Divine Rejection

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff provides a rigorous analysis of 1 Samuel 16, exploring the transition of divine favor from King Saul to David. Her message serves as a sobering warning on the consequences of disobedience and a guide to maintaining spiritual positioning through integrity and worship.The sermon centers on the "most miserable" state a person can experience: Divine Rejection. Apostle Conliff highlights that God rejected Saul from reigning over Israel because he "put Jesus out and brought flesh in," choosing compromise over obedience. She warns the congregation not to "play with the gifts and talents" given by God, asserting that one can still hold a position (like king or musician) while the Spirit of God has already departed.A major point of the analysis is the difference between human and divine evaluation. When Samuel went to Jesse’s house, he initially mistook Eliab for the anointed one because he was tall and handsome, similar to Saul. Apostle Conliff rebukes this "religious" mindset, stating that ministry must be based on spiritual evaluation rather than height, looks, or social status. She reminds the church that "man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart".Building on themes of divine authority from our conversation history, Apostle Conliff demands a lifestyle of total transparency. She declares, "You cannot have a secret life and a God life". For God to be glorified, He must be honored in the "bedroom, kitchen, and washroom" as much as in the sanctuary. This integrity is the only way to ensure the "oil of advancement" brings blessings rather than sorrow.The Apostle provides a detailed analysis of David’s harp, illustrating that music is a powerful spiritual tool that "impacts your space 100%". She explains that David’s playing was effective because of his anointing, not just his skill. Key insights include:Invoking Spirits: Secular music (like Whitney Houston) shifts a believer's vibe from spiritual to "carnal".The Power to Deliver: David’s music was so "cunning" and anointed that it could drive an evil spirit away and refresh a troubled king.Worship as Warfare: True worship provides a "soothing" or "warlike" confidence that allows a believer to connect deeply with God.Apostle Conliff addresses the failure of Samuel’s children to serve the Lord, noting that even "great" leaders must diligently train their children. She warns that "wrong influence" can destroy a lineage, urging parents to stand fully on the Word of God even when their children make poor choices.Consistent with her previous teachings on humility, Apostle Conliff emphasizes that she does not "own" her position at Lighthouse. She describes herself as a steward whose position can change at any time if she fails to do it right. She rebukes "petty believers" who seek kudos or get "vexed" when others are honored, calling for a "childlike" joy that celebrates when others shine.The sermon concludes with a call to "cut yourself loose 100%" from the past. Using the example of the early church burning their sorcery books, she implores the congregation to give up any "secret" or "unholy" associations, whether relationships, "strange music," or religious habits, to ensure they remain in right standing with the "Most High God".Rec. Date: 13th March, 2025