Apostle Allison Smith Conliff focuses on the teachings of Jesus in the Book of John. The Apostle emphasizes the necessity of believing in Christ's divinity to avoid spiritual death, warning the congregation against the distraction of religious gimmicks or "antics." Throughout the message, the importance of a surrendered life and a disciplined relationship with God is highlighted, specifically through the practice of sacrificial fasting. The address also touches on the tensions between Jesus and religious leaders, illustrating how personal security and wealth can hinder one’s acceptance of truth. Summarily, the sermon serves as a call for believers to move beyond surface-level rituals and embrace their identity as free members of God's family.

Key Points:

Personal sacrifice is presented as a fundamental requirement for surrendering one's life to God, achieving spiritual maturity, and unlocking divine blessings.

True spiritual growth is defined not by outward "antics" or "gimmicks," but by a surrendered life. This surrender requires moving beyond a "secured lifestyle" that might be rooted in worldly wealth or influence, as these can cause individuals to reject the kingdom of God. Sacrifice involves:

• Relinquishing Self-Will: Following the example of Jesus, who did "nothing of myself" and chose the Father’s will over his own in the Garden of Gethsemane, believers are encouraged to reach a place where they can say, "not my will, but your will be done".
• Severing Old Ties: Spiritual growth requires a complete break from the "Kingdom of darkness." The Apostle suggests that one cannot maintain a "double barrel name" or association with their past life; they must drop it former associations to be born into the family of Jesus.

Personal sacrifice is specifically linked to the practice of fasting as a means to achieve spiritual breakthroughs and deliverance.

• Drawing Near to God: Fasting is described as a mandate to be drawn closer to God and to be enlightened by the spirit, which allows the "flesh to become quiet".
• Breaking Chains: To see God deliver you from the "squeezing" of the enemy and to "burst those chains," you must do something sacrificial, which involves changing your routine and making specific sacrifices.
• Rejecting Laziness: Spiritual growth requires active labor. Believers are warned that the "harvest is ripe" but laborers are few because many are lazy. To see God manifest, one must "work the faith" and cultivate an atmosphere that draws His presence.

Blessings and testimonies are often the result of enduring trials and putting in sacrificial effort.

• No Testimony Without Trials: To have a testimony, one "must go through something," similar to a student who must pass tests to progress through school.
• Tangible Rewards: Blessings are described as a "reward" for those who "did it right" and honored God. Don't be envious of others' blessings or "tangible things" if one has not checked their own level of commitment and sacrifice.
• Giving to Receive: During worship, believers are asked what they are giving God (such as their "best praise") in exchange for the things they want from Him during the week. The sermon notes that one cannot expect the "first class honors" of eternal life without living for God.

Finally, spiritual growth is conditional upon persistence. The Apostle highlights that while many start as followers, one must continue in the word to truly be a disciple. This ongoing commitment is a form of sacrifice that ensures a person remains a "permanent member" of the family of God rather than a "slave to sin".

Rec. Date: 2nd Apr, 2023