We need a reformation of practice in the Ecclesia to move from institutional orphanages (believers walking the planet with a singular view of salvation and the kingdom) to an international family of affection where we belong to one another deeply from the heart. Father we pray for the unity of affection for the community of the redeemed regardless of denomination, race, culture and language.
We are living in polarizing times. Christians need to come together in Unity around our faith, while expressing our great diversity. The world needs this.
It's difficult for me to imagine what the new earth will actually be like. Something radically different than our present corrupted earth for sure. This verse talks about co-operation and working together for God's glory and purpose. That is rare even in the best churches I see and hear of. Thanks to Christ and the Holy Spirit it is actually possible but through great struggles.
Indeed, it seems that suffering through our struggles is one way through which transformation occurs. Perhaps our (re)commitments to co-creation and participation might reorient us to building for the kingdom now, wherever we are.
its about diving in his own cosciousness, exploring his traumas and not to judge, but trust in a divine meaning for this wound. a partner of duality is god himself
Oh yes Lord!!! .... not only increase our fellowship with the body of Christ, but with You first, so we CAN increase and encourage the Church , Your body. Amen Mr Wright!!! Amen. There's enough strife in the world ... let's not let it effect our fellowship within the Body of Christ our King. 💕🙏🕊😇💖💖
Thank you for this. I'm teaching in Philemon in my Sunday school class this week and was looking for additional insight and this was incredibly timely, especially as we have a new pastoral candidate, and my class is praying through their role in laying down some of their own preferences in order to be a light to our community. Thank you for sharing.
I agree that Paul wants us to have "right" relationship with one another. To use our gifts between believers and with non believers. Koinonia /fellowship is so important to allow us to connect to and learn from one another. I just agreed to mentor a youth for the confirmation process. This is new for me to do, but I have come to realize this is a growth opportunity for both parties. Thank you for the scriptural concept lesson. Thinking of all aspects of using our gifts in terms of fellowship reminds me that there are many types of conversation in God's kingdom here on Earth.
In the kingdom I believe there will be a flowing, as in the river of life. No longer will there be obedience and disobedience, but as the cells, organs, and structure of a human body all work together for the good of that body, so shall we who are “in Christ”. I see this in what Paul is sharing with Philemon. Perhaps his letter is a divinely orchestrated attempt to bring peace between Philemon and Onesimus as well?
Due to circumstances, I am presently without a physical community. I am eager for fellowship and pray for it often. I am confident that in God‘s time my situation will resolve itself and I will enjoy koinonia! Until that time, however, I have become hyper aware of my responsibilities as a follower of the Way to represent my Lord in my actions, speech, and thoughts. As all know, this is a very tall order. I thank God for the Holy Spirit otherwise I would utterly despair. I am so flawed. It makes me deeply sad that I might be the only glimpse of God that someone encounters. This is sobering. I utterly and completely realize that God does not “need“ me to do so, but that He calls me to do so. I wonder if the negotiation of relationships within the community of Messiah, which can be so tricky and difficult, aren’t the “iron that sharpens iron” needed so I may extend that whetted awareness out to the secular communities I am involved in (work, civic organizations, etc.), and represent Him better, more aware and sensitive. There is a legitimate concern over the insular and at times divisive example put forth by the modern church, particularly here in the US. I am not surprised at the aversion many non-Christians have toward the faith. This prayer of Paul’s strikes deep into my heart. I hope that one day we can put aside our harbored angers and hurts, forgive one another, and begin to represent to the world in our church communities what we are truly all about: Yeshua and the love and fellowship His upside down kingdom extends to all. Regardless, it starts with me and my relationship with Him.
Your humble and thoughtful reflections inspire and encourage us towards a posture of faithful living in the midst of our daily concrete interactions. Thank you for sharing your honest introspection and the hopefulness of pressing on to negotiate relationships and the yearning for unity of fellowship. We're grateful to have you in this space.
How does this understanding of koinonia affect our reading of Acts 2:42? How is it different than socializing around a shared meal? I'm, embarressingly, trying to figure out what kind of thing a local church is supposed to be. When I ask I'm often directed to this passage in acts. Great! We've got a pattern. The confounding thing is that what I see on the ground doesn't seem to reflect an accurate understanding of the cited text. The churches I've been associated with have resembled beads in a sack far more than pearls on a string. Of course I'm in the US. Maybe things are different elsewhere?
Good question! The pattern of devotion--or perhaps the primacy of devotion-to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer seems to be often overshadowed (or at least muddled) by myriad distractions for our attention. No simple answers here. With the season of Lent around the corner, it seems an apt time to prayerfully sense our need for repentance & renewal, and/or discovery or recovery of spiritual disciplines and practices.
We need a reformation of practice in the Ecclesia to move from institutional orphanages (believers walking the planet with a singular view of salvation and the kingdom) to an international family of affection where we belong to one another deeply from the heart. Father we pray for the unity of affection for the community of the redeemed regardless of denomination, race, culture and language.
Well said!
We are living in polarizing times. Christians need to come together in Unity around our faith, while expressing our great diversity. The world needs this.
Yes. To embody unity and holiness in the church-- it's often a bit 'messy', but so important!
It's difficult for me to imagine what the new earth will actually be like. Something radically different than our present corrupted earth for sure.
This verse talks about co-operation and working together for God's glory and purpose. That is rare even in the best churches I see and hear of. Thanks to Christ and the Holy Spirit it is actually possible but through great struggles.
