WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.000 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:03.000 --> 00:00:05.799 where we're dedicated to encouraging, equipping, 00:00:05.799 --> 00:00:08.040 and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:08.040 --> 00:00:10.140 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.140 --> 00:00:12.740 Pastor Patrick Daly preaches insightful sermons 00:00:12.740 --> 00:00:14.000 from the Word of God, 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:17.000 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:19.300 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:20.339 --> 00:00:22.440 Well, as we're heading to our seats, 00:00:22.440 --> 00:00:24.339 you know, this last week, 00:00:24.339 --> 00:00:29.339 we did a thematic exposition of the book of Philemon. 00:00:29.339 --> 00:00:32.439 We read from the Word of God together. 00:00:32.439 --> 00:00:34.740 And as a church, when we have that opportunity, 00:00:34.740 --> 00:00:38.000 we should take advantage of such an opportunity 00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:39.500 to read God's word. 00:00:40.799 --> 00:00:44.899 We read the book and we looked into the overarching theme 00:00:44.899 --> 00:00:49.899 and the connection from being once useless to useful 00:00:50.159 --> 00:00:52.799 and how God restores us. 00:00:52.799 --> 00:00:57.439 He mends us together, just like the Kinsuki art, 00:00:57.439 --> 00:01:01.199 taking that which is broken and making it whole once again. 00:01:02.199 --> 00:01:04.840 God is the great healer. 00:01:04.840 --> 00:01:09.840 He restores the broken and God's love is everlasting. 00:01:10.659 --> 00:01:15.659 God takes us as broken vessels and brings us back together. 00:01:16.759 --> 00:01:20.239 To be a Christian, to choose Christ 00:01:20.239 --> 00:01:25.000 is to allow for God to work in and through you. 00:01:25.000 --> 00:01:28.200 I know that for me when I made a decision for Christ, 00:01:28.200 --> 00:01:31.680 I was on a path of learning from the Word of God 00:01:31.680 --> 00:01:34.359 and learning from his direction. 00:01:34.359 --> 00:01:37.079 What does God have in store for my life? 00:01:37.079 --> 00:01:38.519 Where does he want me to go? 00:01:38.519 --> 00:01:40.560 What does he want me to do? 00:01:40.560 --> 00:01:43.760 And sometimes we struggle with that, don't we? 00:01:43.760 --> 00:01:46.280 We learn that the main theme of Philemon, 00:01:46.280 --> 00:01:49.439 it's about a man, it's about Onesemus, 00:01:49.439 --> 00:01:52.039 who went from being useless to useful 00:01:52.040 --> 00:01:57.040 and he is being sent back from the apostle Paul to Philemon. 00:01:57.040 --> 00:01:59.480 Paul is making an appeal to Philemon 00:01:59.480 --> 00:02:04.480 to take Onesemus back, not as a bondservant or a slave, 00:02:05.280 --> 00:02:10.080 but to take him back as a brother, a brother in Christ, 00:02:10.080 --> 00:02:13.120 but also as a free man. 00:02:13.120 --> 00:02:16.120 And that's something that is very revolutionary, 00:02:16.120 --> 00:02:18.719 especially for that time period. 00:02:18.719 --> 00:02:22.039 Take him back as a brother in Christ. 00:02:22.039 --> 00:02:25.240 And since Onesemus has made a decision for Christ, 00:02:25.240 --> 00:02:29.840 he is no longer a slave to sin, but Paul is also saying, 00:02:29.840 --> 00:02:32.360 take him back as a brother. 00:02:32.360 --> 00:02:34.680 And today we're gonna go deeper into God's Word, 00:02:34.680 --> 00:02:38.120 we're gonna go line by line through the Word of God. 00:02:38.120 --> 00:02:41.000 We're gonna go more into the details 00:02:41.000 --> 00:02:43.520 that are found in Scripture. 00:02:43.520 --> 00:02:44.840 Many of you have heard that saying 00:02:44.840 --> 00:02:46.680 that the devil is in the details, 00:02:46.680 --> 00:02:49.120 not when it comes to the Word of God. 00:02:49.120 --> 00:02:51.200 God is in the details, 00:02:51.200 --> 00:02:55.240 and there's so much that we can learn, wisdom and insight, 00:02:55.240 --> 00:02:58.960 biblical knowledge that we can apply to our lives. 00:02:58.960 --> 00:03:01.879 So certainly God is in the details 00:03:01.879 --> 00:03:04.120 in the pages of Scripture. 00:03:04.120 --> 00:03:08.159 We're gonna learn about who is with Paul. 00:03:08.159 --> 00:03:10.480 What are all these people, who are they? 00:03:10.480 --> 00:03:12.640 And why are they significant? 00:03:12.640 --> 00:03:16.360 We're gonna learn about Philemon's love and faith 00:03:16.360 --> 00:03:18.480 to God and to others. 00:03:18.480 --> 00:03:20.640 We're gonna learn about the faith that he shares 00:03:20.640 --> 00:03:23.560 and refreshing others in Christ, 00:03:23.560 --> 00:03:26.680 which is what we have titled this sermon for today, 00:03:26.680 --> 00:03:29.240 Being Refreshed in Christ. 00:03:29.240 --> 00:03:31.200 And I wanna ask you the question. 00:03:32.520 --> 00:03:37.520 What comes to mind when you think of refreshing love 00:03:38.120 --> 00:03:40.360 in today's world? 00:03:40.360 --> 00:03:44.240 I want you to think about that, to be refreshed. 00:03:44.240 --> 00:03:45.880 Well, sometimes when you think of refreshing, 00:03:45.879 --> 00:03:49.519 you might think of having a nice, maybe a soda pop, 00:03:49.519 --> 00:03:51.879 something that drink that's refreshing, 00:03:51.879 --> 00:03:55.039 or feeling water on your face. 00:03:55.039 --> 00:03:56.639 You're refreshing yourself. 00:03:56.639 --> 00:03:58.479 Think of cleansing almost. 00:03:58.479 --> 00:04:01.680 And how you answer that question, that's up to you. 00:04:01.680 --> 00:04:05.000 Our verses from today are from Philemon. 00:04:05.000 --> 00:04:07.439 It's gonna be verses one through seven. 00:04:07.439 --> 00:04:11.439 And we're gonna learn, we're gonna grow together as a church. 00:04:11.439 --> 00:04:13.919 Because the Word of God is truth. 00:04:13.919 --> 00:04:15.680 There is insight, there's life, 00:04:15.680 --> 00:04:17.879 there's wisdom in it. 00:04:17.879 --> 00:04:19.360 So let's pray. 00:04:19.360 --> 00:04:22.040 And then we're gonna open the Word of God. 00:04:22.040 --> 00:04:24.840 Father, we thank you for bringing us here today. 00:04:24.840 --> 00:04:28.720 We are excited, we're motivated, and we're encouraged. 00:04:28.720 --> 00:04:30.000 We're encouraged to be here. 