This sermon delivered by Apostle Allison Smith Conliff  focuses on the divine identity of Jesus Christ as the exclusive path to God. Drawing from the Book of John, the Apostle emphasizes that believers must move beyond intellectual study to develop a disciplined, personal relationship with the Savior. The message warns against the distractions of the world and the schemes of the devil, urging the congregation to maintain spiritual integrity and self-control. By highlighting the oneness of the Father and the Son, the sermon encourages followers to perform "greater works" through faith and obedience. Ultimately, the message serves as a call to unwavering commitment, reminding believers that they carry divine DNA and must honor God above all earthly concerns.

Key Points:

A believer's lifestyle must demonstrate a clear departure from secular norms by embracing a "set apart" identity as a new creature in Jesus Christ, where former ways of living are passed away. This separation is manifested through the following practical and spiritual distinctions:

• Abstinence from Alcohol and Gambling: While secular society may engage in a "frenzy" of drinking and celebration during holidays like Christmas, believers are instructed to celebrate how Jesus wants, specifically by avoiding alcohol. Similarly, believers should not participate in secular activities like gambling or betting on "marks," even if they feel "odd" or left out for doing so.
• Being "Peculiar" and "Odd": A believer is called to be rare and peculiar, meaning they should not feel the need to be included in every secular social circle or activity. If a believer does not feel "odd" when left out of worldly behaviors, it may indicate a lack of spiritual alignment.
• Focus over Distraction: While many are "hooked" on technology and being tracked by devices like cell phones, the believer’s primary "hook up" should be with Jesus. This extends to conduct during worship, where secular habits of distraction, such as taking unnecessary breaks for long conversations, are viewed as yielding to the devil's work rather than feeding the spirit.

• Sacred Time: A believer's lifestyle is marked by honoring God at all costs, rather than only when it is convenient. This means prioritizing "Jesus time" and church attendance over domestic chores like cleaning, pressure washing the yard, or preparing food for holiday celebrations.
• Daily Discipline: Unlike those who may study the Bible for "argument's sake" or intellectual curiosity, the believer must practice a discipline of reading, studying, and practicing the Word on a daily basis to build character.

• Building "Backbone": Secular norms often involve taking offense or quitting when faced with disrespect or pressure. In contrast, a believer must build a "backbone" to continue serving God even when they are disliked, called names, or treated without respect.
• Unconditional Forgiveness: A significant demonstration of a set-apart lifestyle is the ability to forgive even when an apology is never issued and to continue showing love when it is not returned.

• Integrity in Finances: Separation from secular norms requires a renewed mindset regarding money. Believers must avoid making "deals with the devil" or pursuing wealth through ungodly means that lead to frustration and misery.
• Family Accountability: A believer is expected to be more responsible than an "infidel" (unsaved person) by providing for their own family. The Apostle emphasizes that both parents must be held accountable for the upbringing and love of their children, rejecting the reckless abandonment of responsibility sometimes seen in secular society.

• Authority over the Demonic: A believer cannot live "anyhow" or in a lackadaisical manner and expect to have spiritual authority. A holy, set-apart life provides the "authorization from heaven" necessary to command demonic influences to leave one's space.

Rec. Date: 17th December, 2023