The greatest need of the Christian church today is not money, buildings or experienced pastors, but a return to Jesus Christ, revival, holiness, the Holy Spirit and humility, says new pastor for Sogavare Memorial SDA Church Minister Paul Mekeria.
Preaching last Sabbath on the theme of the church’s greatest need at the church in Port Moresby’s Gerehu Stage 6, Minister Mekeria based his message on Revelation 2:4-5, where Jesus rebukes the church in Ephesus for abandoning its first love.
He said the Ephesian church remained active and faithful in many areas but had lost its relationship with Christ.
“Repent because you have left your first love,” Minister Mekeria said, urging Christians to return to the faithfulness and love they had when they first accepted Christ.
This was his first appearance at the pulpit to preach after being posted as the new church pastor. He sets the tone and stage for his congregation during his tenure.
He said the loss of love was also evident in families, where prayer and family worship had weakened, contributing to wider social problems.
“Before you were faithful, return to that,” he said.
Mekeria said the church also needed a revival of t
He referred to Hebrews 12:14, which calls believers to pursue holiness, saying Christians must recognize that while societies have their own cultures and values, God calls His people to live according to His standards.
He said the church urgently needed the Holy Spirit because human strength and qualifications alone could not accomplish the mission of spreading the Gospel.
Referring to Acts 1:8, he said believers would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them and would become witnesses for Christ.
Mekeria also cited Zechariah 4:6, which teaches that God’s work is accomplished “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.”
He said the early disciples were ordinary people, including fishermen, but were able to spread the Gospel because they were empowered by the Holy Spirit.
“A Spirit-filled church becomes a living church,” he said.
Mekeria identified humility as another major need of the church, warning against bringing titles, qualifications and personal achievements into church life as measures of importance.
He said Christians should instead demonstrate godly character and recognize that salvation comes through God’s grace.
Citing Ephesians 2:5-9 and Luke 14:11, he said believers should humble themselves before God rather than seek recognition and status.
He also urged Christians to ask God for the Holy Spirit, referring to Matthew 7:7 and its call to ask, seek and knock.
Mekeria said all the needs facing the church ultimately pointed back to Jesus Christ.
He urged Christians to put Christ at the center of their personal lives, families and church, saying a genuine return to Jesus would restore love, holiness, spiritual strength and humility.
“The greatest need of the church today is Jesus,” he said.