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:32.840 And I'm so glad that each and every person 00:04:32.840 --> 00:04:35.439 that is here today is here. 00:04:35.439 --> 00:04:39.519 We're grateful for the freedom that we have to worship you, 00:04:39.519 --> 00:04:41.240 to sing praises to you, 00:04:41.240 --> 00:04:44.199 and to open the pages of your holy Word. 00:04:44.199 --> 00:04:47.439 We ask today that you are with us. 00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:50.039 And that even though we're going through this small 00:04:50.039 --> 00:04:52.240 and this personal letter, and okay, 00:04:52.240 --> 00:04:53.319 who are all these people, 00:04:53.319 --> 00:04:56.360 we ask that you give us insight. 00:04:56.360 --> 00:04:59.599 A life without you is rendered useless. 00:04:59.599 --> 00:05:03.000 But a life with you, by having Christ in our lives, 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:07.199 by saying yes to Jesus Christ, we are rendered useful. 00:05:08.240 --> 00:05:13.240 Our life in you, we end, we say an end to the former life. 00:05:13.240 --> 00:05:18.240 And we say yes to the beginning of a new life, 00:05:18.480 --> 00:05:22.079 new identity that exists in you. 00:05:22.079 --> 00:05:25.519 May our hearts be open to live and to love like you. 00:05:25.519 --> 00:05:30.040 And may our minds be open to hear your word, to learn. 00:05:30.040 --> 00:05:32.319 And even though it may be challenging, 00:05:32.319 --> 00:05:33.840 may we learn from you. 00:05:33.840 --> 00:05:36.280 May we apply it to our everyday life. 00:05:36.280 --> 00:05:40.000 May we be refreshed and refresh others. 00:05:40.000 --> 00:05:42.079 It is in Jesus' holy name that we pray 00:05:42.079 --> 00:05:43.879 that we all stay together, amen. 00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:47.279 All right, let's please turn to page. 00:05:47.279 --> 00:05:49.000 I'm gonna put that on the slide here. 00:05:49.000 --> 00:05:52.319 It's gonna be page 1186. 00:05:53.719 --> 00:05:55.879 Let's go, we're turning to the book of Philemon. 00:06:01.279 --> 00:06:02.639 It's right before Hebrews. 00:06:04.360 --> 00:06:05.199 All right. 00:06:05.199 --> 00:06:11.159 All right, so here we go. 00:06:12.199 --> 00:06:17.039 Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus and Timothy, our brother. 00:06:17.039 --> 00:06:20.599 To Philemon, our beloved fellow worker. 00:06:20.599 --> 00:06:22.399 And Athea, our sister. 00:06:22.399 --> 00:06:25.360 And Archipus, our fellow soldier. 00:06:25.360 --> 00:06:27.680 And the church in your house. 00:06:27.680 --> 00:06:31.480 Grace to you and peace from God, our Father. 00:06:31.480 --> 00:06:34.199 And the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:06:34.199 --> 00:06:38.680 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers. 00:06:38.680 --> 00:06:41.319 Because I hear of your love and of the faith 00:06:41.319 --> 00:06:45.680 that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:48.319 And I pray that the sharing of your faith 00:06:48.319 --> 00:06:51.159 may become effective for the full knowledge 00:06:51.159 --> 00:06:55.680 of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 00:06:55.680 --> 00:06:58.639 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, 00:06:58.639 --> 00:07:03.000 my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been what? 00:07:03.000 --> 00:07:06.759 Refreshed through you. 00:07:06.759 --> 00:07:10.639 May God be with us as we go through these verses. 00:07:10.639 --> 00:07:13.759 So the book of Philemon, it's a book 00:07:13.759 --> 00:07:16.680 that gives us insight about the relationship 00:07:16.680 --> 00:07:22.040 with the apostle Paul, the friendship with Paul and Philemon, 00:07:22.040 --> 00:07:24.680 the beloved fellow worker. 00:07:24.680 --> 00:07:27.800 Now, we don't have a lot of information specifically 00:07:27.800 --> 00:07:31.040 about Philemon, but we do have information 00:07:31.040 --> 00:07:34.400 that's found in this specific book. 00:07:34.400 --> 00:07:39.040 We know that Philemon he owned Omosimus as a bond servant, 00:07:39.040 --> 00:07:42.000 or as some translations say, a slave. 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:44.520 And that Philemon he owned a home that 00:07:44.520 --> 00:07:49.280 was big enough to host an actual church there. 00:07:49.280 --> 00:07:53.080 When we think of the early Christianity, 00:07:53.080 --> 00:07:56.240 having a home that was big enough to have services, 00:07:56.240 --> 00:07:59.960 even back then, that's a lot of money. 00:07:59.959 --> 00:08:03.279 That's a lot of resources that you can use for the glory of God. 00:08:03.279 --> 00:08:06.279 And that's what's happening with Philemon here. 00:08:06.279 --> 00:08:09.000 Can you imagine nowadays, if you knew someone who had a house 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:12.639 big enough to have church services? 00:08:12.639 --> 00:08:13.919 That's still even today. 00:08:13.919 --> 00:08:14.799 We can think about that. 00:08:14.799 --> 00:08:18.479 That's a pretty big house. 00:08:18.479 --> 00:08:22.079 There is a very close, there is a Christian, 00:08:22.079 --> 00:08:26.359 it's a brotherly love that is between Paul and Philemon. 00:08:26.359 --> 00:08:28.479 And it can be stated, it can be concluded, 00:08:28.480 --> 00:08:33.159 that Paul helped with Philemon's conversion to Christ. 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:35.320 So we start off with verse one. 00:08:35.320 --> 00:08:40.399 Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus and Timothy, our brother. 00:08:40.399 --> 00:08:44.639 We start off the letter written by the apostle Paul. 00:08:44.639 --> 00:08:46.320 This is one of the few books in the Bible 00:08:46.320 --> 00:08:48.720 where Paul doesn't show his formality. 00:08:48.720 --> 00:08:51.720 Most often from the apostle Paul, 00:08:51.720 --> 00:08:55.680 you find that Paul would say, I, Paul, an apostle for Jesus 00:08:55.679 --> 00:08:58.959 Christ, there would be that formality that's there. 00:08:58.959 --> 00:09:03.679 But Paul is saying instead, he's introducing himself 00:09:03.679 --> 00:09:06.000 as a prisoner for Christ. 00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:10.919 And although Paul has mentioned in other parts of scripture 00:09:10.919 --> 00:09:14.319 that he is a prisoner or he's in chains, 00:09:14.319 --> 00:09:16.639 he's introducing himself as a prisoner, 00:09:16.639 --> 00:09:20.240 instead of later on in other letters. 00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:24.039 Paul is introducing himself, not as an apostle, 00:09:24.039 --> 00:09:26.519 but as a prisoner for Christ. 