This sermon delivered by Apostle Allison Smith Conliff centers on the transformative power of the Word of God through the lens of the Parable of the Sower. The Apostle emphasizes that believers must cultivate "good soil" in their hearts by prioritizing their relationship with the Creator over material possessions or sinful distractions like pornography. She shares personal testimonies of divine intervention and physical healing to illustrate that God remains active and powerful in the lives of those who maintain unwavering faith. Beyond individual spirituality, the message advocates for strong family investments, loyalty to the church, and the necessity of being "on fire" for the Holy Spirit. Summarily, the discourse calls for a completely surrendered life, warning that the Word one ignores today will serve as the final authority in the afterlife.

Key Points:

Maintaining spiritual authority and integrity requires a multifaceted approach centered on the Word of God, personal holiness, and a teachable heart. A believer must treat the Word of God as their final authority, building their life upon it so they can stand against any power in the world.

To maintain integrity, a believer must prioritize God over material things, as living solely for "things" prevents one from truly serving Him. True integrity involves total surrender, where a believer gives God their entire self rather than just parts of their life. The Apostle emphasizes that believers must live a "set apart life" and avoid compromising when it comes to sin, such as pornography or gambling, which are described as being contrary to the characteristics of Jesus.

Furthermore, integrity is maintained by being "good ground" soil, which allows the Word to take root and produce good habits, transformed thinking, and a radical commitment to righteousness. This includes being a team player within the church community and avoiding "petty ism and schism," as God's work is often intended to be done in partnership with others.

Spiritual authority is sustained through a deep, active relationship with God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Key practices include:

• Seeking "Holy Ghost Fire": Believers are encouraged to be "on fire" for Jesus, as this spiritual fire provides the power to "smite the devil" and ensures that Satan has no power over them.
• Anchoring in Faith: Authority is maintained by remaining anchored in faith even during intense trials or negative reports, such as medical crises. A believer's confidence in God’s ability to "come through" determines their success or failure in difficult seasons.
• Strategic Use of Scripture: In moments where there is no time for long prayers, spiritual authority is exercised by declaring the right scripture for the situation.
• Maintaining the Fear of God: The "house of God" should remain a place where the fear of God is present, serving as a deterrent against "doing your own thing" or acting without spiritual restraint.

In the modern world, integrity also extends to how a believer manages their family life and time. The Apostle advises believers to spend quality time with their families, doing simple things like going for drives or window shopping, to build treasured memories and avoid the breakdown of marriages. Maintaining a home environment free from constant arguing is essential because God cannot be glorified in conflict. Finally, a believer maintains their spiritual standing by possessing a teachable heart, which allows them to receive the "mysteries of the kingdom" that are hidden from those who remain spiritually blind.

Rec. Date: 30th May, 2024