Presiding Elder Joseph Bentum of the Church of Pentecost, Salem Assembly, Takoradi, delivered a powerful and uplifting New Year’s Eve message centered on the theme of “Immanuel, God With Us.” His sermon, delivered to a hopeful congregation eager to embrace the promises of 2025, emphasized the unwavering presence of God in the lives of believers, encouraging them to maintain their faith even amidst anticipated challenges. Elder Bentum’s message served as a spiritual anchor, reminding the congregants that with God by their side, they could navigate any storm and overcome any obstacle that the new year might present. His words resonated deeply with the audience, instilling both hope and courage as they embarked on a fresh chapter.
Elder Bentum’s sermon drew heavily upon the concept of divine companionship, assuring the congregation that God’s presence was not merely a passive observation but an active, engaged partnership. He stressed that understanding and internalizing this truth was fundamental to facing the uncertainties of the future without fear. By emphasizing God’s constant presence and unwavering support, he aimed to empower his congregation to approach 2025 with confidence and a firm belief in their ability to overcome adversity. This emphasis on divine presence provided a powerful antidote to the anxiety and apprehension that often accompany the transition into a new year.
Further strengthening his message of hope, Elder Bentum highlighted the transformative power of faith in God. He posited that true faith transcended mere belief and extended into a deep-seated trust in God’s plan, even when circumstances seemed bleak. This trust, he explained, was the key to unlocking divine intervention and experiencing the fulfillment of God’s promises. He encouraged the congregation to lean on God’s wisdom and guidance, recognizing that human strength alone was insufficient to navigate life’s complexities. His words served as a gentle reminder that surrendering to God’s will and trusting in His infinite wisdom was the pathway to true peace and fulfillment.
To illustrate his point, Elder Bentum invoked the biblical story of Joseph, whose unwavering faith in God allowed him to overcome adversity and ultimately achieve a position of great influence and prosperity. He drew parallels between Joseph’s experiences and the potential challenges faced by his congregation, emphasizing that just as God was with Joseph, He would also be with them, guiding and protecting them through their own trials and tribulations. This powerful analogy served to reinforce the message of hope and resilience, reminding the congregation that God’s faithfulness extends across generations and remains a constant source of strength for believers.
Elder Bentum further emphasized the importance of prayer and seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of life. He encouraged the congregants to approach God with humility and openness, ready to receive His direction and wisdom. This active engagement with God, he explained, was essential to discerning His will and aligning their lives with His divine purpose. He stressed that obedience to God’s guidance, coupled with unwavering faith, would ultimately lead them to their desired outcomes in the new year. This call to action emphasized the importance of maintaining a continuous dialogue with God, seeking His wisdom and guidance in all matters, both big and small.
The New Year’s Eve service culminated in a vibrant celebration of gratitude and praise. The congregation, energized by Elder Bentum’s inspiring message, lifted their voices in song, expressing their heartfelt thanks for God’s blessings throughout 2024 and their anticipation for the new year. The atmosphere was filled with joyful anticipation and renewed faith, a testament to the power of Elder Bentum’s message of hope, resilience, and unwavering trust in God’s presence. This collective expression of faith marked the beginning of 2025 with a spirit of unity, hope, and a shared commitment to walk in God’s light.