00:09:26.519 --> 00:09:30.959 This refers to Paul being in literal prison, which he was 00:09:30.959 --> 00:09:32.679 in often much space in. 00:09:32.679 --> 00:09:35.759 And it can also make mention of how Paul, Paul 00:09:35.759 --> 00:09:39.399 dedicated his life for the cause of Christ. 00:09:39.399 --> 00:09:42.879 I think of Romans chapter one, verse one, which goes on 00:09:42.879 --> 00:09:45.559 to say that Paul is being a servant, 00:09:45.559 --> 00:09:49.360 or some translations say a slave for Christ. 00:09:49.360 --> 00:09:54.080 But Paul is writing to Philemon as a close friend. 00:09:54.080 --> 00:09:56.720 He is appealing to Philemon. 00:09:56.720 --> 00:10:01.200 Rather than using his authority to command Philemon, 00:10:01.200 --> 00:10:04.039 he's making that appeal to him. 00:10:04.039 --> 00:10:06.960 A prisoner of Jesus Christ, and then the verse goes on 00:10:06.960 --> 00:10:10.440 to say, to Timothy our brother. 00:10:10.440 --> 00:10:13.639 Well, we know that Timothy from first and second Timothy 00:10:13.639 --> 00:10:18.039 as someone who was also close with the apostle Paul. 00:10:18.039 --> 00:10:20.159 Timothy was someone who was close. 00:10:20.159 --> 00:10:24.799 When Paul was in prison, Timothy was a trusted brother 00:10:24.799 --> 00:10:27.919 in Christ who helped him during his imprisonment. 00:10:27.919 --> 00:10:31.639 So there's that close relationship. 00:10:31.639 --> 00:10:34.399 In first Timothy chapter one, verse two, 00:10:34.399 --> 00:10:38.759 Paul calls Timothy my true child in the faith. 00:10:38.759 --> 00:10:43.639 And Paul is mentioning Timothy likely because of the weight. 00:10:43.639 --> 00:10:45.959 Paul's writing this personal letter to Philemon, 00:10:45.960 --> 00:10:49.360 and he's letting him know that Timothy is there with me, 00:10:49.360 --> 00:10:50.840 or with him. 00:10:50.840 --> 00:10:53.759 So it has the emphasis of the letter. 00:10:53.759 --> 00:10:56.560 So the verse goes on, and it says to Philemon, 00:10:56.560 --> 00:10:58.800 our beloved worker. 00:10:58.800 --> 00:11:01.720 So we know that Philemon is a Christian who, 00:11:01.720 --> 00:11:06.400 it said for him to have lived in Colossae. 00:11:06.400 --> 00:11:08.400 The letter is said to have been written in the time 00:11:08.400 --> 00:11:12.560 during Colossians, and Paul felt moved to write to Philemon 00:11:12.560 --> 00:11:14.160 in regards to Onesimus. 00:11:14.159 --> 00:11:16.839 So it might have been a little bit after. 00:11:16.839 --> 00:11:18.639 It might have even been during when Paul 00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:20.079 was writing Colossians. 00:11:20.079 --> 00:11:23.799 But we know that the importance of writing this letter 00:11:23.799 --> 00:11:28.319 was so important that he had to write it to Philemon. 00:11:28.319 --> 00:11:32.399 As I mentioned, Philemon is the owner of Onesimus. 00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:35.839 So Onesimus, he ran away, and he met Paul. 00:11:35.839 --> 00:11:38.480 Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon 00:11:38.480 --> 00:11:43.639 as a believer in Christ, who is free from sin. 00:11:43.639 --> 00:11:46.639 There's a lot of that language that we find here. 00:11:46.639 --> 00:11:49.799 We are slaves to sin, if you will. 00:11:49.799 --> 00:11:52.600 We are in bondage because of sin. 00:11:52.600 --> 00:11:56.879 And when we choose Christ, we are free from sin. 00:11:56.879 --> 00:11:58.960 Now, don't get confused here. 00:11:58.960 --> 00:12:01.519 Doesn't give you that ticket to sin. 00:12:01.519 --> 00:12:08.019 Free from sin is an encouragement to live for Christ. 00:12:08.019 --> 00:12:10.519 So Philemon was a wealthy individual. 00:12:10.519 --> 00:12:12.480 He owned a large home, like I was mentioning. 00:12:12.480 --> 00:12:14.360 It's a huge house. 00:12:14.360 --> 00:12:17.360 And Philemon is known for showing love and faith 00:12:17.360 --> 00:12:19.440 to God and to other people. 00:12:19.440 --> 00:12:23.240 My friends, I hope we're all known for that. 00:12:23.240 --> 00:12:27.360 Being known to love God and to exhibit that love to others. 00:12:27.360 --> 00:12:31.680 Philemon is known to refresh others. 00:12:31.680 --> 00:12:37.120 He is trusted by Paul to welcome Onesimus back as a free man, 00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:41.639 free from sin and free from slavery. 00:12:41.639 --> 00:12:45.720 So Philemon is mentioned as beloved. 00:12:45.720 --> 00:12:47.879 It's used to describe him. 00:12:47.879 --> 00:12:50.840 It's a man who is loved by God and loved by people 00:12:50.840 --> 00:12:52.840 in the early church. 00:12:52.840 --> 00:12:56.679 That word beloved has to do with being worthy of love, 00:12:56.679 --> 00:12:58.240 being beloved. 00:12:58.240 --> 00:13:01.319 It has to do with that closeness. 00:13:01.319 --> 00:13:08.960 Now, you'll see in your notes, there's a lot of verses on there. 00:13:08.960 --> 00:13:12.240 And I mentioned the KJV specifically because it 00:13:12.240 --> 00:13:16.800 uses the word beloved, which is the same word in the Greek 00:13:16.800 --> 00:13:19.160 as well. 00:13:19.160 --> 00:13:20.840 Although Paul says throughout scripture 00:13:20.840 --> 00:13:24.160 that those who are Christians are beloved by God in context, 00:13:24.160 --> 00:13:29.120 we can conclude that Philemon is loved by Paul. 00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:31.120 So there's that closeness there. 00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:34.560 So we go to verse 2 of Thea, our sister, and Archipus, 00:13:34.560 --> 00:13:38.600 our fellow soldier, and the church in your house. 00:13:38.600 --> 00:13:40.560 So who is Aphia? 00:13:40.560 --> 00:13:43.080 That's a name that doesn't come up. 00:13:43.080 --> 00:13:45.800 Aphia is mentioned as our sister in the same way 00:13:45.800 --> 00:13:48.320 that Timothy, our brother, is mentioned, right? 00:13:48.320 --> 00:13:53.720 So Timothy, our brother in Christ, and Aphia, our sister. 00:13:53.720 --> 00:13:57.800 So we know that she is a sister in Christ contextually. 00:13:57.800 --> 00:13:59.440 We don't know much about her. 00:13:59.440 --> 00:14:03.399 It has been suggested there are a lot of biblical scholars 00:14:03.399 --> 00:14:05.560 and even denominations that have concluded 00:14:05.559 --> 00:14:09.079 that Aphia was the wife of Philemon. 00:14:09.079 --> 00:14:13.679 Now, we don't have that specific connection, like Aphia, 00:14:13.679 --> 00:14:17.519 the wife of Philemon, but it has been concluded. 