Grounded and Settled

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff encourages us as believers to remain steadfast and grounded in our faith despite life’s hardships or the many false doctrines. The Apostle warns against seeking help from occult sources or "seers," arguing that such paths belong to the kingdom of darkness rather than the divine authority of Jesus. By referencing the teachings of the Apostle Paul, the message emphasizes that suffering is a natural part of the Christian journey that should be met with joy. The congregation is urged to stay faithful and committed to the church's vision, which includes upcoming evangelism efforts and the construction of a new sanctuary. Ultimately, this serves as a call to spiritual maturity, reminding listeners that true peace is found only by remaining settled in the Gospel.Key Points:Being grounded in faith is defined as being "settled" and steadfast, rather than being a "rolling stone" or a "rolling believer" who is easily moved by circumstances or false doctrines. It is characterized by a commitment to continue in the faith regardless of the conditions one faces.The sermon defines this grounding through several key principles:It warns that believers will encounter "off doctrine" and spiritual deceptions daily. Grounded believers are compared to sheep who know the Master's voice and refuse to follow the voice of a stranger. A major point of deception mentioned is the use of "seers" or "familiar spirits". The Apostle explains that while a seer might accurately describe your problems, it is often because "fallen angels" placed those burdens on you in the first place. Being grounded means rejecting help from any source that is not God, even if the information provided seems accurate.A grounded faith is not one that avoids pain, but one that endures it through Christ. The sermon emphasizes that whether facing pain, shortages, or a predicament at a crossroad, the believer must face it "with Jesus" and wait for His direction. Seeking external, non-godly spiritual help is seen as a sign of having "no patience" or not trusting God.The sermon cautions against trying to appease God with man-made items or rituals, such as buying specific things to carry or wearing "gods" for protection. Instead, the sermon teaches that:Jesus alone is sufficient, as He holds the keys of "death, hell, and the grave".Believers must come before God with a "clean hand and a pure heart," refusing to engage in "tit for tat" behavior or unfaithfulness, even when they have been wronged by others.True grounding is evidenced by maintaining joy during trials, modeled after the Apostle Paul, who rejoiced even while in prison or shipwrecked. The Apostle notes that if a believer becomes "sour," it is an indication they are not currently '"dealing with Jesus". Being grounded means having the hope of the gospel, and moving away from that hope is described as living in a "kingdom of error".Analogy for Understanding: The sermon suggests that a believer without this grounding is like a rolling stone. Just as a stone that is constantly rolling cannot take root or find a permanent place, a "rolling believer" lacks the stability to withstand spiritual deceptions or the weight of life's hardships. To be grounded is to be firmly planted and settled, much like a building with a strong foundation that remains standing regardless of the weather or the critics.Rec. Date: 26th Feb, 2023