Word Christians - Living and Modeling the Power of Truth

Apostle Allison Smith Conliff delivers a passionate sermon emphasizing the necessity of becoming a "word Christian" who lives by biblical principles rather than just speaking them. The Apostle stresses the importance of quality time with God over mere quantity, warning that believers must be disciplined and spiritually prepared to withstand the influence of darkness and worldly wisdom. Using the biblical example of 2nd Timothy, the sermon highlights that persecution and affliction are inevitable aspects of a faithful life, yet God provides the strength to endure such trials. Listeners are encouraged to forgive others, maintain moral integrity, and prioritize their relationship with Jesus Christ above all material desires. Ultimately, it serves as a call for the congregation to be thoroughly equipped by the Holy Scriptures to navigate the challenges of modern times.Key Points:Becoming a "word Christian", one who does not just speak the Word but lives and meditates on it constantly, fundamentally shifts how a believer handles persecution and life’s storms. This transformation occurs through a deep immersion in God’s truth, which equips the believer with the following responses to persecution:Replacing the Flesh with Godly Character: When a believer is a "word Christian," their flesh is disciplined so that even in moments of anger or extreme difficulty, God’s character "comes out of [them]" rather than mere human reaction. Instead of being "dramatic" or "losing their cool" under pressure, they weather the storm with a disciplined mindset.Arming the Mind for Inevitable Suffering: The Apostle emphasizes that "all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution". A word Christian uses the scriptures to "arm [their] mind" for this reality, understanding that suffering for the gospel is part of the plan and cannot be run from without also running from salvation.Maintaining Confidence and Peace: Even when facing negative situations where others might question if their faith is "worth it," a word Christian stands tall with confidence that God is working it out. They experience a peace that allows them to bless God regardless of the negatives they face.Choosing Forgiveness Over Bitterness: A true student of the Word is transformed to forgive others regardless of how bitterly they were treated. They refuse to let another individual dictate their life or allow "unforgiveness" to cause spiritual or physical sickness, recognizing that God's purpose is more important than the wrongs done to them.Responding with Praise Rather than Complaint: The Apostle points to biblical examples like Paul and Silas, who praised God while in prison and under pressure, and Joseph, who continued to serve God without complaining despite being sold into slavery and wrongfully imprisoned. A word Christian views their freedom in Jesus as being independent of their physical circumstances.Accessing Divine Deliverance: By staying grounded in the Word, believers find that there is "deliverance in your persecution". They trust the promise that God will not allow their persecution to be more than they can bear.Becoming "Unstoppable": While hearing the Word makes a believer wise, doing the Word makes them "unstoppable". This level of commitment ensures that their circumstances, no matter how unfavorable, must eventually bow to the Jesus in them.Rec. Date: 16th Apr, 2023