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:19.959 And since this is a personal letter to Philemon, 00:14:19.959 --> 00:14:22.399 the argument that's made is that, well, 00:14:22.399 --> 00:14:24.719 because it's such a personal letter, 00:14:24.719 --> 00:14:26.879 well, it makes sense to your household. 00:14:26.879 --> 00:14:31.119 Well, then Aphia might very well have been the wife. 00:14:31.119 --> 00:14:34.439 But we just don't 100% know for sure. 00:14:34.440 --> 00:14:38.720 It's also been said that Aphia could have been Philemon's sister. 00:14:38.720 --> 00:14:42.240 But in any case, she is our sister in Christ, 00:14:42.240 --> 00:14:44.120 a fellow believer. 00:14:44.120 --> 00:14:46.480 She may have had some position of influence 00:14:46.480 --> 00:14:49.720 in the early church, but we just don't entirely know. 00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:53.120 All that we know is Aphia is a sister in Christ. 00:14:53.120 --> 00:14:55.800 And here's the thing, that the Lord felt 00:14:55.800 --> 00:15:01.560 it was important for Aphia to be in the pages of scripture. 00:15:01.559 --> 00:15:05.039 Now, according to some Christian circles, 00:15:05.039 --> 00:15:07.239 Aphia is said to have been a martyr 00:15:07.239 --> 00:15:09.159 during the reign of Emperor Nero. 00:15:09.159 --> 00:15:15.839 There are some sources that make mention as Aphia as a martyr. 00:15:15.839 --> 00:15:19.399 So then we go to Archipelus. 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:22.639 He is referred to as our fellow soldier. 00:15:22.639 --> 00:15:24.639 Now, that's a very interesting wording we found. 00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:25.639 This word's unique. 00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:28.079 It's only used twice in scripture. 00:15:28.080 --> 00:15:33.120 It's used once in Philemon, verse 2, and Philippians, 00:15:33.120 --> 00:15:36.040 chapter 2, verse 25. 00:15:36.040 --> 00:15:38.000 And this language has to do with someone 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:43.440 who has experienced the spiritual battles of ministry. 00:15:43.440 --> 00:15:47.480 When you serve the Lord, there are battles that go with them. 00:15:47.480 --> 00:15:48.960 There are people that oppose you. 00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:52.280 There are people who, well, in the early church especially, 00:15:52.280 --> 00:15:54.759 there is persecution. 00:15:54.759 --> 00:15:56.600 Paul is most likely referring to someone 00:15:56.600 --> 00:16:02.159 who has gone to battle, if you will, with this person. 00:16:02.159 --> 00:16:03.720 There's that connection there, meaning 00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:05.399 that there were experiences. 00:16:05.399 --> 00:16:10.399 There might have even been shared struggles, partnerships 00:16:10.399 --> 00:16:12.080 during the early church. 00:16:12.080 --> 00:16:15.240 Paul is highlighting that Archipelus has shared 00:16:15.240 --> 00:16:17.000 in spiritual warfare. 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:22.320 Now, it could have been that he was an actual soldier, 00:16:22.320 --> 00:16:25.960 but he's talking about the Apostle Paul is talking contextually 00:16:25.960 --> 00:16:28.519 about spiritual warfare. 00:16:28.519 --> 00:16:30.720 Sometimes when we go through things together, 00:16:30.720 --> 00:16:34.240 there's spiritual battles that we go through. 00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:37.840 It might be your brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:41.759 It might be your family that's going through a battle. 00:16:41.759 --> 00:16:46.920 So that's where the language is, our fellow soldier. 00:16:46.920 --> 00:16:49.960 Now, Archipelus is also mentioned in Colossians chapter 4, 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:53.560 verse 17, which says, and say to Archipelus, 00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:56.239 say that you fulfill the ministry that you 00:16:56.239 --> 00:16:58.239 have received in the Lord. 00:16:58.239 --> 00:17:00.279 And since there has been an argument 00:17:00.279 --> 00:17:02.599 that this is the son of Philemon. 00:17:02.599 --> 00:17:05.559 So the same people that are making the argument that Afiya 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:07.480 is the wife of Philemon, there's also 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:10.759 an argument that Archipelus is the son of Philemon. 00:17:10.759 --> 00:17:12.079 We just don't know though. 00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:13.559 It's a nice conclusion, and I can 00:17:13.559 --> 00:17:17.240 understand why people will make that argument. 00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:19.839 These have been conclusions that have been made by others. 00:17:19.839 --> 00:17:23.039 So we go to verse 3, grace to you and peace 00:17:23.039 --> 00:17:26.200 from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:26.200 --> 00:17:30.960 Romans 1, 7, 1 Corinthians 1, 3, 2 Corinthians 1, 2, 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:34.759 Galatians 1, 3, there's a whole trove of verses. 00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:39.639 This is what Paul says in his letters, grace and peace. 00:17:39.639 --> 00:17:43.680 And when Paul is writing this, Paul is referring to, 00:17:43.680 --> 00:17:46.920 sorry, I didn't put that one up. 00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:50.200 When Paul is writing this, Paul is referring to grace 00:17:50.200 --> 00:17:52.119 that is undeserved. 00:17:52.119 --> 00:17:56.159 The grace that comes from God, and the peace. 00:17:56.159 --> 00:18:01.039 So we find out here, grace undeserved and peace, the calm. 00:18:01.039 --> 00:18:03.879 It is the peace that comes from God. 00:18:03.879 --> 00:18:05.519 So when you think about it, it's almost 00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:07.879 like the apostle Paul is saying, may you 00:18:07.879 --> 00:18:11.279 continue to experience the grace of God 00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:15.879 and the peace that comes from our Lord. 00:18:15.879 --> 00:18:17.199 That's very powerful language. 00:18:17.199 --> 00:18:21.199 So next time you read or hear grace and peace, 00:18:21.200 --> 00:18:25.279 it's you saying, may you experience God's favor, 00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:28.640 unmerited favor, the grace that comes from God, 00:18:28.640 --> 00:18:31.039 and the peace that comes with it. 00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:35.279 That's very beautiful, very powerful language. 