This Thursday Night Deliverance sermon delivered by Deaconess Ayanna Cole centers on the reality that believers will face “storms” (crises, pressure, fear, spiritual attack), but storms are temporary and Jesus has authority to rebuke them. Using Luke 8:22–25, the preacher teaches that even when it feels like God is “asleep,” He is present and able to bring calm, yet He also challenges believers about where their faith/confidence is and calls them to stop panicking and start trusting. The sermon then connects the storm to purpose: after the storm on the water, Jesus arrives at Gadara and immediately meets a deliverance “assignment” (the demonized man), showing that breakthrough often lies on the other side of endurance. The message culminates in a strong deliverance emphasis: believers must learn to use their God-given authority (highlighting Luke 10:19) to speak to situations and resist the enemy, rather than collapsing under pressure. 

The repeated declaration is that storms don’t last forever, even though they can feel endless while you’re inside them. The congregation is encouraged to prophesy it: “the storm is about to break/stop.” 

From Luke 8:22–25, Jesus rebukes wind and water and “there was a calm.” The sermon emphasizes that Christ is not only able to calm external storms, but also to bring calm internally, because fear and panic often escalate the battle. 

The speaker reframes Jesus’ question (“Where is your faith?”) as: Where is your confidence, in people/“arm of flesh,” or in God? The disciples had witnessed miracles, yet still panicked in crisis; believers are urged not to forget what God has already done. 

After the storm, the message moves into the deliverance encounter in Luke 8:26. The Deaconess stresses: “Sometimes after you go through the storm, you will meet your assignment.” If they turned back mid-storm, the man at Gadara would not have been delivered, so quitting early can abort purpose. 

A major practical takeaway is that believers possess authority and the ability to exercise it: speak to what is confronting you (home, children, work, health), and command it to change in Jesus’ name. The sermon urges active spiritual responsibility, not passive fear. 

In the Gadarenes account, the demons recognize Jesus’ authority, and the sermon warns against treating spiritual bondage lightly (“don’t pet it / don’t pat it”). The congregation is challenged to value someone’s freedom above convenience (even above rushing to eat or leaving early). 

The Deaconess references real-life storms (including bereavement and trauma) to show faith as perseverance: keep serving God, resist being “bowed down,” and let worship/joy be a statement of victory even when hurting. 

The message cautions that some believers start well but quit when storms hit, blaming God/church/others. It quotes Luke 9:62 about not looking back after putting your hand to the plow, calling believers to be dependable and steadfast. 

Primary: Luke 8:22–25 (Jesus calms the storm) 
Supporting: Psalm 121 (God neither slumbers nor sleeps) 
Authority: Luke 10:19 (authority over enemy power) 
Steadfastness: Luke 9:62 (don’t look back) 

• “Storms don’t last.” 
• “There was a calm.” (after Jesus rebuked the storm) 
• “Use your authority.” 
• “Go through your storm, don’t turn back.” 

Rec. Date: 1st August, 2024

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff emphasizes the necessity of spiritual alertness and unwavering faith, warning the congregation about global disasters and a forthcoming divine "shaking" of the nation. Drawing from the Book of Acts, the sermon highlights the resilience of the Apostle Paul, using his trials and legal defenses to encourage believers to remain steadfast against worldly criticism. Apostle Conliff shares personal testimony regarding God’s goodness and protection, urging her audience to live consecrated lives rather than secret, sinful ones. The message concludes with a call for intentional positioning and faithfulness, reminding the church that they are handpicked by God to serve as witnesses of His power.

Key Points:

A believer's private character and public spiritual testimony must be fully aligned and consistent, as God expects a life of total consecration rather than "part-time" devotion.

Here are the specific ways a believer's private character should reflect their public testimony:

The Apostle highlights a concern that some individuals in the church maintain a "secret" lifestyle that does not match their public persona. Apostle Allison emphasizes that believers will eventually give an account for their lives, implying that private actions must be able to withstand divine scrutiny. To reflect a true spiritual testimony, one's "secret time" should be dedicated to activities that nourish the soul, such as reading or listening to the Bible, worship, and prayer, rather than entertaining "slackness" or impurity.

