DCLM Daily Manna 29 November 2021 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — We Are One Big Family
TOPIC: We Are One Big Family
TEXT: Romans 16:1-16
1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.
11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
KEY VERSE: “Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.” – (Romans 16:5)
MESSAGE:
One quality that sets apart a true Christian assembly is the expression of pure love by the saints. Every action, activity and programme is underpinned by love, which influences the brethren to be of help to each other. None in such an assembly is abandoned to loneliness, especially in times of difficulties.
In the letter of Paul the apostle to the Christians in Rome, he brings this attribute to the fore. He begins by recommending to the believers, Phoebe, who was highly regarded in the church. He told them to “assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of [them]”.
Phoebe, thought to be a wealthy businesswoman, had greatly supported Paul’s ministry. He also sent greetings to many believers, some well known like Priscilla and Aquila and others. There were among them Romans and Greeks, Jews and Gentiles, prisoners and big personalities, men and women whom he remembered by name. Paul noted the specific contributions of some individuals and simply identified others as beloved brethren. To ensure no one was left out, he also sent special greetings to the local church assemblies, covering all the brethren.
We must see the church as one big family of God. Whatever our cultural background, social and economic standing, once we are born again, we become children of God, as well as willing helpers to His work. We should love each other, be considerate to all, and never allow anyone to feel left out or be lost in the crowd. The family tent is large enough to accommodate all of us. Our part is to give everyone a sense of belonging and to do all in our power to assist them as the need arises; that brings joy to their hearts and glory to God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Love in the Christian family means preferring others to ourselves.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Daniel 3-5
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
