By Afolabi Olajuwon
On Sunday, June 8, 2025, the atmosphere within Wuse District Headquarters of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Abuja, Nigeria, was charged with spiritual anticipation and vibrant worship. The second Sunday service of June revolved around a powerful theme: “Refresh Us Oh Lord,” passionately delivered by Rev. Matanmi Adebisi, who encouraged the congregation to realize their full potential through faith and spiritual renewal.
Worship and Praise Session: A Prelude to Spiritual Readiness:
The service commenced with an inspiring praise and worship session, led by the church choir. Their harmonious melodies created a profound sense of unity, captivating the assembled worshippers. This shared experience of devotion primed the congregation’s hearts and minds for Rev. Adebisi’s insightful teachings.
Rev. Matanmi Adebisi’s sermon prominently featured the theme of spiritual refreshing, using the scriptural reference of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring during Pentecost. Drawing from Acts 3:19-21, he highlighted how repentance and turning to God result in times of refreshing. Ecclesiastes 3:10-11 provided additional context, reminding believers of God’s perfect timing and purpose.
Rev. Matanmi Adebisi encourages individuals to embrace a transformative period of renewal, emphasizing the power of faith to unlock untapped potential. His message, “Season of Refreshing,” serves as a call to action for personal growth and spiritual empowerment.
Rev. Adebisi’s message centred on spiritual refreshing, drawing from Acts 3:19-21: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you, even Jesus.”
He emphasized that spiritual refreshing is a divine promise available to all who sincerely seek God. Ecclesiastes 3:10-11 further reinforced this truth, reminding believers that God has set eternity in their hearts and that His timing is perfect.
Rev. Adebisi emphasized two primary dimensions of refreshing:
Physical Refreshing: Scriptural narratives illustrated this aspect, suggesting rest and renewal through divine intervention as seen in Exodus 23:12 (Sabbath rest), Judges 15:18-19 (Samson’s refreshing by water), and 1 Samuel 16:18 (David’s refreshing presence to Saul).
Spiritual Refreshing: This was exemplified by the Pentecost experience characterized by the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the disciples, reinvigorating their faith and empowering them with new zeal and purpose.
Pathways to Receive Refreshing:
Rev. Adebisi outlined the steps necessary for receiving divine refreshing:
Repentance and Action: A call for sincere remorse and transformation, with Malachi 3:7 emphasizing the need to return to God to experience true refreshing.
Fellowship and Mutual Support: Engaging in communal worship, as seen in Romans 15:32-33, and aiding one another, highlighted in 2 Timothy 1:17-18.
Generosity and Service: Acts of giving, supported by 1 Corinthians 16:15-18, explains the power of sharing as a means to invigorate both the giver and the recipient.
Witness and Encouragement: Through personal testimony, believers can instil faith and purpose in others, illustrated by passages like Philemon 1:4-7 and 2 Corinthians 7:13.
Rev. Adebisi concluded by affirming the profound benefits of spiritual refreshing:
Empowerment by the Holy Spirit.
Boldness and courage to face life’s challenges.
Revival and rejuvenation of dormant areas in life.
Strength and support from God, ushering in new capabilities.
Assurance that opposition will fall away when one is spiritually refreshed.
He reminded the congregation that the path to refreshing begins with a sincere return to God, invoking the transformative power of faith to unlock potential and lead a reinvigorated life.
Through Rev. Adebisi’s guidance, the service at Wuse District Headquarters was a vibrant call to embrace faith’s refreshing power, encouraging believers everywhere to unlock their spiritual potential and live purpose-driven lives.
Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is Fellow Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Institute of Management Consultants, Chronicle Business School, Abuja, Researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.
