Apostle Allison Smith Conliff focuses on the theological teachings found in John Chapter 8. The discourse centers on the identity of Jesus Christ as the light of the world and the necessity of abiding in His word to achieve true spiritual freedom. Apostle Conliff warns the congregation against habitual sin and "intellectual" faith, urging believers to move beyond mere religious lineage to develop a genuine, consecrated relationship with God. The sermon also addresses practical moral issues, such as the distinction between love and lust, the importance of forgiveness, and the dangers of sexual immorality. Ultimately, the message serves as a call for spiritual self-examination, encouraging listeners to align their lives with Christ to escape the penalty of sin and live as true disciples.

Key Points:

The distinction between love and lust defines a believer’s spiritual character by revealing whether they are motivated by the flesh or by a committed relationship with God. The Apostle explains that while lust is often mistaken for love, they are fundamentally different: lust is an immediate, visual reaction to physical attributes, such as a person’s figure, whereas true love develops over a process of time and is based on knowing a person’s actual character.

The following points illustrate how this distinction shapes a believer’s spiritual standing:

• Motivation for Righteousness: A believer with spiritual character is motivated by a deep love for God, which prevents them from wanting to hurt Him. When a believer truly understands love, they strive to stand righteous even when no one else is watching.
• Sustainability and Stability: Lust is characterized as fleeting because it is based on physical "figurines" or shapes that inevitably change over time. A spiritual character built on lust will result in disappointment and dissatisfaction, as mankind is often driven by a greedy desire for "more," much like wanting more at KFC. In contrast, a believer’s character should be rooted in the "True Vine," Jesus Christ, which allows them to produce lasting fruit such as love, kindness, and patience.
• The Rejection of Immorality: The Apostle emphasizes that there is too much immorality and sexual sin within the house of God, which must be "cut". A true believer’s character is defined by abiding in the word rather than being led by fleeting feelings or emotions. Practicing sin habitually makes one a "slave to sin" and to Satan, whereas the spiritual character of a "son" is one of freedom and remaining in God's household forever.
• The Expression of God’s Nature: Because "God is love," a believer’s spiritual character is defined by their "love walk". This includes the ability to forgive others easily, recognizing that a lack of forgiveness hinders one's life, destroys peace, and interferes with spiritual vision. If a person claims to follow God but harbors hatred, they are not truly expressing the character of Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, a believer's character is a reflection of who they follow; those who follow the "light of life" will not walk in the darkness of lustful or sinful practices, but will instead have their light shine in every corner.

Rec. Date: 9th May, 2024