Drawing from the example of the Apostle Paul, a believer should be able to state boldly that they have lived their life "with a perfectly good conscience" before God. This means that a believer’s private decisions and inner thoughts should align with the word of God so that their public testimony has "backing behind it". If God has truly changed a person's life, that change must be visible to others; if people cannot see the difference, it suggests a disconnect in the life being lived.

The Apostle critiques the idea of being "part-time believers," noting that God selects people for full-time commitment. A believer's testimony is not something that is switched on only during church services; it is a 24/7 responsibility where they "go with the rules" of the Kingdom rather than trying to modify God's word to suit their own preferences. This includes:

• Integrity in speech: Private promises should be kept with the same weight as public ones. For example, if you tell someone you are bringing them lunch or giving them money, you must do it, as failing to do so makes one a "liar" regardless of their spiritual standing.
• Attitude in service: Even tasks done out of the public eye, such as cleaning the church or "mopping for Jesus," should be done with a joyful heart and a right attitude, reflecting a genuine love for God rather than a desire for recognition.

In private, believers must choose not to "fit into the puzzle of the system of the world". This involves standing up for God's laws even when society legalizes or encourages things that God is against. Character is defined by the refusal to pervert one's mind with worldly influences, ensuring that the internal presence of Christ, the one who "lives on the inside", is not dismissed or suppressed by private sin.

Finally, the character of the individual determines the weight of their spiritual influence. Apostle Allison notes she is careful about who she allows to minister or "lay hands" on others because many believers currently do not reflect Christ as they should. A true testimony is born when a believer's past, "mess", is sanctified into a "message," and they are no longer ashamed to testify about how God changed their private lifestyle.

Rec. Date: 7th July 2024

This sermon from Apostle Allison Smith Conliff discusses the spiritual challenges of the last days. She warns the congregation against narcissism, greed, and boastfulness, urging believers to prioritize divine truth over intellectualism or material wealth. The message emphasizes the importance of moral integrity in modern times, touching on topics such as modesty, faithfulness in marriage, and the dangers of alcohol and sensual pleasure. Apostle Conliff highlights that true Godliness is revealed through conduct and character rather than outward religious displays. She encourages her listeners to seek God's presence to overcome past sins and to remain discerning about whose teachings they follow. The message concludes with a call to rekindle a passionate love for God and to maintain self-control in all areas of life.

Key Points:

A primary challenge of the current era is the rise of narcissistic behavior and intense self-focus. Apostle Conliff observes that people have become "lovers of themselves," prioritized by a desire to gratify the flesh. This manifests as:

• Boastfulness and Arrogance: Individuals often boast about things they do not even possess to make others feel inferior and to showcase themselves as "better".
• Lack of Self-Control: This is seen even in communal settings, such as "thanksgiving" services, where people may fight over food or show a lack of respect for the sacrifices others have made to provide.
• Gossip and Betrayal: The "last days" are characterized by malicious gossip and people becoming traitors, even within their own homes or towards those they serve.

Apostle Conliff warns that many are "selling themselves" or leaving Christianity entirely because they are compelled by greed. While she acknowledges that money is a necessity for living, she stresses that it should not be one's "first love". She notes a trend where social status is determined by wealth, such as the "card clique" versus the "cash clique", and warns against treating others as "nothing" based on their financial standing.

The Apostle identifies a breakdown in traditional values and virtues, specifically regarding modesty and sensuality:

• Fashion and Immodesty: She argues that "fashion will kill some believers" who fail to see where morality ends and immorality begins. She specifically critiques the trend of "cut out" clothing, which she likens to walking with one’s own "air condition system," noting it can be a stumbling block for others.
• Sensual Pleasure: Modern society is "overloaded" by sensuality through the internet, WhatsApp, and the media. This challenge extends to adults who become "hooked" on games, shows, or inappropriate content because they have the "privacy" to do so.
• Intoxication: Apostle Conliff expresses concern over believers and even ministers who consume alcohol and engage in "reckless" behavior at social events like weddings, arguing that any form of intoxication hinders one's ability to honor God in a "conscious state''.

