15/06/2026
*Awake, stand and obey: "Special Sunday service at Peterswartz"*
A Special Sunday Service was held on 14 June at Peterswarts, Bloemfontein. The service was hosted by Pastor Masisi and preached by Pastor Matlenane, under the theme “Awake, Stand and Obey,” based on Ephesians 6:10–13.
Pastor Matlenane said, “I want to talk this morning on the words awake, stand and obey.” He read from Ephesians and stated, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.”
He said the church is facing spiritual warfare, adding, “The enemy understands that if he can weaken the church, discourage the leaders, and promote disobedience, he can hinder the advancement of God’s kingdom.”
He stated, “The church is not only a building. The church is God’s army on earth. It is how God battles the enemy on earth.” He added, “The moment you come into the body of Christ, you open yourself up to spiritual warfare.”
On division, he said, “The enemy wants to divide the unity among the believers. He wants misunderstanding, jealousy, and unforgiveness.” Referring to scripture, he said, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
He instructed the congregation on how to respond, saying, “When the enemy shoots poison, draw together more in love.” He added, “When the enemy says don’t love that brother, love him more.”
Addressing prayer, Pastor Matlenane said, “One of the greatest attacks against the church is the loss of prayer.” He stated, “When you are prayerless, discernment decreases, spiritual power decreases, and faith weakens.”
He added, “If you want to see whether the church is attacked, check their prayer life.”
On discouragement, he said, “The enemy is attacking the church day in and day out.” He added, “When the enemy attacks you, he is attacking the church. It is not only about you.”
Speaking on leadership, he quoted scripture and said, “Strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.” He instructed the congregation, “Pray for your pastor day in and day out, no matter what you hear against them.”
He stated, “When you pray for your pastor, you are strengthening the church.” He added, “Pastors face spiritual warfare, criticism, and emotional burdens, even though people only see them in public.”
On obedience, he said, “Obedience is hearing God’s Word, trusting God’s Word, and acting upon God’s Word.” Quoting scripture, he said, “If you diligently obey the voice of the Lord, blessings will come upon you and overtake you.”
He said obedience brings results, stating, “There are blessings that only come through obedience.”
On faith and confession, he said, “Faith does not rely on your emotions.” He added, “Even when it is not materialised yet, go on confessing it.”
He concluded by saying, “God desires obedience. He is not interested in religious activities. He wants obedience to His Word.” He urged believers, “Don’t obey only when people see you. Obey even when they don’t see you.”
