The Paradox of "Praise"

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff delivers a powerful analysis of Micah 6, framing the scriptural narrative as a divine courtroom drama where God contends with the hypocrisy and ingratitude of His people. This message reinforces her consistent themes of divine authority and the necessity of personal integrity.Apostle Conliff begins by examining the history of Judah, whose name means "praise". She points out a recurring spiritual failure: although Judah’s name was excellent, his life often reflected insult and misbehaviour, such as his role in selling his brother Joseph and his act of adultery. She challenges the congregation to ensure their lives reflect who they are in Christ, warning that many are "praising, but still doing the wrong thing". However, she offers hope by noting that God still allowed the Messiah to come through Judah's lineage, proving that God can use those who have made errors if they abandon their former ways.The sermon highlights Micah’s portrayal of a courthouse where God is the judge and the mountains and hills serve as witnesses. These physical landmarks are called to testify because the people had used high places to erect altars to foreign gods. Apostle Conliff emphasizes the "pain and grief" in God’s voice as He asks, "What have I done unto thee?". She rebukes the sin of ingratitude, noting that God must often "jog our memory" of past deliverances, such as the Exodus from Egypt, to counter our current unfaithfulness.A major point of the sermon is the lack of physical and spiritual space for God in modern lives. Apostle Conliff observes that people often have dedicated rooms in their houses for gyms, TV, or even pets, yet lack a "set apart" place for prayer and worship. She argues that while God can be praised anywhere, the lack of a dedicated altar reveals a lack of value placed on the relationship with the Almighty.Building on the biblical condemnation of "wicked scales" and "deceitful weights," Conliff delivers a stern message on economic justice. She warns that:Business Dishonesty: Cheating customers or "extorting" others to gain wealth is abominable to God.True Requirements: God is not moved by religious rituals or "thousands of rams" but by a heart that chooses to "do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly".The Apostle warns that sin is "deadly" and leads to a state of desolation she describes as a "banga season", a period of spiritual and physical drought. She explains that when God is vexed by unfaithfulness:Labor is Futile: People will plant crops but not harvest them, and press olives but get no oil.Wealth is Lost: Money saved through wickedness will eventually be given to "those who conquer you".Social Ruin: Following the wicked examples of leaders like Ahab leads to complete ruin and public mockery.The sermon concludes with a call to "contend for the faith" and maintain a "living sanctuary" for God. Apostle Conliff’s final prayer is for the congregation to remain "in tune with the frequency of heaven," ensuring their hands touch no unclean thing and their feet never run toward mischief, so that God may ultimately prosper their way.Rec. Date: 27th February, 2025