A major spiritual challenge is the tendency to hold to a "form of outward Godliness" while denying its true power. Apostle Conliff describes this as "religion" rather than a true relationship with Christ.

• Inconsistency: Many claim faith, but their conduct, such as living without order or engaging in "fire Friday" activities with alcohol, nullifies that claim.
• Vulnerability to False Doctrine: She warns of people who "worm their way into homes" to captivate women who are "morally weak and spiritually dwarf". These are often individuals who have not dealt with their past sins or impulses, making them susceptible to doctrines that are not of God.
• Relational Compromise: Believers are challenged to maintain their standards in relationships, warned not to be "best friends" with those who are "Anti-Jesus" because two cannot walk together unless they are in agreement.

Rec. Date: 27th June, 2024

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff discusses the profound nature of Christian salvation and the spiritual inheritance believers receive through faith. She emphasizes that salvation is a free gift from God that cannot be earned through good works, but rather requires a personal relationshipwith Jesus Christ. Apostle Conliff warns the congregation about the barbaric state of the world, urging them to seek Godly counsel and remain steadfast in their faith to navigate modern dangers. The message encourages listeners to live with gratitude and modesty, highlighting the importance of being spiritually fit to resist the temptations of darkness. She calls for believers to find their identity in Christ, reminding them that they are designed to glorify God in every aspect of their lives.

Key Points:

Understanding one's spiritual inheritance in Christ empowers believers by shifting their perspective from a mere religious label to a position of active authority and divine identity. Simply calling oneself a Christian is insufficient to "fight the devil"; rather, a believer must know who they are in Him to effectively resist darkness. This empowerment is rooted in the realization that a believer has been made "more than a conqueror" through the blood of Christ and his finished work, rather than through any personal merit or good works.

The Apostle highlights several specific ways this understanding provides strength against worldly darkness:

Believers live in a time characterized by "gun play," "home invasions," and "barbaric events" across the globe. These forces cannot be fought on human strength alone; instead, believers must rely on God's presence and power to manifest in the supernatural what cannot be achieved in the physical. By understanding their inheritance, believers recognize that the power dwelling inside them is greater than any external force, including sickness or the threat of death.

A critical component of this spiritual inheritance is the Holy Spirit, described as God’s "guarantee" or "first installment" of everything he promised. This seal ensures that believers are 100% secured within God's kingdom, which provides a surplus for all their needs. Understanding this prevents believers from seeking fulfillment or security in the "kingdom of darkness" or worldly systems like gambling.

The Apostle teaches that holiness is a key weapon for spiritual warfare. When a believer understands their inheritance, they strive to live righteously, which allows them to "wage war" effectively; conversely, living unholy makes one vulnerable to being "beaten by devils". This understanding empowers believers to:

• Refuse employment by the kingdom of darkness: Recognizing that they are no longer tools for Satan’s use.
• Maintain spiritual "vessels": Ensuring their spirits are filled with praise rather than being left empty for "squatting" demonic forces to occupy.
• Exercise the Name of Jesus: Utilizing the name that is "above every other name" to maintain joy and victory regardless of life's seasons.

Believers are empowered by the "counsel of His own will," which provides wisdom for success in areas like business and personal growth. The spiritual inheritance includes a "spirit of wisdom and of revelation" that gives intimate insight into the truth. This prevents believers from being led astray by "heresies" or "double standards" where one tries to live in both the world and the church.

Understanding that this is a "glorious inheritance" that cannot be taken away by others provides a sense of peace and stability amidst "turbulent times". This confidence allows believers to "stand righteous" and refuse to be a "push over" for the devil. By trusting in this inheritance, believers can conquer things that once conquered them, moving forward with a song of praise even when facing pain or weakness.

