These are notes that I took in D.A. Carson’s class this year:

In Philemon, these ideas are much more important to consider, so I am posting them today with some commentary.

1. Every major culture/civilization had slavery as an institution until the 18th century.
       -this is not to say it was ever “right” but that it was an economic reality

2. In Rome, it was not a racial thing
       -the classes in that day were slaves, free and nobility – in America we often think “slave” as “black” and this simply was not true in ancient days

3. In American (or New World) slavery, slaves were made slaves by either being born slaves or their ancestors were captured and shipped by a superior military force 
       -while this was occasionally true in the ancient world, bankruptcy or financial strife often caused it

4. In the ancient world, slaves could be educated or have clout
        -often could speak for their masters in situations, etc

5. In the OT, when slavery was permitted, it was not quite slavery, but indentured servanthood

6. It was not simply a North/South concept in America, but more South and less North

7. The movement of ending slavery worldwide emerged out of the evangelical movement (gospel-oriented led to freedom)

When reading Philemon, one must consider these things. Onesimus might have been educated or had lived in something close to freedom before, but deserted for whatever reason. Now Paul sees him as useful in many ways!

Recently we have made some news public and I thought I would share the details. We have accepted a position in Freeport, IL at Park Hills EFC and are extremely grateful for all the Redeemer has been for us, as well as excited for this next chapter.

Here’s the letter I sent Redeemer:

Dear Redeemer Family,

A little over five years ago, you hired me to be the Associate Pastor of Student Ministries. Over the past five years, we have seen many amazing things happen. Students have decided to follow Jesus – both with their hearts and lives. We have students that are preparing to enter full-time vocational ministry. We have students that are preparing to use their God-given gifts and abilities to honor God in many different fields. We must continue to pray for them that the Devil will not gain a foothold in their lives in an attempt to put out the bright flame they have for Christ. Serving these students has been a great honor and a challenge that has given me more gray hair over the years. I am blessed and we have been blessed to call Redeemer home.

                Two months ago, my mentor and a dear friend asked me to lunch and inquired about my interest in getting involved in a very exciting and developing ministry within the church I called home so many years ago. “I couldn’t find myself calling anyone else,” he told me, continuing, “I don’t think you will even be open to coming, but the Lord keeps pressing me to at least ask you. He keeps saying, ‘Why aren’t you at least asking him?’” We talked about possibilities and discussed some of the challenges. I told him, “no,” but ended the conversation with a promise to pray about it. Heidi also felt a strong, “no,” but we set out to seek God’s face and ask Him what His desire was. In a very short time, it became clear as we prayed that we were supposed to return to the city we first called “home” and to do the Lord’s work there. This has been hard for various reasons and I do not write this letter with a light heart. There is much to do here, still, but when the Lord presses, you do well to obey. We have been officially called by Park Hills Evangelical Free Church in Freeport, Illinois and have accepted the call.

                With all of these circumstances in mind, I will resign from my position at Redeemer effective August 5^th. You are a tremendous church, one that can help to heal the broken and passionately committed to the youth of this church. I am eager to see what the Lord will do going forward. There is much work to be done to continue reaching the next generation and our students, your children have a strong understanding of the mission God called them towards. Please continue to assist them. Sacrificially give of your time, energy and financial means to allow them an environment that will help them to grow. Only God can do the work that needs to be done. We work where He calls and trust Him to carry out His will to the end. Thank you for believing this and blessing us with your lives. We love you and will continue to pray for you as this new chapter begins in our lives. We covet your prayers and are excited to see what the Lord will do, both in Freeport and in Milwaukee in the days to come!

Be praying for us in this time and we are eager to finish well here at Redeemer.