At Lighthouse Empowerment Sanctuary’s 16th Annual Thanksgiving & Christmas Dinner, Guest Minister, Apostle Emanuel Vivian Duncan, delivers a message focused on the intersection of divine purpose, obedience, and prosperity. He emphasizes that while Jesus performed miracles, His core mission was saving souls, a path that required enduring the intense pain of the Garden of Gethsemane. Apostle Duncan teaches that fulfilling one's destiny often involves "pearls" of anointing produced through personal suffering and steadfast adherence to spiritual laws. He further explores the biblical principle of seed, time, and harvest, using the story of Noah to illustrate how grace and obedience restore the earth's rhythms. The discourse concludes with a prophetic call to action, urging the congregation to invest financially in the ministry to unlock a future of perpetual increase and success.

Key Points:

The principles of obedience and seedtime harvest are presented as foundational laws and "formulas" that govern the achievement of prosperity in both spiritual and physical dimensions.

Apostle Duncan describes obedience as the "key" upon which every system, whether in the human body, the earth, or the Kingdom of God, operates.

• The Prosperity Formula: Drawing from Isaiah 1:19, the sources provide a specific formula for success: Willingness (W) + Obedience (O) = Prosperity (P), or "eating the good of the land".
• Following the Law: Obedience is defined as the act of following established spiritual laws or principles. Deviating from these laws leads to trouble, as God has set life to function through these specific principles.
• The Foundation of Faith: Obedience is deeply connected to faith; it is difficult to obey God’s word without having faith in Him. Without this obedience, an individual cannot expect to receive blessings.
• Surrender of Will: True obedience is exemplified by the surrender of one's own will to God’s will. This is modeled by Jesus in Gethsemane, where His willingness to override His personal pain for His divine purpose allowed Him to achieve His ultimate goal of saving souls.

The rhythm of seed, time, and harvest is one of the three main rhythms of the earth, alongside time and heat. While this rhythm was broken by the sin of Adam and Eve, it was restored through the obedience and offering of Noah.

• A Perpetual Law: As long as the earth remains, the law of seedtime and harvest will be in effect.
• The Nature of the Seed: A "seed" is anything you plant to get a result, including prayer, singing, dancing, or financial offerings.
• The Element of Time: Prosperity is not instantaneous; a seed requires time to germinate, grow through a process, and eventually bear fruit.
• Multiplication and Potential: The potential of a seed is far greater than its initial appearance. While you can count the seeds in a fruit, you cannot predict the number of harvests contained within a single seed. For example, Jesus is described as a seed that God planted; by "planting Himself," He is now reaping billions of souls.
• Testing the Principle: Believers are encouraged to "test God" on this principle by planting significant financial seeds to unlock financing for projects and initiate a "wind of prosperity".

Achieving prosperity requires the integration of both principles. Obedience ensures you are following the correct spiritual laws, while seedtime harvest provides the mechanism for growth and increase. A "perpetual harvest" of prosperity, which includes financial increase, healing, success for children, and new business ventures, is the direct result of acting in obedience to plant "seeds" during specific seasons.

Rec. Date: 21st December, 2023

This sermon from Lighthouse Empowerment Sanctuary serves as a spiritual call to action as the year 2023 concludes. Apostle Allison Smith Conliff encourages congregants to transition into the new year by finding hope and resiliencethrough their relationship with Jesus Christ, specifically during times of economic hardship or personal tragedy. The message emphasizes the importance of living an honorable, consecrated life and maintaining integrity in one’s personal and financial dealings. Drawing on biblical figures like Job and the teachings of the Book of John, the Apostle urges the audience to remain steadfast against worldly temptations and to "guard their hearts" against fear. Ultimately, it highlights that while life is filled with uncertainty, divine faithfulness provides a path toward restoration and spiritual victory in 2024.

Key Points:

A surrendered life is considered more effective than traditional New Year's resolutions because human ability is inherently limited, whereas God's supernatural ability is unlimited. Traditional resolutions, such as losing weight or promising to attend church more regularly, are often promises that people cannot keep on their own. Making resolutions you cannot fulfill is a form of lying; instead, the more effective approach is to give everything to Jesus and allow Him to keep you, as you cannot keep yourself.

