Stones Hill Community Church

Letters from Prison - Philemon 1:1-25

Martin Luther wrote, “We are all the Lord’s Onesimi.” Martin Luther said, “All of us are Onesimuses!” and he was right.

Are you stealing from your Master? Are you robbing your Lord like Onesimus was robbing from Philemon?

Maybe your parents raised you right, and you’ve dishonored them. God gave you a healthy body and you’ve squandered it on drugs...

Letters from Prison - Philippians 1:9-11

In some ways the prayer in Philippians 1:9-11 covers the whole range of what God wants to do in us and through us. 1. It starts with abounding love 2. That manifests itself in knowledge and discernment 3. Resulting in the ability to make wise choices under pressure 4. And the visible fruit of a righteous life 5. That comes from a living relationship with Jesus Christ 6. So that God alone gets the glory...

Letters from Prison - Philippians 2:1-11

The Mind of Christ

Paul’s under house arrest; he’s in chains, under constant guard, without any freedom of movement, isolated from his friends and misunderstood by the church in Rome – and here he says, “What would really make me so incredibly joyful would be for you to demonstrate the unity of humility.” I couldn’t help but wonder – how would we fill in this blank? “What would really make my joy complete would be _____...

Letters from Prison - Philippians 4:15-20

Generosity is the act of being kind, selfless, and giving to others.

Why be generous? It frees you from materialism. You generally feel better when you sincerely help someone else, not that you do it for that reason, but it’s generally true. And someone is going to remember what you did for them and they may do the same someday. Changing even one life is worthwhile...

Letters from Prison - Philippians 4:10-13

How would you like to be a truly contented person? People can get new stuff and you’re fine. Friends can get married and you’re fine. Teammates can win awards and you’re fine. Your ex can get the kids, you’re fine. Co-workers get the promotion and you’re fine. Others make more money, you’re fine. Marital partners get along great, you’re fine. Contentment – at ease and at peace...

Letters from Prison - Philippians 4:1-9

Christianity isn’t a Joy Ride, but a Joy Road. When we travel Jesus’ road, we’ll experience more joy than just a ride. Today, we’ll talk about the right mindset to travel on the Joy Road of Philippians 4...

The key word is focus.

Here is how you focus...

Paul uses five terms to describe Epaphroditus...

1. A Brother

2. A Fellow Worker

3. A Fellow Soldier

4. A Messenger

5. A Minister

Epaphroditus made some key decisions which each allowed him to give his very best:

1. He was a People Lover

Question: Do you long for people?

2. He was a Risk Taker

Question: Do you play it safe?

3. He was a Tireless Worker

Question: Do you work tirelessly?

4...

Letters from Prison - Philippians

Paul is teaching in Philippians that it’s not the circumstances of your life, it’s not whether things go well for you or go ill for you, it’s the way you define life that will determine whether you stand or fall in this world...

A Worthy Walk