Category Archives: Philemon

A Conduit for Refreshing Hearts

It really was a big ask on Paul’s part. Receive back a runaway slave as a brother. No punishment, though it was due. No making him an example before the others slaves, though it would have been prudent. No demanding … Continue reading

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Every Good Thing In Us

It was a big ask. Paul knew it was a big ask. A slave owner had no obligation to go easy on an AWOL slave. And a slave who had deserted his master had no expectation that returning to his … Continue reading

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Every Good Thing That Is In Me

To hear some Christians talk, you’d think the blood really doesn’t have all that much power and that the Spirit isn’t really all that able to sanctify. These people often declare they are still wretched . . . they are … Continue reading

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The Gospel Thing to Do

By any stretch of the imagination, given the norms of the day, it was a huge ask. Slaves that ran away from those who had the legal right to them as servants were to be dealt with severely. After all … Continue reading

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Refresher of Hearts

He was known for his love and faith . . . love and faith shown toward his Savior as He sought to live in response to the gospel . . . love and faith shown to his brothers and sisters … Continue reading

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The Right Risk to Take

Paul was prepared to take a risk . . . the slave, Onesimus, was willing to take an even greater risk . . . all out of respect for free will. I don’t think anyone would have argued with Paul … Continue reading

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Being a VIP

Since reading a book many years ago on “Restoring Your Spiritual Passion” by Gordon MacDonald, I have been aware of the need for VIP’s in my life. Not “very important people” but rather, “very invigorating people.” The need for people … Continue reading

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