Several key factors explain why surrender is prioritized over traditional resolutions:

• Reliance on Divine Strength: While resolutions rely on personal willpower, a surrendered life draws from the "unction from above" and the power of the Holy Spirit to navigate tough seasons. Surrendering allows a person to live a "supernatural life naturally," which is necessary because human effort alone is insufficient.
• Resilience During Trials: Resolutions often fail when life becomes difficult, but a surrendered life prepares an individual to "go through with Jesus" when facing sadness, stress, or gunfire and violent acts. Because Jesus rose triumphantly, those who are surrendered can rise out of places of distress rather than staying there and dying.
• Spiritual Continuity: Unlike a resolution which might be a temporary goal, surrender is about "continuing the journey" with God so that He is glorified throughout the entire year. It involves a "consecrated life" where the focus is on keeping one's name in the Lamb's book of life through honest living and righteousness, rather than superficial self-improvement.
• Protection and Guidance: A surrendered life involves guarding the heart and avoiding "loopholes" that the devil might use to cause a person to "sink" spiritually. By seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first, the surrendered individual is promised that all other needs, the "surplus" and "abundance", will be added to them.
• Willingness and Obedience: The effectiveness of this lifestyle is rooted in a willing and obedient heart. The Apostle states that those who are willing to "put themselves to do it right" and surrender to God’s instruction will "eat the good of the land" in the coming year.

Rec. Date: 31st December, 2023

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff highlights the transition from the Old Testament to a superior eternal covenant through Jesus Christ. She explains that the death of Jesus removed the barriers between humanity and God, replacing priestly rituals with direct access to the throne of grace. The message urges believers to enter 2024 with total surrender, warning against the dangers of isolation and idle talk while encouraging consistent physical attendance at church. Apostle Conliff emphasizes that as heavenly ambassadors, Christians must embody holy character and unwavering faithfulness rather than serving God only when it is convenient. By referencing the life of David and the Book of Hebrews, she illustrates how divine empowerment and remission of sins allow believers to overcome spiritual warfare. The message concludes with a call to foster love, maintain moral integrity, and persevere in prayer as the day of the Lord approaches.

Key Points:

The transition from the old covenant to the new covenant redefines worship by shifting it from an external system of rituals and indirect access to a direct, internalized relationship with God empowered by the Holy Spirit. This shift manifests in several key ways:

Under the old covenant, worship was restricted by a system where the people could not go directly to God. They had to rely on a priest, and specifically a high priest who could only enter the "most holy place" once a year to make a sin offering. In contrast, the new covenant, described as a "better covenant", removed these barriers. When Jesus died, the curtain dividing the most holy place was "rent in two," granting humanity the opportunity to come before the throne of grace boldly. Jesus now serves as the permanent, heavenly high priest and mediator.

Old covenant worship was often defined by "dead works" and "ritual and tradition". Redefined worship under the new covenant is characterized by God putting His laws, statutes, and principles directly into the hearts and minds of believers. This internal transformation allows believers to function from a "heavenly perspective" and represent the kingdom of God as ambassadors. Because the law is written on the heart, worship becomes a matter of character and integrity during "unsupervised times," rather than just outward performance.

Worship under the old system was "not sufficient" because it required continuous, yearly sacrifices. The new covenant redefines worship around the finished work of Jesus, who offered himself "without spot to God" to purge the conscience from dead works. Consequently, there is no more need for a sin offering or an earthly high priest to carry out such rituals.

A central feature of new covenant worship is the role of the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete). Believers are no longer left to serve God in their own strength; instead, the Holy Spirit provides the power to worship, sing, and engage in spiritual warfare, such as casting out devils. This empowerment is what allows the church to be "on fire" and "ablaze" for God.

Worship is now redefined as a lifestyle rather than a set of scheduled events. Key elements of this redefined worship include:

• Love as the defining factor: True service to God is impossible without love for one's "brother or sister".
• Holiness and Righteousness: Believers are called to be "examples that are holy" in their daily conduct.
• Community and Fellowship: Redefined worship involves "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves" and provoking one another toward love and good works.
• Sincerity: God prioritizes a "true heart" and "full assurance of faith" over convenient or "convenient" service.