00:18:35.279 --> 00:18:37.480 It goes on to say, I think my God always, 00:18:37.480 --> 00:18:39.519 when I remember you in my prayers, 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:41.279 Paul is giving thanks to God. 00:18:41.279 --> 00:18:43.799 When Paul is praying, he makes it a point 00:18:43.799 --> 00:18:46.880 to thank God for the work that Philemon is doing 00:18:46.880 --> 00:18:50.200 and how God is working in Philemon's life. 00:18:50.200 --> 00:18:53.759 It is a sense of gratitude when Paul is praying. 00:18:53.759 --> 00:19:00.120 The word I thank to give thanks is very similar to the word 00:19:00.120 --> 00:19:03.600 Eucharist, or what we would call communion. 00:19:03.600 --> 00:19:10.360 Because in communion, we are giving thanks for Jesus Christ. 00:19:10.360 --> 00:19:12.680 A nice little play on words there. 00:19:12.680 --> 00:19:17.240 Verse 5, because I hear of your love and the faith 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:19.720 that you have toward the Lord Jesus Christ 00:19:19.720 --> 00:19:21.480 and for all the saints. 00:19:21.480 --> 00:19:25.079 Paul hears of the agape love and the faith, 00:19:25.079 --> 00:19:28.600 the trust that Philemon has for fellow believers 00:19:28.600 --> 00:19:31.160 and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:19:31.160 --> 00:19:32.960 I want to be known for that. 00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:34.480 And I hope that each and every one of us 00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:40.319 want to be known for having loving God and for loving others. 00:19:40.319 --> 00:19:43.120 Paul is appreciating and acknowledging 00:19:43.120 --> 00:19:45.240 this kind of love and faith. 00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:48.000 And as Christians, we're to be reminded in this text 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:51.119 that we are to love God, love people, 00:19:51.119 --> 00:19:54.480 and exhibit that faith in an action. 00:19:54.480 --> 00:20:00.240 First, it is seeking the kingdom and its righteousness. 00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:04.920 For as God loves us, we are to love one another. 00:20:04.920 --> 00:20:08.359 And I'm reminded, of course, John 3.16, 1 Corinthians, 00:20:08.359 --> 00:20:10.240 chapter 13, verses 4 through 8. 00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:12.640 There's a lot of love passages that we 00:20:12.640 --> 00:20:16.920 are to share that same kind of unconditional love 00:20:16.920 --> 00:20:19.000 that God has for us. 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:22.080 And in verse 6, I pray that the sharing of your faith 00:20:22.080 --> 00:20:25.240 may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing 00:20:25.240 --> 00:20:27.480 that is in us for the sake of Christ. 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:30.000 I pray, Paul is thanking God. 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:31.240 He is not going. 00:20:31.240 --> 00:20:33.039 He's not going to stop praying. 00:20:33.039 --> 00:20:35.560 I pray, I continue to pray. 00:20:35.560 --> 00:20:38.960 He is going to pray for Philemon's ministry. 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:41.840 That the sharing of your faith, Philemon, 00:20:41.840 --> 00:20:46.000 sharing his faith with others, we need to live out our faith. 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:48.400 Philemon was living out his faith. 00:20:48.400 --> 00:20:49.599 It is through our living. 00:20:49.599 --> 00:20:52.440 It is through our intentional sharing of our faith, 00:20:52.440 --> 00:20:57.079 our testimony, sharing of the gospel. 00:20:57.079 --> 00:20:59.880 Philemon is living it out through love and faith 00:20:59.880 --> 00:21:03.160 and through sharing, that it may become effective. 00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:07.160 Paul is wishing that his sharing may become effective. 00:21:07.160 --> 00:21:10.119 This means that Paul wishes for Philemon 00:21:10.119 --> 00:21:16.359 to have an effective, powerful, and fruitful impact on others. 00:21:16.359 --> 00:21:20.039 This should be the prayer that we have to, 00:21:20.039 --> 00:21:24.000 we should share our faith, that it will have the transformative 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:26.519 power of Jesus Christ. 00:21:26.519 --> 00:21:29.119 It is through Christ that lives are changed. 00:21:29.119 --> 00:21:32.719 Lives are transformed for the full knowledge 00:21:32.719 --> 00:21:34.039 of every good thing. 00:21:34.039 --> 00:21:37.359 Paul is wishing that in the sharing and in the effectiveness 00:21:37.359 --> 00:21:42.119 that people will come to know Christ because all good comes 00:21:42.119 --> 00:21:44.279 from the Lord. 00:21:44.279 --> 00:21:46.039 It comes from Christ. 00:21:46.039 --> 00:21:48.879 And this can mean for Philemon specifically, 00:21:48.879 --> 00:21:52.119 but it can also mean for the ones he's sharing his faith with, 00:21:52.119 --> 00:21:56.039 that they come to the full knowledge of every good thing. 00:21:56.039 --> 00:21:58.159 When we share our faith with others, 00:21:58.159 --> 00:22:01.719 we want our testimony, our action. 00:22:01.719 --> 00:22:05.359 We want our words to be effective in bringing people 00:22:05.359 --> 00:22:07.879 to Christ. 00:22:07.879 --> 00:22:09.319 For people to come to Christ, they 00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:12.399 need to have a knowledge of who Jesus Christ is, 00:22:12.399 --> 00:22:18.199 that he is the Savior, and that he is Lord. 00:22:18.199 --> 00:22:20.839 You need to have a proper understanding. 00:22:20.839 --> 00:22:23.959 Who is Jesus to you? 00:22:23.959 --> 00:22:25.479 Who is Jesus? 00:22:25.479 --> 00:22:27.199 It's a very good question to ask people. 00:22:27.199 --> 00:22:29.679 Next time you meet someone who doesn't believe in the Lord, 00:22:29.679 --> 00:22:32.079 ask them, who is Jesus to you? 00:22:32.079 --> 00:22:34.240 Well, Jesus is a good teacher. 00:22:34.240 --> 00:22:35.240 Absolutely. 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:37.039 But he's much more than that. 00:22:37.039 --> 00:22:39.079 Is he your Lord and Savior? 00:22:39.079 --> 00:22:40.599 That's the question. 00:22:40.599 --> 00:22:43.960 And it goes on saying, that is in us for the sake of Christ. 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:47.680 This part reminds us that every good thing comes from Christ. 