Key Words: If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
In the book of Philemon, we see Jesus as a Friend Who intercedes and releases us from bondage (verse 10).
It is because of what Jesus has done for us in releasing us from the bondage of sin that we can certainly say, “To God be the glory.”
It’s through Jesus that Godly friendships are bound together.
John Fawcett was converted as a teenager listening to George Whitefield. He joined the Baptists and was ordained on July 31, 1765. He began pastoring a poor church in Wainsgate, finding time here and there for writing. His writings spread abroad, and the little church feared they would lose their pastor to a larger place. Fawcett wondered the same thing, lamenting in his diary that his family was growing faster than his income.
The call came from London’s famous Carter’s Lane Church. “Think of it!” Fawcett told his wife. “They want us in London to take the place of the late Dr. Gill at that great church! It’s almost unbelievable!” The following Sunday he broke the news to his church, then began packing. Books, dishes, pictures, and furniture were crated for the overland journey to the world’s largest city. When the day of departure came, church members assembled and bravely tried to hold their tears. Finally everything was loaded but one box, and Fawcett entered the house to retrieve it. There he found his wife deep in thought.
“John,” she said, voice breaking, “do you think we’re doing the right thing? Will we ever find a congregation to love us and help us with the Lord’s work like this group here?”
“Do you think we’re too hasty in this?” John asked.boy escalator
“Yes. I think we should stay right here and serve these people.”
John was silent a moment, for his heart, too, had been breaking. He nodded, “I was so overjoyed when the call came that I never really prayed about it like a minister should.”
They walked onto the porch, called the people together, revealed their change of heart, and amid joyous tears unloaded their wagons. Fawcett stayed at Wainsgate the rest of his life, but not in obscurity. Out of this experience, he wrote the world-famous hymn:
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love.
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
What to do:
✞ Evaluate your friendship with Jesus. Is it real?
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