SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Philemon 1:10-16) (10) "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:" (11) "Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:" (12) "Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:" (13) "Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:" (14) "But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly." (15) "For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;" (16) "Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?"
(Philemon 1:17-21) (17) "If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself." (18) "If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;" (19) "Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides." (20) "Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord." (21)" Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say."
(John 17:5-8) (5) "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (6) "I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word." (7) "Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee." (8) "For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me."
(John 17:9-11) (9) "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine." (10) "And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them." (11) "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are."
(John 17:24-26) (24) "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." (25) "O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me." (26) "And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them."
PREFACE SUMMARY
Dear valued reader, I am pleased to share a message with you about the boundless love of God for His creation, as revealed in the book of Philemon. This message is titled "A Love Letter from Jesus," and it draws a parallel between Paul's intercession on behalf of a runaway enslaved person named Onesimus and the prayer spoken by our Lord in the book of John chapter fourteen.
This message came about as I thought about all the things we encounter on life's highway, and can you agree that It seems as though we are being prepared for something greater that is somewhere in our future?
Dear reader, it is an undeniable fact that there is a supreme being behind the vast universe, who created every living and non-living thing. This creator is not only responsible for the universe, but also takes a profound interest in his most incredible creation - man.
The Book of Philemon, written by the Apostle Paul, is a letter that demonstrates the love of God through the story of Paul and a runaway slave named Onesimus. In the letter, Paul urges Philemon, a wealthy Christian, to receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ rather than a slave. This act of forgiveness and reconciliation highlights God's love for all people, regardless of social status or past mistakes.
Similarly, Christ's love for his church is evident in his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he asked God to receive his church in the same way he would receive him. This prayer shows the depth of Christ's love for his followers and his willingness to sacrifice himself for their salvation. It is a powerful reminder of the love that God has for his people and the lengths to which he will go to demonstrate that love.
Through Paul's teachings, Onesimus is transformed and becomes a believer in Christ. This book is a testament to God's love and forgiveness, as well as his desire for all his children to learn, grow, and become better versions of themselves.
"GOD'S SON JESUS DIED FOR THE TRUCKERS."
Beloved I would like to begin this part of my message by stating that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross to save humanity from their sins. Truckers who work tirelessly to keep our nation moving are no exception to this divine grace.
The bottom line is that Jesus gave his life to the truckers and all of humanity, and it reminds us all to appreciate the sacrifices of those who serve us, even in ways that may seem minor or insignificant. Let us take a moment to remember and honor Jesus' sacrifice and the efforts of the truckers who play a vital role in our daily lives.
Dear reader, when I see the innocent suffer and the wicked prosper, I catch myself with a prayer on my lips asking God, how am I, as your preacher, going to make you look good to someone in need? You were not there for the family of Lazarus when they were in desperate need, and you even missed the wake when he died.
Beloved, I am reminded of an encounter with one of our drivers who claimed that he was an atheist. This driver and I were delivering to the same customer somewhere in New York, and I can recall as this driver approached my truck, I immediately noticed that he was angry.
I informed him that I would help him if he cleaned up his vocabulary, to which he agreed, acknowledging that I was a preacher but at the same time very quickly informed me that he was an atheist. I began to speak to this angry trucker about our planet's existence and the solar system. To help him understand our universe's incredible complexity and precision, I explained to him some of the most amazing facts about our solar system.
Firstly, I told him that Earth is situated ideally from the sun to sustain life. This distance is not too close, where we would burn up, or too far, where we would freeze to death. Instead, it is just right. This distance is known as the "habitable zone" or the "Goldilocks zone." Scientists believe this zone is unique in our solar system and perhaps even the entire universe.
Secondly, I explained to him that our planet is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt is what causes the seasons on Earth. Without this tilt, life on Earth would be very different, if not impossible.
Lastly, I told him that our planet rotates at a speed of one thousand miles per hour, completing a full revolution around the sun in twenty-four hours. This is what causes day and night. It is also worth noting that our planet is not the only one that rotates. In fact, all the planets in our solar system do so at different speeds and directions.
