"a Love Letter From Jesus."

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."

PREFACE SUMMARY

I am pleased to share a message with you about God's boundless love 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 everything we encounter on life's journey. Can you agree that it seems as though we are being prepared for something greater that is somewhere in our future? Is it indisputable that a supreme being is behind the vast universe that created everything, both seen and unseen? This awesome creator is responsible for the universe and deeply interested in his most incredible prized creation—man.

The Book of Philemon, written by the Apostle Paul, is a letter that demonstrates God's love 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 the same way he would. 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 God's love for his people and the lengths he will go to demonstrate it.

The transformation of Onesimus, as described through Paul's teachings, further emphasizes the theme of redemption and forgiveness. Once a runaway slave, Onesimus encounters the life-changing message of Christ and becomes a devoted believer. His journey illustrates the transformative power of God's grace and his profound desire for all people to experience personal growth and redemption. Onesimus is transformed and becomes a believer in Christ. This message is a testament to God's love and forgiveness and his desire for all his children to learn, grow, and become more and more like Christ.

"CHRIST'S PRAYER AND PAUL'S LETTER TO PHILEMON."

Beloved, this powerful Valentine's Day message addresses divine intercession and unconditional love, as demonstrated in Christ’s prayer to God and Paul’s letter to Philemon regarding the runaway slave Onesimus. By drawing parallels between these biblical narratives, we will highlight how God’s love extends to all, including truckers who serve as vital links in our economy and communities.

Serving more than 43 years on the open road as an over-the-road trucker, 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.

In Paul’s letter to Philemon concerning Onesimus, he appeals for mercy and reconciliation rather than punishment for the runaway slave. This letter emphasizes themes of forgiveness, restoration, and the transformative power of love. Paul’s advocacy mirrors Christ’s intercessory role; both figures demonstrate a deep commitment to healing relationships, offering reassurance and comfort to all.

We can better understand God’s love for us by examining Christ’s prayer, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Here, Jesus demonstrates vulnerability and deep reliance on God. His prayer reflects a desire for alignment with God’s will, showcasing a model for believers today. This moment illustrates that even in times of distress, there is a call to seek divine guidance and strength, offering a sense of guidance and support to all.