Welcome to 2025
The Year of the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God
John 3:5 – “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.”
Dear Beloved,
Grace and peace be unto you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
As we journey through 2025, we do so under a divine banner: The Year of the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God. This year, we dedicate ourselves afresh to the Person and ministry of the Holy Spirit, whose presence is central to our life in God’s Kingdom.
The Kingdom of God is not merely a place—it is God’s saving reign and rule in the lives of His people. It is the life of the Holy Spirit within every believer. He is our Governor—the Chief Executive Officer of the Kingdom of God on earth.
Through the Holy Spirit:
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We experience spiritual rebirth and transformation.
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We are equipped with Kingdom virtues such as love, joy, peace, and patience.
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We are empowered with spiritual gifts to serve, witness, and build up the Church.
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We are refreshed continually to fulfill our God-given purpose.
Just as in the days of Acts, the Spirit still moves mightily:
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He fills us with boldness to speak God’s Word.
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He unites us in love and mission.
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He brings healing, signs, wonders, and great grace upon His people.
The story in Acts 4 remains a model for our walk today:
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When Peter and John were arrested, they stood their ground by the power of the Spirit.
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The disciples responded not in fear, but with fervent prayer for boldness.
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And the result? The place shook, the Spirit filled them again, and the Gospel was declared with power!
This year, let us walk in that same power and boldness.
As we dedicate 2025 to the Holy Spirit:
Let every member, family, and ministry:
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Confess our shortcomings.
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Lay our burdens before the Lord.
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Ask boldly for healing and restoration.
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Seek the freshness of the Holy Spirit daily.
The Scripture says,
“Be not drunk with wine…but be filled with the Spirit.”
— Ephesians 5:18
And we are promised,
“The Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in His wings…”
— Malachi 4:2
Let us embrace this holy calling and live fully in the Kingdom that is both now and not yet—with our eyes fixed on Christ and our hearts yielded to the Spirit.
With great expectation,
Rev. Dr. Diran Adeleke
Senior Pastor, Oritamefa Baptist Church
Ibadan, Nigeria
