By Solemn Faith International Church News
Pastor Matthew James Ele-Ojo, General Overseer of Solemn Faith International Church (Home of Praise), Woji, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has urged Christians to embrace worship as a divine command and a lifestyle that connects believers with God’s presence, supernatural blessings, divine favour and answered prayers.
He made the call while preaching on “The Power of Worship” during the church’s television service on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Drawing lessons from Isaiah 66:23 and John 4:23–24, the cleric explained that genuine worship goes beyond singing and musical performances, describing it as a wholehearted expression of reverence, love, devotion and obedience to God.
According to Pastor Ele-Ojo, acceptable worship requires the surrender of one’s heart, mind and body to God’s holiness and glory.
He emphasised that worship must be offered in spirit and truth, reflecting a believer’s relationship with God through daily conduct, decisions and obedience to His Word.
Referencing Daniel 3:17–18, 2 Chronicles 7:1–3, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Isaiah 1:19 and Genesis 12:1, he maintained that genuine worshippers demonstrate their faith through humility, unwavering commitment and obedience, regardless of prevailing circumstances.
He further cited Exodus 34:11 to reinforce his position that worship is a divine command, urging Christians to honour God sincerely rather than seek personal recognition or worldly approval.
The preacher identified corporate worship, personal worship and lifestyle worship as three essential expressions of devotion.
While corporate worship brings believers together to honour God, personal worship strengthens individual fellowship with Him, and lifestyle worship reflects continuous submission to His will.
Highlighting the benefits of worship, Pastor Ele-Ojo explained that believers could experience God’s tangible presence, divine remembrance, supernatural direction, fruitful seasons, healing and help from above.
He illustrated these blessings with biblical accounts, including the deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the fiery furnace in Daniel 3:18–28, demonstrating God’s power to preserve those who remain faithful to Him amid adversity.
He also referenced 1 Samuel 1:19 on divine remembrance, Matthew 2:2, 8 and 11 on seeking divine direction, and Matthew 8:2–4 on healing. Further drawing from 1 Samuel 7:9–12 and Isaiah 41:10–13, he encouraged Christians to trust God for intervention and assistance during difficult moments.
Addressing the physical expressions of worship, the cleric identified bowing, kneeling, prostration, lifting holy hands and offering sacrifices as biblical demonstrations of reverence.
He cited Genesis 24:26, 1 Chronicles 29:20, Nehemiah 8:6, Psalm 95:6 and Matthew 2:11, stressing that outward gestures must be accompanied by sincere hearts, genuine faith and a willingness to obey God.
Pastor Ele-Ojo identified the Word of God, testimonies of His mighty works and personal knowledge of His character as essential factors that strengthen worship. Citing John 4:22–24 and Daniel 11:32, he urged believers to deepen their understanding of God’s faithfulness and power, noting that a sound knowledge of Him inspires stronger faith and wholehearted devotion.
He also encouraged Christians to cultivate early-morning worship, drawing inspiration from 1 Samuel 1:19 and Psalm 63:1–3.
According to him, making worship a consistent daily practice helps believers maintain spiritual focus and deepen their relationship with their Creator.
As part of his pastoral counsel, the preacher warned against pride and spiritual complacency, urging Christians to approach God with humility, faith and sincerity. He maintained that clothing, social status, titles and location should never become barriers to genuine worship, as the essence of devotion lies in the heart’s disposition towards God.
Emphasising the central message of his sermon, Pastor Ele-Ojo declared: “If His presence must be your inheritance, then worship must be your lifestyle.” He explained that believers seeking to experience God’s presence consistently must move beyond occasional religious activities to embrace a life of worship, obedience and spiritual commitment.
The television service featured solemn worship sessions and faith-inspiring testimonies, reinforcing the message of God’s faithfulness and the importance of maintaining an intimate relationship with Him.
In conclusion, Pastor Ele-Ojo urged Christians to remain steadfast in their devotion, trust God in every circumstance and make worship an integral part of their daily lives. He stressed that a lifestyle rooted in humility, obedience and sincere worship strengthens one’s walk with God and positions believers to experience His grace and favour.
Solemn Faith International Church (Home of Praise) is located at Road 21, Plot 14, F.H. Estate, Woji, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
