Category: Ezekiel

November 27, 2020

Today you should read: Philemon

I returned to Facebook this year after a long absence. It is useful for my job that people can look me up, see my adorable kids and my lovely wife, and know that I’m not some weirdo texting them out of the blue. I must say that I’ve been very sad at the pile of refuse I’ve found there. Some things are good, most is not—even from believers. Let our contempt be challenged by Paul’s words to Philemon. 

The book of Philemon presents an amazing example of the unity and reconciliation found only in the Gospel. Onesimus ran away as a slave, and possibly a thief (18). Somehow someway, Onesimus found Paul. Perhaps Onesimus found Paul out because of the previous relationship with his master. We don’t really know how, where, when, or why Onesimus and Paul were joined up in Rome. All we know is that they were, and it was time to send Onesimus home. 

Paul sent this letter with Onesimus, carried by Tychicus, who also delivered Colossians (Colossians 4:7–9). Who knows what Philemon might have felt when Onesimus walked back into his home—rage at the betrayal, contempt at the thievery. Paul’s letter has several important keys worth noting. 

First, Paul widened the circle. Paul did not write to Philemon only. He wrote to Apphia and Archippus,, as well as the church that met in his house. Everyone was included in the process of reconciliation. That’s how it should be—the Lone Ranger attempt at relationships is not the way God designed it. 

Second, Paul butters up Philemon and the others masterfully as we see in verses 4–7—I hear of your love and of the faith…for all the saints…because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. Basically, Paul is gushing at Philemon and the Ephesian church and how they take care of believers, and now the slave, Onesimus is a believer. 

Paul makes an appeal in verses 8–16. By verse 17, Paul’s position is pretty clear. Philemon owes Paul everything as his spiritual father (19). In verse 20, Paul wants Philemon to refresh his heart as with the saints back in verse 7. Paul makes the strongest statement in verses 21–22, Paul has not asked Philemon to free Onesimus, however, it’s pretty clear that that’s his expectation. Verse 21 says, “You better obey, and, oh by the way, (v 22) I’ll be visiting soon.” 

While many may say, “Oh, slavery in ancient Rome wasn’t like American slavery…” the truth is that both groups were thought of as property, not people, and had no rights of their own. Under both circumstances, killing a slave would be like destroying a valuable piece of farm equipment—it’s not illegal and you wouldn’t go to jail, it just cost you personally. 

We are tempted to ask, “Why didn’t Paul outright condemn slavery?” The first answer is I don’t know. Secondly, it was a normal societal relationship. What Paul did do, and ultimately what led to the abolition of slavery in most modern countries, was show the value and humanity of slaves. All people are created in the image of God (Imago Dei), slave and free alike. 

Church, we need to remember that fact. All people reflect the Imago Dei with all the dignity and value therein. We might disagree on politics, theology, parenting strategies, the usefulness of essential oils, etc. but everyone with whom we might disagree is worthy of our respect and deserve fair treatment. In a very difficult and divisive time, let us live in grace and truth, and be a light in a dark world. 

By: Tyler Short — Connections Ministry Associate

God is honored when we intentionally seek Him in prayer. As a church, we want dependent prayer to be something that marks us. Use the comment section to post prayer requests and experiences of how God has answered prayer and/or changed you through prayer! If you would like to be enrolled to get weekly prayer reminders, text @cpclex to 81010.

November 26, 2020

Today you should read: Zephaniah 3

In Zephaniah 3 we read the story of life… the narrative of humanity.  Your story and my story.

We see:

The Damage of Sin (v.1)

Sin is a terrible taskmaster.  Just ask Samson – or David – or Adam.  It brings damage into our lives that we can’t undo for a long time.

The Pain of Rebellion (v.2-4)

Rebellion distorts our view of God and reality.  It causes us to make decisions that are imprudent and costly.  

See it in the text…

  • No one can tell you anything (v.2)
  • You refuse all correction (v.2)
  • You trust in yourself – not in the Lord (v.2)
  • You seek your own gain (v.4)
  • You disobey God’s instructions (v.4)

BUT the Lord is still there… (v.5)

Even though we walk away from Him, He does not desert us.  He patiently waits while He works in our lives to bring us back to Himself.

The Benefits of Repentance (v.10-13)

Repentance is when we realize we’ve drifted, and we turn back to the Lord in humility.  We seek to be restored.

The Blessings of Obedience (v.14-20)

Watch what doors obedience opens…

  • The Lord will remove His hand of judgement (v.15)
  • He will protect you (v.15)
  • His presence will surround you (v.15)
  • He will bring you home again (v.20)

All of this is because of the goodness and grace of the God to us.  Verse 17 highlights His goodness…

  • He will live among you
  • He is a mighty Savior
  • He will delight you with gladness
  • He will calm all your fears
  • He will rejoice over you with joyful songs

Questions to think about today…

  • How am I experiencing the damage of sin in my life?
  • In what ways am I feeling the pain of rebellion?
  • How can I experience the benefits of repentance?
  • How can I enjoy the blessings of obedience?
  • Take a moment and bask in the goodness of our Savior in verse 17.

By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor

God is honored when we intentionally seek Him in prayer. As a church, we want dependent prayer to be something that marks us. Use the comment section to post prayer requests and experiences of how God has answered prayer and/or changed you through prayer! If you would like to be enrolled to get weekly prayer reminders, text @cpclex to 81010.

November 25, 2020

Today you should read: Zephaniah 2

Zephaniah is all about the coming of the “day of the Lord” and what that will look like in the world. There will be judgement for those who do not follow God and blessing for those who do. We see this in chapter 1-2 but we especially see this in our chapter today.

This is why God sent Zephaniah… to proclaim that “the day of the Lord is near” (v.1:14) and to call them to repentance and to tell them of the coming judgement. We saw in chapter 1 that judgement was coming for Judah… and as we open up to chapter 2 we see the grace of God…

Repentance is possible (v.1-3)

I love this about God. We serve a God that loves for us to repent. He welcomes us back. When we feel conviction, it does not have to be the end, it can be the beginning… the beginning of a life lived for God. This is what God was telling the people through Zephaniah, “REPENT! Turn back to me! There is judgement coming…” In His grace, He was giving them a chance.

Then Zephaniah started prophesying judgement on the people that had been against God’s chosen people showing that on “the day of the Lord” judgement was not just coming for God’s chosen people but for the world.

But before we leave Zephaniah 1-2 I think there are two big takeaways:

1) God brings judgement on those who deliberately disobey the law of God.

The people of Israel, though they knew the truth, chose time and time again to break the law of God and to turn to foreign gods and idols. God sent prophet after prophet but it did not matter. They conformed. And as followers of God we are not called to conform to the world but be transformed by truth (Romans 12:1-2)

2) God follows through on His promises.

In Genesis 12 God promised Abraham that He would bless those who bless Israel and curse those who cursed them. This prophecy is that promised lived out.

Today, as we get closer and closer to the return of Jesus this motivates me to proclaim the truth of Jesus to the world. Repentance is still possible. We must cling to this in our hearts and proclaim this with our lips. When we grasp this deep, this will affect how we witness.

Who are you praying for to meet Christ? What is your next step with them (coffee, invite them over, text/call them, etc)?

By: Nick Parsons — Pastoral Ministry Associate – College

God is honored when we intentionally seek Him in prayer. As a church, we want dependent prayer to be something that marks us. Use the comment section to post prayer requests and experiences of how God has answered prayer and/or changed you through prayer! If you would like to be enrolled to get weekly prayer reminders, text @cpclex to 81010.