I revealed to him why every planet and star has its place and function in the vast universe, explaining that even Jupiter and Mars are in the right place to keep us from being bombarded by asteroids and meteorites from outer space.
Saints, God began his work on this man's soul, and he did not resist when I asked him if I could pray with him. As I began to pray with this man, it felt like a warm blanket had covered us. I took this opportunity to inform him that even though he did not believe in a God or a Devil, there was one thing for sure: there was something in this truck with us that we could not see. I suggested he try communicating with this presence and ask it to identify itself.
Beloved, sometime later, I had the privilege to meet this driver again at a truck stop, and he confessed to me that he had encountered the Living God and asked Him into his heart.
The young atheist trucker, who had always been skeptical about the existence of a higher power, was introduced to Jesus, and the young atheist's doubts dissipated as we engaged in a deep conversation about his faith.
He informed me that the words I spoke to him that day resonated with him profoundly, and he experienced a sense of peace and fulfillment that he had never felt before.
The young driver went on to say that his perspective on life has changed, and now he has became more open-minded and receptive to the mysteries of the universe, and the God who planned his life before he was born.
Saints of God and fellow peers, I sit here even today doing revivals throughout the Philippines. I wonder how one could be so convinced that there is no creator or mastermind behind the vast universe, especially the unique way everything is designed to function without drifting out of orbit and ending life as we know it, then beloved; I get excited when I think of how much faith it would take for someone faced with the facts to make a statement that there is no God.
Beloved, these people must spend their entire lives trying to convince themselves that there is no God when, in fact, man was designed to believe in a higher power. It is no secret that each civilization known to man has left its mark in the history of how they approached what they believe to be some God, but sadly, many believe that they must appease him through live sacrifices or some other way such as dance, etc.
Saints, one day soon as the very breath we breathe leaves our body, we will find ourselves entering an eternity that we may or may not be prepared for.
We all know and understand that death is a reality that comes to the young as well as the old, and when it comes to us, we will be brought before the creator of this universe to give an account of the life that we have been blessed to enjoy, and I do not know about you. but I intend to be prepared to enter this era with joy and not shame.
"PAUL INTERCEDEDS FOR ONESIMUS."
Dear reader, this message is shaping to be a special message on the Love of God for his creation and that love is shown through the book of Philemon where Paul encounters a run away slave named Onesimus.
The title of this message is "A Love Letter from Jesus," and we can find resemblance found in Paul's interceding on behalf of a run away slave that he had met in a roman jail, in the prayer prayed by our Lord which can be found in the book of John chapter fourteen.
The book of Philemon begins with the aged Apostle Paul meeting a run away slave in a roman jail by the name of Onesimus, but there is something that caught Paul's interest when he discovered who the master of the run away slave was and discovered that the run away slave had owed his master some money, for dear ones, Paul was very well acquainted with his master.
After winning the run away slave to the Lord, Paul penned a letter for him to take back to his master Philemon and in the letter beloved, Paul expressed his special affection to Philemon letting him know that he is always in his prayers.
Paul spoke of how he has heard of the good things and how he is known for expressing his love for the Lord and his people which has been of comfort to him while confined in a roman prison.
Paul in this letter pleads with his friend on behalf of Onesimus the run away slave, and asks his friend Philemon to receive and forgive his wrong toward him and others, assuring him that he would settle and repay any debt the man may owe.
Paul in his letter assured Philemon that there has been a noticeable change in Onesimus and he now considers him to be a brother in the Lord, reminding Philemon that he was used of God to even lead him to the Lord and God's grace is able to change even the vilest sinner, informing Philemon that such a change is now evident in Onesimus and he need not fear him ever running away or bringing harm to him or his house again.
In the letter, Paul expresses his deep affection for Philemon and assures him that he always prays for him. He appeals to Philemon's generosity and compassion, urging him to forgive any debt owed by Onesimus and to welcome him back with open arms. Paul emphasizes that Onesimus is no longer just a runaway slave but a fellow believer in Christ, deserving of love and acceptance.
