Apostle Allison Smith Conliff emphasizes the necessity of spiritual discipline and total submission to God's word. The preacher asserts that true Christian success requires active fellowship, consistent study, and obedience to divine instructions rather than living by guesswork. Using various biblical examples, she warns against the dangers of pride and worldly vanity, urging congregants to remain pure and resilient through life's inevitable "pressing and crushing" trials. The message highlights that believers are stewards of their lives, not owners, and must remain vigilant against sin to fulfill their destiny. The message serves as a call for the church body to function in one accord, prioritizing spiritual maturity and faithfulness over superficial appearances.

Key Points:

Apostle Conliff defines the necessity of spiritual fellowship as a fundamental component of the "package of salvation," emphasizing that it is essential for the growth and survival of a believer. Drawing on the Greek word "koinonia", which means "to hold in common," she explains that fellowship is the state of being in common together within the body of Christ.

Apostle Conliff highlights several key reasons why spiritual fellowship is necessary:

A central purpose of fellowship is to prevent believers from "perishing for a lack of knowledge". Apostle Conliff asserts that one cannot "guess" the Christian life; rather, it must be known through the word of God. The church exists specifically so that instruction can be given to transform a person's life from what it used to be into that of a "new creature". Regular gathering is mandatory because it provides the spiritual "feeding" required to fulfill one’s purpose and destiny.

Apostle Conliff teaches that God designed the "body" to work together, mirroring the perfect unity seen between the Father, the Word, and the Spirit, who have been in "one accord" since creation. This fellowship is intended to be complimentary rather than competitive; believers are called to work with one another, using their individual gifts, such as a singing voice, to support and compliment others.

Gathering for fellowship is essential for building character and empowering believers to lead their families from "victory to victory". These meetings provide the specific strategies and instructions needed to:

• Fight the "good fight of faith" using the word of God.
• Properly utilize spiritual "armor" against the plots of Satan.
• Break "yokes" and undo "heavy burdens".

Apostle Conliff notes that being obedient to the word regarding gathering brings the presence of the Holy Spirit. She cites the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2, noting that the disciples were in "one accord" when they were filled with the Holy Spirit, illustrating that communal obedience facilitates divine empowerment.

Fellowship is necessary to provide care and nurturing for believers, helping them move away from "religion" toward a dedicated and surrendered life. It also serves as a place of accountability and moral instruction, particularly for young people, to prevent them from living in regret or making unwise life choices. Finally, the Apostle mentions that fellowship includes practical "food distribution," which she considers a vital part of the church's ministry to the people.

Rec. Date: 20th June, 2024