The answer is not behavior modification; the answer is the presence of God.
A Word to Men
Key Points:
A man's first ministry is his home.
Spiritual leadership begins with stewardship.
Guarding the atmosphere is a responsibility.
Takeaway:
When men stop praying, snakes start talking.
Remember:
If a man will not guard the thoughts of the mind and the atmosphere of his home, culture will.
A Word to Single Mothers & Singles
Key Points:
God's presence is not limited by a household structure.
God sees faithfulness.
Wholeness is found in Christ first.
Takeaway:
Where earthly covering failed, God says, "I will cover you."
Remember:
Marriage is not the reward for becoming complete. Covenant works best when two whole people come together.
Final Challenge
Reflection Questions:
Are there rooms in my life that Jesus has not been given access to?
What atmosphere am I allowing to grow in my home?
What altars need to be torn down?
What altars need to be rebuilt?
Final Takeaways
Big doors require fire altars.
Freedom without God's presence becomes vulnerability.
A door may give access, but only an altar sustains what walks through it.
God desires every room, not just the presentable ones.
Final Declaration:
This house belongs to God.
This marriage belongs to God.
Every room belongs to God.
Every hidden place belongs to God.
Every false altar comes down.
And the presence of God will dwell in this house again.
