POPULARITY
Categories
Some of the most respected people in history claimed that information, warnings, visions, or guidance reached them from an intelligence outside their ordinary conscious minds.Socrates trusted a mysterious divine sign that had followed him since childhood. Joan of Arc said saints gave her a mission that changed the course of a war. Carl Jung held conversations with Philemon, a winged teacher who seemed to possess knowledge independent of Jung's conscious personality. Srinivasa Ramanujan believed the goddess Namagiri revealed mathematics to him through dreams. Nikola Tesla detected repeating signals through his experimental equipment and wondered whether another world was attempting contact.In this episode of Idiot Mystic, we examine what these five people actually reported, what their experiences led them to do, and the skeptical explanations involving intuition, dreams, neurological events, cultural expectations, unconscious cognition, and misunderstood technology.Were they encountering God, spirits, autonomous parts of the psyche, extraterrestrial intelligence, or something that does not fit comfortably into any of those categories?Whatever the source, these experiences became entangled with philosophy, warfare, psychology, mathematics, and the early search for intelligence beyond Earth.Maybe the strangest part is not that they believed something spoke to them. It is how much of history changed after they listened.Listen to Idiot Mystic on YouTube and Spotify, and read more at:Website: https://idiotmystic.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/idiotmysticTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@idiotmysticDiscord: https://discord.gg/dXKjhZrZmMShare the episode with somebody who enjoys strange history, spirituality, psychology, paranormal encounters, and questions that refuse to stay inside one explanation.Until next time, take care of yourself, please. Stay weird.
In Philemon we see that the gospel is not merely the message by which sinners are reconciled to God, but the power by which broken people are reconciled to one another. The cross of Christ creates a new humanity marked by forgiveness, humility, and love. Join us as we discover how the reconciling work of Christ reshapes every relationship it touches."Reconciled Forever" is a sermon based on Philemon 8-16 preached by associate pastor Michael Tooley.This sermon was preached at Mission Church — a church in Morganton, North Carolina in the heart of Burke County.Join us in person on Sundays, 10 AM221 Herron St.Morganton NC, 28655
Discover what it means to grow into spiritual maturity through the lives of two very different followers of Jesus: John Mark, who failed and found restoration, and Timothy, who faithfully grew into a leader. Walking through key passages from Acts, 1 & 2 Timothy, Colossians, Philemon, 1 Peter, and Galatians, this message explores how God uses discipleship, grace, and community to shape us into people who make disciples. Whether you've stumbled in your faith or you're looking to help others grow, this sermon offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for moving forward with Christ.
The Plea for a Gospel Welcome (Philemon 17-25) by Faith Family Church Oak Grove
Sermon Notes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sPdnmvtmJKG6VGblHTh-X29X4LRhdqQY/view?usp=drive_linkSubscribe to our channel:https://www.youtube.com/shepherdshouseazWebsite: shepherdsaz.orgInstagram: @shepherdshouseazFacebook: /shepherdshouseazTiktok: @shepherdshouseazYoutube: /shepherdshouseaz
Kirk Bode preaches from Philemon how the gospel changes how we see and treat people by leading us to forgiveness and reconciliation. True forgiveness is more than an action—it is a heart transformed by the gospel.
Wrapping up our series today Pastor Ira teaches on The Church As The Catalyst. Contrary to our cultural understanding, church is not a static entity that we join and observe, but a Catalytic agent of change that challenges us to grow, heal, and walk in His power. Key Scriptures:Acts 4:32–33,13, 2:42,47, 5:41-42, Philemon 1:8, 1 Peter 4:10, Ephesians 2:4-5
20 Proverbs 6-7; 17 Esther 1-8; 19 Psalms 82-87; 56 Titus 1-3; 57 Philemon; 58 Hebrews 1-5
Pastor Keith Ledford shares with us on the book of Philemon.
Wednesday Night Service - Philemon 17-25 - Chris Bluemfeld
This story epitomizes true love. Paul praises the brethren for their love for him is thankful for how they constantly aided him. But now he is asking them to demonstrate that same love to brother Onesimus who has been born again now, and helping him. This is a story of love and trust, and more importantly, forgiveness. When one has been forgiven they should be restored because of the love God to the person violated, as if it never happened. God be with us all.
Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!emersonk78@me.comExcel Still More Journal - AmazonNew GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional!Daily Bible Devotional Series - AmazonTitle Sponsor: Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide MortgageWebsites: https://statewidemortgage.com/https://tylercain.floify.com/Phone: 813-380-8487Oooh, this one stung a bit. I don't get into it in the lesson, but I sent a text the minute the recording was finished. I don't know that it will start things back to friendship with the person, but would you please offer a prayer on our behalf? Thank you! I will do the same to you, generically now, and specifically later if you let me know who and how. We must be a restorative people. Christ is so merciful, kind, patient, and forgiving. And we come up with so many reasons not to be this way. We site the error of the other person, or external factors that make the relationship a lost cause. Praise God that He didn't do that with you or me. Live the love you have from God.
What if four letters written from a prison cell could transform the way you see faith, community, and the very foundations of Christianity? This episode dives into the powerful messages behind Paul's prison letters—Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians—exploring how they were delivered, the living test cases they created, and why reading them together changes everything. Discover the surprising connections, real-world challenges, and timeless lessons that still echo today. If you're ready to experience the New Testament's heart in context, this episode will take you right to the chains where it all began."Christ is enough. He is not a supplement. He is the substance behind every shadow the old system cast." - Tim WindersAccess all show and episode resources HEREEpisode Resources:NT90 Hub – This is the central website for the 90-day New Testament reading plan, with downloadable, printable plans, background information, and links to all episodes and resources.Episode Highlights:00:00 Four Letters One Chain 01:11 NT90 Journey And Feedback 04:04 Episode Setup Prison Letters 06:23 From Romans To Rome 10:57 House Arrest And Visitors 12:13 Thread Through The Letters 14:42 Ephesians The Blueprint 18:38 Colossians Christ Enough 23:25 Philemon The Real Test 28:54 Philippians Joy In Chains 34:53 One Message Four Voices 36:18 Modern Misreads And Application 38:14 Living Room Scene And Legacy 39:40 Next Episode And Read Again
In Philemon we see that the gospel is not merely the message by which sinners are reconciled to God, but the power by which broken people are reconciled to one another. The cross of Christ creates a new humanity marked by forgiveness, humility, and love. Join us as we discover how the reconciling work of Christ reshapes every relationship it touches."The Foundation of Reconciliation" is a sermon based on Philemon 1:1-7 preached by lead pastor Billy Glosson.This sermon was preached at Mission Church — a church in Morganton, North Carolina in the heart of Burke County.Join us in person on Sundays, 10 AM221 Herron St.Morganton NC, 28655
Philemon & The Garo Man | Zac by Door of Hope Christian Church
Lord, Open My Lips is a daily devotional produced by Fr. Josh Fink and John Caddell in association with All Souls Church in Lexington, South Carolina. New devotionals are available every day. More information can be found at allsoulslex.org/dailyprayer.Original music is composed and recorded by John Caddell. Our liturgy is based on "Family Prayer" from the Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
In this episode of The Leader's Notebook (Ep. 320), I open Paul's letter to the Colossians and address one of the most important questions in all of Christianity: Who is Jesus Christ? Drawing from Colossians 1:11–19, John 1, and other key passages, I examine the biblical truth that Jesus is far more than a teacher, prophet, or miracle worker. He is the eternal Son of God, the visible image of the invisible God, the Creator of all things, and the One in whom the fullness of God dwells. At a time when many are confused about the identity of Christ, this message returns to the bedrock truths of Scripture. If Jesus is truly God, then His sacrifice can save, His blood can redeem, His victory over darkness is complete, and His power is available for every believer today. Join me as we explore why the divinity of Christ is not a secondary doctrine, but the foundation upon which all Christian faith, hope, and salvation stand.- Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Colossians(00:01:15) - Colossians 1:11-19(00:03:26) - The Letter from Paul to Philemon(00:04:33) - Rethinking American Evangelical theology(00:13:20) - Jesus Confesses His Divinity to a Fallen Woman(00:18:44) - The Trinity in Christian theology(00:22:51) - The Trinity in Christian theology(00:24:22) - Paul on the Crucifixion(00:33:52) - Doubting Thomas
Evening lessons: Psalms 20, 21; Esther 4; Philemon. May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble; the Name of the God of Jacob defend you.
