As Christians around the world celebrate Father’s Day, fathers and father figures have been encouraged to embrace genuine devotion to God as a pathway to overcoming life’s challenges and escaping spiritual devourers.
The General Overseer of Solemn Faith International Church, Pastor Mathew James Eleojoh, gave the charge during the second service of the church held at Road 21, Plot 14, Federal Housing Estate, Woji, Port Harcourt, while delivering a sermon titled “A Devoted Man.”
Taking his message from Acts 10:1-4, Pastor Ele-Ojo described devotion as profound dedication, unwavering loyalty, and a sincere commitment of one’s time, energy, and resources to something of great importance.
He explained that a devoted man is identified by key spiritual qualities, including the fear of God, generosity, commitment to prayer, the ability to hear and recognize God’s voice, and obedience to divine instructions and directions.
Using the life of Cornelius in Acts 10 as an example, the cleric noted that his devotion to God through prayer, generosity, and righteous living positioned him for divine visitation and blessings.
He also referenced biblical examples from Genesis 18 and Luke 18, emphasizing that devotion remains a vital foundation for a fruitful relationship with God.
Pastor Ele-Ojo urged fathers to become spiritual examples in their homes by demonstrating faith, compassion, discipline, and commitment to God’s work.
According to him, true fatherhood goes beyond providing material needs but also involves leading families in the ways of God.
He stated, “If you must escape devourers, you must embrace devotion,” stressing that dedication to God provides spiritual strength and protection against challenges.
The message encouraged fathers and believers to cultivate a lifestyle of devotion, obedience, and service to God as they seek divine guidance and preservation.
Earlier during the first service, Pastor Matthew James Ele-Ojo has emphasized the importance of divine visitation in bringing transformation, justice, freedom, and restoration into the lives of individuals and nations.
Delivering a sermon titled “The Necessity of Divine Visitations” with the biblical texts from Genesis 21:1-6 and Genesis 15:13-14, Pastor Ele-Ojo explained that divine visitation remains a powerful intervention through which God fulfills His promises, executes judgment, and brings deliverance to His people.
He stated that one of the major reasons for divine visitation is the swift execution of God’s judgment upon the earth, noting that divine intervention becomes necessary when wickedness persists and when the oppressed require deliverance.
He referenced several scriptures, including Exodus 3:9-12, Exodus 12:12, Psalm 149:9, and Isaiah 26:9-10, to highlight God’s role as the ultimate judge.
According to the cleric, God’s swift judgment serves important purposes, including the elimination of wickedness and the activities of evil agents, the release of people from satanic bondage, and the restoration of resources and opportunities lost through oppression.
Pastor Ele-Ojo explained that the visitation of God has the ability to end prolonged struggles and captivity, stressing that a single day of divine intervention can bring lasting change where human efforts have failed.
He encouraged believers to seek God’s presence, stating that “if the best in you must come out, God must visit you.” He added that divine visitation unlocks hidden potentials and positions individuals for the fulfillment of their assignments.
The pastor further cautioned against allowing titles and positions to negatively affect one’s purpose, emphasizing that humility and dependence on God remain essential for effective service and leadership.
He declared that God is the judge of all the earth and that “if the just must be justified, the wicked must be judged swiftly,” adding that the end of the wicked marks the beginning of the righteous.
The service was marked by a powerful spiritual atmosphere, a solemn voice, and remarkable testimonies from worshippers, as participants celebrated the impact of God’s intervention in their lives.
Pastor Ele-Ojo concluded by stressing the importance of divine resources in making life meaningful, encouraging believers to remain connected to God for supernatural provision, freedom, and fulfillment of destiny.
