Are you buried in debt—not financial, but spiritual? The good news is that Jesus paid it all. In this powerful and grace-filled conclusion to the book of Philemon, Pastor Mike Massey teaches verses 17–25 in our Daily Verse By Verse Christian podcast, reminding us that the debt of sin we owe has already been paid in full by Jesus Christ. This 10-minute daily Bible study helps listeners experience God’s love, apply God’s Word, and grow in biblical understanding—one verse at a time.

In these final verses, we see the Apostle Paul pleading with Philemon to accept Onesimus, a runaway slave who has come to faith in Christ, not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in the Lord. Paul writes, “If you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.” This powerful statement mirrors the heart of the gospel: Jesus stands in our place, and we are received by the Father as if we were Christ Himself—because of His righteousness, not ours.

📖 Verse by verse, Pastor Mike unpacks the depth of this truth:

• Philemon 17 shows Paul asking Philemon to treat Onesimus as he would Paul—just as God receives us through the righteousness of Christ.

• Philemon 18 says, “If he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.” This is a vivid image of how Jesus puts our sins on His account and pays our eternal debt.

• Philemon 19–20 expresses joy and confidence in Christian transformation: Paul reminds Philemon that he owes his own spiritual life to Paul’s ministry and now has the opportunity to walk out that grace by forgiving Onesimus.

• Verses 21–22 show Paul’s faith in Philemon’s obedience and hope for reunion, reflecting the power of Christian fellowship and restoration.

• Verses 23–25 end with warm greetings and a blessing of grace—the foundation of our faith and the defining difference between Christianity and every other religion.

This episode emphasizes the beauty of God’s love, redemption, and the transformation that comes through the gospel. We are reminded that Satan is the debt collector, always trying to condemn and derail us. But when we accept Jesus as Lord, our sin-debt is canceled forever. The devil has no hold on us.

⛓️ Religion binds. Grace frees. Under religion, we work to earn salvation. Under grace, we serve because we are saved. It’s not about “have to”—it’s about “want to.” True followers of Jesus are compelled by love to worship, obey, teach, and forgive. This freedom empowers us to become disciple-makers, just like Paul, just like Philemon, just like you.

✨ This episode also explores how:

• The Bible doesn’t condone slavery—rather, it showcases the radical reconciliation of the gospel.

• Forgiveness and reconciliation are fruits of a transformed heart.

• We are called to refresh each other’s hearts in the Lord, just as Paul was refreshed by Philemon's faith.

• Historical and traditional clues suggest Philemon likely forgave Onesimus and Onesimus may have even become a bishop in the early church—further proof of how God can radically redeem lives.

💡 Whether you're new to the Bible or a seasoned believer, this episode will deepen your understanding of God’s Word, stir your heart with the truth of the gospel, and remind you that your debt is paid. You don’t have to carry it anymore. Just receive it. Receive Him.

🙏 If you’ve never accepted Jesus as your Savior, today is the day. There's no magic formula. Just confess He is Lord, that He is God, and surrender your life to Him. That’s where freedom starts.

🎧 Subscribe to the Daily Verse by Verse Christian podcast to continue studying the Bible daily. We teach verse by verse, apply God’s Word to everyday life, and proclaim God's love and truth without compromise.

Also check out our sister program: Reborn 4Purpose—a powerful resource for personal testimony, biblical encouragement, and real-life transformation stories.

When tragedy strikes, how do we respond? The recent devastating floods in Kerrville, Hunt, and Camp Mystic, Texas have left communities shaken—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Some are grieving, some are angry, and others are more alert than ever to the brevity and fragility of life. In today’s special episode of the Daily Verse by Verse Christian podcast, Pastor Mike Massey speaks into the heart of the storm with the unchanging hope of God’s love and God’s Word.

