Holy Spirit Conference Announcement

Registration is live at bridgetown.church.hsc
Dates: February 7th and 8th
Location: Keller Auditorium, downtown Portland
Featured speakers:
- N.T. Wright (Theologian, Oxford)
- Gemma Ryan (Pastor, Ireland)
- Tim Mackey (The Bible Project)
Conference Theme: "The Now and the Not Yet"
- Exploring miraculous expressions of the Holy Spirit
- Understanding the Holy Spirit as a companion in suffering
Musical worship led by Rich and Lydia Dikas alongside Bridgetown worship team

Reading of Philemon

Philemon 15-25:
- Verse 15: Separation for a purpose
- Verse 16: Onesimus as a dear brother, not just a slave
- Paul's willingness to pay for any wrongs
- Paul's hope for restoration and community

Theme: Living in mutual submission as Christians
Mutual submission defined:
- Giving up own rights for the good of others
- Recognizing the inherent dignity of each person
Genesis 1: Humans made in the image of God (Imago Dei)
- Relationship design: Love and unity reflected
Genesis 3 & 4: Fall of man leads to severed relationships and domination
Cultural Context:
- Honor and shame central to social life in Paul's time
- Mutual submission challenges the social order
Western Individualism: Emphasis on autonomy and self-direction
- Mutual submission contrasts with self-centered values

Examples of Misunderstandings in Relationships:
- Small misunderstandings can lead to deeper issues
- The process of healing begins with perspective change
Paul's Call to Forgiveness:
- Forgiveness as releasing debts owed
- Recognizing everyone as the image of God
Reconciliation:
- More than forgiveness; involves rebuilding trust
- Requires community and accountability

Steps to Reconciliation:
- See the person as God's image
- Forgive and release anger
- Rebuild relationships through mutual submission
- Involve others for accountability
Paul’s Expectation: Live out the gospel in relationships
- The letter to Philemon as a call to action

Jesus as Our Example:
- Jesus embodies mutual submission and reconciliation
- True brotherhood and love among humanity
Cultural Impact:
- Changing hearts leads to changing societies
- Laws alone do not transform human behavior
Dr. King’s Commitments:
- Meditate on Jesus' teachings
- Seek justice and reconciliation
- Live a life of love and service

Final Reflection:
- What does it mean to be a community of mutual submission?
- Importance of forgiveness and seeing others as God sees them
Call to Action:
- Reflect on personal relationships and find steps toward reconciliation
- Embrace the identity of love and affection in the community
Message of Hope:
- The gospel works when it takes root in our hearts.