Beloved, Saints, Paul in his closing arguments asks that Philemon will recognize and treat him as he would recognize and treat him and promises Philemon and his house that he will pay restitution for anything that Onesimus may owe him.
Paul's letter to Philemon is a powerful example of the transformative power of God's grace. It shows that no one is beyond redemption and that forgiveness and reconciliation are always possible. Through Paul's intercession, Onesimus is given a new identity and a new future.
As we contemplate the story, we are reminded of the ultimate love that Jesus has for us. He showed this love by sacrificing Himself on the cross, interceding on our behalf, and paying the penalty for our sins. This act of love and grace has made it possible for us to be welcomed back into fellowship with God, forgiven of our sins, and given a new identity as children of God.
Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have been reconciled with God, and we can now approach Him with confidence and boldness. We are no longer separated from Him by sin and death, but we have been made new in Christ.
This is a beautiful message for Valentine's Day, as it reminds us of the depth of God's love for us. He went to great lengths to bring us back into fellowship with Him, and He did so with the same welcome He would receive. Jesus made intercession for us, and we have been welcomed back into the loving arms of our holy God.
"JESUS OUR MODEL INTERCESSOR."
Beloved, this part of the message touches my heart as we study the prayer Jesus prayed that can be found in John the seventeenth chapter, asking God to strengthen, protect, sanctify, unite, and glorify those that were his from the foundation of the world.
I can still hear this prayer ringing in my soul a few hours before his arrest; the Lord intercedes to the Father as he addresses him as a holy father, asking him to glorify or strengthen him as he reminds him that he has given him power over all flesh.
Notice as the Lord humbles himself before God, praying that people might know him and Jesus Christ whom he has sent unto the world, and notice beloved as he prays that the ones that have been given unto him might know the Glory which he had with God before the foundation of the world.
Saints, listen as he prays for the ones that have never seen him, asking God not to remove them from the world but keep them from evil, and listen as he prays that they might become one in unity with God.
Saints, just as the Apostle Paul interceded for Onesimus, the runaway slave, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior interceded for his church, asking God to honor his supreme sacrifice and receive broken humanity the same way he would receive him, stating before all creation that he had paid the ransom price for God's most incredible creation to be restored into fellowship and welcomed into the family of God.
Similarly, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, interceded for his church in heaven. He prayed to God, asking him to honor his supreme sacrifice and receive broken humanity like he would. Christ declared before all creation that he had paid the ransom for God's most incredible creation to be restored into fellowship and welcomed into the family of God.
The sacrifice of Christ on the cross was an act of divine love and mercy that opened up the possibility of salvation to all humanity. Through his death and resurrection, we can now be reconciled with God and enjoy everlasting life.
Christ's intercession for us expresses his love and concern for our well-being. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and have a Savior who is always there for us, interceding on our behalf.
Dear reader, look at the love letter to God on our behalf and let us recognize that In Adam, we could never have gotten back into fellowship with a God that is perfect in all his ways but not without hope, for the Living God had a plan to rescue as many as possible from the rebellion caused by Satan.
Saints, God would send a deliverer for all humanity, and the coming deliverer would be born of a virgin and not have the blood of polluted man but have God’s blood like Adam. It was the hope and prayer of young Jewish virgins to be the one chosen to bear the promised Messiah who would bear the sin debt for all humanity.
Saints, let me tell you that Mohammed and other great men who founded religions had to get in line with Abraham and the prophets. Still, Jesus existed as the word before the line was formed.
The first book of John states that by him (Jesus the Word), God made the world; therefore, it is beloved. Jesus did not come to find a new religion but to teach us how to have a relationship with God. Near the end of his life on Earth, we find him in this blessed prayer, asking his father to receive us as if he were receiving him.