The conversation explores the concept of commitment and gospel obedience in biblical counseling, drawing insights from the book of Philemon. It emphasizes the importance of appeal, sincerity, and wisdom in counseling, as modeled by the Apostle Paul.Chapters00:00 Introduction05:33 Biblical Affirmation in Counseling11:58 A Pastoral Tone in Counseling
Most Christians want to share their faith—but fear, rejection, and not knowing what to say often keep us silent. In this message, we walk through 2 Corinthians 5 and explain why every follower of Jesus has already been called to represent Him. You'll discover why God entrusted His Church with the message of reconciliation, what it means to be an ambassador for Christ, and one simple, practical way to begin spiritual conversations this week. Whether you've never shared your faith or you're looking for renewed boldness, this message will encourage you to move from being reconciled by Christ to helping others be reconciled to Him. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:14–21; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15; Philemon 1:6. If this message encouraged you, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who needs to hear it. Join us every Sunday at Vertical Life Church in Holly Springs, NC, or online.
Brian Caola - Philemon - July 5, 2026
From the Dawson Family of Faith, Dr. Brad Gowing, Executive Pastor, shared a sermon titled Forgiveness from Philemon 1:1–25. Visit dawsonchurch.org from more information about the ministries at Dawson.
This week in our Summer Shorts series, we dig into the entire book of Philemon, one of the shortest letters in the New Testament and one of the most personal. Paul writes from prison to his friend Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave, asking Philemon to receive him back not as property but as a beloved brother in Christ. Along the way, Paul models something remarkable: rather than pulling rank, he appeals to relationship, to love, and to the kind of generosity that flows naturally from genuine faith. The story of Onesimus, slave turned free, debt paid by another, is a picture of the gospel itself, mirroring exactly what Jesus did for every one of us. And the story of Paul, once a persecutor of Christians and now their greatest champion, reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's transforming grace. Whatever you feel enslaved to today, the debt has already been paid.
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Isaiah, 2 Chronicles, and Philemon Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the July 3rd edition of the Daily Radio Bible. On today's episode, Hunter invites listeners from around the world to join together in the daily journey through Scripture, opening their hearts to God's love and wisdom. Our readings come from Isaiah, 2 Chronicles, and Philemon, exploring moments of faith, transformation, and the radical call of the Gospel. In his reflections, Hunter discusses how true change comes when we lay down our rights and embrace love—following the example of Christ. Join us for prayer, encouragement, and a timely reminder that in the midst of life's challenges, you are deeply loved and part of God's ongoing work of renewal. TODAY'S DEVOTION: The only way this world is going to be made right is if someone puts aside their rights and offers love instead. Lay down your rights in order to do what is right, to make this world right. That's the request that Paul makes of Philemon. Onesimus was Philemon's slave, who had run away from him. In God's providence, both men had been led to the Lord by Paul, and Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon, who legally still owns him. And in this moment, Paul is challenging Philemon to discover the depths of the Gospel, the radical extent to which the Gospel transforms individuals and societies. Paul is reminding Philemon that the only way this world will be made right is if people put aside their rights and offer love instead. Paul is saying, Philemon, you may own this man according to the Roman law, but Jesus has shown you a better way. He has made you free by giving up his rights and becoming a slave so that you might be set free by God. Paul describes this in Philippians chapter two. He says Jesus gave up his divine privileges, he took the humble position of a slave, and was born as a human being. Jesus gave up his rights to set humanity free. This is the only way that this broken world and its broken people are going to be made right—by the man who gave up his rights. And Paul is calling Philemon to follow this example. This was not only a call for Philemon, but it's also a call for you and me. There is no greater demonstration of love than to lay down one's life for a brother. And when we do this, we are participating in the life of the one who is making all things new. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