Indeed, it seems that suffering through our struggles is one way through which transformation occurs.
Perhaps our (re)commitments to co-creation and participation might reorient us to building for the kingdom now, wherever we are.
Thanks Dr. Wright! Plus, these videos are filmed really well.
Appreciate that! Thanks!
its about diving in his own cosciousness, exploring his traumas and not to judge, but trust in a divine meaning for this wound. a partner of duality is god himself
The Kingdom of GOD, the TRUE, Incorruptible and Eternal UNITED KINGDOM..🫖 🇬🇧 🫖
I love that Paul did not require Philemon to do what Paul wanted, but taught Philemon the better way.
Thank you, Sir. It's always a pleasure to hear your wise input...
Thank you for sharing this scripture and the meaning behind it.
Thanks for clarifying this.
Oh yes Lord!!! .... not only increase our fellowship with the body of Christ, but with You first, so we CAN increase and encourage the Church , Your body. Amen Mr Wright!!! Amen. There's enough strife in the world ... let's not let it effect our fellowship within the Body of Christ our King. 💕🙏🕊😇💖💖
Tom, learning from you is so rewarding! I wished you had an online course about the New Testament on Coursera .
Thanks for the encouragement! We have many courses on Udemy, and a BIG announcement coming soon. Stay tuned for more details this month!
@@NTWrightOnline 🤩
This is a great kind of putting it!
Amen
Love this channel. So thankful for it.
Glad you enjoy it!
Short and inspiring ☕️
Thank you for this. I'm teaching in Philemon in my Sunday school class this week and was looking for additional insight and this was incredibly timely, especially as we have a new pastoral candidate, and my class is praying through their role in laying down some of their own preferences in order to be a light to our community. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it! We also have a free online course:
www.udemy.com/course/paul-and-his-letter-to-philemon/
@@NTWrightOnline Thank you! This will be extremely helpful as I prepare.
I agree that Paul wants us to have "right" relationship with one another. To use our gifts between believers and with non believers. Koinonia /fellowship is so important to allow us to connect to and learn from one another. I just agreed to mentor a youth for the confirmation process. This is new for me to do, but I have come to realize this is a growth opportunity for both parties.
Thank you for the scriptural concept lesson. Thinking of all aspects of using our gifts in terms of fellowship reminds me that there are many types of conversation in God's kingdom here on Earth.
Wonderful to hear that you're responding to the call to serve as a mentor. May the Spirit encourage you in this new endeavor!
In the kingdom I believe there will be a flowing, as in the river of life. No longer will there be obedience and disobedience, but as the cells, organs, and structure of a human body all work together for the good of that body, so shall we who are “in Christ”. I see this in what Paul is sharing with Philemon. Perhaps his letter is a divinely orchestrated attempt to bring peace between Philemon and Onesimus as well?
Thanks for sharing your reflections. Good question! What do others think?
Due to circumstances, I am presently without a physical community. I am eager for fellowship and pray for it often. I am confident that in God‘s time my situation will resolve itself and I will enjoy koinonia! Until that time, however, I have become hyper aware of my responsibilities as a follower of the Way to represent my Lord in my actions, speech, and thoughts. As all know, this is a very tall order. I thank God for the Holy Spirit otherwise I would utterly despair. I am so flawed. It makes me deeply sad that I might be the only glimpse of God that someone encounters. This is sobering. I utterly and completely realize that God does not “need“ me to do so, but that He calls me to do so. I wonder if the negotiation of relationships within the community of Messiah, which can be so tricky and difficult, aren’t the “iron that sharpens iron” needed so I may extend that whetted awareness out to the secular communities I am involved in (work, civic organizations, etc.), and represent Him better, more aware and sensitive. There is a legitimate concern over the insular and at times divisive example put forth by the modern church, particularly here in the US. I am not surprised at the aversion many non-Christians have toward the faith. This prayer of Paul’s strikes deep into my heart. I hope that one day we can put aside our harbored angers and hurts, forgive one another, and begin to represent to the world in our church communities what we are truly all about: Yeshua and the love and fellowship His upside down kingdom extends to all. Regardless, it starts with me and my relationship with Him.
Your humble and thoughtful reflections inspire and encourage us towards a posture of faithful living in the midst of our daily concrete interactions. Thank you for sharing your honest introspection and the hopefulness of pressing on to negotiate relationships and the yearning for unity of fellowship. We're grateful to have you in this space.
Thank you Dr. Wright. May I ask which translation you are using?
The NT readings are from the Kingdom New Testament. The OT readings are from the New Revised Standard version.
@@NTWrightOnline Thank you 😁
How does this understanding of koinonia affect our reading of Acts 2:42? How is it different than socializing around a shared meal? I'm, embarressingly, trying to figure out what kind of thing a local church is supposed to be. When I ask I'm often directed to this passage in acts. Great! We've got a pattern. The confounding thing is that what I see on the ground doesn't seem to reflect an accurate understanding of the cited text. The churches I've been associated with have resembled beads in a sack far more than pearls on a string. Of course I'm in the US. Maybe things are different elsewhere?
Good question! The pattern of devotion--or perhaps the primacy of devotion-to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer seems to be often overshadowed (or at least muddled) by myriad distractions for our attention. No simple answers here.
With the season of Lent around the corner, it seems an apt time to prayerfully sense our need for repentance & renewal, and/or discovery or recovery of spiritual disciplines and practices.