Apostle Allison Smith Conliff teaches that the Church was born into power and is meant to live in that power, not as religious show, but as transformed life. Using Acts 1:8 as the starting point, the preacher emphasizes that the Holy Spirit’s power is given to believers to live above sin, and also above oppression, depression, and wickedness. The congregation is urged to receive the Word with undivided attention, because God “watches over His Word to perform it,” and those who do not trust God will struggle to truly receive from Him.

The sermon centers on Cornelius, described as devout and God-fearing, generous to the poor, and consistent in prayer. The preacher highlights that Cornelius did not merely have interest in God, he had a reverential fear and a disciplined spiritual life. A key teaching is that angels still visit and minister today, because Cornelius receives an angelic visitation after Christ’s ascension. The angel does not just appear, he speaks, gives instruction, and identifies Cornelius by name, showing that heaven responds to genuine devotion.

A major point is drawn from the angel’s message: Cornelius’ prayers and alms (acts of charity) “came up for a memorial before God.” The preacher explains that consistent prayer and sincere generosity are not forgotten, God records them. The sermon stresses that giving is not about show or competing amounts; it is about honoring God sincerely.

The angel instructs Cornelius to send for Simon Peter, and God gives specific, accurate details about where Peter is staying. The preacher underlines God’s precision: He tells who to call, where to go, and what will happen. This becomes a teaching on divine connection, God can connect a seeker with the right person at the right time, and that connection can unlock understanding, direction, and breakthrough. Peter is presented as Cornelius’ “destiny helper,” arranged by God, not chance.

The sermon then moves to Peter’s rooftop vision of a sheet containing animals considered ceremonially unclean, and the command to “kill and eat.” The preacher explains Peter’s struggle: he was already saved and already preaching, yet still carried “issues”, especially around Gentiles and Jewish purity culture. God’s correction is clear: “What God has cleansed… no longer call common or unholy.” The point is not merely dietary; God is dealing with people, removing prejudice and teaching Peter that Gentiles are not excluded from God’s plan.

A key highlight is the operational way God leads: while Peter is pondering the vision, the Spirit tells him plainly that three men are looking for him, and instructs him to go with them “without hesitation,” because God sent them. The Apostle stresses that believers would avoid many mental battles and confusions if they would study Scripture, stay full of the Holy Ghost, and learn to be directed by God rather than by fear, imagination, or disorder.

The sermon strongly defends the power of prayer with testimony: prayer can bring deliverance, healing, transformation, and even “extension” when someone is near death. The preacher distinguishes between panic prayers and Word-based, faith-filled prayer, teaching that God responds to faith and to His Word, because He watches over His Word to perform it, not over human panic. Believers are urged to stop only describing problems and instead declare what they want to see in Jesus’ name, aligned with Scripture.

The message culminates in Peter’s realization and declaration: God is not partial, in every nation, the person who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to Him. The sermon celebrates inclusion: Gentiles are not excluded from blessing; all who fear God and seek Him are welcome. The preacher then proclaims Jesus Christ as the anointed one, empowered by the Holy Spirit, who went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil, and calls the Church to take up its mantle to help set people free in Jesus’ name.

Rec. Date: 3rd November, 2024