Christian Living

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OLD FASHION CHURCH ALTER

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
12/28/15
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"Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven."(Matthew 10:32-33)

What has happened to the old fashion church alter ? I remember, in years gone by, my "ole time" preacher Daddy, walking back and forth in front of the alter singing invitational choruses, as the seekers lined the old alter. Now days, we needs only shake the preachers hand, or silently whisper a prayer from our seat, as to not be embarrassed, when asking forgiveness. Call me a spiritual dinosaur, if you may, but I long for that "old time religion". The world's greatest evangelists, Billy Graham, often stated, " whosoever God called, he called publically, that's why I have seekers come forward".

First, let's give a general definition of "Alter Call" An altar call is a deliberate invitation to profess faith in Jesus Christ as one's Savior and Lord; it is a call to decide for Jesus given by a preacher or teacher.

Now a bit of history. In the Jewish temple there was an altar of sacrifice that was the place where the sins of Israel would be covered by the blood of the sacrificial lamb. Today's church has this same altar where you can publically bring your sins or shortcomings or even your needs to God and expect Him to meet with you regarding your needs.

Is the alter call scriptural ? The best example of this question is found in God's Word. Noah proclaimed his new commitment with God by sacrificing at an alter ((Genesis 8:20). Abraham marked his commitment  at an alter (Genesis 12:8) Genesis 13:1-4) (Genesis 22:9)., 13) (Genesis 22:9). Isaac built an alter, as he called on the name of the Lord (Genesis 26:25.

In the New Testament church  the worship was conducted primarily in homes or the synagogue, and it should be noted  that the invitation was given  freely and sincerely.  The apostles did not hesitate to give the invitation to come to Christ as Savior, to all who would listen to their message (Acts 3:9). They preached indiscriminately Acts 20:21).

What happens at a church alter ? One makes a public commitment  to God of confession, change, and consecration. In other words, the public alter just seem to give a closeness  to God, better communion with the saints, and a formal vow to the world, A true altar experience with God just seems to bring about a noticeable and visible change in one's  behavior and lifestyle

Not everyone needs a piece of furniture to have a quite time with the Lord. However, for some it provides a quiet place of worship.  When's the last time you've seen an old fashion alter in the church ? Oh, you may see carpeted steps, or a communion table, but in today's church environment, very seldom is an alter seen. God have mercy on us.

 Author's Post Script

Growing up in the Salvation Army church, in support of the evangelistic message, was the old fashion church altar. I know the physical make up of the alter was no different than any other construction. However, that old fashion alter was very special for me, for that old alter was where I was first introduced to the Living God.

There are three things that God wants to tell us today.
1. He will draw you to the altar…
2. He will remove any other altar that you have set up…
3. He will establish His own altar in your heart...(Judges 6:11-32)

 What do you think ?
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