In this sermon by Boyd at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle during the Sunday AM service, we explore the profound impact of Christian motherhood through the lens of the biblical character Apphia from the book of Philemon. Highlighting Mother's Day, the sermon delves into the spiritual significance and the multi-faceted role of mothers within the family and the church community. Apphia, a mother and a central figure in her household, is portrayed as an embodiment of love and dedication, whose role extends beyond her immediate family to influence and shape the early Christian community in Colossae. Pastor Boyd elucidates how Apphia's stewardship over her household and her interactions with the runaway slave Onesimus exemplify the Christian ethos of forgiveness and acceptance, making her an integral figure in the reintegration of Onesimus into the Christian community.
Further, the sermon emphasizes the partnership between Apphia and her husband Philemon, showcasing how their combined efforts in hosting church gatherings at their home exemplified a unified Christian mission. This cooperation underlines the sermon's theme of 'multiplication,' where individual contributions in a family setting amplify the collective impact on the wider Christian kingdom. The discussion also extends to their son Archippus, who likely led the nearby church in Laodicea, demonstrating the ripple effect of spiritual nurturing from one generation to the next. Pastor Gary passionately argues that the narrative of Apphia and her family is a testament to the potential of every Christian family to become a beacon of faith and service. By the sermon's conclusion, listeners are called to recognize and celebrate the integral role of mothers and wives in spiritual leadership and community building, ensuring that their ministries are not only acknowledged but revered as pivotal to the church's enduring legacy.