Category: Benevolence

In these final verses, Paul continued the theme of charity that was the central part of the entire letter. He called upon Philemon to receive Onesimus back as an expression of charity. He then indicated a willingness to shoulder some of that burden himself — again as a demonstration of his love both for the slave Onesimus, and for Philemon as well.

If any loss had come to Philemon because of his slave’s actions, Paul pledged to repay it. However, he reminded Philemon of the debt he owed to Paul, “you owe me even your own self besides” (vs. 19). This should not be construed as an attempt by Paul to manipulate Philemon into absorbing any loss himself. No, Paul’s offer to repay was legitimate and sincere. Rather, Paul encouraged Philemon to note that he too owed a debt, and would desire a gracious response by Paul, as the one to whom he owed his spiritual life. As such, by Paul’s reasoning, he should respond in kind towards Onesimus. This principle was established in the “golden rule” (cf. Luke 6:31), as well as Jesus’ model prayer (Matthew 6:12).

Regardless, Paul expressed his confidence that Philemon would surpass his expectations. Content with that, he offered his salutations, and closed this beautiful letter to his beloved friend.

The West Side congregation helped in brother Chip Foster’s support for his recent preaching trip to the Philippines. On the evening of February 19, 2012, brother Foster came to West Side and gave a report of the work done.

Audio (18 MB, 1 hour, 20 minutes)

Powerpoint Slides (54 MB)

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Stan uses the text of Philippians 4:10-ff, to establish the truthfulness of the adage, it is better to give than receive. Paul was blessed by the gift given by the Philippians, but the church received the greater blessing.

Audio

Fifth sermon in an occasional series entitled Concepts of Authority. The text of 1 Timothy 5 is examined to determine whether there is a difference between what God authorizes an individual Christian and a congregation of Christians to do.

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Two questions are answered in this lesson.

• Is every individual who asks worthy of benevolent help?
• Is the church limited with regard to whom they offer benevolent help?

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AOTS Number 63

God is ultimately the source of all strength. However, we as His children can strengthen others through sympathetic practices.

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AOTS Number 62

One of the primary responsibilities of Christian living is to be benevolent toward others.

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AOTS Number 44

Exaltation in the kingdom of God is found in service. It is our responsibility as God’s children to do good, that God might be glorified.

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The new year is upon us, and it is a good time to establish some resolutions and goals for this congregation as we enter the year 2006.

While I know that such resolutions are somewhat arbitrary, given that there is nothing special in the date of January 1st itself, nevertheless it is as good a time as any to evaluate our progress in the work of our Lord, and to encourage in each of us a more zealous effort in the future.

In the past year we have had several long time members move away for retirement or to begin working with other congregations. While we are proud, for example, of the preaching efforts of brother Kris Braddock, his and Courtney’s association with the brethren here is missed, as are all who have left our number and moved to other places.

Continue reading “Congregational Goals” →

Note: The following article originally appeared in the Miami Herald on September 7th, before Ivan hit the coast of Alabama, and caused several deaths in the Florida Panhandle)

MIAMI – (KRT) – Charley, Frances and Ivan. Three major hurricanes. Two assaults on Florida already and possibly a third by next week. Get used to it. This is the new normal.

Scientists say we are in a period of enhanced hurricane activity that could last for decades, ending a 24-year period of below average activity. They also say the law of averages has caught up with Florida, with a change in atmospheric steering currents turning the state into a hurricane magnet…

…A sobering thought: Between 1941 and 1950, seven major hurricanes – with winds higher than 110 mph – attacked Florida. “And that doesn’t include the other less powerful hurricanes,” Goldenberg said. That 10-year period fell in the middle of a cycle of heightened activity that began in 1926 and persisted until 1970.

Now, the combination of complacency bred during a long lull between 1971 and 1994, the new hyperactivity since 1995 and the ongoing mega-development of Florida’s coasts frightens emergency managers and scientists…

…All the other numbers tell the same tale: total storms, total strength, total duration, Caribbean hurricanes, October and November hurricanes, each at least 100 percent – in some cases 500 or 1,000 percent – higher since the lull.

“That’s a humongous increase,” Goldenberg said. “This is striking. This is not a little signal. It would be like saying the average temperature is 15 degrees warmer than last summer. It’s huge. It’s huge.”

Worse, atmospheric steering currents have changed to our disadvantage.

During the beginning of this active period, a persistent and beneficial bend in the jetstream carried hurricanes away from Florida. Now, that phenomenon had disappeared, replaced by a persistent ridge of high pressure over the Atlantic that is pushing them toward Florida.

What can you do?

Only one thing: Prepare.

Mary Ellen KlasMiami Herald

Analysis:

The brethren in Florida have been hammered in recent weeks by the hurricanes mentioned in the article above. As forecasters indicate that September and October are the peak seasons for hurricane activity, it is possible for several more storms to hit the coast this year.

We need to keep all in the path of such storms in our prayers, but especially our brethren. As Paul exhorted the Ephesians to pray “always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 2:18).