11/09/2026
IKOT ABIA IDEM ASSEMBLY WITNESS WEEK: ELDER INYANG CHARGES BELIEVERS TO RECEIVE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Day Two programme of the Witness Week at Ikot Abia Idem Assembly was marked by intense worship, soul lifting songs and a powerful teaching on the person and power of the Holy Spirit.
The Witness Week, which has the theme “BUT YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER”, drawn from Acts 1:8, brought together members of the assembly in an atmosphere of worship and spiritual renewal as the congregation was reminded of the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life and witness of every Christian.
The programme commenced with soul lifting choruses led by Bro. Paul Okure, setting the tone for a spiritually engaging service. This was followed by a song ministration from the Ikot Abia Idem Assembly Main Choir, who led the congregation in worship through their presentation.
The congregation later joined together in a hymn led by Elder U. S. Imaha, using Efik Hymnary No. 188. The hymn session was followed by Divine Worship led by Elder S. U. Inyang.
The Sunday School Choir also ministered in song before the congregation listened to the Scripture reading taken from Acts 1:8 by Elder R. E. Umoh. The passage provided a strong foundation for the day's message, particularly on the promise of power through the Holy Spirit.
Apostolic Greetings were subsequently presented to the congregation under the leadership of Elder U. S. Imaha.
The worship session continued with inspiring song ministrations from the Atan Assembly Main Choir, Ikot Enwang Assembly 2 Main Choir and the Youth Choir, adding colour and spiritual depth to the programme.
ELDER INYANG TEACHES ON THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The major highlight of the programme was the sermon delivered by Elder U. S. Inyang, who spoke on the sub theme, “The Power of the Holy Spirit.”
His message was based on Acts 1:8, John 16:7 to 9, Matthew 10:19 to 20 and Luke 10:19.
Elder Inyang organised his teaching around five major areas, namely power, the Holy Spirit and the source of His power, how to receive the power of the Holy Spirit, how to maintain the power of the Holy Spirit and the purpose of the power of the Holy Spirit.
UNDERSTANDING POWER
Beginning with the meaning of power, Elder Inyang explained that power is the ability to do something.
He noted that from the Christian perspective, power refers to the supernatural authority and ability given by God to believers. He explained that supernatural refers to that which exists beyond the normal laws of nature and science.
The preacher also explained authority as the ability to give orders and exercise influence with the backing required to carry them out. He referred the congregation to Luke 10:19, where Jesus spoke about the authority given to His followers.
According to Elder Inyang, the power given by the Holy Spirit is not ordinary human strength. It is divine empowerment that enables believers to stand firm, overcome challenges and fulfil the assignment God has given them.
THE SOURCE OF THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Speaking on the source of the power of the Holy Spirit, Elder Inyang referred the congregation to John 14:16 and emphasised that the Holy Spirit comes from God the Father.
He made it clear that the source of spiritual power is not human ability, position, education or physical strength. It comes from God.
The preacher therefore encouraged the congregation to look to God as the source of their strength and to maintain a close relationship with Him.
He further reminded the members that genuine spiritual power must be connected to God because the Holy Spirit is God's gift to guide, strengthen and empower believers.
HOW TO RECEIVE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Elder Inyang identified total repentance as one of the important steps towards receiving the power of the Holy Spirit.
He explained that repentance must be genuine and total. It requires a person to turn away from sinful ways and surrender completely to God.
The preacher also emphasised active faith in Christ. According to him, believers must have genuine faith in Jesus Christ and trust Him completely.
He further challenged the congregation to have the courage to stand strong in their faith. He used Daniel as an example of a person who remained committed to God despite the challenges surrounding him.
Elder Inyang encouraged believers to develop what he described as the “Daniel kind of faith,” which remains firm and committed to God even when circumstances are difficult.
He also stressed the importance of total surrender to the Word of God. According to him, a believer who desires to experience the power of the Holy Spirit must be willing to surrender completely to God's will.
He therefore emphasised that the power of the Holy Spirit comes upon those who genuinely repent, believe in Christ and surrender themselves totally to God's purpose.
MAINTAINING THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The preacher further encouraged believers not only to seek the power of the Holy Spirit but also to maintain their relationship with God.
He explained that maintaining the power of the Holy Spirit requires continued obedience to God's Word, total surrender, genuine faith and a consistent relationship with God.
Believers were encouraged not to allow worldly distractions, disobedience or spiritual negligence to weaken their walk with God.
According to Elder Inyang, the Christian must remain connected to God and continue to allow the Holy Spirit to direct his or her life.
THE IMPACT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER
Elder Inyang identified supernatural boldness, inner peace and spiritual gifts among the blessings associated with the power of the Holy Spirit.
He explained that the Holy Spirit gives believers supernatural boldness to stand for their faith and speak about Christ with courage.
He also highlighted the inner peace that comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit. This peace enables a believer to remain confident in God even when faced with difficult situations.
The preacher further spoke about spiritual gifts, noting that the Holy Spirit equips believers with different abilities for service and for the advancement of God's work.
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS BELIEVERS TO KNOW GOD
Another important point in the sermon was the role of the Holy Spirit in helping believers know God.
Elder Inyang explained that the Holy Spirit does not only empower a Christian for service but also helps the believer develop a deeper relationship with God.
He encouraged members of the congregation to allow the Holy Spirit to guide their daily lives and draw them closer to God.
He reminded the congregation that the Christian life requires more than outward religious activities. There must be a genuine relationship with God, and the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in helping believers understand and follow God's will.
Elder Inyang urged the congregation to embrace total repentance, active faith in Christ, courage, the Daniel kind of faith and total submission to the Word of God.
The message served as a reminder that the promise in Acts 1:8 remains central to the Christian witness. The believer needs the power of the Holy Spirit to live effectively for Christ, stand firmly in faith and fulfil the purpose of God.
Day Two of the Ikot Abia Idem Assembly Witness Week therefore ended as a spiritually enriching gathering, leaving members with a renewed understanding of the power of the Holy Spirit and the need to seek, receive and maintain God's power in their Christian journey.
With the theme “BUT YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER,” the programme continues to challenge believers to depend not merely on human strength but on the divine power of the Holy Spirit as they live out their faith and bear witness for Christ.
