Posts

Love That Goes Above and Beyond the Law


Love That Goes Above and Beyond the Law
 Philemon v9 Introduction / Story Background: Paul from prison writing to Philemon, a Christian slave-owner in Colossae Scenario: Runaway slave Onesimus steals from Philemon, flees, meets Paul in prison, becomes a Christian, and is sent back with Paul’s letter to seek forgiveness Paul’s radical request: Receive Onesimus no longer as a slave but as a free beloved brother Main Text Focus: Philemon v9: Paul chooses to appeal “for love’s sake” rather than command Five Key Principles for Building Bridges in Broken Relationships Operate from Love , Not Law (v9) Love does not avoid issues; it addresses them Love determines HOW we act, not IF we act “Appeal” = urgent, gentle, loving plea (same word used in Phil 4:2) Love pleads; Law demands Keynote: Love pleads, while Law demands Practical: Lower your voice, gently request, reasonably explain          2.   Believe That God Changes People (v10–11) Paul calls Onesimus “m...
Post a Comment
Read more

Becoming a Bridge Builder

Building Bridges – Week 3 
 Philemon v8–16
 The Grove, November 16, 2025 AM Hearers of the Word: I.  Introduction & Context ( 1–3)
 Short, personal letter from Paul’s own hand while  in prison about runaway slave Onesimus. Core Gospel Truth: In Christ, slave and free become brothers; social hierarchy is overturned by love. Paul’s Goal: Reconcile Philemon (A wealthy house-church host) and Onesimus without abolishing slavery outright; instead, persuade Philemon to exceed legal duty.
 II.  Commendation: Building Bridges with Truth (4–7)
 Thanks in Everything:  Paul thanks God for Philemon’s faith and love that “refreshes the saints.” Focus on the positive: Not manipulation—genuine grace-based encouragement to act like the Christian he already is. Application: Begin reconciliation with gratitude, not attack; see the image of God in the offender, focus on the good done.
 III.  Biblical Principles for effective bridge-building         ...
Post a Comment
Read more

See the Good Part B

See The Good   Part B  Philemon Hearers of the Word: I.   Bridge Builders See The Good
 a.  Develop an  attitude of Thanksgiving in everything.  b.  Focus on the Positive   in others rather than the negative.
 Statement of Truth:
If you are not careful, your greatest strength will become your greatest weakness Principle to Practice:  We must see people for who God is MAKING them and not for WHAT they are. c.  Focus on the good others have done and not the wrong . II.  Benefits of Seeing the Good in other people: It gives you something to enjoy thinking about It gives them hope and blesses others It draws others to you instead of repelling them It is consistent with God’s view of people
 Statement of Truth:  There are no enduring relationships without forgiveness .   Doers of the Word:   How can you be more thankful in the little things this week, this upcoming holiday season?
 How can y...
Post a Comment
Read more

See The Good

See The Good From Philemon  Bridge Builders Week 1 Theme: Bridge Builders learn to look past the momentary mess and see the eternal good in people and circumstances. Context Author: Paul, writing from a Roman prison cell (58–60 AD). Recipient: Philemon, a sincere Christ-follower in Asia Minor. Subject: Forgiveness and reconciliation. Backstory: Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave, ends up in prison with Paul, hears the gospel, trusts Christ, and is sent back with this letter to seek restoration. Key Truth Paul is the ultimate Bridge Builder , not a Wall Builder . Wall Builders isolate, wound, criticize, and pull others down (often unaware). Bridge Builders cheer others on, speak grace, and connect people to Christ and to each other. Main Points I. Bridge Builders See the Good – by developing an Attitude of Thankfulness (v. 4) Paul, unjustly imprisoned, chooses gratitude: “I thank my God always when I remember you.” Statement of Truth:  Just because we do wh...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Gospel in Three Words

The Gospel in Three Words: A Call to Justice, Grace, and Repentance 2 Corinthians Chapter 5 (Key verses 9-21) Theme:  Evangelism is a divine mandate for all believers, not just clergy or missionaries.  Today Pastor Steven highlights why evangelism is urgent and how it is driven by a desire to please God, the reality of divine judgment, fear of the Lord, Christ’s love, confidence in transformation, and the commission to be ambassadors for Christ. I. Introduction: The Urgency of Evangelism Context : The world is adrift in division, secularism, and despair, seeking transcendent meaning. Core Message : Evangelism is not optional but a divine mandate for all believers to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Purpose : To explore evangelism’s necessity and present the Gospel in three words: Justice, Grace, Repentance. Scriptural Foundation : 2 Corinthians 5, Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission), Romans 10:14-15. Cultural Relevance : Evangelism is a lifeline in a world of fleetin...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Greatest Words Ever Written (wk3)

The Greatest Words Ever Written {wk3} Romans 3-21-26 I. Righteousness Embodied a. Not By Works b. By Faith in Christ  Alone II. Righteousness Provided (Romans 3:22-25) a. Universal Sinfulness  b. God’s Solution i. Justification ii. Redemption iii. Propitiation III. Righteousness Vindicated (Romans 3:25-26) a. God’s Forbearance b. God’s Forgiveness 
Post a Comment
Read more
The Greatest Words Ever Written  (Part 2) Romans 3-21-26 I. Righteousness Embodied (Romans 3:21-22)       (review last week’s sermon on on demand through our church app) II. Righteousness Provided (Romans 3:23-25) Statement of Truth: What God demands, God provides      A. Man’s Problem  V 23                     1. We miss the mark                       2. We fall short      B. God's Solution V 24-25                1. Justification                2. Redemption To be continued...
Post a Comment
Read more