Dr. Oscar Williams - Don’t Alter the Altar - Maintaining the Sacredness of Worship

May 19, 2025

Lecture Notes: "Don't Alter the Altar"

Introduction

  • Welcome and Purpose:
    • Welcome attendees and emphasize the life-changing message.
    • Encouragement to sow a seed in response to God's message.
    • Key Scripture: Exodus 20:22-25.

Main Scripture: Exodus 20:22-25

  • God's Command to Israel:
    • Do not make gods of silver or gold.
    • Build an altar of earth and use uncut stones.
    • Importance of purity and sincerity in worship.

Language and Contextual Understanding

  • Complexity of English:
    • English language mechanics can be challenging.
    • Words with multiple meanings and pronunciations.
    • Example with "wind" (noun vs. verb) and "your" vs. "you're."

Sermon Topic: "Don't Alter the Altar"

  • Definition of "Altar" vs. "Alter":
    • Altar: Place for sacrifices and meeting with God.
    • Alter: To change or modify.
    • Importance of maintaining the sacredness of the altar.

Purpose and Significance of Altars

  • Biblical Examples of Altars:

    • Noah and the first altar in Genesis 8:20.
    • Abraham's sacrifice on the altar.
    • Altars in biblical theology signify sacrifice and meeting with God.
  • Types of Altars in Scripture:

    • Burnt Offering: Atonement for sins.
    • Incense: Prayer and intercession.
    • Repentance: Rededication and repentance.
    • Covenant and Renewal: Affirming God's covenant.

God's Instructions on Building Altars

  • Purity of Altars:
    • Uncut stones represent God's natural creation.
    • Man's interference profanes the sanctity of altars.
    • Avoid cultural influences when constructing altars.

Reflections on Modern Worship

  • Innovations in Worship:

    • Modern worship should not focus on performance.
    • Worship should be about genuine connection with God, not personal preference.
  • Obedience Over Sacrifice:

    • Importance of obedience in worship and altar building.
    • Offerings and sacrifices must be rooted in obedience to be acceptable.

Altar as a Personal Experience

  • Building Personal Altars:
    • Create personal altars as places of surrender and change.
    • Importance of moving past old victories and building new altars.
    • Encouragement to let go of expired dreams and trust God for new ones.

Conclusion

  • Call to Action:

    • Invitation to build personal altars and experience transformation.
    • Encouragement to embrace change and obedience in worship.
  • Closing Prayer:

    • Pray for church leadership and the congregation.
    • Emphasize unity and support within the church community.

Final Encouragement

  • Sowing a Seed:
    • Encouragement to sow a seed in faith.
    • Highlight the impact of generosity in fulfilling the church's mission.