In a service filled with holy Ghost delivered on January 6, 2025, Pastor Mathew Eleojoh James of Solemn Faith International Church, located at Road 21, Plot 14, Federal Housing Estate, Woji, Port Harcourt, emphasized the transformative power of God’s goodness as the ultimate remedy for the devil’s influence.
Speaking on the topic “Possessing the Goodness of the Year,” Pastor Matthew anchored his message on Psalms 65:11 and 2 Corinthians 3:18, highlighting how believers can access God’s glory and navigate life victoriously.
Pastor Matthew described the concept of “moving from glory to glory” as attainable through divine guidance, scriptural insight, and unwavering faith in God’s promises.
He explained that divine direction, as detailed in Isaiah 45:1-3, remains a critical foundation for experiencing God’s goodness and glory.
According to him, God’s direction serves as a secret weapon reserved for the meek and those who revere Him.
“Anytime you are on God’s direction, glory becomes your reward,” he affirmed.
The sermon further underscored the importance of spiritual vision, obedience to divine instructions, and the deliberate selection of one’s associations.
Pastor Matthew cited Exodus 33:18-23 and Jeremiah 1:11-12 to illustrate how clarity of vision propels believers into greater dimensions of glory.
He added that embracing divine instructions eliminates destruction, likening obedience to accepting responsibility that shields one from becoming a liability.
A significant part of the sermon addressed the necessity of living a life saturated with the Word of God and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Matthew stressed that this spiritual lifestyle qualifies believers for higher realms of glory.
He referenced Acts 2:1-4 and Galatians 5:22 to illustrate the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming lives and leading believers into divine purpose.
Pastor Matthew also called on the congregation to adopt a lifestyle of prayer, fasting, and soul-winning as critical pathways to experiencing God’s goodness.
He emphasized that prayer and fasting facilitate the release of God’s glory and enhance spiritual empowerment. Additionally, he reminded the congregation to lay aside spiritual and physical burdens, as highlighted in Hebrews 12:1, to run their Christian race effectively.
In an impassioned plea, he urged believers to abandon past memories of fleeting pleasures and focus on the promises of God’s enduring prosperity.
According to him, only those who value and see God’s goodness can fully manifest it in their lives. “Until you delete the memories of past pleasures, you cannot access the reality of fine prosperity,” he stated.
The pastor concluded by encouraging believers to embrace key spiritual practices, including the principles of first fruits, tithing, and dedicated service to God.
He said that these acts of obedience demonstrate faith and ensure divine blessings. As he wrapped up his message, Pastor Matthew left the congregation with a powerful quote: “The goodness of the Lord is the solution for the badness of the devil.”
The sermon was both inspiring and practical, urging the congregation to align themselves with God’s plans and promises for the new year.