Hi everyone, it's aunt Fernita
Today's story is called "Return of the runaway"
The memory verse is from Ephesians chapter 6 verse 7
It says "Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord not men"
Today's message is: i can serve Jesus at home
How would you like it someone lived at your house
and made you bed for you everyday
or cleaned your room?
If you had a servant that would probably happen
Years ago, a young man was such a servant
but he became unhappy
And he ran away, then he met Paul
It might have happen like this
Paul looked up as a tall, young man came and stood beside him
The young man was dressed for travel
And carried a backpack over his shoulder
Paul smiled, then looked down at the letter he had just written
he signed it, rolled it up and handed it to the young man
"Here Onesimus" he said
"This is the letter i promised you."
"It is addressed to your master Philemon"
"Give it to him as soon as you get home"
Paul stood and put his arm around the young man's shoulders
"i told him you were like a son to me "
"i know that in the past, you were not as useful to him as you have been to me these past few months"
"But now you have accepted Jesus and love Him"
"I know you will serve Philemon just as well as you have served me"
The young man smiled shyly
Paul continued
"We all know he has the right to be angry with you for running away"
"but i told him you have been helping me"
"Just as he would help me if he were here"
"i hope he will think about that"
"i also told him that even though you are still his slave"
"You are also his brother in Christ "
"You have become a Christian."
Onesimus put his arm around Paul's shoulder
Then he released Paul and put the letter in his bag he had slung over his shoulder
While his head was bent
He brushed a tear out of his eye
He hoped no one had noticed
"One more thing," Paul continued as the 2 walked towards the door
"I will pay whatever amount you may owe your master Philemon"
"He actually owes me his life since i was the one who told him about Jesus"
Paul smiled as he stopped at the doorway
"I can never thank you enough" Onesimus explained
He threw his bag over his shoulder lingering a moment
"Go back home and serve Philemon"
"As well as you have served me"
"That's what Christians do son"
"They serve one another right where they are"
"Now that you are a Christian too, i know that the 2 of you will get along better" "They serve one another right where they are"
"Now that you are a Christian too, i know that the 2 of you will get along better"
Paul gave Onesimus shoulder a pat as the young man finally turned to go
"i'd keep you here to help me if i could"
"But you have to go back home and be willing to serve Philemon first "
"Maybe someday, he will let you come back to me"
Paul waved as Onesimus started down the path
"i have asked Philemon to prepare a room for me" he called after the young man
"i am trusting that God will answer my prayers"
"and i will be able to come and see you both before long"
Onesimus gave one last wave over his shoulder
Then didn't look back
He was a little afraid to go back to his master he had run away from
But now he was a Christian and his heart was full with the love of God
He was ready to try again to serve Philemon the way he should
After all, Paul had taught him that being of service at home He was ready to try again to serve Philemon the way he should
After all, Paul had taught him that being of service at home
was a big part of b eing a Christian