Go and build an Altar | Lo Alaman | Restoration Church

Описание: In this sermon, Lo Alaman speaks about altars as places of response to God's grace and truth rather than spaces for manipulation or bribery. He explained that while pagan gods required offerings to gain their favor, the God of Scripture always moves first with love and mercy, inviting believers to respond by offering their whole lives as "living sacrifices." Using the story of Jacob from Genesis 35, Lo illustrated how God called Jacob back to Bethel—not to conquer new territory, but to return to a place of previous encounter and build an altar of authentic worship. He emphasized that altars in Scripture were never about earning God's attention but about responding to His already-present grace, and that this response extends beyond Sunday worship to encompass how believers treat others, manage resources, speak to family members, and live out their daily lives.

Lo challenged us to examine our "if-then" relationships with God, where we unconsciously believe we must perform or achieve certain things before God will bless or accept them. He contrasted Jacob's initial attempt to bargain with God ("if you bless me, then I'll worship you") with his later wrestling match that led to transformation and a name change to Israel. He concluded with an invitation for us to wrestle honestly with God about the biblical identities we struggle to believe—such as being called God's child, friend, heir, temple, or masterpiece—and to meet Him at the altar through prayer, communion, or conversation with others, acknowledging that true worship flows from consecrated hearts that respond to God's mercy rather than trying to manipulate His favor.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

Personal Altars: Lo mentioned that altars aren't just physical places but can be found in how we treat others, manage money, spend time, and even our search history. What areas of your life might God be inviting you to turn into an "altar of response" to His grace?

If-Then Relationships: Jacob tried to bargain with God saying "if you bless me, then I'll worship you." Where do you catch yourself having "if-then" relationships with God? (Example: "If God answers this prayer, then I'll trust Him more")

Wrestling vs. Grasping: The sermon contrasted Jacob's name meaning "to grasp" (taking what isn't yours) with Israel meaning "to wrestle" (struggling honestly with God). What's the difference between grasping at God and wrestling with God in your own spiritual life?

Grace AND Truth: Lo emphasized that Jesus came "full of grace and truth"—inviting us close while calling us higher. Which do you tend to emphasize more in your view of God: His grace (invitation) or His truth (challenge)? How might you need to grow in understanding both?

Family Patterns: Jacob inherited patterns of deception from his grandfather Abraham and father Isaac. What patterns—positive or negative—have you inherited from your family that shape how you relate to God or others?

Identity Struggles: Looking at the list of biblical identities (child of God, heir, friend, temple, masterpiece), which one is hardest for you to believe about yourself? Why do you think that is?

Avoiding Reality: The sermon mentioned how we often try to avoid difficult realities rather than meet God in them. What reality in your life might God be asking you to stop avoiding and instead invite Him into?

Worship as Response: Lo said worship isn't about getting God's attention but responding to what He's already done. How does this shift your understanding of worship beyond Sunday morning singing?

Going Back to Bethel: God told Jacob to return to a place of previous encounter. Is there a "Bethel" in your spiritual journey—a time or place where God met you—that He might be calling you to revisit with fresh eyes?

Consecration: Before building the altar, Jacob told his household to "get rid of foreign gods and purify yourselves." What "foreign gods" (things you turn to for validation, security, or identity instead of God) might you need to let go of to worship God authentically?