Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, explores the intimate and powerful message found in the Apostle Paul's epistle to Philemon, written during Paul's imprisonment in Rome. He delves into the context, introducing the primary figures—Philemon, a man of faith and love, and Onesimus, a runaway servant who finds salvation under Paul's ministry. Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon with a letter urging forgiveness, highlighting the transformative power of the gospel. Strelecki outlines how Paul's appeal is a beseeching through love, reflecting on Philemon's character, his faith in Christ, and his love toward all saints, exemplifying the impact and essential nature of forgiveness within the Christian community.

Strelecki emphasizes the relational dynamics within the early church, underscoring the refreshing and joyous impact Philemon has on his fellow believers. Through Philemon's example, the principle of forgiveness is examined as both a personal and communal experience of grace and faith in action. Strelecki highlights the core message that true Christian practice involves extending forgiveness and embodying Christ's teachings, not just in words but in actions that align with divine love and grace. In doing so, he encourages believers to see forgiveness as a conqueror of worldly divisions, inviting them to reflect Christ's humility and mercy in everyday relationships.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, leads a study on the epistle of Philemon, emphasizing its themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and grace-based decision-making. He provides an overview of the context, noting that Philemon, a prominent member of the Colossian church, hosted the church in his home and was known for his love and faith in Jesus Christ. Onesimus, a slave of Philemon, had fled to Rome and encountered Paul in prison, where he became a believer. Strelecki highlights Paul's role in mediating between Onesimus and Philemon, urging Philemon to receive Onesimus back not merely as a servant but as a beloved brother in Christ. This underscores the transformative power of the Gospel and the way it reshapes relationships among believers.

Strelecki further explores the broader issue of slavery in the Roman Empire, explaining that while the New Testament does not directly attack the institution of slavery, it promotes a Christian ethic that fundamentally alters the master-servant dynamic. Citing various scriptures, he illustrates how both masters and servants are encouraged to act with a spirit of love and grace, reflecting their identity in Christ. The sermon concludes with a call for self-reflection on how these principles apply to contemporary issues of forgiveness and reconciliation, urging believers to embody the communication of faith through the acknowledgment of the good in Christ Jesus.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, explores the multifaceted nature of prayer within the framework of Ephesians 6, particularly emphasizing its connection to the "sword of the Spirit" or the Word of God. He delves into the theme of prayer, taking an expansive view to establish a biblical theology that spans from creation to the present. Strelecki highlights six crucial aspects of prayer, characterized by alliteration with the letter F: fundamentals, features, frequency, fullness, faithfulness, and forms. He stresses that prayer signifies a unique form of communication between humans and God, rooted in humanity's creation in God's image. This connection provides the groundwork for prayer as an expression of worship and a means to deepen one's relationship with God.

By examining scripture, Strelecki underscores various elements and features of prayer such as adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving. He encourages believers to approach prayer with a sense of reverence, acknowledging God's greatness and character before presenting their requests. Furthermore, he reassures that confession in prayer doesn't question one's forgiveness but enhances relational dynamics with God by acknowledging personal sins and weaknesses. Supplication is seen not just as making requests but as intertwining God's provisions into one's life, while thanksgiving ties the other elements together, ensuring a rich and vital prayer life. Strelecki implores believers to engage earnestly in prayer, affirming it as life-giving and strengthening one's communion with God.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into the subject of prayer, highlighting its significance and foundational aspects within the Christian life. Focusing on Ephesians 6:18, he argues against the notion of viewing prayer as merely a duty, emphasizing instead the privilege and honor it is to communicate with God. Strelecki stresses the connection between the Word of God and prayer, encouraging believers to adopt a biblical theology of prayer. He shares his personal journey and challenges, particularly how his understanding of prayer shifted when learning about dispensationalism and right division. Despite these challenges, he encourages believers to pray freely and embrace the open line of communication with God, who desires a relationship with His children, just like a loving parent wants to hear from their children.

Strelecki further emphasizes that believers have unprecedented access to God through Jesus Christ, pointing out that prayer is a form of worship and an acknowledgment of both God's all-sufficiency and our dependency on Him. He explores various aspects of prayer, such as the role of words in communication with God and the privilege of access bought by Christ's sacrifice. Addressing prayer's fundamental connection to mankind's creation in God's image, Strelecki underscores the transformative power of prayer, urging the congregation to move beyond mere knowledge of spiritual truths to active engagement, seeing prayer as a mechanism for participating in God's work. He challenges listeners to examine their prayer lives, encouraging them to be both the recipients and agents of answered prayers, embodying the teachings of scripture in every facet of life.