Beloved reader, in closing, we find Jesus in this beautiful prayer speaking of the Glory he had with God before the foundation of the world, and the book of John speaks of the word (Jesus) creating everything in the universe.
The book of Hebrews states that the Son is the radiance of the Glory of God, and Colossians speaks of all things being held together by the word of his power.
Saints and fellow peers, I believe right here is a place to praise God. Right now, I have to pause in this message because I am so thankful for the day when God’s darling Son became my dying Savior.
I am so grateful that he prayed for all those who have not seen him but believe that they might be with him where he is and that they may behold the Glory he had with God before the world was created to sustain life. This beloved is love worth finding.
MY CONCLUSION
Our understanding of who God is and how He relates to us significantly shapes our relationship and fellowship with Him as we walk the Christian journey. Likewise, our perception of His character, attributes, and nature has a direct impact on how we approach Him, how we pray, how we worship, and how we live out our faith.
Beloved, please understand that our view of God serves as a lens through which we interpret our experiences and interactions with Him. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate a biblical and accurate understanding of God to deepen our intimacy with Him and grow in our faith.
To illustrate this entire message, we need to ask ourselves a fundamental question. That question would be, "Do we view God our Father as a stern man like a father we have or have known here on earth who is short-tempered and unapproachable;" or "Do we see him as the model Father whom Jesus referred to while reciting the Lord’s prayer which can be found in Matthew the sixth chapter?"
As believers, we are called to view God not as a distant and unapproachable deity but as a loving Father who extends his open arms of unconditional love to us. God's deepest desire is that we receive him in this way as a caring and compassionate Father who desires only the best for his children.
To help us understand this better, the Lord has given us a high priest in Jesus Christ, who can relate to our weaknesses and struggles. As we read in the Bible, Jesus faced many trials and difficulties during his time on earth, including the agony of the cross. But even amid his suffering, Jesus never lost sight of his Father's love and care for him.
We see this most clearly in the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed fervently for the strength to carry out God's plan for his life. Despite the immense pain and suffering he knew lay ahead, Jesus was willing to endure it all, knowing that it was the only way to reconcile the world back to God.
So let us take heart, dear friend, and remember that we, too, have a high priest in Jesus Christ who understands our struggles and is always there to help us in our time of need. May we rest assured of God's love for us, knowing that he will always guide and support us, no matter our challenges.
Modern archaeology has uncovered and revealed many of the Bible's mysteries. This has caused many skeptics to come forth and acknowledge the accuracy of the Bible's writings. As a result, it has silenced the voices of some who spoke things that they could not substantiate, and it is a fact that renowned men have proven the New Testament to be the most accurate document about Jesus and his disciples.
According to historical accounts, after the crucifixion of Jesus, his brother James and some of his family members were initially skeptical of his claims to be the Son of God. However, after Jesus' resurrection, James became a devoted believer and played a significant role in the early Christian movement. He was eventually recognized as a critical leader in the church and was even referred to as "James the Just" for his piety and devotion to living a righteous life.
In addition to his leadership role, James is credited as the author of the Book of James, a part of the New Testament. This epistle is a letter addressed to early Christian communities and emphasizes the need for believers to demonstrate their faith through good works and righteous living. The Book of James is notable for its practical advice on topics such as controlling one's speech, caring for the poor and oppressed, and resisting temptation. Overall, James' transformation from skeptic to believer is a powerful testament to the impact of Jesus' life and teachings. His contributions to the early Christian movement, both as a leader and a writer, have continued to inspire and guide believers for centuries.
"Dear reader, the holiness of God demanded that another Adam could not be created from the dust of the Earth that was cursed due to the fall in the garden. This was necessary to avoid eternal separation between man and his creator. However, God's love for humanity was so great that he sent his son, Jesus, to atone for their sins. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of love and humility, and it paved the way for humanity to be reconciled with God.
It is remarkable to find Jesus in the garden just hours before his arrest, praying to his heavenly father for strength. He knew what was to come - the horrors of the cross that he would have to face. At the same time, he prayed for humankind, God's greatest creation, to receive strength through his atoning work. He knew that his sacrifice would not only save humanity but would also give them the strength to endure the challenges of life.