Rec. Date: 30th June, 2024

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

This sermon from Apostle Allison Smith Conliff explores the biblical book of Acts, focusing on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the early church's resilience. The Apostle emphasizes how Apostle Paul, originally a persecutor named Saul, underwent a divine name change and a radical conversion to become a pillar of faith. Using the story of Philip the Evangelist in Samaria, the message highlights that true spiritual authority cannot be purchased with money, as demonstrated by the rebuke of Simon the Sorcerer. Listeners are encouraged to move beyond "convenient worship" and embrace a life of genuine service, devotion, and forgiveness. The message concludes by asserting that the power of God is unstoppable, capable of healing the broken and protecting believers through every season of trial.

Key Points:

God uses human persecution to expand His global kingdom by having it act as a catalyst that forces the church out of its comfort zone and into new territories. According to the Apostle, the following ways illustrate how this process works:

• Scattering Believers for Evangelism: When a "great and relentless persecution" broke out against the church in Jerusalem, the believers were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Rather than silencing the faith, those who were scattered went from place to place preaching the "good news of salvation through Christ". This movement ensured that the Gospel reached areas beyond its initial center in Jerusalem.
• Breaking Comfort Zones through Pressure: Believers often stay in one place when things are going well, but God may allow "pressure" to come to force expansion. This pressure serves as a "wake up" call because some believers would never move to touch new lives unless they were forced to by difficult circumstances.
• Transforming Persecutors into Preachers: God expands His kingdom by converting those who were once instrumental in the persecution itself. The Apostle highlights Saul (later the Apostle Paul), who went from "ravaging the church" and dragging believers to prison to becoming a powerful preacher of the same Gospel he once fought against.
• Demonstrating Unstoppable Power: Persecution proves that the word of God is "unstoppable" and cannot be put to death. Even when prominent believers like Stephen were killed, the word did not die; instead, the Gospel continued to be preached with miraculous signs, wonders, and the demonstration of God's power, which validated the message to new audiences.
• Reaching the "Unreachable": Persecution pushed figures like Philip the evangelist to the city of Samaria, a place the Apostle notes "nobody wants to go". The pressure of persecution resulted in great rejoicing in that city as people who previously followed magic and sorcery were converted to the faith.

Finally, the Apostle describes persecution as a "process" that God uses to ensure His servants are not just "convenient worshippers" but are instead active in service and the expansion of the kingdom regardless of the season.

Rec. Date: 23rd June, 2024

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff explores the biblical parable of the prodigal son to deliver a message about financial stewardship and spiritual restoration. Inheritance and blessings should be invested rather than wasted on impulsive desires or immoral living. She warns that reckless choices lead to hardship, yet encourages the congregation that divine forgiveness is always available to those who humble themselves. The discourse highlights the unconditional love of God, referred to as Abba Father, who celebrates the return of those who have lost their way. Finally, the Apostle concludes with prayers for fathers and a call for individuals to honor their responsibilities within the family and the faith.

Key Points:

The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates God’s capacity for forgiveness through the father’s immediate and compassionate response to his son’s return after a period of reckless and immoral living.

Key ways this illustrates divine forgiveness include:

• Anticipation and Compassion: While the son was still "a long way off," the father saw him and was moved with deep compassion. Rather than waiting for the son to reach the house and beg, the father ran to embrace and kiss him, demonstrating God’s readiness to welcome back those who have wandered.
• Restoration Over Retribution: Although the son arrived with the humble intention of being treated like a hired servant because he felt unworthy of his status, the father had far more in mind. He granted the son complete restoration as a "joint heir" by placing a ring on his finger, sandals on his feet, and the "best robe" on his back.
• Celebration of the Lost: The Apostle describes the father’s forgiveness as an active celebration, symbolized by slaughtering the "fatted calf" for a feast. This "Holy Ghost party" signifies that God views a repentant person not as a failure, but as one who was "dead" and is now "alive," or "lost" and now "found".
• Mercy Regardless of Past Actions: The father showed mercy despite the son's history of wasting his inheritance on "wicked living" and "immoral" choices. Even when a person hits "rock bottom," they can return to "Abba Father" for restoration.
• Correction of the Self-Righteous: The parable also addresses the elder brother’s jealousy, illustrating that God’s forgiveness is so vast it may even offend those who stayed behind. The Apostle suggests that believers should not "bad talk" or be "vexed" when someone who wandered is restored, but should instead embrace them back into the kingdom with love.