00:22:47.680 --> 00:22:51.400 Everything is made possible because of him. 00:22:51.400 --> 00:22:55.640 Paul is praying in that verse 6, that Philemon will continue 00:22:55.640 --> 00:22:59.519 to share in his faith, and that it will make a profound, 00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:03.640 a fruitful, a life-changing, and transforming impact 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:06.080 upon people for Christ. 00:23:06.080 --> 00:23:10.120 He prays that people will come to know Jesus Christ, 00:23:10.120 --> 00:23:15.440 have that knowledge, and experience his love and his grace. 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:19.560 Verse 7, I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, 00:23:19.560 --> 00:23:22.280 my brother, because of the hearts of the saints 00:23:22.280 --> 00:23:25.640 have been refreshed through you. 00:23:25.640 --> 00:23:27.160 Paul is encouraged. 00:23:27.160 --> 00:23:29.080 He has experienced great joy and comfort 00:23:29.079 --> 00:23:35.679 because of that Agape love that Philemon has to other saints. 00:23:35.679 --> 00:23:39.599 Philemon has made a name for himself because of the love 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:41.319 that he's showing for others. 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:47.960 Paul is showing gratitude by calling Philemon a brother. 00:23:47.960 --> 00:23:52.799 And that's where we have the idea of being refreshed. 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:56.039 Paul states that the hearts of the saints 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:59.319 have been refreshed because of what Philemon did. 00:23:59.319 --> 00:24:03.359 Exhibiting love and hospitality, the sharing of the faith, 00:24:03.359 --> 00:24:06.720 it could be any of that works of service. 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:10.240 We're called to do great things in the name of Christ. 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:13.599 First, we need to have a relationship with him. 00:24:13.599 --> 00:24:18.200 Then we go out and do good in the name of above all names. 00:24:18.200 --> 00:24:22.639 Philemon has encouraged others and motivated believers. 00:24:22.639 --> 00:24:25.039 The emotions or the spirits of the saints, 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:27.159 they have been refreshed. 00:24:27.159 --> 00:24:29.639 What a remarkable word to use here. 00:24:29.639 --> 00:24:35.559 The Greek defines that word refreshed as rest, taking ease, 00:24:35.559 --> 00:24:37.920 being refreshed. 00:24:37.920 --> 00:24:41.759 This is a man of God who is able to encourage people, 00:24:41.759 --> 00:24:46.559 to refresh people to the point where Paul acknowledges this. 00:24:46.559 --> 00:24:52.480 Getting a reputation being known for giving people rest. 00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:53.879 Philemon showed love. 00:24:53.880 --> 00:24:56.680 He showed hospitality and support for others 00:24:56.680 --> 00:25:00.480 that was encouraging and uplifting to others. 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:04.120 And this makes me think of the world that we live in today. 00:25:04.120 --> 00:25:09.080 Sometimes we experience overwhelm, stress, and anxiety. 00:25:09.080 --> 00:25:13.600 And we have many burdens that are on our shoulders, 00:25:13.600 --> 00:25:15.720 if you will. 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:18.440 To show that agape love to others 00:25:18.440 --> 00:25:20.560 is showing the love of Christ to others. 00:25:20.559 --> 00:25:25.559 It's unlike any type of love that we see here in the world. 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:28.559 Philemon was appreciated by the apostle Paul 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:29.759 for refreshing the saints. 00:25:29.759 --> 00:25:34.720 So we should be encouraged to refresh the saints, 00:25:34.720 --> 00:25:38.200 refreshed by Christ and refreshing others. 00:25:38.200 --> 00:25:42.879 For Christ is the ultimate source of refreshment. 00:25:42.879 --> 00:25:46.000 Consider how Christ is living water, 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:49.119 how Christ is the bread of life, and he 00:25:49.119 --> 00:25:52.759 gives rest to the weary. 00:25:52.759 --> 00:25:56.399 There are some verses I want to share with you. 00:25:56.399 --> 00:25:59.000 There's two types of refreshing here. 00:25:59.000 --> 00:26:00.959 There's vertical and horizontal. 00:26:00.959 --> 00:26:04.559 There's not a lot of verses on this. 00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:07.119 The first and most important refreshing 00:26:07.119 --> 00:26:09.199 it comes from Jesus Christ. 00:26:09.199 --> 00:26:11.679 Christ refreshes our hearts. 00:26:11.679 --> 00:26:14.839 In Matthew chapter 11, verse 28 through 30, 00:26:14.839 --> 00:26:19.199 come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, 00:26:19.199 --> 00:26:23.199 and I will give you rest. 00:26:23.199 --> 00:26:27.319 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. 00:26:27.319 --> 00:26:30.399 I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you 00:26:30.399 --> 00:26:32.959 will find rest for your souls. 00:26:32.959 --> 00:26:36.919 For my yoke is easy and my burden is life. 00:26:36.919 --> 00:26:39.399 Because Christ is the giver of life, 00:26:39.399 --> 00:26:44.079 he is the comforter of the week, he gives us rest, renewal, 00:26:44.079 --> 00:26:46.839 restoration, and most importantly, 00:26:46.839 --> 00:26:50.639 he gives us salvation, he gives us grace. 00:26:50.639 --> 00:26:55.839 It is Christ who rejuvenates us and refreshes our soul. 00:26:55.839 --> 00:26:59.279 That Matthew passage, it's a call for all of those 00:26:59.279 --> 00:27:01.480 who are weary and burdened. 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:04.119 Have you felt burdened before? 00:27:04.119 --> 00:27:07.439 Have you felt weary before? 00:27:07.439 --> 00:27:09.879 The way of Christ to come to him, 00:27:09.879 --> 00:27:12.599 to walk in the footsteps of Christ 00:27:12.599 --> 00:27:14.839 and have that relationship, it's different than what 00:27:14.839 --> 00:27:16.839 the world has to offer. 00:27:16.839 --> 00:27:21.879 The burden is light, but it's still an encouragement. 00:27:21.879 --> 00:27:23.359 Think about that. 00:27:23.359 --> 00:27:25.159 And I pray that each and every one of you 00:27:25.159 --> 00:27:29.079 come to know who Jesus Christ is, the way, the truth, 00:27:29.079 --> 00:27:32.000 and the life, to have that relationship, 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:34.079 to receive the gift of salvation, 00:27:34.079 --> 00:27:38.959 to say yes to Jesus Christ, just like how the thief on the cross 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:44.120 said, Jesus, remember me. 00:27:44.120 --> 00:27:46.200 It's a very powerful story. 