Jesus' prayer in the garden was a true expression of his love for humanity. He wanted them to be united with God, just as he was. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of love and redemption, and it is a testament to the power of selflessness and humility. Let us remember this powerful message and strive to live our lives in the same spirit of love and compassion.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
MY CLOSING PRAYER
Dear Lord, I am confident that this message will be received with open hearts by those who take the time to read it, and Father, I ask that you bless each person who, through this message, has surrendered their life more to your purpose. I know you have already begun a great work in their life and ministry, and I pray you intensify it even more.
Lord, I know that you will bless them spiritually, financially, physically, relationally, and emotionally so that their life may be enriched, and they will, in turn, enrich the lives of others. I am confident that your will, purpose, word, and Spirit will have a free course in their life and in the lives of those they encounter.
In Jesus' mighty name, I declare that you will touch, heal, and deliver all who read this prayer and call upon your name. I know that you will meet their needs wherever they are and break all curses and negative words spoken against them.
Dear Lord, I am confident that you will awaken the gifts and talents placed in them from birth so that they may become unified in the faith with other believers, realizing the need to work together in harmony as a fine-tuned orchestra in your hands.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your tremendous love and blessings. I am confident that we can rest in knowing that you have promised never to leave nor forsake us and that you will go with us all the way, even to the end of the world.
Please forgive us for failing to remember that you know our needs before we ask. You went to the cross to pay our sin debt so that we could be adopted into your royal family as Sons and Daughters sharing with you in your glory.
Father, I am confident through this humble prayer that you will enlarge our borders and place your hand of blessing upon us to guide us on the path you have chosen for us. We need your divine guidance to walk fully in your blessing and goodness as you lead us by your Spirit to divine appointments. I am confident that you will deliver us from evil and temptation.
Dear Lord, I am confident that your blessed holy name will be glorified throughout the Earth as you leave your signature through us to future generations. Lord, I ask that you assign an angel to accompany this work into the homes of every person who will take time to read it.
Father, help us stand firm together, activating our faith. In these trying times, I am confident that we can find rest in knowing that we can depend on you, our God, "Our Father," to come on the scene to direct our path and guide our footsteps. We must understand that our dependence for survival is upon you.
Lord, help us realize that we represent your glorious body on Earth. There is strength in numbers; we need each other to be fruitful and live a prosperous life as your people. I am confident that we will not be careless and prideful in our Christian walk but realize that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves, your glorious body as sons and daughters in your royal family and kingdom.
Father, I pray you will stir us up and burden our hearts for true revival in every country worldwide. Demonstrate to the people in these countries that you are the Unchanging God, for your word declares it. What you were yesterday, you are today and will be tomorrow! (Hebrews 13:8)
Dear Lord, I ask you to bless each person who has taken the time to read this message and humbly surrendered their life more to your purpose, that you intensify the work that you have begun in their life and ministry in Jesus' mighty name.
Lord, I pray that you shower your abundant blessings upon them with the five-fold prayer: spiritually, financially, physically, relationally, and emotionally, that your divine intervention and blessings will enrich their life and empower them to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Dear Lord, I pray that your will, purpose, word, and Spirit will have a free course in their life and in the lives of those they encounter, and Father, I am confident that anyone reading this prayer who needs deliverance from some oppressing spirit, including some illnesses that may be attacking their body, will be set free by your Holy Spirit. Father, according to your blessed Holy word, I am confident that you will raise a standard against these attacks and deliver these precious people in Jesus' mighty name.
Lord, I pray that the power of your written and spoken word be activated through the authority made available unto us in the name of Jesus. I apply the following scriptures to our prayer, believing that you have heard and answered us according to your divine will and purpose, for it is in Jesus' mighty name we pray and ask these favors. A-Men
(John 16:23) "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
(Psalms 34:15) "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry."
