Solemn Faith International Church News
Pastors Matthew James Ele-Ojo and Mrs. Hope Matthew James of the Solemn Faith International Church located at road 21 Federal Housing No 14 Woji Portharcourt have urged Christians to embrace godliness as a practical lifestyle of righteousness, wisdom, self-discipline, selflessness and purposeful service, stressing that genuine godliness should produce lives that glorify God and positively influence the Church, family and society.
Mr and Mrs Mathew delivered their messages separately on the theme “The Mystery of Godliness,” during today’s service explaining that godliness is more than religious profession, doctrinal knowledge or outward appearance.
They described it as a divine truth that must be understood, received and demonstrated through a believer’s character, conduct and daily decisions.
Pastor Mrs. Hope Matthew James explained that a mystery is something secret, unknown or beyond ordinary human understanding, but which God can reveal through His Spirit.
Drawing from 1 Corinthians 2:10 and Deuteronomy 29:29, she emphasised that believers must depend on divine revelation rather than human reasoning alone to understand spiritual truths.
She described godliness as living in accordance with God’s will, observing the principles of the Christian faith, practising virtue and deliberately turning away from sin.
According to her, godliness must move beyond religious declaration and become a lifestyle that reflects God’s character and brings glory to Him.
Pastor Matthew James Ele-Ojo, speaking from 1 Timothy 1:16 and 2 Timothy 2:19–22, similarly described godliness as righteousness that must be evident in the everyday lives of believers.
He added that godliness should not be confused with foolishness, stressing that genuine godliness must be accompanied by wisdom and sound judgment.
Pastor Mrs. Hope Matthew James further highlighted the benefits of godliness, describing it as a pathway to spiritual growth, usefulness and a life of honour. With reference to 1 Timothy 6:6, 2 Timothy 2:20–21 and 1 Timothy 3:16, she explained that godliness has both present and eternal value.
She also stressed that godliness comes with a cost, particularly self-denial, discipline and sacrifice. Citing Matthew 10:38, Mark 8:34 and Luke 9:23, she urged Christians to place God’s will above personal desires and ambitions and to remain committed to following Christ despite the sacrifices involved.
According to her, godly living also helps believers remain useful to God and provides the spiritual foundation for the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit.
She further explained that a godly life can produce godly seeds and establish a positive spiritual legacy for future generations.
Pastor Ele-Ojo expanded the teaching by identifying living a profitable life as a major expression of the mystery of godliness.
He stressed that believers should not merely exist but should become useful, productive and beneficial to God and to the people around them.
He urged Christians to be profitable first to God by fulfilling His purpose and remaining committed to His kingdom.
He also identified the need to be beneficial to spiritual parents and leaders, biological parents, fellow human beings and society, maintaining that Christian responsibility extends beyond personal spiritual growth.
The pastor further encouraged believers to recognise their importance to the advancement of God’s kingdom and to serve with diligence, competence, responsibility and commitment.
He emphasised that a believer’s usefulness should be evident not only in the church but also in the family, workplace and wider society.
Pastor Ele-Ojo also reminded Christians that every person will give an account of how life was lived. Referencing Matthew 12:36, Luke 16:2, Romans 14:12 and 1 Peter 4:5–6, he urged believers to live consciously of divine accountability and ensure that their lives produce results worthy of God.
Both preachers warned against selfishness and encouraged believers to direct their lives towards God’s purpose.
Pastor Ele-Ojo captured the message by declaring that “it takes godliness to kill selfishness,” stressing that a life devoted to God should never be regarded as wasted but as a profitable life.
The two messages ultimately emphasised that the mystery of godliness is not merely a subject to be studied but a truth to be received and practically lived. Pastor Ele-Ojo’s assertion that “you are not presentable until you are profitable” and “until you are profitable, you are not recommendable” underscored the call for Christians to make meaningful contributions to God’s kingdom and humanity.
Both preachers therefore urged believers to pursue righteousness, wisdom, discipline, selflessness and kingdom-minded service, leaving behind lives that glorify God and create a positive spiritual and social legacy.
