See You At The Altar

Morton Assembly of God

September 24, 2000 6:00 P.M.

Intro:  This past week students all over the Unites States met at the flag poles of their respective schools.  The activity has become known as, “See you at the pole.”  The concept behind this activity is a rallying point… just as in the military we had a place called a “staging area” where at a specific time, at a specific place we would all meet and “fall into formation” 

Tonight, I thought it would be good to reinforce this concept to give us a rallying point.

Tonight we’ll look at:   

1. The Altar is a Demonstration of Our Dependence on God-our need for God
2. The Altar is a Demonstration of Our Remembrance of God-our need to need to remember God
3. The Altar is a Demonstration of Our Interdependence on The Body of Christ-our need for unity in Christ

Tonight I’d like us to proclaim “the Altar” as our “staging area” or our rallying point… a place where we can “fall into formation”…..  At the end of the service tonight, we will call everyone to spend some time at the altar. 

Thus, the title of tonight’s message:  “SEE YOU AT THE ALTAR!”

I.                   The Altar Demonstrates Our Dependence on God-our need for God

Story about: Abraham and Isaac at the Altar of sacrifice

1.      At the altar people declare their faith (Gen. 22:1-19)

Story  about: Joshua Crossing the Jordan

2.      At the altar people declare their love (Josh. 4:1)

Story about: Elijah and the prophets of Baal

3.      At the altar people declare their Hope (I Kings 18:24-38)

II.                The Altar Demonstrates Our Remembrance of God-our need to need to

remember God

1.      It is He that we serve

a.      We serve Him by seeking Him (Is. 55:6)

1)     By responding to each altar call

2)     By responding to each message we hear

b.      We serve Him by calling upon Him  (Is. 55:6)

1)     In times of prayer

2)     In everything

2.      It is He that has served us

a.      We remember that He has “bridged a great chasm”

1)     ILL: Bridge  God  -  Man

2)     He has given us a “new name”

b.      We remember that He has and will continue to provide for our needs

1)     Paul said: “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.”

2)     He is Jehovah Jireh-The Lord God who provides.

c.      We remember that He is with us through every situation:

1)     Before we were born

2)     When we were growing up

3)     Those times when we had our hearts broken….

4)     Other time when we experienced triumph in Victory

5)     Times when we needed a friend

6)     When we needed a place to live, a church to attend, a pastor that understood…

7)     Even now, when we are in need of leadership…. He Is Here!!!

III.             The Altar Demonstrates Our Interdependence on The Body of Christ-our

need for unity in Christ

1.      Our worship builds unity

a.      Because it allows us to focus our attention on God

b.      Because it brings us into His presence

c.      Because it exposes us to His perfect will

2.      Our fellowship builds unity

a.      Because irons sharpens iron – it makes us more sensitive and more

understanding…

b.      Because each of us have different gifts, skills, and abilities.

c.      Because is reveals the Bride of Christ to the world…

1)     ”They’ll know we are Christians by our love….”

2)     As we fellowship and display our love, we demonstrate that Christ came!!

3.      Our Service to the body of Christ builds unity

a.      Because it fulfills our ministry to the Lord

b.      Because it fulfills our ministry to the body of Christ

c.      Because it fulfills our ministry to our world

SUMMARY:

CONCLUSION: