Building An Altar of Expectation | Seek Week 2026 | Pastor Andrew Damazio

Excitement for Seek Week

Opening Remarks

• The speaker encourages enthusiasm for the last night of Seek Week, emphasizing the importance of community and engagement.

• Acknowledgment is given to those who participated in prayer rooms, highlighting the collective faith and experiences shared during this time.

Worship Leadership

• The worship will be led by Oceans Music, a local church known for its spirit-filled services. The speaker invites attendees to consider them as a potential home church.

• Attendees are reminded that tomorrow there will be a morning prayer worship chapel with free coffee available, encouraging participation.

Anticipation for God's Movement

Setting Expectations

• The speaker urges everyone to stand and prepare their hearts for what God will do tonight, fostering an atmosphere of expectation and faith.

• An invitation is made to engage actively in worship, signaling that significant spiritual encounters are anticipated.

Worship Experience

Themes of Healing and Sacrifice

• Lyrics reflect on themes of suffering and healing through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, emphasizing gratitude for His blood as a source of healing.

• Repeated expressions of thanks highlight the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice in overcoming sin and sickness.

Community Praise

• Participants are encouraged to give glory to Jesus through communal praise, reinforcing unity in worship.

• A call-and-response format is used to emphasize victory through testimony and faith in Jesus' sacrifice.

Celebration of Victory Through Christ

Affirmation of Faith

• The congregation is invited to lift praises acknowledging Jesus’ completed work on the cross, celebrating His resurrection power.

• Emphasis is placed on God's love demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice, inviting all present to express their gratitude collectively.

This structured approach captures key moments from the transcript while providing clear timestamps for easy reference.

Victory in the Risen King

The Power of Jesus' Blood

• The lyrics emphasize the transformative power of Jesus, highlighting His ability to save and cleanse sins through His blood.

• A declaration of victory is made, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus as a source of hope and triumph for believers.

• Repeated questioning about one's state without Jesus underscores the importance of His sacrifice and its significance in salvation.

• The refrain "where would I be without the Son" reinforces dependence on Jesus and gratitude for His redemptive work.

• The blood of Jesus is described as a testament to victory, affirming faith in Christ's resurrection.

Expressions of Gratitude

• A call to worship encourages participants to express their thanks vocally, recognizing personal transformation through faith.

• Personal testimonies are shared about being lost and blind before finding salvation in Christ, emphasizing individual experiences with grace.

• The repetition of questions regarding life without Jesus serves as a reflective moment for worshippers to consider their spiritual journey.

• Acknowledgment that the perfect blood purchased freedom highlights themes of redemption and liberation from sin.

• Continuous expressions of thankfulness towards God illustrate a communal atmosphere focused on praise.

The Significance of Redemption

• Lyrics celebrate the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, which makes believers "white as snow," symbolizing purity and forgiveness.

• Questions posed about what can wash away sins reinforce core Christian beliefs regarding atonement through Christ's sacrifice.

• Repetition emphasizes that nothing but the blood can restore wholeness, reflecting deep theological convictions about redemption.

• Collective singing fosters unity among worshippers while reiterating key messages about salvation and divine grace.

Worshipping the Holy One

• Recognition that there is only one worthy figure on the throne—Jesus—highlights His sovereignty and holiness within Christian belief systems.

• Affirmations about God's worthiness encourage an atmosphere filled with reverence, underscoring themes central to Christian worship practices.

Worship and Praise: The Holiness of God

The Worthiness of the Lamb

• The worship begins with a declaration of Jesus as the "Lamb who was slain," emphasizing His worthiness and glory.

• Acknowledgment that Jesus is worthy of praise, honor, and glory, reinforcing His divine status.

• Repetition of the phrase "worthy is the lamb" highlights the central theme of reverence in worship.

• The act of crowning Jesus as "king of glory" signifies recognition and submission to His authority.

• Continuous repetition in worship serves to deepen the congregation's focus on honoring Jesus.

The Holiness of God

• A strong emphasis on God's holiness is expressed through repeated affirmations that He is "holy."

• The phrase "there's only one word to describe" suggests a profound reverence for God's nature, culminating in the acknowledgment of His holiness.

• Worshippers are encouraged to sing praises about God's holiness, reinforcing communal devotion.

• Recognition that God is not just holy but also worthy emphasizes both attributes simultaneously during worship.

• Personal commitment to remain close to God reflects an individual’s desire for spiritual intimacy with the Lord.

Inviting God's Presence

• An invitation for God’s presence is articulated through phrases like “open up you ancient gates,” indicating a longing for divine interaction.

• Expressions of praise are directed towards lifting up God's name above all names, showcasing deep respect and adoration.

• Reiteration that there’s only one word—“holy”—to encapsulate God’s essence reinforces simplicity in understanding divine attributes.

Worship and the Presence of God

The Power of God's Presence

• The atmosphere shifts when God's presence enters; nothing remains unchanged, emphasizing the transformative power of divine glory.

• A call to worship is made, encouraging attendees to lift their hands in recognition of God's authority and power, regardless of personal belief.

• The acknowledgment that every individual will recognize God's might, leading to a collective expression of praise as an act of reverence.

Offering Ourselves to God

• Worship involves lifting high the name of Jesus, with an emphasis on spontaneous praise flowing from the heart.

• A declaration that everything belongs to God—heart, soul, and life—inviting individuals to become dwelling places for His spirit.

• Repeated pleas for God’s spirit to inhabit our minds and hearts signify a desire for deeper connection and transformation.

Lifting Burdens Through Worship

• When God's presence arrives, burdens such as anxiety and depression are lifted; worship serves as a means for healing and relief.

• An invitation is extended for attendees to allow God’s character and nature into their lives, promising benefits like healing and clarity through worship.

Faithful Response in Worship

• Emphasizing the importance of focusing on God during worship leads to receiving blessings associated with His presence.

• Encouragement is given to approach God boldly in faith while expressing what one sees in Him through song and prayer.

Commitment Through Sacrifice

• A commitment is made not just in words but through actions; creating altars signifies dedication at God's feet during worship.

• The community's readiness for spiritual fervor is highlighted by a collective response filled with passion towards glorifying God’s name.

Repentance and Remembrance: A Journey of Surrender

The Essence of Repentance

• The speaker emphasizes the themes of repentance and remembrance, expressing a desire to continually seek connection with God through worship.

• The notion that God's fire is holy and transformative is highlighted, suggesting that it renews life and should be embraced until one reflects God's image.

• Reiterating the importance of repentance, the speaker calls for it to be a fragrant offering to God, symbolizing devotion and commitment.

A Call to Worship

• The lyrics express gratitude for God's past actions, indicating a willingness to endure any cost for deeper love and connection with Him.

• There’s a nostalgic reflection on the past when congregations were eager for spiritual experiences like "fire and rain," highlighting a longing for revival in worship practices.

Seeking Transformation

• The speaker recalls moments when church communities actively engaged in prayer and song, underscoring the need for revitalization in these practices.

• A strong declaration is made about running towards God as an act of surrender, emphasizing that one's life should be an offering transformed by divine fire.

Embracing Pruning

• Acknowledgment of being on holy ground signifies a moment of surrender where individuals are invited to lay down their lives before Jesus.

• The concept of repentance as an ongoing lifestyle rather than a singular event is introduced; it's framed as essential for spiritual growth akin to bearing fruit (John 15).

Bold Declarations

• The speaker invites listeners to allow God to prune away anything unworthy within them, fostering growth that aligns with Christ's likeness.

• An invitation is extended for participants to declare their availability and surrender at the altar, reinforcing themes of sacrifice and transformation into new life through Christ.

Revival and Worship at Vanguard

Opening Prayer and Community Engagement

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of personal revival, inviting attendees to agree with a prayer for it to start in their hearts. They encourage a loud "amen" as a sign of faith.

• Acknowledgment of Oceans Music for leading worship, highlighting the impact of original songs on the community. Attendees are encouraged to compliment those around them, fostering a sense of connection.

