1st Peter 5:13. “The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.”
CONNECTIONS. Remarkable things happen because of God’s grace – People come to know each other without seeing their face. Word gets out that some unknown people have believed – There’s rejoicing when we hear Christ has been received By others in some town we didn’t know existed – Where some faithful servants stopped as the Spirit insisted There were some in that place He had convicted of sin – And though not known to the messenger, they were known to Him.
Now there’s a gathering of believers “outside the camp,” And the approval of God upon them is stamped. When they learn there are others who believe God like them – They appreciate hearing that and new fellowship begins. They pray across the miles most of them will never travel – And the mystery of the church begins to unravel. They get the big picture of what God is doing in the world – And the banner of “love for one another” now is unfurled.
Individuals and assemblies of Bible-believing saints – Can share through prayer what each is up against. Victories can be shared and sometimes problems that perplex So those who are older can help younger know what to expect. A fellowship based on God’s Word begins to develop – And strength that comes from sharing that work does envelop. For the duration of life and a work for God being done – These connections are maintained out of love for God’s Son.
“Father God, the salutations that come from time to time from distant places is a great joy to me. To hear about El Barril or Chikokiloti is as important in some ways as hearing from English Point or Gander Bay. Remember the saints in those places like El Valle or Santa Tecla or Grants Pass – and give them joy in knowing they are not alone. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”