Rec. Date: 28th December, 2023

On our Christmas Eve Service 2023, Apostle Allison Smith Conliff delivers a sermon exploring the birth of Jesus through the lens of divine trust and human responsibility. Apostle Allison emphasizes that God specifically selected Joseph for his reliability and strength to protect the holy family, challenging modern believers to become equally trustworthy stewards of their faith. The message warns against the distractions of worldly spirits and idle habits, urging the congregation to prioritize a disciplined relationship with God through prayer and scripture. Beyond celebrating Christ's first coming as a babe in a manger, the teaching focuses on the urgent need to be spiritually prepared for his imminent return. Ultimately, it serves as a call to live with reverential fear and joy, ensuring that one's daily conduct reflects a true transformation by the Holy Spirit.

Key Points:

The Apostle redefines the roles of Mary and Joseph by focusing on the "great dimension" of trust God placed in them as individuals specifically selected for the birth and upbringing of Jesus. Rather than viewing Joseph as a passive figure who simply "went along" with the journey, emphasizing that he was deliberately chosen and selected by God for a specific mission.

Here's several specific insights into how their roles were redefined through divine trust:

• Joseph as a Midwife: Apostle Allison redefines Joseph’s role by contrasting his trade as a carpenter with the necessity of the moment. Because there was no room in the inn and no one else was present, God transitioned Joseph from a carpenter to "midwife duty". The Apostle notes that while a carpenter’s hands are typically "rugged and rough," God trusted Joseph to use those hands to deliver his "precious, precious son".
• Joseph’s Role in Nurturing: Beyond the birth, Joseph was trusted with the duties of raising the child in the fear and wisdom of God, preparing him for his eventual sacrifice on the cross.
• Mary’s Trust as a Young Mother: Mary is characterized as a "young" teenage mother who, despite her age, was trusted by God to birth the "only begotten" because of her character and purity. The Apostle notes that she is still "highly regarded" today for the blessed life she lived.
• A Model for Believers: The Apostle uses the trust God placed in Mary and Joseph to challenge the congregation, asking men if they can be trusted like Joseph and women if they can be trusted like Mary. This redefines their roles as templates for modern divine trust, suggesting that God looks for people He can trust to execute His plans on earth.

God "set it up" so that no one else would be present, specifically because He knew He "could have trusted Joseph" to care for the young mother and the child in those circumstances. This perspective shifts the narrative from one of historical necessity to one of intentional, divine selection based on the reliability of the individuals involved.

Rec. Date: 24th December, 2023

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

Guest Minister, Bishop Dr. David Ibeleme, delivers a sermon during the Official 16th Anniversary Service of Lighthouse Empowerment Sanctuary during our 2023 Glory Fest (a week of celebratory services in the 1st week of December commemorative of the Ministry's anniversary), he explores the theological intersection of labor and divine favor. The Bishop challenges the negative perception of work as a burden, instead defining service as a dignified pathway to spiritual and material profit. Central to the message is Psalm 84, which presents God as a "sun and shield" who provides clarity and protection to those who remain faithful. Bishop Ibeleme emphasizes that while human effort is necessary, a single day of God's grace can achieve more than a thousand days of ordinary toil. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to serve with joy and persistence, trusting that God is a righteous rewarder who will not withhold any good thing from those who remain focused on Him.

Key Points:

God’s favor provides a competitive advantage against spiritual and physical opposition by acting as an "unfair advantage" against the devil and natural limitations. While the enemy seeks to stop the believer, favor functions as a supernatural strength that goes beyond what natural effort can achieve. This advantage manifests in several specific ways:

One of the primary advantages of favor is its ability to bypass the time and effort required by ordinary labor. One day of favor can produce more than a thousand days of labor. This is illustrated by Jesus feeding the 5,000; the favor of God accomplished in a moment what would have otherwise taken immense amounts of money and preparation time. In a competitive sense, this allows a believer to achieve results that are "not only quantitative growth but also qualitative growth" that others cannot match through hard work alone.

Against spiritual opposition, God serves as both a "sun" and a "shield".

• As a Sun: Favor provides clarity of purpose and revelation, which the Bishop describes as essential for healing and maximizing potential. While the "wicked" stumble in darkness because they lack this clarity, the believer's path shines brighter, allowing them to see through obscurity and avoid the "sicknesses" or setbacks caused by a lack of understanding.
• As a Shield and Buckler: God acts as a massive shield for general protection and a "buckler" for small, close-range details of opposition. This dual-layered defense ensures that the believer is protected from both large-scale spiritual attacks and the minute details that "nobody seems to be connected" to.

Favor provides an advantage by shifting the basis of a conflict from human ability to divine intervention. David did not defeat Goliath because of his skill with a slingshot, but because he came "in the name of the Lord". This divine backing is what distinguished Joseph in prison and Jacob in the house of Laban; it is a "divine favor" characterized by the willingness of God to use His power on the believer's behalf, which cannot be "messed up" or ruled by other men.

Favor introduces the element of joy, which serves as a multiplier for strength. In the military or police service, songs are used to help people rejoice while they work so they do not realize the strength they are expending; similarly, the joy brought by favor allows a believer's strength to become multiplied. This keeps the believer "reward conscious," preventing them from becoming discouraged or "vexed" when others fail to support them.

Favor provides the advantage of exemption from this oppressive cycle, placing the believer under an "easy yoke" where they are "delivered from [their] enemies" and granted access to abundance and honor rather than lack. This favor makes the believer "pleasant" and "acceptable," opening doors to the "wealth of heaven" that are closed to those relying solely on their own might.

Rec. Date: 9th December, 2023

Guest Minister, Apostle Emanuel Vivian Duncan, redefines biblical prosperity in this sermon from the 2023 Glory Fest (a week of celebratory services in the 1st week of December commemorative of the Ministry's anniversary), as the ability to fulfill one's divine purpose rather than the mere accumulation of wealth. He distinguishes between the general church and the specific "Church of Jesus Christ," arguing that the latter must adopt a prosperity mindset to fund its mission and maintain institutional independence. By contrasting the habits of successful and unsuccessful individuals, Apostle Duncan emphasizes that financial growth requires mental transformation, discipline, and a commitment to serving others through hospitality. He utilizes the life of Joseph and the teachings of 3rd John 2 to illustrate that true prosperity involves a balance of spiritual health and material abundance. Ultimately, the message serves as a prophetic call for the congregation to achieve financial dominion so they can establish their own permanent place of worship.

Key Points:

The distinction between "the church" and "Jesus’ church" shapes prosperity by defining whether a believer operates under a "poverty virus" or follows God’s original design for success and purpose. These are two distinctly different entities with opposing mindsets regarding wealth.

In "the church," prosperity is often viewed as a "bad word". This entity is characterized by several factors that hinder prosperity:

• Poverty Thinking: The speaker describes a "virus" of poverty thinking that has "messed up the church," leading people to believe that preachers who mention prosperity are only after their money.
• Stagnation and Failure: There is a common narrative that "the church is failing". This version of the church has "chased away prosperity," and it is not expected to return until the mindset changes.
• Scrunting: In this context, members may find themselves "scrunting", being so poor they cannot pay bills, which the speaker argues is not what God expects for His family.

In contrast, "Jesus’ church" is built on the foundation that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, meaning it cannot fail. The distinction shapes prosperity in the following ways:

• Ownership and Distinctiveness: Jesus said, "I will build my church," implying that He gives it a unique, "distinctive" quality that looks like Him. Because Jesus is "highly exalted" and gave up everything to "get back more than he gave up," His church is rooted in abundance rather than lack.
• A "Whole New Understanding": Jesus's church is creating a new understanding that attracts prosperity rather than chasing it away. This involves shifting from "lack thinking" to "wealth or prosperity thinking".
• Prosperity as Purpose: In Jesus's church, prosperity is redefined as fulfilling your purpose and bringing your dreams to pass, rather than just accumulating money.
• Divine Alignment: The Apostle suggests that in the church of Jesus Christ, if one does "exactly what God wants," prosperity follows them. This is based on the Genesis mandate to be "fruitful and multiply," which the speaker identifies as the "genesis" or beginning of God's intent for man.

