ARE YOU REALLY IN NEED OF AN ALTAR CALL

Luke 15:4-7: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he finds it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he called together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise, joy shall be in

Heaven over one sinner that repented, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”

Altar calls originated in the 19th century from the “anxious seat” idea. Certain clergy strongly believed that confession of sin and the conversion of sinners should be public and enshrouded in grandiose praise in order to draw more converts.

1. Public fanfare was promised to lure more sinners to Yeshua and thus enlarge the church: 2 Corinthians 4:16; "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."

1. Most modern fellowships traditionally have an altar call after the sermon. It is customary for people to gather at the altar to confess their sins, engage in prayer, and receive salvation, and though the altar call is not a biblical mandate, it can be used as an opportunity for broken men and women to interact with YAHWEH:

• James 5:16; "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availed much."

1. Often fellowships put so much emphasis on "coming to the altar,” to the point, that it is neglected and oftentimes forgotten that Believers can lead people to Yeshua and intercede for each other any and everywhere necessary: 1 Timothy 2:1; "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, is made for all men."

1. When the message of truth convicts the heart of a man, he should repent and accept Yeshua as his personal savior: 2 Corinthians 7:10; "For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death."

Repentance and salvation occur in the heart of a man. Fanfare and accolades are not necessary for a man to believe in YAHWEH unto salvation. Fanfare and celebration are appealing to the flesh and cause individuals to make emotional responses, void of reason when YAHWEH pursues them. Believers should not seek the applause of men for fulfilling one's call and obedience to YAHWEH.

1. After all, presenting our bodies to YAHWEH and living for YAHWEH is our reasonable service: Romans 12:1; "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of GOD, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service."

The Body of Christ should never give a sinner, a new Believer, or a re-dedicated Believer a platform. Likewise, no babe in Christ should seek a platform. No one person should be singled out or applauded because of their acceptance of YAHWEH’s deliverance.

YAHWEH alone "calls" and assigns people to positions of influence and authority in the Body.

1. People cannot earn platforms; YAHWEH prepares individuals and appoints them to platforms: 1 Peter 5:6; "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty Hand of GOD, that he may exalt you in due time."

Angels rejoice over souls coming to YAHWEH.

The Body should rejoice too. However, there is no justification for exploiting a person and their deliverance story in order to motivate the crowd to have a “praise break."

1. Celebratory praise, glory, and honor should be reserved for YAHWEH and the dispensation of His word: Luke 15:10; "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the Angels of GOD over one sinner that repented."

1. The Body should be excited to see the Kingdom of YAHWEH grow, but no person should be put on a pedestal nor improperly praised for something that is required of all Believers: 1 Peter 5:6; "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty Hand of GOD, that he may exalt you in due time."

YAHWEH is worthy of praise for ALL deliverance. The magnitude of sin, that a person overcomes, should never be used to measure the height or depth of their deliverance nor determine if one's testimony of deliverance, in comparison to another, is praiseworthy.

1. Believers should rejoice always because YAHWEH's power is able to deliver, heal, and save every soul: Philippians 4:4; "Rejoice in the LORD always: and again I say, Rejoice."

Altar prayer should simply be "prayer at the altar."

Sinners are saved, Believers are Born-Again, and the sick are sometimes, healed at the altar, but all of these supernatural occurrences can happen in other places as well. In fact, individual Believers should be able to perform these actions any and everywhere needed.

But when a fellowship or denomination unwisely allows a show, fanfare, and praise break AT THE ALTAR, the Body of Christ, and even the world, receive the skewed and incorrect message that the results or manifestation of YAHWEH's power are greater on the altar than any other place. This causes many to believe that prayers are more effective at the altar and that deliverance power is greater there as well. This distorts the way the true Power of YAHWEH operates through Believers!!

When the Body of Christ over-emphasizes emotional responses, such as praise breaks at the altar, then the wrong precedent is set. If the fellowship encourages extreme emotional responses, new converts will continuously display emotional outbursts to garner attention and limelight. Moreover, new converts will experience delayed spiritual growth because they are constantly subject to emotional tirades and manipulation. Others may foolishly attempt to emotionally manipulate YAHWEH rather than engage Him with a sound heart and mind, but emotional responses conflict with the process of discipleship. The emphasis should always be put on the daily walk versus the outward appearance at the time of conversion.

Although confession is required for salvation, open confession, IN THE MICROPHONE, before all who await, in anticipation of a praise break, can cause people to seek the accolades without understanding the journey that lies ahead!!

"IF YOU'RE NOT WINNING SOULS FOR YESHUA...YOU DON'T WORK FOR YAHWEH...YOU'RE SELF-EMPLOYED!!"