Seek Week and Testimonies

• The speaker shares excitement about testimonies from Seek Week, indicating that many have been engaging in prayer sessions leading up to this event. They ask how many enjoyed Seek Week so far, creating an interactive atmosphere.

• Reference is made to Pastor Michael El Takouri's prophetic word regarding a move of God among freshmen, signaling anticipation for spiritual growth within this group. Freshmen are acknowledged and celebrated by the audience.

Student Testimony: Nathan

• Nathan is invited to share his testimony; he stresses the importance of heart posture when attending chapel services, suggesting that attendance should be driven by a desire for divine encounters rather than mere credit accumulation.

• He encourages peers to approach chapel with an open mindset, emphasizing that every opportunity can lead to encountering God regardless of the day or time. His experience attending numerous chapels reflects this commitment.

Introduction of Guest Speaker: Pastor Andrew DeMazio

• The speaker introduces Pastor Andrew DeMazio from Rose Church in Portland, noting the challenges faced in such a difficult city but also recognizing the church's growth and vibrancy under his leadership. This sets high expectations for his message tonight.

• Emphasis is placed on note-taking during sermons as a way to remember God's messages; attendees are encouraged to engage actively with responses like "amen" during the sermon delivery process. This interaction fosters community involvement in learning from scripture together.

Focus on Altars

• Pastor Andrew expresses gratitude for being at Vanguard and highlights significant movements towards deeper encounters with the Holy Spirit among students during Seek Week.

• He discusses orthopraxy (practical application) versus orthodoxy (belief), stressing that understanding theology must translate into real-life changes through encounters with God’s spirit.

• The theme for his message revolves around "altars," connecting it back to what has been sung earlier in worship—indicating an exploration of spiritual practices related to altars throughout history and their relevance today.

What Does It Mean to Build an Altar?

Introduction to Building Altars

• The speaker introduces the concept of building an altar, clarifying that it is not a physical structure but a spiritual act.

• Emphasizes the diverse ways biblical characters served God, highlighting their unique relationships with Him.

Biblical Examples of Altars

• Notes that many Old Testament figures built altars, including Noah, Abraham, and David, indicating this as a common theme in their lives.

• Asserts that nearly every major character in the Old Testament has a narrative involving altar-building.

Significance of Altars

• States that believers today are called to be "altar makers," continuing the tradition of connecting with God through altars.

• Mentions that the term "altar" appears 403 times in the Old Testament, underscoring its importance in biblical literature.

Reasons for Building Altars

1. Place of Covenant

• Describes altars as places where individuals made deep covenants with God, affirming their commitment to Him.

• Highlights the need to tear down other altars (representing distractions or false gods) before establishing one for Yahweh.

2. Place of Repentance

• Explains that altars serve as sites for repentance and returning to God after straying from His path.

• Compares Israel's unfaithfulness to infidelity in marriage, emphasizing God's unwavering love despite their wandering.

3. Place of Thanksgiving

• Points out that a significant majority (395 out of 403 references) of altar-building was motivated by gratitude towards God.

• Encourages listeners to reflect on what type of altar they need to build—be it for covenant renewal, repentance, or thanksgiving.

Personal Reflection and Conclusion

• The speaker shares personal insights about family and faith while quoting St. Augustine on reordering disordered loves.

Confessions: The Cry of the Christian Heart

Reordering Disordered Loves

• Confessions reflect a deep yearning in the Christian heart to reorder misplaced affections, emphasizing that loving things is acceptable as long as they are prioritized correctly.

• The journey of faith involves allowing the Holy Spirit to realign our loves, which occurs at personal altars built for repentance, covenant, or thanksgiving.

The Significance of Altars

• Altars must be personally constructed; biblical figures like Abraham and Moses built their own altars without assistance, highlighting individual responsibility in worship.

• Worship quality should be self-assessed rather than comparing with others; individuals should focus on how well they worshiped rather than evaluating the overall experience.