Reconciliation is one of the most profound themes in the Bible, the story of God being reconciled with man. In this letter, Paul addresses another critical topic: people being reconciled with one another. From a prison in Rome, Paul writes to Philemon, and encourages the acceptance of a new brother in Christ. This letter reminds us of the beautiful relationship with have with one another through the power of the cross, so let's jump right in! Grab your Bible and join Jerry as he dives into this letter to Philemon, and helps you see how you can apply this book in your life today. You can also take your daily Bible reading to another level with The New Testament Daily with Jerry Dirmann—so grab your Bible and let's get started! ------- Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below: « FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » To listen to or download more teachings from Jerry and others from Solid Lives ministries, visit our new media library at: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library « THE NEW TESTAMENT DAILY PODCAST » https://thenewtestamentdailywithjerrydirmann.buzzsprout.com « SOLID LIVES » Find out more about the ministries of Jerry Dirmann and Solid Lives at https://www.solidlives.com/ « SUPPORT » You can help us get free resources like this out to more people. Visit https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below:FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/
This week, host Michael Glenn sits down with Luke Stehr and Ashley Berryhill to unpack an incredible whirlwind of a week at the church — hosting the Kingdom of Jordan's Visit Jordan Experience during the World Cup, welcoming Jordanian dignitaries and the Jordanian ambassador to the US, and celebrating the powerful hospitality shown to their new friends from the Middle East. Luke and Ashley share the behind-the-scenes story of how this partnership came together in just a matter of weeks, what the night looked like with worship, biblical history presentations, and a gift exchange, and why this moment feels like a spark for how the church is being called to engage with the Arab and broader Middle Eastern Christian community going forward.The conversation then turns to Luke's recent sermon on the book of Philemon and what it means to live out true kindness as a fruit of the Spirit — crossing cultural, national, and relational barriers the way Christ did. Ashley offers practical, everyday steps for building relationships across cultures (starting with curiosity, not judgment), and the team closes out by celebrating another highlight of the week: Kinder Bible School. It's a conversation about radical hospitality, kingdom citizenship, and what it looks like to be led by the Spirit in a divided world.
Send us Fan MailThis is a beautiful book about interceding between a runaway slave and his master. Paul has led them both to Christ and pleas with Master Philemon to do something different than most Roman slave masters - forgive his slave since he has become a Christian. Paul saved them both so he pleas for restitution between master and slave. Listen to see the similarity of Jesus interceding for our souls since we were slaves to sin and death. Support the show
Has the gospel truly changed your life?In the closing verses of Philemon, Paul points us to the visible evidence of God's transforming grace. The gospel does not merely change our eternity—it changes our hearts, our priorities, and the way we live each day.A gospel-centered life produces clear evidence of God's grace at work. As believers grow in Christ, obedience replaces rebellion, hope overcomes despair, and trust in God becomes the foundation of everyday life.The grace that saves us is also the grace that sanctifies us.As you watch, consider:• Have I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ?• Is the gospel the foundation of my life?• Am I living in obedience to God's Word?• Am I placing my hope and trust in God?• What evidence of God's transforming grace can be seen in my life?
Biblical truth is found by studying all of Scripture rather than building doctrine from a few isolated verses. At times, certain passages may seem to support an idea when read alone, but a broader study often reveals a different conclusion. The Bible's teaching on slavery illustrates this principle. While some passages instruct slaves on how to live within their circumstances, other passages reveal God's condemnation of man stealing, His desire for freedom, and His view of believers as brothers and sisters in Christ. By examining the full counsel of Scripture, we can better understand God's heart and avoid drawing conclusions based on only a portion of His Word. __________ 1 Peter 2:18–20 NLT, Ephesians 6:5 NLT, Exodus 21:16 NIV, 1 Timothy 1:8–10 KJV, Philemon 1:4–10 NLT, Philemon 1:15–19 NLT, 1 Corinthians 7:21 NLT __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________
Jim preaches about God appointed leaders.
This week, Senior Pastor Miles Fidell teaches from Philemon on the bait of Satan, exposing the enemy's strategy to divide the Church and showing how confession and forgiveness lead to true freedom.
