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Sometimes God is doing His deepest work in circumstances we never would have chosen. In Philemon 15–16, Paul looks at the broken story of Onesimus and Philemon and sees something bigger taking place. What appeared to be loss, failure, conflict, and interruption was not outside the sovereign hand of God. In this message, we consider three important truths: God’s sovereignty, His providence, and His concurrence—how God accomplishes His purposes through the real decisions and actions of people without ever becoming the author of sin. Philemon reminds us that we can be certain God has a purpose even when we cannot see what that purpose is. The “for a while” seasons of life are being governed by a God who sees forever. And when God restores, He often does more than simply put things back the way they were. He transforms what was broken into something new. When you cannot see what God is doing, you can still trust who God is.

Can God’s grace really change a person? In Philemon 8–17, we see the transforming power of redeeming grace through the story of Onesimus—a man who was once considered “useless,” but through Christ became useful, faithful, and changed. Paul’s appeal to Philemon shows that grace not only changes who we are; it changes how we respond to others. This message challenges us to consider two questions: Where is God’s grace changing me, and how should the grace I have received shape the grace I give to others? Real grace makes us different people who treat people differently because of Christ.

Refreshing Fellowship - Philemon v.1-7Sunday Morning WorshipDr. Paul ThompsonSeptember 13, 2026Notes | https://calvarydothan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026_09_13_1.pdf

In the closing verses of Colossians, Paul introduces us to ordinary people whose lives show us the kinds of people God uses. This message challenges us to be dependable, transformed by grace, committed to prayer, willing to sacrifice, faithful with what God has given us, and determined to finish well. The question is simple: Do you want to be used by God? Faithfulness begins by treasuring Christ above everything else and placing our lives, gifts, resources, and opportunities in His hands.

Sunday Morning Worship at Calvary Baptist Church

Sunday Morning WorshipOpen Doors and Prison Cells - Colossians 4:2–4Dr. Paul ThompsonAugust 16, 2026Notes | https://calvarydothan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026_08_16_1.pdf

Sunday Morning WorshipYou and Your Work - Colossians 3:22-4:1Dr. Paul ThompsonAugust 9, 2026Notes | https://calvarydothan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026_08_09_1.pdf

Sunday Morning WorshipNothing Is Neutral - Colossians 3:17Josh RobertsonJuly 26, 2026Notes | https://calvarydothan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026_07_26_1.pdf

Sunday Morning WorshipWhen the Word Drives Ours Worship - Colossians 3:16Reagan FarrisJuly 19, 2026Notes | https://calvarydothan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026_07_19_1.pdf

Sunday Morning WorshipThe Peace of Christ: Ruling Hearts, Safeguarding Unity, Generating Gratitude - Colossians 3:15Tommy PerryJuly 12, 2026Notes | https://calvarydothan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026_07_12_1.pdf

Sunday Morning WorshipThe One Thing That Holds Everything Together - Colossians 3:14Sherrill TilleryJuly 5, 2026Notes | https://calvarydothan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026_07_05_1.pdf

Sunday Morning WorshipFaithful in Every Age - 1 Peter 2:10-17Dr. Paul ThompsonJune 28, 2026Notes | https://calvarydothan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026_06_28_1.pdf

Sunday Morning WorshipBecome What Christ is Making You - Colossians 3:12Dr. Paul ThompsonJune 21, 2026Notes | https://calvarydothan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026_06_21_1.pdf