The Altar Of Intimacy Series

THE ALTAR OF INTIMACY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 12:7-8

Supporting Texts: Genesis 26:25, Genesis 35:1-7, Leviticus 6:12-13, Psalm 91:1

INTRODUCTION:

Intimacy with God is cultivated, not by accident, but through intentional pursuit. One of the most powerful biblical symbols of spiritual intimacy is the altar—a sacred place where man meets with God, offers worship, and receives divine communication. For the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—building an altar was not a religious ritual, but a personal declaration of dependence, devotion, and desire for God's presence.

The altar represents the inner sanctuary of our hearts where we commune with the Holy Spirit. In Genesis 12:7–8, Abraham built an altar as an act of worship and acknowledgment of God's presence. Isaac and Jacob followed the same practice, demonstrating that building altars was a generational culture for sustaining intimacy with God.

The altar of intimacy is not only a physical place; it is a spiritual posture. It is the discipline of meeting God daily in a place of prayer, worship, and the Word. Without this altar, our walk with God becomes dry, routine, and powerless. But when our altars are alive and burning, heaven remains open over us.

1. THE ALTAR IS A PLACE OF PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH GOD

The altar is not a public platform but a private place where God reveals Himself in deep and intimate ways.

a) Altars signify divine visitation (Genesis 12:7):

When God appeared to Abraham, he responded by building an altar. Encounters with God demand a response of worship.

b) It is a place of worship and surrender (Genesis 12:8):

Abraham called on the name of the Lord—an act of reverent devotion. True intimacy starts with heartfelt worship.

c) The altar marks the beginning of a journey with God (Genesis 35:1):

God told Jacob to return to Bethel where he first built an altar. The altar is the foundation of every divine journey.

d) It creates a memorial for divine communication (Genesis 35:7):

Altars preserve the memory of God’s voice and dealings in our lives.

Biblical Example: Moses met God at the burning bush (Exodus 3). Though there was no physical altar, that encounter became a lifelong reference point because Moses responded in reverence.

2. THE ALTAR IS A PLACE OF CONTINUOUS FELLOWSHIP

An altar must be maintained, not abandoned. Fellowship is not a one-time act, but a daily lifestyle.

a) The fire must not go out (Leviticus 6:12–13):

The priest must keep the fire burning every morning. Intimacy requires consistency.

b) Fellowship requires deliberate investment (Psalm 55:17):

“Evening, morning, and noon will I pray...” The altar demands scheduled devotion.

c) Relationship deepens through regular communion (James 4:8):

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” God responds to consistency.

d) An active altar preserves us from spiritual dryness (John 15:5):

Without abiding in Him, we can do nothing. The altar is our lifeline.

Biblical Example: Daniel maintained his altar of prayer three times daily, even under threat of death (Daniel 6:10). His consistency led to divine intervention.

3. THE ALTAR IS A PLACE OF GENERATIONAL BLESSING AND LEGACY

What we build today will speak for our children tomorrow.

a) Isaac inherited the altar culture from Abraham (Genesis 26:25):

He built an altar, pitched his tent, and dug a well. He understood that communion with God came before prosperity.

b) Family altars secure divine favour across generations (Genesis 18:19):

God trusted Abraham to command his household in righteousness.

c) Generational altars protect lineage from demonic patterns (Psalm 112:1–2):

The seed of the upright shall be mighty. Intimacy creates spiritual stability.

d) Spiritual legacy begins with intimacy (2 Timothy 1:5):

Timothy’s faith was first in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice.

Biblical Example: Jacob returned to Bethel to rebuild the altar and lead his household back to consecration (Genesis 35:2–7).

4. THE ALTAR IS A PLACE OF PROTECTION AND COVERING

Those who dwell in the secret place receive supernatural safety and rest.

a) The secret place is an altar of intimacy (Psalm 91:1):

He who dwells—not visits—in the secret place abides under the shadow of the Almighty.

b) Divine presence becomes a shield (Psalm 91:4):

His truth shall be your shield and buckler. God defends those who remain close.

c) The altar brings angelic reinforcement (Genesis 28:12–15):

At Jacob’s altar, angels were ascending and descending. The altar is a portal.

d) Intimacy builds immunity in times of evil (Psalm 27:5):

“In the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion.” The altar is a refuge.

Biblical Example: Elijah built an altar at Mount Carmel, and it drew down fire and divine approval amidst spiritual conflict (1 Kings 18:30–39).

CONCLUSION:

The altar of intimacy is where we are transformed, guided, and sustained. It is more than a practice; it is the lifeblood of our relationship with God. A life without a personal altar is a life without divine direction and strength.