Building Personal Altars

• Each person must build their own altar; external influences cannot substitute for personal spiritual commitment.

• While everyone uses similar materials for building altars (faith, prayer), each person's approach can differ creatively while adhering to God's expectations.

Continuous Nature of Altar Building

• Constructing altars is not a one-time event but an ongoing process; past sacrifices do not exempt individuals from current spiritual obligations.

• Individuals should not rely on previous commitments (like those made in junior high or freshman year); God requires fresh dedication and new altars in every season of life.

Physical Actions with Spiritual Implications

• Building an altar involves physical actions that carry profound spiritual significance; these acts invite God's presence and response.

• Biblical figures understood that physical responses were essential for divine interaction; David's prayers exemplify this connection between physical gestures and spiritual outcomes.

Worship as a Physical and Spiritual Act

The Nature of Worship Spaces

• Worship can occur anywhere, not confined to traditional sacred spaces; God is omnipresent, making every location potentially holy.

• David's perspective illustrates that physical actions (hands, lips) in worship carry spiritual significance, emphasizing the connection between body and spirit.

Misconceptions About Worship

• Worshiping with one's body is a biblical practice, not limited to charismatic movements; it has always been integral to worship across denominations.

• The authorship of Psalms by David challenges the notion that worship is a feminine activity; it highlights the emotional depth men can express in worship.

Understanding Masculinity in Worship

• Cultural stereotypes often label worship as feminine, but historical figures like David demonstrate that true masculinity includes vulnerability and emotional expression in worship.

• Real men embody both strength (lion) and tenderness (lamb), showing that worship involves both aspects of their identity.

The Cost of Worship

• Altars require sacrifice; historically, offerings were significant—grains or animals represented deep personal cost and commitment to God.

• Offering grains or animals was tied to survival and security, indicating that true sacrifices in worship reflect serious dedication.

New Testament Perspectives on Sacrifice

• While Old Testament practices have changed, New Testament believers still engage in sacrificial acts through praise rather than physical offerings.

• Verses from Hebrews 13:15 emphasize offering praises as spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Community Engagement in Worship

• The effectiveness of church services correlates with congregational participation; when attendees come ready to engage spiritually, the presence of God is more palpable.

Understanding the Role of the Priesthood in Worship

The Concept of Spiritual Sacrifice

• The speaker emphasizes that students are part of a priesthood, highlighting their role in offering spiritual sacrifices to God during chapel services.

• The act of attending chapel is framed as a significant opportunity to give praise and worship, reinforcing the importance of intention in worship.

Building an Altar of Expectation

• The speaker introduces the idea of creating an "altar of expectation," suggesting it as a metaphor for fostering anticipation and openness to divine experiences.

• Two cities, Nazareth and Bethany, are presented as typological examples representing different types of Christian communities or environments within schools and chapels.

Nazareth vs. Bethany: A Study in Faith

Characteristics of Nazareth

• In Mark 6:1-6, Jesus returns to his hometown, Nazareth, where he faces skepticism from those who know him personally.

• Despite performing miracles elsewhere, Jesus could not do many works in Nazareth due to the people's lack of faith; they were familiar with him as just a carpenter's son.

Reactions to Jesus' Teachings

• Luke 4 recounts how Jesus reads from Isaiah in the synagogue, proclaiming his mission but is met with amazement followed by doubt from locals who question his authority.

• The crowd initially praises him but quickly turns hostile when he challenges their expectations and familiarity with him.

Consequences of Familiarity

• Familiarity breeds contempt; people’s preconceived notions about Jesus hinder their ability to receive revelation or accept his teachings.

• Key points about Nazareth include its nature as a place filled with familiarity that leads to offense and ultimately rejection—demonstrating how these attitudes can block spiritual growth.

Understanding the Journey from Familiarity to Rejection of God

The Process of Deconstruction

• The speaker outlines a progression: familiarity leads to offense, which then results in rejection and ultimately driving God out of one's life. This process is not sudden; it begins with a sense of familiarity.

