Rebuilding Altars
If you weren’t able to join us for bible study last week, you missed something truly impactful. Pastor Battle's message on Rebuilding Altars was a wake-up call, challenging us to rethink our approach to faith in today’s turbulent world. Let’s unpack some of the highlights that stirred our hearts and left us inspired to take action.
You can watch the full bible study message right here.
You can watch the full bible study message right here.
The world is spiraling, but there’s hope
Pastor Battle began by acknowledging the reality we all face: the constant influx of bad news, the overwhelming negativity in our culture, and the undeniable increase in spiritual darkness. It’s easy to feel weighed down or even defeated when the world seems to be moving in the wrong direction.
Many of us have probably asked ourselves: Will we ever experience true revival? The answer? Absolutely. But here’s the challenge: God isn’t holding back His blessings or power—we’re the ones stalling. The sobering truth Pastor Battle shared is that as long as we’re comfortable with our current spiritual state, we won’t see revival. We have to cultivate a longing for more of God. Contentment with the status quo is the enemy of spiritual growth.
_____________________________
A divine heart-to-heart
God is seeking people who are ready for a sincere, heart-to-heart connection with Him. We were reminded of the story in Ezra 3, where the Israelites returned to a desolate Jerusalem. They had been exiled for years, and they returned with very little—no wealth, no status, just a burning desire to rebuild their lives and, most importantly, their worship.
Their first step? They rebuilt the altar. Even though their enemies surrounded them, they knew they had to make meeting with God their top priority. Pastor Battle pointed out that rebuilding our spiritual altars—a place of genuine connection and sacrifice—has to be our first move if we’re serious about experiencing God’s presence and power. It’s not about having the perfect setup or waiting for the right moment; it’s about prioritizing our relationship with God, here and now.
_____________________________
What does it mean to rebuild your altar?
In ancient times, altars were physical places where people made sacrifices and sought God. Today, the altar represents our commitment to surrender everything to God. It’s a place where we lay down our desires, distractions, and even our pride, offering God our full devotion.
Pastor Battle asked a hard-hitting question: When will we stop holding back? Are we willing to give God everything, or are we only offering up what’s comfortable and easy? Rebuilding our altar requires sacrifice. It means setting aside our busyness, cutting out distractions, and being willing to do the spiritual work.
It’s no secret that life is demanding. Between work responsibilities, family obligations, and the chaos of daily life, finding time for God can feel almost impossible. But if we truly want change—if we’re hungry for revival—we have to be intentional about carving out sacred time for God. That’s where transformation begins.
_____________________________
Facing our fears and taking a stand
Let’s be honest: standing firm in faith isn’t always easy. The Israelites feared how their surrounding enemies would react to their renewed worship. We, too, face our own “enemies”—whether it’s cultural pressures, fear of judgment, or the temptation to compromise our beliefs. Pastor Battle spoke to that struggle, reminding us that the spiritual battle is real, and we must fight it on our knees.
Prayer isn’t a ritual or a backup plan; it’s our frontline defense. The enemy will throw everything he can at us—distractions, doubts, and even our own weariness. Yet, we are called to persevere, to pray fervently, and to remember that our strength comes from God.
Revival Starts With You
This part of the message struck a chord: Revival isn’t about waiting for the church or someone else to make the first move. It begins with you and me, individually. It starts when we decide to stop being spectators and take ownership of our spiritual growth. Personal responsibility is key. Pastor Battle urged us to pray until something shifts, to push past spiritual boredom, and to cry out to God with genuine passion.
Too often, we find ourselves waiting for someone else to spark change. But the call is for each of us to rise up. Revival won’t come to passive people. It comes to those who are actively seeking God, willing to work for spiritual renewal, and ready to sacrifice their comfort for deeper intimacy with the Lord.
_____________________________
Practical ways to rebuild your altar
_____________________________
Closing reflection: Are you ready to rise up?
Pastor Battle concluded with a powerful challenge: We can’t afford to lose another generation. The stakes are high, and the need for revival is urgent. If we want to see change in our families, our communities, and our nation, it starts with a decision—our decision to rebuild our spiritual altars and to pursue God wholeheartedly.
So, are you content with where you are, or is there a stirring in your heart for something more? If you’re ready for God to move, take the first step. Start rebuilding your altar today. Seek Him like never before, and get ready to witness the incredible things God has in store.
Pastor Battle began by acknowledging the reality we all face: the constant influx of bad news, the overwhelming negativity in our culture, and the undeniable increase in spiritual darkness. It’s easy to feel weighed down or even defeated when the world seems to be moving in the wrong direction.
