Everyone. Everywhere. Part 2Sample

Taking the First Steps Humanity has always been obsessed with the quest to find meaning and purpose in life. Many people search their entire lives, but never find the answer that will satisfy their souls. As followers of Jesus, our restored relationship to God through Christ now provides amazing answers to the fundamental questions of life. We have been given a new identity as children of God. We were once outsiders yearning for love and acceptance, and now, by the blood of Jesus, the Father loves and accepts us for eternity. Through our new identity and sense of belonging, He provides a purpose that never fades during our time on earth. The shortest of Paul’s New Testament letters was written to his dear friend, Philemon. In this letter, we discover that Philemon owned a slave, Onesimus, who ran away. During his time away from Philemon, Onesimus became a brother in Christ under Paul’s care. Paul found Onesimus to be a useful fellow worker for Christ but knew that Onesimus needed to resolve the conflict he had with Philemon. Paul urged Philemon to forgive and receive Onesimus back because of their new identities and belonging in Christ. Philemon now had a new purpose to forgive, receive, and work alongside Onesimus to spread Christianity. Questions to Ask Yourself: 1. How have you found identity, belonging, and purpose in Jesus Christ? 2. What is Paul willing to do to resolve the conflict with Philemon and Onesimus? 3. How does the book of Philemon reflect what Christ has done for you? What’s Next: 1. Pray about who you could share this short study about identity, belonging, and purpose with.