non-Christian behaviours

PROFIT FROM PHILEMON

March 09, 2024) Brian Bell shares…

It was while Paul was imprisoned in Rome that he wrote his short letter to Philemon, who it would seem was a wealthy man but also a well-respected believer among the Christians who made up the church in Colossae.

During his imprisonment, Paul had met a slave called Onesimus, a native of Colossae who had run away from Philemon. While in prison Onesimus came to faith in the Lord Jesus and the intention of Paul’s letter was asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back into his home.

From what is likely a very well-known story I share five encouraging thoughts…

1. Philemon’s Principle
While Paul writes specifically to Philemon he says he is ‘also writing to the church that meets in your house’ verse 2 (NLT). The church of course refers to the collective body of Christian believers.

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PAUL’S GREAT CONCERN

(September 26, 2023) Brian Bell shares some thoughts on Paul’s concern about non-Christian behaviour…  

The apostle Paul had spent about 18 months with the believers in the Roman city of Corinth before he moved on. During the next three years that church grew in number but, unfortunately, also encountered a range of problems. And now a disquieted Paul writes them a letter expressing some concerns.

In many senses Paul’s 1 Corinthians’ letter may be considered unpleasant reading, since he addresses some exceedingly difficult issues – what we in our generation would call – ‘non-Christian behaviours.’

Among other things he talks about is rival factions within this gathering of early believers. I would draw our attention to the following…

Paul’s Plea
In verse 1:10bNLT, a troubled Paul writes pleadingly about divisions in the church – ‘Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions within the church, I plead with you…’

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