Monthly Archives: September 2025

Philemon 1- Brothers In Christ

Leave a reply

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Philemon 1:1-3

Today we begin the journey through the Epistle of Philemon, while this is a short letter with only 1 Chapter, this is a very powerful story. We all remember the beautiful Christmas song “All Holy Night” , with the line “the slave is your brother” this is my opinion sums up this Epistle. A beautiful and true story, about forgiveness, redemption, and being part of the body of Christ

The Apostle Paul clearly identifies himself as the author, also describes himself as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus” This has dual meaning, as Paul was literally in prison when he wrote this letter, but also Paul described himself as a Prisoner of Christ, in the epistle to the Ephesians “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1)

Another note is Paul is not addressing himself with Apostolic authority, but as a brother in Christ. This letter was meant to be a personal writing and not a teaching to the Church. However since Paul was so filled with the Holy Spirit, we can take these words and events and learn from them as Christians. Paul also mentions Timothy , our brother. While Philemon, and the others mentioned in the letter are part of the Church of Colossae, there is also a connection with the Church of Ephesus, of which Timothy is the Pastor. It’s believed Philemon was saved in Ephesus under Paul’s ministry. 

The letter is clearly being addressed to Philemon, who Paul describes as a “beloved friend and fellow laborer” It’s believed Philemon hosted a Church in his house in the city of Colosse,  It’s also believed Paul would stay at Philemon’s house when visiting in that region. Apphia is also mentioned, who is believed to be Philemon’s wife. Then another man is mentioned named Archippus, he is referred to as “fellow soldier” With Pauls reference here, its likely Archippus was the Pastor of this house Church, while Philemon and Apphia supported it. Archippus is also referenced in Pauls letter to the Church of Colosse “And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” (Colossians 4:17)

Now the main focus of the letter is Philemon owned a slave named Onesimus, and how their conversion in Christ , not only changed their own lives but perhaps the course of history

Romans 16- Victory in Jesus

Leave a reply

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:17-20

As we come to the end of the Epistle of Romans, the Apostle Paul urges a strong warning once again. “Mark them which cause division and offences contrary to the doctrine you have learned and avoid them” As Paul said to the Church of Galatia “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8) Anyone who is preaching or teaching doctrine against what Christ and the Apostles taught, let them be accurssed!

However we live in a time period in the Church, where false doctrine is rampant! It’s harder to find a Church that actually preaches the Word of God, yet many so called “Christians” have compromised. Instead of marking these false teachers, as instructed by Paul, they conform to them. Many people attend these false Churches, for the sake of peace and unity, however this is very dishonering to your Lord.  As Paul continues “For those who are such, do not serve our Lord but their own belly (flesh)” These “Churches” are carnally minded, not being led by the Holy Spirit but by the flesh. 

Think about it, why would a Church embrace sin? Well the only reason is because they want to satisfy the flesh. They are not Born Again (John 3:3) , they are not led by the Holy Spirit, they are led by their carnal flesh like an animal. “By smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple” But you say “they are so nice”, “they are so friendly” Don’t be deceived, God will not be mocked, what you reap is what you sow” (Galatians 6:7)

So how do you respond to these fake Churches? As the Apostle Paul said, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “Avoid them, stay away from them, (v17) This idea that we can have “Liberal” and “Traditional” Christians together is a lie from Satan. There is no such thing as a Liberal Christian, because its “contrary to the teachings of Christ” It’s an abomination in the house of God, yet many bow down to the Satanic agenda, and I fear many will lose their soul because you have rejected the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

“For your obedience has become known to all” (v19) Have you compromised your soul? Or are you obedient to your Lord Jesus Christ? The important thing is not whether your on the Church membership list, the important thing is your name written in The Lambs Book of Life? (Revelation 3:5) Many people have sold their soul, to please their family, to please their neighbor, to please their flesh

But the God of peace, our Lord Jesus Christ has crushed the head of Satan at the cross! We have victory in Christ, because Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33) Don’t fear the temporary persecution right now, because we have eternal victory in the Kingdom of God, Amen!

Romans 16- Greet One Another

Leave a reply

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. Romans 16:1-16

As we look at our text today, many people probably just skim over this part, figured is not really important, but their is great beauty in what the Apostle Paul is doing here. As I’ve stated previously, even though the Apostle Paul gets much of the credit for spreading the gospel to the Gentiles, for planting many Churches, it was truly a group effort. The body of Christ was never designed to be a one-man operation. Look at all the names that have laboured for The Lord , they share in the same glory as Paul, we share in the same glory , the Kingdom of God being built one soul at a time. The time, the sweat, the blood, all the sacrifices being put in for an eternal purpose! The Kingdom of God is at hand! (Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15)

We as a Church do a terrible job loving one another, lets be honest. As you look through this list, you see Jew and Gentile, male and female, rich and poor, all one in the body of Christ. Today we divide up into different sects, recently with the death of Charlie Kirk, I heard Christians, even Pastors proclaiming his death had nothing to do with them. These people claim to be part of the body of Christ, but they neglect the body of Christ that doesn’t align with them. Maybe because Charlie was white, maybe because Charlie was a Protestant, maybe because Charlie was too political, whatever maby be the reason , brothers and sisters in Christ decided he was not worthy of being greeted

I believe in the past few weeks, The Lord has been exposing our hypocrisy in the Church. The body of Christ is not made of one race, we are the great multitude. Consider what the Word of God says “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands” (Revelation 7:9)

What makes a Christian? Our race? Our denomination? No, we were washed by the blood of the Lamb! (John 1:29) Greet your brothers and sisters, love one another because Christ has commanded you too (John 13:34) The Churches of Christ I greet you! Amen!