Many of us have probably asked ourselves: Will we ever experience true revival? The answer? Absolutely. But here’s the challenge: God isn’t holding back His blessings or power—we’re the ones stalling. The sobering truth Pastor Battle shared is that as long as we’re comfortable with our current spiritual state, we won’t see revival. We have to cultivate a longing for more of God. Contentment with the status quo is the enemy of spiritual growth.
_____________________________
A divine heart-to-heart
God is seeking people who are ready for a sincere, heart-to-heart connection with Him. We were reminded of the story in Ezra 3, where the Israelites returned to a desolate Jerusalem. They had been exiled for years, and they returned with very little—no wealth, no status, just a burning desire to rebuild their lives and, most importantly, their worship.
Their first step? They rebuilt the altar. Even though their enemies surrounded them, they knew they had to make meeting with God their top priority. Pastor Battle pointed out that rebuilding our spiritual altars—a place of genuine connection and sacrifice—has to be our first move if we’re serious about experiencing God’s presence and power. It’s not about having the perfect setup or waiting for the right moment; it’s about prioritizing our relationship with God, here and now.
_____________________________
What does it mean to rebuild your altar?
In ancient times, altars were physical places where people made sacrifices and sought God. Today, the altar represents our commitment to surrender everything to God. It’s a place where we lay down our desires, distractions, and even our pride, offering God our full devotion.
Pastor Battle asked a hard-hitting question: When will we stop holding back? Are we willing to give God everything, or are we only offering up what’s comfortable and easy? Rebuilding our altar requires sacrifice. It means setting aside our busyness, cutting out distractions, and being willing to do the spiritual work.
It’s no secret that life is demanding. Between work responsibilities, family obligations, and the chaos of daily life, finding time for God can feel almost impossible. But if we truly want change—if we’re hungry for revival—we have to be intentional about carving out sacred time for God. That’s where transformation begins.
_____________________________
Facing our fears and taking a stand
Let’s be honest: standing firm in faith isn’t always easy. The Israelites feared how their surrounding enemies would react to their renewed worship. We, too, face our own “enemies”—whether it’s cultural pressures, fear of judgment, or the temptation to compromise our beliefs. Pastor Battle spoke to that struggle, reminding us that the spiritual battle is real, and we must fight it on our knees.
Prayer isn’t a ritual or a backup plan; it’s our frontline defense. The enemy will throw everything he can at us—distractions, doubts, and even our own weariness. Yet, we are called to persevere, to pray fervently, and to remember that our strength comes from God.
Revival Starts With You
This part of the message struck a chord: Revival isn’t about waiting for the church or someone else to make the first move. It begins with you and me, individually. It starts when we decide to stop being spectators and take ownership of our spiritual growth. Personal responsibility is key. Pastor Battle urged us to pray until something shifts, to push past spiritual boredom, and to cry out to God with genuine passion.
Too often, we find ourselves waiting for someone else to spark change. But the call is for each of us to rise up. Revival won’t come to passive people. It comes to those who are actively seeking God, willing to work for spiritual renewal, and ready to sacrifice their comfort for deeper intimacy with the Lord.
_____________________________
Practical ways to rebuild your altar
- Establish a Consistent Prayer Routine: Choose a time every day to meet with God, whether it’s early in the morning or during your lunch break. Make it non-negotiable, just like an important meeting.
- Eliminate Spiritual Distractions: What’s keeping you from spending time with God? Maybe it’s endless scrolling on social media, binge-watching TV, or simply overcommitting to things that drain your energy. Simplify your life and prioritize what matters.
- Engage in Honest Prayer: Lay your heart bare before God. Be real about your struggles, your fears, and your desires. Ask Him to align your heart with His will.
- Seek Spiritual Accountability: Surround yourself with people who will encourage your walk with God. Join a small group or find a prayer partner to help keep you focused and inspired.
_____________________________
Closing reflection: Are you ready to rise up?
Pastor Battle concluded with a powerful challenge: We can’t afford to lose another generation. The stakes are high, and the need for revival is urgent. If we want to see change in our families, our communities, and our nation, it starts with a decision—our decision to rebuild our spiritual altars and to pursue God wholeheartedly.
So, are you content with where you are, or is there a stirring in your heart for something more? If you’re ready for God to move, take the first step. Start rebuilding your altar today. Seek Him like never before, and get ready to witness the incredible things God has in store.