This week we explore Paul's letter to Philemon to learn about true forgiveness.
Philemon 1:18-25Pastor Brian Moffatt
Today's Bible Verse: "And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers." — Philemon 1:24 Reflection:Philemon 1:24 is part of Paul’s closing words in his letter to Philemon, where he mentions his fellow workers in ministry. Among them is Mark, a person whose journey reminds us that restoration and forgiveness are powerful parts of God’s work. Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Membertoday: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribeLooking for a peaceful way to end your day? Listen to "Your Nightly Scripture" to end your day with God's word Meet Today’s Host: Carol Ogle McCracken Carol Ogle McCracken is a dynamic Christian speaker, author, and Bible teacher known for her warmth, humor, and transparency. She brings biblical truths to life through real-world stories and relatable experiences—whether navigating alcohol recovery, parenting a child with special needs, or walking through divorce. Today, she serves as Minister of Discipleship at her local church and shares God’s Word through women's retreats, conferences, and online devotionals. Her book, Wisdom: Where to Find It if You’ve Lost, Forgotten, or Never Had It, was released in 2020 and continues to encourage readers in their pursuit of godly wisdom. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In this episode of Consider This, Justin Ebert is joined by Sam Martin and Jack Merrill to discuss this week's readings from Esther, 2 Timothy 3–4, Titus, and Philemon. Together, they consider one of the most fascinating questions in the Old Testament: Why is God's name never mentioned in Esther? Even with God's name hidden, the story powerfully reveals his providence, sovereignty, and faithfulness to preserve his people in the midst of danger, exile, and political uncertainty. The conversation also turns to Paul's final words in 2 Timothy, the leadership qualifications and church-order issues raised in Titus, and the challenging moral and theological questions surrounding slavery in Philemon. How should Christians read these passages faithfully today? What do they teach us about courage, Scripture, leadership, discipleship, justice, and the lordship of Christ? Join Justin, Sam, and Jack as they engage Scripture and seek to grow in love for the Lord.
Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com Does the New Testament support slavery? In this episode of the Determined Truth Podcast, we conclude our study of Philemon, one of the shortest—and most debated—books in the New Testament. Paul's letter to Philemon centers on a runaway slave named Onesimus, a wealthy Christian named Philemon, and a challenge that continues to spark discussion today: Why doesn't Paul explicitly condemn slavery? In this conversation, we explore: The historical context of slavery in the Roman Empire The relationship between Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus Whether Paul is gently persuading Philemon or subtly pressuring him The significance of receiving Onesimus as "a beloved brother" How reconciliation stands at the center of Paul's theology The difference between Roman slavery and American chattel slavery Why the early church may not have directly confronted the institution of slavery Whether Paul's teachings ultimately undermine slavery itself What this letter teaches modern Christians about human dignity, power, and justice We also discuss broader themes found throughout Paul's writings, including unity in Christ, reconciliation across social boundaries, and the challenge of living out the gospel in deeply broken systems. Whether you're studying Philemon, wrestling with difficult passages about slavery, or seeking to understand the historical world of the New Testament, this episode provides important context and thoughtful discussion.
