By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
The first Sunday of the new year witnessed an atmosphere of deep reverence and spiritual intensity as worshippers gathered for a solemn yet uplifting service themed “Divine Honour and Dignity.” The service set the tone for 2026, drawing congregants into reflection on God’s faithfulness and the enduring rewards of a life anchored in obedience.
Rev. Babatunde Idowu delivered a resonant message titled “Divinely Obtaining A Lasting Reputable Name,” captivating congregants who are passing through various life challenges. Anchored in the scriptural passages from Nehemiah 9:7-15 and Genesis 15:1-6, Rev. Idowu laid a foundation that affirmed the transformative power of obedience to God.
Rev. Idowu explained that the passage in Nehemiah recounts God’s historical faithfulness to Israel, reminding believers that divine honour is never accidental but the product of God’s deliberate acts toward those who trust Him. Turning to Genesis, he highlighted the life of Abraham as a timeless illustration of how obedience attracts divine distinction.
In his sermon, Rev. Idowu elaborated on the life of Abraham, illustrating how God’s covenant with him established a remarkable legacy that echoes through generations. He pointed to God’s deliberate choice of Abram, highlighting the significance of obedience, which led to Abram’s name being changed to Abraham, symbolizing a new identity aligned with God’s purpose.
Rev. Idowu emphasized that God’s journey with Abraham was initiated by a faithful heart, one that heard and responded to God’s call. He stated, “For you to matter to God, it is a matter of the heart.” This message was grounded in the understanding that God evaluates not just actions but the intentions and faith that reside within.
The sermon referenced Genesis 22:1-14, revealing the profound consequences of Abraham’s faith and obedience, particularly during the testing of his commitment to God. Rev. Idowu explained, “Whenever there is faith, anything dead can be quickened,” citing Romans 4:16-22 which affirms that Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness, a proof to the potentially transformative impact of possessing a faithful heart.
Rev Idowu encouraged attendees to look to Abraham as a model of unwavering trust in God, referencing Isaiah 51:2, which urges believers to “look to Abraham.” This reflection served as a reminder that reliance on the written word of God is crucial, encouraging congregants to turn the written word into spoken declarations of faith.
As the message drew to a close, Rev. Idowu reassured the faithful, “Whatever God has promised, He is able to bring it to pass.” The service transitioned into a powerful prayer session, allowing congregants to personally engage with the message and seek divine intervention in their lives.
As worshippers left the sanctuary, they carried with them a renewed sense of hope and commitment, inspired by the abiding truth that through faith and obedience, they too can obtain a lasting reputable name before God.
Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a freelance writer and Christian educator based in Abuja, Nigeria, with a passion for documenting faith-based initiatives and their impact on communities.