At Solemn Faith International Church, today, located at Road 21, Plot 14, Federal Housing Estate, Woji, Port Harcourt, Pastor Mathew Eleojoh James, delivered a soul-stirring sermon titled “When Mantle Is Your Coverage.”
Citing from 1 Samuel 28:14 and Psalm 109:28, the pastor emphasized the significance of the mantle as a symbol of divine power and authority.
In his message, Pastor Elo-Ojo explained that when a mantle covers a believer, it renders the wicked powerless in their schemes.
Using scriptural references, including 1 Samuel 28:1-6 and Psalm 23:1-6, he demonstrated that God’s covering neutralizes the attacks of evil forces.
Furthermore, he highlighted that those in authority, including kings, are compelled to submit and show obedience when a divine mantle is in place, as seen in Genesis 36:7,9.
The sermon further explored how the mantle clears barriers, citing the dramatic parting of the Jordan River in 2 Kings 2:8, 14 and the miraculous division of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:16-21. Pastor Elo-Ojo reminded the congregation that divine covering attracts supernatural favor, pointing to the story of the Shunammite woman who provided for Elisha and reaped a lifetime of blessings (2 Kings 4:8-10, 6:1-3).
According to the pastor, one of the greatest benefits of having the mantle is the attraction of destiny helpers. He referenced 1 Kings 19:19 and Joshua 1:1-2, stressing that great men in scripture did not rise alone but were lifted by those assigned to help them.
Courage for exploits, he declared, is another hallmark of divine covering, as demonstrated by Elisha when he took up Elijah’s mantle and performed great wonders (Romans 8:19, 2 Kings 2:13-15).
In his exhortation on receiving the mantle, Pastor Elo-Ojo urged believers to actively seek it rather than passively waiting. Citing 2 Kings 9:1-3, 13:16-21, he emphasized that those desiring divine empowerment must go to the carriers of the mantle rather than expecting it to be handed to them easily.
Concluding the sermon, he underscored that the depth of a person’s anointing should not prevent them from engaging in deep worship, referencing Job 1:20 and Ezra 9:5. He assured the congregation that no matter how dire or ugly a situation might seem, the mantle has the power to change it instantly, as demonstrated in 2 Kings 13:21.
Throughout the message, Pastor Elo-Ojo shared several profound quotes, including: “God is your advantage while mantle is your coverage” (1 Samuel 28:14) and “To fight a man covered by a mantle is to suffer for life.” He also highlighted that favor is receiving what one did not purchase, as seen in Acts 4:34-35, and that lifetime helpers are crucial for avoiding lifelong bitterness.
The sermon resonated deeply with the congregation, leaving them with a renewed understanding of the power of divine covering and the necessity of actively seeking and preserving God’s mantle.