📖 This is not a news report—it’s a biblical reflection. Through Scripture and personal testimony, Mike explores how disasters can ignite deeper faith, awaken eternal purpose, and build a stronger trust in Jesus Christ. This isn’t just a daily Bible study—it’s a reminder that life is not a dress rehearsal. It’s the one and only chance we get to know Jesus, live for Him, and point others to the cross.

In this raw and powerful episode, you’ll hear:

• The honest emotional responses to tragedy: anger, anxiety, and awareness

• Why shaking your fist at God is a natural step—but shouldn't be your last one

• How God uses pain to bring purpose, revival, and testimonies that can change lives

• The butterfly effect of obedience, where your response today impacts generations

• That today is a gift, and no moment is promised except the one you're living

• Why God doesn’t waste pain, even when we don’t understand it

• The difference between biblical peace and worldly peace—found in Philippians 4:6–7

• Why Romans 8:28 and James 1:2 are lifelines for suffering hearts

🔥 Mike shares powerful personal stories—from near-death experiences in floods to the death of two of his own children at birth, to his daughter’s near-drowning, and miraculous moments where God intervened. These testimonies are real, raw, and rooted in the hope of eternity. They’re not just stories—they're reminders that Jesus loves me, God’s Word is alive, and faith isn't just for calm seasons—it’s forged in the fire.

🙌 Even when it feels like God is distant, the Bible tells us that He is near to the brokenhearted. And for those affected by the Texas floods—whether directly or through loved ones—this episode offers a heartfelt prayer and a clear reminder: Jesus is still on the throne. He sees your tears. He hears your prayers. He knows your pain. And He will use this storm to draw people closer to Himself.

🌱 Tragedy becomes testimony when we surrender our pain to the Lord. This flood may become the defining moment in someone’s spiritual journey—the moment they go from religion to relationship, from fear to faith, from being spiritually dead to reborn in Christ. That's not just emotional hope—that's biblical truth. Mike reminds listeners: "If you’re still here, God still has a purpose for your life."

💬 He challenges us all to:

• Hug your kids tighter

• Let go of petty anger

• Stop taking days for granted

• Press into God, even in the darkness

• Share the gospel boldly

• Understand that eternity is real, and this life is the only chance we get to choose Christ

🕊️ At the end of the day, the worst thing that can happen on earth (death) is actually the best thing that can happen for a believer—eternity in heaven with Jesus. And if you’re still here, there’s still Kingdom work to do.

🎧 Tune in now to hear how God’s love still shines through the storm, and why Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the life—the only escape from spiritual death, the only answer in chaos, and the only One who can bring true peace and purpose from tragedy.

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This is more than a Bible recap. It’s an invitation to hope, faith, and transformation. Subscribe now to Daily Verse By Verse to grow in your faith, walk in truth, and be reminded daily that Jesus paid it all, and God’s Word still speaks.

🙏 Also check out our sister ministry: Reborn 4Purpose – stories of transformation, purpose, and the powerful ways God uses our pain to reach others.

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12 core reasons why you can trust that the Bible is God'sWord to us. Do you know these 12? Memorize these because you can use them toshare the gospel with unbelievers and doubters. Reason #9 of 12.

Here are bullet points highlighting why over 30 extra-biblical sources confirming Jesus are so significant:

• Independent verification: Non-Christian historians and writers — even enemies of Christianity — recorded details about Jesus, confirming He was a real person.

• Affirms crucifixion: Roman and Jewish sources, including Tacitus and the Talmud, clearly state Jesus was executed by crucifixion, matching the Gospel accounts.

• Resurrection claims acknowledged: These writers noted that Jesus’ followers believed He rose from the dead — showing this was not a legend invented centuries later.

• Josephus’ record: The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (first century) wrote about Jesus as a wise teacher who was crucified under Pilate.

• Roman acknowledgment: Tiberius Caesar’s era records, and references by Tacitus, confirm Christianity spread rapidly in Rome after Jesus’ death.

• Confirms the Bible’s trustworthiness: These external sources support what the New Testament already claims about Jesus’ life, death, and the belief in His resurrection.