When Gods Grace Works to Restore What’s Broken (Philemon 1-16)

Have you ever felt like your past mistakes define you? In this message from Philemon, Pastor Chris shares the story of Onesimus — a runaway slave whose life was transformed by God’s grace. Discover how grace doesn’t just forgive your past but gives you a new purpose, turning what feels useless into something useful for God’s kingdom.

Key Points:

• God’s grace shapes our identity and relationships (Philemon 1:1–3)
• Grace shows up in love, faith, and Christian partnership (Philemon 1:4–7)
• Grace gives us freedom to respond, not pressure to comply (Philemon 1:8–9)
• Grace transforms the useless into the useful (Philemon 1:10–11)
• Grace honors free will and invites real change (Philemon 1:12–14)
• Grace reveals God’s bigger plan in our lives (Philemon 1:15–16)

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
 Pastor Chris shares about the impact of grace in family life, church community, and personal growth — and how even the most unlikely people can become difference-makers.

Notable Quotes:

• “Grace doesn’t just cover your past — it launches your future.”
• “God sees potential where we only see failure.”
• “When grace transforms you, you become useful in ways you never imagined.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Heart-level reflection: Where in your life do you need God to transform the ‘useless’ into the ‘useful’?
• Daily-life application: Serve someone this week in a way that reflects God’s grace.
• Spiritual step or challenge: Ask God to show you how He wants to use you for His purposes.
• Practical next step: Join a ministry team or community group where you can make a difference.

Scripture References:
 Philemon 1:1–16, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:13

Keywords: grace, transformation, purpose, redemption, Philemon, Onesimus, second chances, Christian growth, faith, service

Challenge:
 No matter where you’ve been, God’s grace can transform you from useless to useful — and write a new chapter in your story.

25m0504de

The WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast shares practical and encouraging Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you grow in your walk with Christ. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church in Virginia, MN. Follow and review on your favorite platform. Send comments to: connect@christeien.com