DCLM Higher Everyday 29 December 2022 — Membership before mantle

DCLM Higher Everyday 29 December 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Membership before mantle

TOPIC: MEMBERSHIP BEFORE MANTLE

TEXT: ACTS 6:1-7

1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

MEMORY VERSE: “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (ACTS 6:3).

MESSAGE:

Some years ago in an African country, a politician claimed victory in a closely-fought election into the office of the Provincial Governor. His victory dance was short-lived, however, because soon afterwards his election was annulled. His opponents had presented credible evidence that he was actually a citizen of a neighbouring country. They argued successfully that his citizenship was a stolen one and therefore his mandate had no standing in law.

In appointing church ministers, the early apostles followed the same old guideline. Citizenship must precede the crowning, just as membership must precede the ministerial mantle. The throne is never thrown at a stranger. This is true in the spiritual realm as it is in the physical.

Academic brilliance or personal quality and charisma are good natural endowments but they are not sufficient for spiritual leadership. Before praying to become a leader in the youth fellowship, you must become a born-again child of God first.

In the progression of grace, it is always regeneration, consecration and sanctification before responsibility. Repent and be saved to start the journey to leadership in the house of God today.

QUOTE: The throne is never thrown at a stranger.

CHALLENGE: Seek pardon and the privileges will follow.

PRAYER: Make me a useful vessel, O God!

GOSPEL REALM: STEPS TO SALVATION
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)