The parable serves as an invitation for "fugitives" or anyone who has run away from God to return, highlighting that God does not back down from the opportunity to deliver and forgive His children.

Rec. Date: 16th June, 2024

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff delivers a passionate message on the necessity of total commitment to God. She emphasizes that while material wealth is not inherently sinful, it must be recognized as a divine gift for which every individual will eventually be held accountable. Using the biblical example of Simon Peter, the Apostle illustrates how obedience to God’s word leads to supernatural abundance and breakthroughs, even after repeated failure. Apostle Conliff encourages believers to maintain a joyful spirit and use their personal testimonies of overcoming darkness to inspire others. The message serves as a call for the church to remain spiritually powerful and rooted in scriptural truth rather than worldly shortcuts.

Key Points:

Personal testimonies serve as a powerful tool in the church to demonstrate the contrast between a person’s past and the transformative work of God. Those who have "lived in the world" possess a significant testimony because they can directly compare where they once were with what the Lord has done for them. Instead of being embarrassed by a difficult or "dark" past, believers are encouraged to rejoice in their testimonies, as these stories highlight how God chose to "clean [them] up" when they could have otherwise faced death, disease, or brokenness.

The Apostle highlights several specific ways testimonies illustrate God’s power and grace:

• Overcoming Professional and Natural Limitations: Personal stories provide evidence that God’s word can supersede human expertise. For instance, Apostle Allison shares a testimony of being told by doctors she would not have children; however, by believing what "God said differently," she was able to conceive. She further describes how following God's specific instructions regarding the timing of her medical procedures saved her baby’s life, demonstrating God’s power to intervene in desperate situations.
• Physical and Emotional Transformation: Testimonies show the tangible "touch" of Jesus on a person’s life. An example provided in the sources is that of individuals who suffered from stuttering and low confidence but were completely changed after being touched by God, enabling them to stand and speak before others.
• Protection and Deliverance: Sharing stories of "breakthroughs" or miracles, such as being protected from a car accident, serves as a way to testify of God's goodness and His "sufficient" grace.
• Acknowleging God as a Miracle Worker: By lifting one’s voice to testify, a believer gives glory to God as an "awesome God" and a "miracle worker". The power of God makes a person's life easier and more effective, turning a "powerless" individual into a "powerhouse" through the presence of Jesus.

Believers should not "sit on" their testimonies to appear as though they were always Saints. Rather, they should use their experiences to show that God’s grace is sufficient and that His power is available to deliver anyone from any circumstance.

Rec. Date: 13th June, 2024

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff explores the vital importance of divine obedience and spiritual discernment, she utilizes the biblical narrative of King Jeroboam and an unnamed young prophet to illustrate how ignoring God’s specific instructions leads to spiritual demise. The message warns believers against being swayed by deceptive influences or "lying prophets," emphasizing that even a small lapse in judgment can result in severe consequences. Apostle Conliff encourages her audience to maintain a personal, steadfast connection with the Holy Spirit rather than seeking human validation or fame. Ultimately, the message serves as a call to prioritize God’s sovereigntyand remain loyal to His word to receive His full protection and blessings.

Key Points:

The sermon explores the spiritual dangers of receiving guidance from deceptive sources primarily through the biblical narrative of a young prophet who was misled by an older prophet, resulting in his death. The Apostle emphasizes several key themes regarding these dangers:

Deceptive sources often present themselves as legitimate authorities. The sermon notes that some individuals "stir up their own gift" and claim it is from God when it is not. These "lying tongues" often speak falsely because they want to "look good in their eyes" or maintain a certain status. In the biblical example, the old prophet from Bethel used a "loose or unguarded moment" to act as a "tool in the hand of Satan," intentionally lying to the younger prophet by claiming an angel had given him a contradictory word from the Lord.