The distinction suggests that those who identify with "the church" may remain trapped in a cycle of lack and suspicion toward wealth. However, those who belong to "Jesus’ church" are encouraged to "crank up your mind" to remove the poverty virus and embrace "prosperity with purpose". This alignment allows them to "subdue" their environment and reach the "top of their game" in business and ministry.

Rec. Date: 8th December, 2023

Guest Minister, Pastor Nirmal Seemungal, delivers a sermon as Lighthouse Empowerment Sanctuary celebrates the church’s 16th Anniversary in our week of "Glory Fest" (a week of celebratory services in the 1st week of December commemorative of the Ministry's anniversary).  Pastor Nirmal explores the spiritual significance of the "Sweet Sixteen" through biblical numerology and scripture. Centering his message on Psalm 84:11, he distinguishes between natural favor that is earned and supernatural favor which acts as a divine gift of grace. The discourse emphasizes that the presence of God within the sanctuary offers believers a unique refuge, providing both a "sun" for guidance and a "shield" for protection. Pastor Seemungal outlines ten specific benefits of divine favor, ranging from restoration of loss to the reversal of negative policies, encouraging the congregation to actively expect these blessings. Ultimately, the message serves as an exhortation for followers to prioritize an upright walk with Jesus over human approval to unlock life-changing opportunities.

Key Points:

The biblical definition of favor, often referred to as supernatural favor, distinguishes itself from natural or human merit primarily through its origin and the method by which it is obtained. While natural favor is something that can be earned through hard work or personal effort, biblical favor is an unmerited gift from God.

Here's several key distinctions:

• Earning vs. Receiving: Natural favor is often gained by working hard or long enough to make people like or accept you. In contrast, supernatural favor cannot be earned and is not based on a person's feelings or individual efforts. It is defined as grace, which is the "unmerited favor of Almighty God".
• Maintenance vs. Freedom: Human favor is seen as a form of bondage because it must be maintained by constantly doing and saying the "right things" to stay in people's good graces. Biblical favor, however, is a gift that brings freedom; it allows individuals to receive benefits and blessings they haven't earned or deserved.
• Faith vs. Works: The biblical perspective emphasizes that favor is received through faith and receptivity rather than personal works. For instance, the sources note that Mary was "highly favored" not because of her own merit, but because she was receptive to God’s grace and trusted His promises.
• The Concept of "Walking Uprightly": While the Bible links favor to those who "walk uprightly," does not mean being judged by one's works. Instead, walking uprightly is defined as a willingness to have faith in God and remaining faithful to the service He has assigned.
• Supernatural Outcomes: Because biblical favor is not bound by natural merit, it produces results that defy human logic, such as supernatural increase, promotion, and the opening of doors that an individual did not qualify for on their own. It acts as a "shield" that surrounds the righteous, providing a lasting, durable blessing that human effort cannot replicate.

Rec. Date: 7th December, 2023

Guest Minister, Apostle Dr. Margaret Lee, during the 16th-Anniversary celebrations of Lighthouse Empowerment Sanctuary, what we call call "Glory Fest" (a week of celebratory services in the 1st week of December commemorative of the Ministry's anniversary), delivers an impactful word. She reflects on the personal hardships and divine interventions she experienced while traveling to the event, including physical injury and vehicle trouble. Her message centers on the importance of total obedience to God’s will rather than following personal desires or worldly trends. She specifically honors the church’s leadership for their faithfulness and sacrifice over nearly two decades of ministry. Ultimately, the Apostle emphasizes that holiness and spiritual fruit are the essential requirements for navigating the challenges of the last days.

Key Points:

Apostle Lee defines the relationship between personal suffering and ministerial success as one where outward success is the direct result of endurance through private hardship and sacrifice. She challenges the idea that reaching significant milestones in ministry is merely a result of talent or spiritual gifts.