Why do difficult relationships trigger so much fear, frustration and anxiety? In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol McCracken sits down with Bible teacher and author Kathy Howard to discuss how walking with the Holy Spirit transforms the way we handle conflict, misunderstandings and relational tension. Together, they explore why our instinct is often self-protection, how to trust God when conflict remains unresolved and what it looks like to pursue biblical peace without avoiding hard conversations. If you've ever wished you could take back words spoken in frustration or find greater calm in difficult relationships, this episode offers practical encouragement and biblical wisdom. In This Episode, you'll hear: Why fear and self-protection often drive our reactions How spiritual preparation changes the way we handle conflict Practical ways to slow down during difficult conversations The difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking and more ... Scripture discussed or referenced: Galatians 5:22–23, James 1:19–20, Ephesians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 8:13, Romans 12:16–19, Philippians 4:2, Philemon, Galatians 2:11–15 Find Kathy Howard: On her website On Facebook On Instagram On Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Conflict is everywhere. Nations wage war against nations. Churches divide, families fracture, friendships dissolve, and even within the human heart there is pride, fear, and bitterness. Scripture reveals that conflict is not merely psychological or circumstantial—it is spiritual.From Satan's rebellion in heaven to the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden, the story of humanity has been marked by disunity and broken fellowship. Yet in the midst of that reality, God reveals Himself as the Great Peacemaker in the short but powerful epistle to Philemon. Through this personal letter, the Apostle Paul provides a living picture of Gospel-centered reconciliation.In this episode of PostScript, Brandon Briscoe welcomes Pastor John Wright, author of Peacekeepers: Conflict Management and the Epistle to Philemon, for a discussion on the spiritual roots of conflict and the biblical path toward reconciliation. Together, they examine how Paul's mediation between Philemon and Onesimus demonstrates God's heart for restoration, forgiveness, and unity among believers.Topics discussed include:• The biblical origin of conflict• The difference between peacemaking and peacekeeping• Paul's model of mediation in Philemon• Practical principles for resolving conflict in the local church• How the Gospel transforms broken relationships• Building and maintaining a culture of peace among believersWhether facing church conflict, family tensions, strained friendships, or personal struggles, listeners will find biblical wisdom and practical guidance for pursuing peace God's way.Visit https://lfbi.org/learnmore
This week we explore Paul's letter to Philemon to discover how being adopted sons and daughters transforms our hearts to willful obedience.
May 24, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon This episode is a sermon-based exploration of the New Testament book of Philemon, examining how the gospel transforms ordinary lives and relationships. The speaker walks listeners through the historical background — Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus — and explains why this brief one-chapter letter matters for Christians today. Using everyday analogies (the periodic table, weather apps, and a modern “magic eraser” photo example), the message emphasizes that Christian truth is not merely factual knowledge but a force that should change behavior and relationships. The core of the episode outlines six practical ways the gospel makes a difference: it produces true love, changes how we approach people (the "living room" vs. "courtroom" models), redefines a person's past, repairs broken relationships, empowers believers to do hard things, and saturates life with grace. Key biblical passages and images are referenced throughout (Philemon, John, 1 John, 2 Corinthians), and Paul's pastoral method — appealing in love rather than commanding — is highlighted as a model for Christian influence. The sermon also covers concrete illustrations and applications: Paul's personal appeal to Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother, Paul's offer to repay any debt Onesimus owes, and the necessity of real reconciliation and hard but loving conversations in families, churches, and workplaces. Practical next steps discussed include confessing faith, baptism, and letting the gospel's grace reshape daily conduct and relationships. Listeners will hear reflections on how the gospel changes identity and memory (God's forgiveness as an ultimate eraser of past sins), how grace sustains obedience, and why faith should result in visible, relational transformation. The episode features the lead preacher and musical contributions from Mike; it closes with an invitation to respond to the gospel and practical encouragement to let faith reshape personal life and community relationships. Duration 33:37
Today we'll read the account of Jonah, the reluctant prophet. The Lord commands Jonah to go to Ninevah and warn them of their impending destruction. Jonah turns to go in the completely opposite direction, later saying that he didn't want to go because he knew the Lord would have compassion on those whom Israel saw as detestable adversaries. As you hear this account, keep in mind that in the end it is most likely that Jonah is the one recording what happened, revealing that he was eventually aware of his sinful heart toward those living in ignorance of the Lord's ways. Jonah - 1:11 . Jonah 2 – 5:00 . Jonah 3 – 6:56 . Jonah 4 – 8:59 . Philemon - 12:21 . Psalm 96 - 16:13 . Psalm 97 - 18:08 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
When Philemon walks away from Paul's letter, what kind of response does Paul want to see — mere compliance or a heart full of faith in God's promises?
What do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke have to do with Philemon and his runaway slave? Paul shows Philemon what gospel-shaped friendships look like.
❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/1Kings5–6;Psalm126;Philemon ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org
Alongside all the other ways Paul encourages Philemon to love, he also adds greetings from Epaphras, a man Philemon would have deeply respected.