Apostle Allison Smith Conliff focuses on the theme of divine love, asserting that human voids can only be filled by a relationship with God rather than material things. The Apostle includes testimonies from children who express gratitude for physical healing and spiritual restoration within their families. Transitioning into a study of the Book of John, the Apostle highlights John the Baptist as a model of obedience and a forerunner for Jesus Christ. The message concludes by urging congregants to embrace their unique divine purpose and rely on God’s grace and protection during difficult times. Overall, the message serves as a call for believers to remain steadfast and God-fearing in a modern world.

Key Points:

John the Baptist serves as a powerful model for modern believers by demonstrating unwavering obedience, selflessness, and a clear sense of divine mandate.

His role as a model is defined by the following characteristics and actions:

• A Forerunner for Christ: Just as John was sent as a "forerunner" to prepare the way for Jesus’ first coming, modern believers are called to be forerunners who tell people that Jesus is coming again. The Apostle emphasize that believers today have an assignment to fulfill their part in the gospel mission "without hesitancy" or "delay," just as John did.
• An Obedient Vessel: John is described as a "unique" individual who wore "odd clothes" and ate "strange food," yet he was entirely focused on his mission rather than himself. He serves as a model of the "crucified and surrendered life," where obedience to God’s command is not a problem because "self" is no longer the priority.
• Bearing Witness to the Light: John "was not the light," but he came specifically to bear witness of the light so that all might believe. For modern believers, this means prioritizing the "God on the inside" and testifying about Jesus rather than seeking personal glory.
• Humility and Proper Perspective: John modeled humility by declaring that Jesus was "preferred" before him because Jesus "was before" him. He understood his place in God's plan, which the Apostle suggests is a lesson for believers to accept their own unique grace and timing rather than wishing to be someone else.
• Fulfillment of an Assignment: John is presented as a model for accurately moving into one’s "assignment". If believers do not do what they are called to do, modeled after John’s faithfulness, they risk becoming "miserable" or being replaced by another whom God will raise up.

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff defines the "void" as an inherent part of the human condition, noting that every person "downloaded to planet earth" is created with this emptiness.

The characteristics and purpose of this void include:

• A Longing for the Creator: Apostle Conliff specifically identifies it as a "void for their maker". She emphasizes that there is "no substitute" for God (G-O-D) to fill this specific space in the human heart.
• Inadequacy of Earthly Replacements: The Apostle explains that while people often search for fulfillment in material things or other people, these pursuits fail to satisfy because the void remains. Even when love is found in people or objects, a person will remain "haunted" and continue searching until they address the root cause.
• A Call to Service and Relationship: The only way to fill this void is for an individual to "look to him [God]" and "serve him".

Ultimately, John the Baptist represents the "obedient vessel" that modern believers should strive to be: one who is hidden in God, stands for the truth of the gospel even under pressure, and remains focused on the "mandate from above". Furthermore, this void serves as a spiritual compass, intended to lead individuals back to a relationship with their manufacturer, who knows how to make them function at their "maximum" potential.

Rec. Date: 14th April, 2024