Shawn Stone, July 25, 2018, Philemon
The last of the Prison Epistles, written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. Philemon was a slave owner. Onesimus, one of his slaves, had run away. Onesimus encountered Paul, became a believer, and decided to return to Philemon, to right a wrong. But Paul sent a letter with him urging Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother rather than a slave. This is a story of reconciliation and the power of God to change people, to help us deal with issues, and right the wrongs in our lives.
Shawn Stone - August 1, 2018 - 2 John
We are to be a people of truth. We are to be a people who love. We are to be a people who understand what is at stake. Truth without love is brutality, and love without truth is hypocrisy.
Shawn Stone - August 15, 2018 - 3 John
Gaius was called "beloved" and commended for his generosity. The litmus test that we have the truth, is proved by our love; and the true litmus test that our love is real, is proved by the truth we profess. Diotrophes was proud. Demetrius walked in truth.
Shawn Stone, September 5, 2018, Jude 1-11
"I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith." Why do we need to contend for the faith? How do we do it? "“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness" (Titus 2:11-12...