Proof of Discipleship: The Power of Love and Faith

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff emphasizes that unselfish love is the primary evidence of true discipleship. The sermon encourages congregants to rely on divine grace and justice rather than seeking personal vengeance against those who mistreat or suppress them. By sharing personal anecdotes regarding career struggles and workplace favor, the Apostle illustrates how faithfulness to God can lead to supernatural promotion and protection. The message further addresses relational integrity, advising the audience to seek God’s approval in marriage and to maintain the body as a holy temple. Ultimately, the message serves as an exhortation to remain steadfast in faith, trust in God's timing, and cultivate a life that prioritizes the will of the Father above earthly desires.Key Points: The priority of divine love serves as the definitive proof of true discipleship by acting as a visible marker that identifies a believer's connection to Christ. This concept is rooted in the biblical mandate found in John 13:35, which states that the world will know who is a disciple of Jesus "if you have love one for another".Here is how the priority of divine love functions as proof of discipleship based on the sources:Love is the primary evidence of discipleship because "God is love". To be a disciple is to follow and become like the Master; therefore, if a person does not display love, they fail to reflect the fundamental nature of the God they claim to follow. The Apostle emphasizes that while many people are "in church," they may still lack this essential proof, as the manifestation of love is conditional upon the individual's choice to possess and display it.True discipleship is proven when divine love overrides the human impulse for retaliation. The Apostle contrasts the Old Testament principle of "an eye for an eye" with the current "age of grace". Evidence of a true disciple is seen when they "back off and let God" handle injustices rather than seeking personal vengeance. Instead of praying "dread prayers" against those who cause trouble, a disciple motivated by divine love prays for the salvation of their enemies.The Apostle describes this proof as an "unselfish love" that extends beyond one's immediate circle. It is demonstrated through:Brotherly Love: Disciples are commanded to "let brotherly love continue," ensuring it remains pure and as Christ intended.Hospitality to Strangers: True discipleship involves showing hospitality to visitors and strangers, treating it as a duty to express the "principles of heaven" to everyone from the parking lot to the sanctuary,.Honoring God: Love for God is proven through honor and staying "in tune and in sync with the frequency of heaven" rather than being consumed by earthly concerns.Finally, the proof of love is not merely about "saying good things." A disciple proves their love for others and for God by bringing the word of correction when someone is "messing with [their] salvation" or "hurting the heart of God". Because love is "the more excellent way," it requires honesty to bring others back into alignment with God’s word.In summary, divine love is the "discipleship proof" because it transforms a person's reactions to conflict, their treatment of strangers, and their commitment to truth, signalling to the world that they truly belong to Christ.Rec. Date: 25th June, 2023