Apostle Lee's perspective includes the following key insights:

• Longevity Requires Suffering: She explicitly states that reaching 16 years in ministry does not happen because a leader is "anointed" or has "gifts". Instead, it requires "a lot of tears," "a lot of heartache," and "a lot of sacrifice".
• The Hidden "Price" of Success: Lee notes that while observers see the "amen" of a successful ministry, they often miss the "sacrifices, a lot of prayer, a lot of crying" that occurred behind the scenes. She suggests that the public "smile" and confident posture of a minister often mask a heavy personal price that the congregation may never fully understand.
• Pastoring as a "Lonely Place": She describes the nature of ministerial work, specifically pastoring, as "not easy," "a lonely place," and "a place of tears and heartache". However, she views this suffering as worth the cost because of the certainty of her calling, stating she "won't give it up for nothing".
• Obedience Over Circumstance: In her own experience, Lee highlights that personal suffering often manifests as obstacles designed to stop a minister's work. She describes traveling to minister despite a hand injury, floods, and her car catching fire, asserting that success is found in choosing to go "anyhow".
• The Goal is God's Will, Not Ease: True success is defined as doing things "God's way" rather than following one's own desires. She points to Jesus in Gethsemane as the "perfect example" of this relationship, where he experienced deep distress and sorrow but ultimately submitted his will to the Father's. She concludes that God sees a leader's "faithfulness" through their tears and accepts those hardships as part of their service.

Apostle Lee frames ministerial success as a test of obedience through pain, suggesting that those who stand in their calling despite heartache are the ones God will continue to use and bless.

Rec. Date: 6th December, 2023

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff preaches on the biblical book of Jude, urging the congregation to persistently fight for their faith against spiritual distractions and false doctrines. She emphasizes the necessity of humility and vigilance, warning that modern believers must be as alert as a homeowner protecting their property from a thief. Using metaphors like the narrow gate and stories of personal recovery, the Apostle encourages the audience to remain focused on eternal rewards rather than worldly status or temporary pleasures. The message also addresses practical church matters, including an upcoming three-day fast and the importance of moral purity in one's personal life. Ultimately, the message serves as a call to spiritual maturity, reminding the faithful to rely on the Word of God to navigate a world filled with deceptive influences.

Key Points:

The mandate to contend for the faith is a call to constant vigilance and spiritual discipline that fundamentally reforms a believer's character by aligning it with "Jesus's plan and purpose". This mandate shapes character in the following ways:

A believer who contends for the faith must be constantly vigilant and alert, living life in a way that allows them to hear and see spiritual dangers. This character trait is likened to a homeowner staying on guard because they know a thief is on the prowl; the believer must be "armored up" and ready for instructions from above at all times. This vigilance extends beyond the spiritual realm into practical areas, including responsibility for one's family, health, finances, and personal life.

Contending for the faith requires an orderly mindset and deep humility. Drawing from the example of Jude, who identified himself as a "servant" rather than highlighting his status as the brother of Jesus, believers are encouraged to avoid seeking fame or becoming "too full of themselves". This humility is balanced with firmness; the sources note that Jesus’s character was one of both humility and the strength to offer correction and rebuke.

The mandate requires a lifestyle that is clean, pure, and set apart 24/7, rather than just on religious holidays. Shaping a character that "contends" involves:

• Rejecting worldly distractions: Staying focused on the "narrow road" rather than being swayed by the "wide gate" of destruction and the sights of the world.
• Disciplining the flesh: Walking in holiness and righteousness while crucifying "self" so that Christ can live through the believer.
• Maintaining moral boundaries: Avoiding "strange flesh," fornication, and adultery, as the body is considered a temple.

One cannot contend for the faith without a deep knowledge of the Bible. This shapes a character that is:

• Discerning: Able to identify "false teachers" who "wormed their way in" to twist the doctrine of grace into "lasciviousness".
• Mature: Moving from the "milk stage" to the "meat stage" of the Word to avoid being "swallowed up" by deceptive doctrines.
• Scripture-focused: Learning to "grab hold of scripture" and pray the Word during trials, such as sickness or mental challenges, rather than reacting emotionally.

Contending for the faith does not mean "boxing down people" or engaging in physical "fist fights". Instead, it shapes a character that understands how to fight the "good fight of faith" through spiritual means. This involves rebuking negative influences and "jumbies" (evil spirits) in the atmosphere rather than attacking people.

Contending for the faith means a believer’s character must be "on par with the God of heaven,"characterized by a passion for the Word, a heart for service, and a refusal to rebel against God’s established truths.

Rec. Date: 3rd December, 2023