• Offense arises from Jesus' words and teachings, leading individuals to reject the gospel and its messages. A "Nazareth heart" symbolizes this journey, indicating that such hearts miss out on God's blessings.

The Consequences of a Nazareth Heart

• There are no further references in the Bible indicating Jesus returned to Nazareth after being rejected. Instead, he moved to Capernaum, highlighting the consequences for those who drive God away.

• The speaker challenges listeners to reflect on their worship experiences—are they building altars like Nazareth or genuinely seeking God? Many may feel bored or distracted during worship instead of engaging meaningfully.

Self-Reflection on Worship

• Common excuses for disengagement during worship include fatigue or preference for different speakers. This attitude can lead one to leave feeling unfulfilled while blaming God for lack of impact.

• The speaker emphasizes that it's not God's fault if we don't experience change; rather, it’s our responsibility to approach worship with an open heart ready to build an altar.

Comparing Nazareth and Bethany

• In contrast to Nazareth's rejection, Bethany is highlighted as a place where Jesus performed miracles and was welcomed. It serves as an example of how openness can lead to divine encounters.

Key Interactions in Bethany

• Significant events in Bethany include interactions with Mary and Martha (Luke 10), showcasing women's roles as disciples by learning at Jesus' feet without dismissal.

• Lazarus’ resurrection (John 11) marks one of the few resurrections recorded in the gospels, emphasizing Bethany's importance in Jesus' ministry.

Celebrating Presence Over Rejection

• After Lazarus’ resurrection, John 12 describes a celebratory dinner thrown for Jesus by his friends in Bethany—a stark contrast to Nazareth's rejection.

• Following his resurrection, Jesus ascends from Bethany (Luke 24), signifying its significance as a place where he felt at home compared to other locations he visited.

Characteristics of Each Town

• The differences between Nazareth and Bethany are clear:

• Bethany: A place marked by miracles, celebration, welcoming attitudes towards Jesus.

• Nazareth: Characterized by familiarity leading to offense and eventual rejection.

Final Reflection: Choosing Our Environment

• The speaker poses critical questions about what kind of community individuals want:

• Do you prefer familiarity over miracles?

• Would you choose offense over celebration?

This reflection encourages listeners to consider their own spiritual posture within their communities.

What Kind of Altar Will You Build?

The Choice Between Nazareth and Bethany

• The speaker poses a critical question about the type of church and marriage one desires, contrasting the negative connotations associated with "Nazareth" against the positive attributes of "Bethany."

• No one consciously chooses to emulate Nazareth, which symbolizes rejection of God; yet many find themselves in that position. This reflects a broader human tendency towards complacency.

Building an Altar for God

• The speaker challenges listeners to consider what kind of altar they wish to build: one that rejects God or one that welcomes His presence and miracles, akin to Bethany.

• Acknowledging the Western Hemisphere's spiritual decline, the speaker emphasizes how familiarity breeds contempt for God, leading to apathy in faith practices.

Observations on Global Spiritual Movements

• The fastest-growing churches are found outside the West—specifically in South America, China, and the Middle East—where people are not bored with God but rather eager for His presence. This highlights a stark contrast with Western attitudes toward faith.

• Despite having polished productions and skilled preachers, American churches often lack genuine spiritual power due to over-familiarity with God’s message. This results in under-discipleship among congregants.

Awe and Community Engagement

• Acts chapter 2 illustrates that awe before God leads to miracles and joy within communities; this sense of wonder is essential for vibrant worship experiences.

• Moments like those at Asbury University arise when institutions choose to cultivate an environment similar to Bethany—a place where God's presence is actively sought after rather than dismissed or taken for granted.

Navigating Cynicism in Modern Culture

• In today's hyper-critical culture, where cynicism prevails, it becomes challenging for God's presence to be felt within schools and churches; sacred moments are often lost amidst constant critique.

• Followers of Jesus must strive against societal currents by fostering environments that invite God's presence rather than driving Him away through offense or dismissal of uncomfortable truths from scripture.

