Pastor Gbenga Onabanjo @ Sunday First Service.
Speaking from John 14:15–18, Pastor Gbenga Onabanjo explained during his ministration at the February 19 Sunday first service that the Holy Spirit is the Helper, Advocate, Comforter, Controller, and Intercessor that was promised believers. According to him, this Helper sticks better than anyone in all seasons and at all times.
In his words, “Wherever we may be, this helper is glued to us like our shadow. He is called to intercede on our behalf at all times. As long as you are conscious of His presence, no matter the situation you are in, every moment of your life, no matter the circumstance, He is with you, and He would intercede for you.”
He further explained that the Holy Spirit strengthens and encourages believers in any situation they find themselves in, adding that the Holy Spirit is invisible and can only be seen in the Spirit and by faith. “The Holy Spirit is a person, but He can only be perceived by faith. Everything that Jesus is to us, the Holy Spirit is the same to us,” he said.
Also speaking from, 1 John 2:1-2 Luke 22:31-32, and John 15:26, the clergy explained that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and He is abiding in this dispensation to continue the ministry of the Jesus Christ; stating that He bears witness and reveals Christ to the entire world as well as dwells inside of God’s children.
He said, “When you are in the spirit, you are able to discern things, both good and bad, and avert ugly circumstances. When you are conscious of the Holy Spirit in you, you are able to shift your faith from what you see to what you believe.”
He continued, “When you have the Holy Spirit in you, you are so confident. The power of the Holy Spirit is available to us; we only need to exercise it. We must understand that the Holy Spirit is real.”
Pastor Gbenga Onabanjo also stated that believers must ensure that they do all that the Holy Spirit says so that they can be more than conquerors. He therefore urged the congregation from John 16:5–13 to be conscious of the presence of the Holy Spirit in them and not be afraid of anything.
BREAK FEAR
Pastor Femi Odumabo@ Sunday Second Service
Pastor Femi Odumabo said while ministering at the February 19 Sunday second service that believers need the help of the Holy Spirit to succeed in life and avoid harm, adding that they need not fear or magnify it. “You have to break fear. Don’t amplify fear, because that is not the spirit of God. When storms come or trouble arises, have a better mindset by focusing on the way-maker and promise-keeper, God.
Speaking from Nehemiah 1:5 and 6:1-3, the clergy said that whenever anyone acknowledges God and asks for His help, God will hear and answer. He also noted that the Spirit of God is the one who will help believers know about future harm and how to avoid it. “It’s good to be discerning and not engage in every fight,” he said.
He also spoke from Matthew 14:22–33, and Pastor Femi said that God’s children can enjoy God’s presence in challenges. He added that God doesn’t necessarily stop the storm of life but allows His children to go through the storm to make them stronger or to prove His strength over such storms. He urged his listeners to trust God and follow His leading. “Sometimes you go through storms to make you stronger, more powerful, and wiser. But when Jesus is with you, you will surely arrive safely,” he said.
He said, “When we are going through stuff, let us know that, sometimes, it is by design, but at the end of it, we will see the glory of God. Whatever storm you are going through today, you will see the glory of God. You are only passing through, and you will make it.”
He therefore urged the congregation from 1 John 4:4 not to panic at troubles but to have faith and shake them off with the help of the Holy Spirit. “Sometimes, when trouble lands, remember the scripture and confront the challenge,” he urged.
HOLY SPIRIT, OUR HELPER
Pastor Amaka Maduneme @ Thursday showers
Pastor Amaka Maduneme, while ministering at the February 16 Thursday showers, told the worshippers that the Holy Spirit is always available to help His own and to make them grow. Growth, she added, is a vital part of a Christian’s life, adding that any life without growth is dead. You cannot be a Christian and not grow. “That is why you need the help of the Holy Ghost,” she said.
In an atmosphere of worship, the minister reminded her listeners that they have the nature of God in them because they were created in His image, adding that they have dominion as a mandate given to them by their Creator, God, as recorded in Genesis 1:26–30. This character of God in a believer’s life, she said, is vital for growth.
In her words, “You have dominion because God gave it to you; God gave you dominion and authority, He also blessed you. You are blessed to be a blessing to others. So whatever you say will come to pass.”
Speaking from Zechariah 4:6 and 2 Corinthians 2:11 and 13:14, the clergy noted that for believers to enjoy the extravagant love of God, His grace, as well as the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, they have to know Him and make time for Him. “A man and woman in His presence are powerful. As you get into His presence, He will open your heart and fill you. You cannot come into the presence of the Holy Ghost and go back the same,” she said.
She added, “Make time for the Holy Spirit and have intimacy with Him. This year cannot be year of the holy ghost for nothing.”
Also citing Psalm 18:29, Pastor Amaka said that the Holy Spirit is real and is God’s power in action. According to her, He represents Jesus’ limitless presence, revealing Jesus to believers and promising that any believer who hungers and thirsts for the Holy Spirit will be satisfied. “What you just need is to ask Him for help. Tell Him that you need Him and watch how He comes to help you.”
She therefore urged them to create time for the Holy Spirit in their lives, as that is when they can enjoy His help. “You need to create an atmosphere in your heart and home for Him to come in. You can’t expect the Holy Spirit to stay if you’re constantly fighting with your spouse. If you talk to Him, He will answer you,” she urged.