A central danger highlighted is the failure of a believer to discern the source of a message. The Apostle warns that if you do not know who is prophesying into your life or "how to try every spirit," it can lead to your destruction. The younger prophet accepted the old prophet’s word without testing it, which the sermon identifies as a critical error; believers must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to avoid being misled.

The consequences of following deceptive guidance are portrayed as severe:

• Unnecessary Suffering: Words have power, and receiving negative guidance from a leader, such as being told you will "never amount to anything", can cause a person to "suffer unnecessarily".
• Divine Judgment: Because the young prophet listened to the "wrong voice" and disobeyed God's clear instructions not to eat or drink in Bethel, he faced "divine judgment".
• Fatal Consequences: The sermon recounts how the young prophet was eventually slain by a lion on his journey home as a direct result of his disobedience fueled by the old prophet's trickery.

The sermon also warns against "gimmicks" in ministry, specifically the practice of paying for prophecies. The Apostle asserts that God's word is free and that those who require money to deliver a word are making the faith "look bad". Rather than leading a person to wholeness, these deceptive practices can leave a person "broken" instead of restored.

Finally, the Apostle warns that even if you are "running really really good," a "trickster prophet" can mess up your life if you open yourself to the wrong source, and those who have survived such experiences are urged to "never go back".

Rec. Date: 6th June, 2024

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff explores the biblical warnings found in Isaiah 30 and 31, focusing on the dangers of seeking worldly solutions over divine guidance. Apostle Conliff emphasizes that the ancient Israelites erred by turning to Egypt for military protection rather than trusting in God’s promises. The message serves as a call for modern believers to maintain consistent integrity and a deep personal relationship with the Holy Spirit every day of the week. Listeners are urged to reject rebellious independence and "fleshly" alliances, as these eventually lead to shame and spiritual failure. Ultimately, the message highlights that true blessing and protection come only through total obedience and an available, surrendered heart.

Key Points:

The imagery of Egypt serves as a powerful symbol for both spiritual rebellion and worldly suppression, specifically within the context of the Israelites' historical and spiritual relationship with God.

The Apostle describes Egypt as a representation of the world's system and culture, which stands in direct opposition to God's precepts. Spiritual rebellion is characterized by the following:

• Rejecting God’s Counsel: Rebellion occurs when the "children of God" choose to seek counsel from "the heathen" or those against God’s principles rather than consulting Him. Making "wrong alliances" with Egypt is presented as a failure to trust in God's infinite wisdom.
• Trusting in the "Arms of Flesh": Egypt represents the desire to rely on human strength, specifically military power, horses, and chariots, instead of the spirit of God. The Apostle warns that trusting in the "shadow of Egypt" or the "arms of flesh" will ultimately lead to shame, confusion, and failure.
• Double Standards: Rebellion is also framed as trying to live a "secret life" or a "double standard," where one attempts to serve both God and the world. The Apostle warns that "you cannot live in the world and dance in the church".

Beyond rebellion, Egypt symbolizes the bondage and pressure exerted by worldly systems:

• Historical Oppression: The Apostle highlights that the Israelites were physically "suppressed under Egypt" and that Pharaoh was never for God.
• The Weight of Disobedience: Choosing the "way of the heathen" leads to suppression in the form of spiritual "woe" and troubles. Disobedience carries a "real price," exemplified by the Israelites being forced to wander for 40 years on a journey that should have taken only 30 to 50 days.
• Spiritual Stagnation: The imagery suggests that when believers return to "Egypt" (the world) for help, they are returning to a place of suppression that God already delivered them from. This is described as backsliding, which is not considered an option for a believer.

Seeking help from Egypt, representing the world, results in becoming an enemy of God. While God is noted for His mercy and provision even during times of disobedience, there is a stern warning that those who prioritize worldly status or human alliances over God will "kindle the anger" of the Almighty. The imagery of Egypt serves as a reminder that true strength and protection come only from a consistent relationship with God, rather than the temporary and deceptive security of worldly power.

Rec. Date: 9th June, 2024