Breaking Evil Altars the God’s Way
Introduction
An altar can simply be a place, an item, or even an earthly being where humanity meets the divinity. That means we might unknowingly be walking around with objects, relationships, habits, or beliefs that serve as altars—either to God or to other spiritual influences. The word altar evokes strong emotions in many people. Some freeze, others tremble. Fear grips their hearts because they believe they are under the oppression of evil altars—spiritual systems raised to fight their progress, oppress their families, and hinder their destinies.
In an attempt to break free from such forces, some people—driven by desperation—fall into the hands of wolves in sheep’s clothing. We’ve seen disturbing scenes on TV and social media. So-called “deliverance services” where congregants are beaten, whipped, and humiliated—all in the name of “breaking evil altars.” Some parents are seen laughing while being bludgeoned in front of their children with “anointed” sticks. As if broken bones and bruises are proof that the altar has been dealt with. Some even go as far as selling everything they own to give to self-proclaimed prophets, only to be left broke, miserable, and further oppressed. This confusion is not only heartbreaking; it’s dangerous.
But what does the Word of God say? How are evil altars broken?
The Ark and Dagon: When God Shows Up
Let’s begin with a powerful story from 1 Samuel 5. The Philistines had captured the Ark of the Lord and placed it in the temple of Dagon, their pagan god. The next morning, the idol of Dagon was found fallen face down before the Ark. God doesn’t share His glory! But He didn’t stop there. The next day, Dagon’s head and hands were broken off, leaving only the stump. Panic struck the Philistines. They stopped entering the temple, and a plague of emerods (tumors) fell upon them.
What was happening here? The Ark of God—God’s altar of presence—entered the domain of an evil altar, and there was no contest. Dagon bowed, broke, and was disgraced. The people behind the idol worship were also afflicted. Why? Because when God shows up, evil altars cannot stand.
Elijah on Mount Carmel: Fire from Heaven
Fast forward to 1 Kings 18. Elijah stood alone against 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah. They cried, danced, and cut themselves all day long, but no fire fell from their gods. Then Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord, soaked it in water, and offered a short but heartfelt prayer. Fire fell from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, the stones, and even the water.
The secret? Elijah’s faith wasn’t in rituals or showmanship—it was in the living God. His offering wasn’t about gaining fame or wealth; it was about glorifying God. And God responded with undeniable power.
Today, many believe that giving large offerings or making painful sacrifices will destroy evil altars. But Elijah shows us it’s not the amount or the pain of the offering—it’s the heart and the faith behind it. When our offerings aim to glorify God, heaven responds.
The Greatest Altar: The Cross of Christ
With the death and resurrection of Jesus, a greater altar was established—the cross. Hebrews 10:12 tells us that Jesus offered Himself once for all. Now, God calls us not to bring lambs or goats but to become living sacrifices.
Romans 12:1 urges us: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” We are the sacrifices now. God doesn’t want just what’s in your hands—He wants your whole heart.
But there’s a challenge. Matthew 16:24 says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Self-denial is tough. Believers want to walk in power, yet cling to pride, anger, envy, lust, unforgiveness, and carnality. A defiled sacrifice cannot break altars—it only strengthens them.
The sad reality is that many believers unknowingly build up the very altars they want to destroy. When sin reigns in the heart, evil altars gain power. The demonic finds legal ground. Lust becomes a doorway. Unforgiveness becomes a foundation. Pride becomes a pillar.
The Ark Is Now Within Us
But here’s the good news: the Ark of God is now within us. Hebrews 8:10 says, “I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts.” The tablets of the law, Aaron’s rod of authority, and the manna of provision are now within every believer through Christ.
We carry the presence that toppled Dagon. We house the fire that fell on Mount Carmel. If we walk in purity and obedience, the same God who fought for Elijah will fight for us. The same fire that consumed the sacrifice will consume every evil altar that rises against us.
We must understand our position in Christ. When we are on fire for God, no Dagon will stand. No sorcerer, witch, or satanic altar will prevail. But this fire requires a pure life—a life surrendered, holy, and ready to burn for His glory.
Conclusion
Breaking evil altars the God’s way isn’t about drama or manipulation. It’s about truth, purity, and faith. It’s not about how loud we shout or how much we give, but about the heart behind our worship. When we live as true sacrifices—pure and surrendered—God answers by fire.
It’s time to stop looking for solutions in theatrics and false promises. The power to destroy evil altars lies in God, and God alone. Let us carry His presence, live sacrificially, and burn with holy fire. For when God shows up, the Dagons of this world will fall, break, and be utterly destroyed.