Commitment to Building a Sacred Space

• The speaker encourages listeners at their school to collectively decide on creating an atmosphere welcoming God's presence throughout their time there—resisting familiar patterns of dismissal or offense towards challenging teachings.

• Ultimately, individuals are called upon to reflect on what kind of altar they want to build: one reminiscent of Nazareth's indifference or one like Bethany's openness where God can manifest powerfully through repentance and thanksgiving rituals during gatherings.

Building Personal Altars

The Importance of Building Altars

• The speaker emphasizes the necessity of personally building altars to connect with God, stating that it cannot be done by others on one's behalf.

• Building altars is framed as a daily practice, not limited to specific locations like chapels; it's essential for spiritual growth and connection.

• The speaker encourages learning to create altars in various settings—homes, cars, or coffee shops—highlighting that God's presence isn't confined to one place.

Training Ground for Spiritual Practices

• Attending chapel serves as training for building personal altars; if one struggles here, they will find it even more challenging outside this supportive environment.

• A call is made to engage in high praise during worship, indicating a shift back towards uplifting and focused worship practices.

Invitation to Worship

• The speaker invites attendees to build an altar through acts of repentance, thanksgiving, or covenant-making during the service.

• Participants are encouraged to lift their hands and set the atmosphere for worship despite distractions from homework or upcoming responsibilities.

Engaging in Worship

• An emphasis is placed on actively participating in worship by using words and physical expressions as forms of building an altar.

• The congregation is urged to express their devotion by declaring God's worthiness through song and personal commitment.

Creating Personal Connections with God

• Individuals are prompted to go beyond mere lyrics and truly engage with God by expressing their desire for His presence.

• There’s a focus on making personal covenants with God during worship, encouraging repentance and gratitude as part of the experience.

Worship and Surrender: Building Altars

The Essence of Worship

• The worship begins with a call to lift voices in praise, emphasizing the holiness of God and the importance of faith attached to His word.

• Acknowledgment of Jesus as the glorified one, highlighting His role as the Lamb that was slain but is now risen to reign.

• The lyrics express a desire for God's presence, inviting Him to dwell among praises and acknowledging Him as the ancient of days.

Honoring God Through Praise

• Repeated calls for God to take His seat of honor on our praises, indicating a deep reverence and recognition of His authority.

• Emphasis on rebuilding altars through worship, suggesting that true worship involves sacrifice and dedication.

Understanding Worship's Definition

• Discussion about how worship is defined not just by music or singing but by acts of surrender and sacrifice to God.

• Reference to Abraham’s story where he prepares to sacrifice Isaac; this moment illustrates that true worship can occur without instruments or lyrics.

The Power of Surrender

• Highlighting that surrender does not equate to loss; instead, it opens up new provisions from God.

• Encouragement for individuals hesitant about fully committing their lives or dreams back to God due to fear; emphasizes trust in God's provision.

Call for Action: Building Altars

• Urging attendees at Vanguard to become "altar builders," fostering an environment ripe for spiritual growth and repentance.

• Emphasizes the need for community engagement in building a movement led by divine guidance.

God's Desire to Pour Out His Spirit

Building Altars in Our Lives

• God desires to pour out His spirit within us, but it requires personal effort to build altars in our lives.

• Each act of surrender to God is a moment where we declare that everything we have belongs to Him, leading to divine provision and grace.

• Acknowledgment of the willingness of hearts and surrendered lives is essential; God sees beyond physical gestures into the depths of our hearts.

• The call for Vanguard and the space around us to become altars signifies places marked by God's presence, miracles, and spiritual encounters.

• Encouragement for individuals to consistently build altars daily reflects a lifestyle dedicated to worship and praise.

Reflection on Preaching Impact

• Gratitude expressed towards Pastor Andrew for his impactful message that encourages closeness with God.

• The best compliment in preaching is when a message inspires listeners to deepen their relationship with God rather than just receiving encouragement or affirmation.

• Recognition of the prophetic nature of the message indicates its relevance for future directions at their campus, emphasizing community growth and spiritual development.