At Solemn Faith International Church in Port Harcourt, a powerful Sunday service unfolded with sermons from Pastor Matthew James Ele-Ojo and Pastor Mrs. Hope Matthew James, both focusing on the theme of “Jehoshaphat Praise” as a key to victory in life’s battles. Rooted in the biblical passages of 2 Chronicles 20:14-25 and 1 Samuel 7:12, their messages emphasized the significance of praise as a divine weapon.
Pastor Ele-Ojo explained that “Jehoshaphat praise” secures divine help, citing Psalms 60:11 and 108:12.
He highlighted that praise goes beyond worship—it becomes a tool for victory even in seemingly impossible situations. Through examples from 2 Chronicles 20:22-23 and Psalm 149:6-9, he demonstrated how praise shifted battles in favor of the faithful. As seen in the story of Jehoshaphat, when believers praise God, they hand over their struggles to Him, allowing God to defeat their enemies.
Pastor Ele-Ojo noted that praise disarms the devil and his agents, referencing Psalms 149:6-7 and 68:1-4. He urged the congregation to overcome fear, quoting 2 Chronicles 20:12-17 and 2 Timothy 1:7, explaining that fear blocks praise.
He also stressed the importance of avoiding procrastination and embracing a “now” mentality, using John 11:21-23 as an example of how immediate faith-filled praise brings God’s intervention.
In her sermon, Pastor Mrs. Hope James echoed similar themes, explaining that
Jehoshaphat’s praise brought swift divine intervention, causing the enemies of Judah to turn against each other (2 Chronicles 20:22-23). She emphasized that praise allows believers to shift focus from their weaknesses to God’s strength, drawing on Genesis 43:8-17 and Joel 2:26-27 to illustrate how praise secures divine intervention.
Both pastors highlighted practical ways for believers to provoke this powerful praise, such as being open to divine direction, specific in prayer, and embracing praise as an act of faith.
Pastor Hope added that the strength of praise surpasses the strength of battles, reminding the congregation that “until God is magnified, men cannot be satisfied.”
The service was enriched by the performances of the Solemn Voice Choir and testimonies from congregants who shared how praise had transformed their lives. The overall atmosphere was one of upliftment and renewed hope, as the congregation was encouraged to embrace praise as a tool for overcoming life’s battles and accessing divine help.
Both pastors concluded that if God is the one offering His help, no force in hell can prevail against His people.