00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:48.799 That's one of my favorite stories in scripture, 00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:50.079 the thief on the cross. 00:27:50.079 --> 00:27:52.120 He knew he did wrong. 00:27:52.120 --> 00:27:56.600 Except that last moment, Jesus, remember me. 00:27:56.600 --> 00:28:00.200 Christ has provided the way to salvation through him. 00:28:00.200 --> 00:28:02.519 It is not about what you do. 00:28:02.519 --> 00:28:06.160 It is about what has been done by Christ's life, 00:28:06.160 --> 00:28:08.960 his miracles that he's performed, his fulfillment 00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:12.840 of the prophecy, his death, his burial, and his resurrection. 00:28:12.840 --> 00:28:15.560 Just as Christ refreshes our hearts, 00:28:15.560 --> 00:28:18.320 we should refresh others. 00:28:18.320 --> 00:28:20.960 We learned about how Freilemon does this. 00:28:20.960 --> 00:28:26.279 And of course, we should be encouraged to do the same. 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:29.080 We should refresh the hearts of others. 00:28:29.080 --> 00:28:31.600 In 1 Corinthians that verse, I rejoice 00:28:31.600 --> 00:28:35.040 at the coming of Stefanus and Fortunus and Arachis, 00:28:35.039 --> 00:28:38.079 because they have made up for your absence. 00:28:38.079 --> 00:28:42.159 They have refreshed my spirit as well as yours. 00:28:42.159 --> 00:28:44.319 Give recognition to such people. 00:28:44.319 --> 00:28:47.119 Paul expresses in the 1 Corinthians passage 00:28:47.119 --> 00:28:50.480 the gratitude for these people who have refreshed him. 00:28:50.480 --> 00:28:52.200 Because Paul was refreshed, he was 00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:56.559 able to continue to go on his mission, 00:28:56.559 --> 00:28:58.319 to go throughout Corinth. 00:28:58.319 --> 00:29:02.079 And as Christians, we should see that we should care 00:29:02.079 --> 00:29:03.639 and love one another. 00:29:03.640 --> 00:29:06.280 We should uplift each other in the same manner 00:29:06.280 --> 00:29:09.080 and in the same way that Christ has done for us. 00:29:09.080 --> 00:29:12.800 In 2 Corinthians chapter 7 verse 13, 00:29:12.800 --> 00:29:14.480 therefore we are comforted. 00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:19.400 And besides our own comfort, we are rejoiced still more 00:29:19.400 --> 00:29:23.520 at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed 00:29:23.520 --> 00:29:25.000 by you all. 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:28.400 That final verse Paul is writing about Titus 00:29:28.400 --> 00:29:30.640 and how he has been refreshed. 00:29:30.640 --> 00:29:35.240 This is but another example of how individuals were encouraged 00:29:35.240 --> 00:29:37.400 to refresh each other. 00:29:37.400 --> 00:29:39.400 We help one another. 00:29:39.400 --> 00:29:45.000 We are a community of believers, the body of Christ. 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:46.480 Coming through the doors of the church, 00:29:46.480 --> 00:29:49.080 I pray that all of you are encouraged, 00:29:49.080 --> 00:29:51.280 encouraged to make a decision for Christ, 00:29:51.280 --> 00:29:54.600 encouraged to grow in the faith. 00:29:54.600 --> 00:29:59.360 And I pray that all of you come to know who Jesus Christ is, 00:29:59.359 --> 00:30:03.000 that he is Lord and Savior. 00:30:03.000 --> 00:30:05.479 Let us lift up one another today. 00:30:05.479 --> 00:30:08.559 Think of someone who needs love and encouragement. 00:30:08.559 --> 00:30:12.519 Think of someone who needs that refreshing love. 00:30:12.519 --> 00:30:16.639 Christ is the giver of life, and he takes care of his own. 00:30:16.639 --> 00:30:19.319 When we make a decision for Christ, 00:30:19.319 --> 00:30:22.839 we're choosing to have Christ at the center of our life. 00:30:22.839 --> 00:30:27.519 May we receive that refreshment from him. 00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:31.200 Christ loves, he loves us, and he cares for his people, 00:30:31.200 --> 00:30:34.240 and he wants you to come to him. 00:30:34.240 --> 00:30:37.200 He will give you rest for your soul. 00:30:37.200 --> 00:30:39.440 I don't know about you, but I'm tired of getting 00:30:39.440 --> 00:30:41.960 beaten down by culture. 00:30:41.960 --> 00:30:45.639 I'd rather run to the Father who refreshes my soul, 00:30:45.639 --> 00:30:48.839 opening the pages of the Word of God for strength, 00:30:48.839 --> 00:30:51.879 for insight, for wisdom. 00:30:51.879 --> 00:30:55.920 I'm tired of looking at the world and seeing how it just 00:30:55.920 --> 00:30:58.720 sucks the energy out of you. 00:30:58.720 --> 00:31:00.600 It's a burden, isn't it? 00:31:00.600 --> 00:31:04.240 I know we can go on about that, but we all know. 00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:08.120 I hope we all know how overwhelming 00:31:08.120 --> 00:31:11.400 and how burdensome culture is. 00:31:11.400 --> 00:31:15.720 But that's an encouragement to come to Christ, who gives us 00:31:15.720 --> 00:31:22.039 life, who gives us that refreshment, who gives us so much. 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:24.000 He'll give you rest for your soul. 00:31:24.000 --> 00:31:25.960 He'll give you direction for your life. 00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:30.160 He'll give you purpose, and he'll give you salvation 00:31:30.160 --> 00:31:37.000 through faith in him, for all who believe, everyone, not 00:31:37.000 --> 00:31:41.759 the rich, not the elite, not a certain race, not 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:46.359 a certain culture, every single person who believes in Christ 00:31:46.359 --> 00:31:50.480 shall not perish, but have eternal life. 00:31:50.480 --> 00:31:52.319 How simple is that? 00:31:52.319 --> 00:31:56.240 It's not about how often I pray a certain direction. 00:31:56.240 --> 00:31:58.720 It's not about how much money I give, 00:31:58.720 --> 00:32:01.519 or it's not about how much I do, or the material possessions 00:32:01.519 --> 00:32:02.039 I own. 00:32:02.039 --> 00:32:05.480 Can you imagine if heaven was full of the wealthy? 00:32:05.480 --> 00:32:08.240 How arrogant heaven would be? 00:32:08.240 --> 00:32:14.519 Can you imagine if heaven was full of, I did more than you? 