In his sermon, Pastor Josh Strelecki expounded on the significance of the "sword of the Spirit," which he identified as the Word of God, emphasizing its crucial role in the spiritual armor provided for believers. He highlighted that while other pieces of armor serve both defensive and offensive purposes, the sword of the Spirit is distinctly offensive, designed to combat spiritual adversaries effectively. Pastor Strelecki elaborated on the nature of spiritual warfare, noting that the battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness, requiring weapons that are not carnal but divine. He stressed the importance of wielding the Word of God skillfully and with discernment, comparing it to the Roman sword, which required rigorous training and precision. By understanding the Word's power and applying it to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart, believers can stand firm against the devil's wiles.

Pastor Strelecki also encouraged believers to engage deeply with Scripture through reading, studying, meditating, and believing in the Word of God, emphasizing that its strength lies in its ability to transform the inner man. He pointed out that the sword of the Spirit is sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of reaching the soul and spirit and serving as a discerner of the heart's thoughts and intents. He urged the congregation to value this divine weapon, protect it from neglect, and use it to pull down strongholds in their minds. Furthermore, Pastor Strelecki highlighted the importance of wielding this sword in unity with other believers, strengthening the body of Christ to fight the good fight collectively. In conclusion, he prepared to transition into discussing the role of prayer, connected with the Word of God, as part of the believer's spiritual arsenal.

Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into Ephesians chapter 6, specifically focusing on the "helmet of salvation" within the context of the whole armor of God. Emphasizing the dual role of each piece of armor as both defensive and offensive, he argues that the helmet represents the hope of future salvation, a critical aspect for protecting and equipping the mind in spiritual battles. Strelecki underscores that this hope transcends present circumstances, offering comfort and strength by anchoring believers in the ultimate purpose and plan of God in Christ. He elaborates on the erroneous interpretations around being "chosen" and "predestinated," clarifying that God’s primary purpose transcends salvation from sin, aiming instead for His creation to be presented holy and blameless before Him.

Drawing from various scriptures, including Ephesians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Romans, Strelecki highlights how the hope of salvation provides enduring joy, peace, and comfort, enabling believers to withstand spiritual attacks and remain steadfast. This hope, deeply rooted in the revelation of God’s eternal purpose through Jesus Christ, serves as a powerful tool for confronting the wickedness of the present world. By focusing on this future assurance, believers are encouraged to remain diligent in their spiritual walk, allowing their understanding of their identity in Christ to transform how they live moment by moment. Ultimately, Strelecki exhorts his audience to let this profound hope shape their inner strength, fostering faith, hope, and charity in their lives.

In this sermon, Pastor Josh Strelecki explores the significance of the shield of faith as part of the armor of God described in Ephesians 6. He emphasizes the importance of faith not as an abstract concept, but as a powerful defense and offense in spiritual battles against evil. Strelecki explains that the shield of faith protects believers from the fiery darts of the wicked, representing the confidence and trust placed in God. Drawing parallels between the Roman shield and the spiritual shield, he illustrates how faith in God acts as a comprehensive protection, guarding not just the believer but also other pieces of spiritual armor like truth, righteousness, and peace.

Pastor Strelecki further expounds on the nature of faith, asserting that it is critical because it appropriates and exacts God's provisions against spiritual attacks. He highlights the dependency of faith's strength on the substance in which it is placed—faith in Jesus Christ empowers believers to overcome challenges. He encourages the congregation to immerse themselves in God's Word, understanding the countless thoughts and promises God has for them, which arms their faith to quench all adversarial fiery darts effectively. Concluding with a call to action, Strelecki urges believers to engage actively in their spiritual battles, using their faith to defend against and subdue any thoughts or challenges that contradict the knowledge of God.

The sermon focuses on Ephesians 6, highlighting the necessity of having one's feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, as part of the whole armor of God. This imagery is likened to the Roman soldier's essential footwear, which provided stability and protection on the battlefield, enabling effective combat through challenging terrains. The gospel of peace serves as more than a defensive measure; it also empowers believers with inner strength, transforming fear into courage and reinforcing confidence. This peace ensures believers are anchored in their faith, understanding their secure relationship with God through justification by faith.

In addition to providing inner tranquility, the gospel of peace equips believers to confront spiritual adversities actively and maintains unity within the body of Christ. By embracing this peace, believers are ready and zealous for good works, similar to David's readiness to face Goliath. The message urges believers to remain steadfast, avoiding entanglement with worldly affairs, and to let the peace of God govern their hearts, enabling them to confront life's trials with courage and reflect Christ's love and unity. This preparation encourages believers to meditate on these truths, allowing them to be the cornerstone of their spiritual resilience in the Lord.