2026 THEME: Still the ONE!
SERIES THEME: There’s No Place like Home
Title: We Speak Fresh Starts
Scripture: Philemon
“The church is a hospital for sinners, not a rest home for saints.”
I. PAUL’S APPEAL TO PHILEMON
3 main characters in this drama:
1. Paul-the (apostle and writer)
2. Philemon- the (slave owner)
3. Onesimus- the (runaway slave)
II. GOD’S APPEAL TO HIS CHILDREN
What is the defining mark of all Christ-followers? (Love)
What is Paul banking on? Philemon’s (love) for the (church) and also his love for (others).
4 questions OVCF must ask and answer:
1. Are we a (friendly) church?
2. Are we a (safe and welcoming) church?
3. Are we a (forgiving) people?
4. Are we a (grace-giving) church?
Next week: We Speak Changed Lives
Scripture: Col. 2:6-15