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:15.679 Oh, man. 00:32:15.679 --> 00:32:20.319 Is this a prideful in how much I've done? 00:32:20.319 --> 00:32:21.039 No. 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:25.079 It's about what Christ has done for us. 00:32:25.079 --> 00:32:26.839 And so the closing question I have for you 00:32:26.839 --> 00:32:29.839 is, how can we seek refreshment in Christ? 00:32:29.839 --> 00:32:34.119 And how can we seek to refresh others in his name? 00:32:34.119 --> 00:32:40.639 When we are down as Christians, we seek God who comforts us, 00:32:40.639 --> 00:32:44.960 and we should also seek others in Christ. 00:32:44.960 --> 00:32:49.279 I have to tell you, there have been times when I've been down. 00:32:49.279 --> 00:32:53.680 And I've had, look, I am no different than you. 00:32:53.680 --> 00:32:55.240 I've had my struggles. 00:32:55.240 --> 00:32:58.279 I've had times where I've been overwhelmed. 00:32:58.279 --> 00:33:01.359 Coming to a brother or sister in Christ, 00:33:01.359 --> 00:33:05.279 having someone pray over you, is that not refreshing? 00:33:05.279 --> 00:33:06.720 Knowing that there is a community, 00:33:06.720 --> 00:33:09.480 there is a family that is here for you, 00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:12.480 that is exhibiting that agape love, 00:33:12.480 --> 00:33:14.359 isn't that what this world needs? 00:33:14.359 --> 00:33:19.599 Instead of the constant scrutiny and attack from culture, 00:33:19.599 --> 00:33:22.719 you post one thing that's against what culture says, 00:33:22.719 --> 00:33:24.119 and you're out. 00:33:24.119 --> 00:33:25.399 You're washed up. 00:33:25.399 --> 00:33:28.159 You're gone. 00:33:28.159 --> 00:33:31.599 Where's the call for forgiveness and restoration? 00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:34.479 I thought culture taught that love is love. 00:33:34.479 --> 00:33:37.599 I thought culture teach that let's accept everyone. 00:33:37.599 --> 00:33:40.000 Well, where's the call for forgiveness and restoration 00:33:40.000 --> 00:33:41.879 when you've done wrong? 00:33:41.879 --> 00:33:43.319 Where is that? 00:33:43.319 --> 00:33:45.799 I wonder about that a lot. 00:33:45.799 --> 00:33:48.519 The thing is, that's what's different about Christianity, 00:33:48.519 --> 00:33:50.559 is there is a call for repentance. 00:33:50.559 --> 00:33:53.119 There is a call for restoration. 00:33:53.119 --> 00:33:56.359 And it is Christ that refreshes us. 00:33:56.359 --> 00:34:00.799 If you're down or you're discouraged, come to the Lord. 00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:05.319 Seek other Christians, brothers and sisters in Christ, 00:34:05.319 --> 00:34:10.000 just like Athea, our sister, or Archipus, our fellow soldier 00:34:10.000 --> 00:34:12.960 who's gone through spiritual battles. 00:34:12.960 --> 00:34:15.840 How many of us have gone through spiritual battles? 00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:19.320 Or Timothy, our brother in Christ? 00:34:19.320 --> 00:34:21.079 May we help one another. 00:34:21.079 --> 00:34:23.720 May we show and share in that agape love, 00:34:23.720 --> 00:34:27.000 in that encouragement, in that prayer, in that present, 00:34:27.000 --> 00:34:30.760 being present with one another, being real with each other, 00:34:30.760 --> 00:34:32.480 and being involved. 00:34:32.480 --> 00:34:35.159 We are better when we are together, 00:34:35.159 --> 00:34:39.240 united in Jesus Christ, who is the way, who is the truth, 00:34:39.240 --> 00:34:40.599 and the life. 00:34:40.599 --> 00:34:44.759 May we be refreshed by Jesus Christ, 00:34:44.759 --> 00:34:47.839 and may we refresh others. 00:34:47.839 --> 00:34:50.400 Let's pray. 00:34:50.400 --> 00:34:53.360 Father, we thank you for this time for us 00:34:53.360 --> 00:34:55.639 to turn to you in your word. 00:34:55.639 --> 00:34:59.719 Certainly, these words are very challenging, 00:34:59.719 --> 00:35:01.319 but they're inspiring. 00:35:01.319 --> 00:35:05.759 They are from the good book, the holy word, the word of God. 00:35:05.760 --> 00:35:09.920 May it move us to action. 00:35:09.920 --> 00:35:13.120 You give us life, God, you give us salvation. 00:35:13.120 --> 00:35:15.720 You refresh our very souls. 00:35:15.720 --> 00:35:18.600 When we are weak and when life is heavy on us, 00:35:18.600 --> 00:35:20.520 you give us strength. 00:35:20.520 --> 00:35:23.160 We know that this life isn't perfect. 00:35:23.160 --> 00:35:25.480 We live in a fallen world. 00:35:25.480 --> 00:35:29.480 We know that you restore that which is broken. 00:35:29.480 --> 00:35:32.280 You give us all the opportunity to choose you. 00:35:32.280 --> 00:35:37.440 May we learn to come to you as the rock in which we build 00:35:37.440 --> 00:35:38.840 our lives. 00:35:38.840 --> 00:35:41.000 May we share in our faith, never being 00:35:41.000 --> 00:35:43.920 ashamed of who we are or what we believe in our faith, 00:35:43.920 --> 00:35:47.680 and trust in you or the gospel. 00:35:47.680 --> 00:35:50.200 May we choose to have that relationship with you, 00:35:50.200 --> 00:35:53.320 to grow in you, and to go in your holy name. 00:35:53.320 --> 00:35:57.280 We ask that the Holy Spirit empowers us 00:35:57.280 --> 00:35:59.280 to refresh fellow believers. 00:35:59.280 --> 00:36:03.560 May we learn to be like Philemon, who used what he was given 00:36:03.560 --> 00:36:05.840 in service to you and to others. 00:36:05.840 --> 00:36:09.320 And may we always remember that when we choose you, 00:36:09.320 --> 00:36:17.480 we go from being useless to useful, from broken to restored. 00:36:17.480 --> 00:36:19.240 May we remember that. 00:36:19.240 --> 00:36:20.840 Be with us today. 00:36:20.840 --> 00:36:24.080 Be with us throughout this week. 00:36:24.080 --> 00:36:26.480 And we are just excited that things 00:36:26.480 --> 00:36:31.079 are starting. May we begin in life with you. 00:36:31.079 --> 00:36:34.119 And may we grow and just continue in your holy name. 00:36:34.119 --> 00:36:35.880 It is in Jesus' name that we pray, 00:36:35.880 --> 00:36:38.199 and we all say together, amen. 00:36:38.199 --> 00:36:41.000 Thank you for tuning in to the Ontario Community Church 00:36:41.000 --> 00:36:42.400 sermon podcast. 00:36:42.400 --> 00:36:45.159 For more about our church and how you can get involved 00:36:45.159 --> 00:36:50.400 or support our mission, please visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:36:50.400 --> 00:36:57.400 May God's blessings be with you.