News From Port Harcourt, Rivers State
The Senior Pastor of Solemn Faith International Church, Road 21, Plot 14, Federal Housing Estate, Woji, Port Harcourt, Pastor Matthew Ele-Ojoh James, has declared that men who lack wisdom, understanding, and positive impact in society are ultimately regarded as vain, irrespective of their social status, physical appearance, or material possessions.
The cleric made the assertion during Sunday’s worship service while delivering a sermon titled “Steps Towards Making a Difference in Life and Destiny (Part 5A).”
Drawing his main text from Malachi 3:17–18, Pastor James emphasized the importance of purposeful living, godly wisdom, and sound judgment in achieving distinction in life.
According to him, making a difference means rising above limitations and accomplishing extraordinary feats despite challenges and opposition.
He cited several scriptural references, including Matthew 13:54–57, Mark 6:1–4, Zechariah 2:1–7, and Jeremiah 49:36, to illustrate how individuals can attain uncommon success through divine enablement.
The pastor further noted that true distinction is rooted in being more sensible and reasonable than others.
Referencing 1 Samuel 15:35, he stressed that a person must develop sound judgment and understanding in order to stand out positively in life and destiny.
Speaking on how individuals can become sensible, Pastor James highlighted the need for a good conscience, supported by scriptures such as 1 Timothy 1:5, Hebrews 13:18, 1 Peter 3:16, and Acts 24:16. He also encouraged believers to put their transformed minds to work, citing Proverbs 23:7 and Philippians 2:5 as foundations for godly thinking and decision-making.
Enumerating practical steps toward making a difference, the preacher stated that divine wisdom is indispensable, referencing James 1:5 and James 3:17. He also underscored the necessity of the impartation of grace, drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:10.
During the sermon, Pastor James delivered several thought-provoking statements that resonated with the congregation. Among them were: “You need sense to make sense,” “Making a difference is not by size but by sense,” and “Without sense, anything you do makes no sense.”
He further declared that many people become worthless because they are senseless, adding that “senseless men are vain men, while men with sense are Very Important People (V.I.P.).”
He emphasized that wisdom from above elevates individuals above their contemporaries, citing Deuteronomy 28:12.
The service was marked by an atmosphere of spiritual upliftment, featuring ministrations by the church choir, Solemn Voice, and numerous testimonies from worshippers who shared accounts of divine intervention and breakthroughs in their lives.
Members of the congregation described the message as timely, inspiring, and transformational, noting that it challenged them to pursue wisdom, cultivate good character, and live purpose-driven lives capable of making a lasting impact in society.
The service concluded with prayers for wisdom, grace, and divine empowerment for believers to become agents of positive change in their families, communities, and generations.
