OzThoughts. Friday, 9th October 2009.

OzThoughts. Friday, 9th October 2009.

Paul’s Letter to Philemon is just 25 simple yet warm and friendly verses. He obviously loves Philemon who loves Jesus as he does. In fact, Paul says he praises and thanks God whenever he prays for him.

Paul goes on to ask Philemon a favour but I think, first of all, what he says about Philemon is worth noting.
I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.
It seems Paul has a special relationship with Philemon and it seems he may have led him to his commitment to Jesus. It is often that we share many things with our friends, our workmates and our family but to share Christ with them is the best we can do.

Today, and this weekend what will we want out of our relationships? There are many things we can share but what do we consider the best?

[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music2/mus_3809.mp3 ]

O what a wonderful, wonderful day,
Day I will never forget!
After I'd wandered in darkness away,
Jesus my Saviour I met!
O what a tender, compassionate friend,
He met the need of my heart!
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling,
He made all the darkness depart.

Chorus
Heaven came down and Glory filled my soul,
When at the cross the Saviour made me whole;
My sins were washed away,
And my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and Glory filled my soul.

Born of the Spirit with life from above
Into God's family divine,
Justified fully through Calvary's love,
O what a standing is mine!
And the transaction so quickly was made
When as a sinner I came,
Took of the offer of grace he did proffer,
He saved me, O praise his dear name!

Now I've a hope that will surely endure
After the passing of time,
I have a future in Heaven for sure,
There in those mansions sublime.
And it's because of that wonderful day,
When at the cross I believed;
Riches eternal and blessings supernal
From his precious hand I received.
Author: John W. Peterson
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 371
Philemon
1-3I, Paul, am a prisoner for the sake of Christ, here with my brother Timothy. I write this letter to you, Philemon, my good friend and companion in this work—also to our sister Apphia, to Archippus, a real trooper, and to the church that meets in your house. God's best to you! Christ's blessings on you!
4-7Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, "Oh, thank you, God!" I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.
8-9In line with all this I have a favor to ask of you. As Christ's ambassador and now a prisoner for him, I wouldn't hesitate to command this if I thought it necessary, but I'd rather make it a personal request.
10-14While here in jail, I've fathered a child, so to speak. And here he is, hand-carrying this letter—Onesimus! He was useless to you before; now he's useful to both of us. I'm sending him back to you, but it feels like I'm cutting off my right arm in doing so. I wanted in the worst way to keep him here as your stand-in to help out while I'm in jail for the Message. But I didn't want to do anything behind your back, make you do a good deed that you hadn't willingly agreed to.


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