From Thief to Church Leader? The Shocking Bible Story That Proves God Can Restore Anyone – Including You!

Written By Pastor Ronnie

I delved into the short but powerful book of Philemon as a case study for daily devotion. Imagine a runaway slave finding forgiveness and becoming a church leader—that's the gospel at work! In our world, with losses like those we recently grieved in our community, Scripture offers hope through stories of reconciliation. Whether you're at our preschool First Baptist Mascoutah or a military family near Scott AFB, let's see how opening the Book restores relationships.

The Story of Philemon: Context and Conflict
Philemon, written by Paul, addresses a church leader whose slave, Onesimus, stole and fled. Converted in prison, Onesimus returns with Paul's plea for forgiveness. As 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) encourages rightly handling truth, studying this book monthly reveals layers of grace. At our Southern Baptist Church Mascoutah, we see similar restorations in our ministries.

Scripture's Role in Repentance and Reconciliation
The Bible equips us, per 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable... that the man of God may be complete." Philemon shows how: Paul offers to pay the debt, mirroring Christ's work in John 3:16 (ESV): "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son..." This transforms shame into service—Onesimus possibly became a bishop!

Living Out Restoration in Our Lives
James 1:22 (ESV) calls us to action: "Be doers of the word." I shared a personal anecdote about a school paddling note, paralleling Onesimus' fear. At church near Mascoutah IL, we apply this in community meals and groups.Practical Application
To live this out:

  • Read Philemon daily for a week, noting themes of forgiveness.

  • Pray for broken relationships: Ask God for reconciliation steps.

  • Serve others: Join our Oasis ministry or volunteer at Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah.

  • Share your story: In small groups Mascoutah IL, discuss how Scripture has restored you.

  • Invite restoration: Reach out to someone with grace, as Paul did.


Philemon reminds us at First Baptist Church Mascoutah that Scripture turns runaways into restored sons and daughters. If you're seeking a church Mascoutah IL or churches near Scott AFB IL, visit us for worship and connection. Let's allow God's Word to heal and unite us.

Pastor Ronnie

Ronnie Tabor is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Mascoutah (FBCM) in Illinois, where he leads a vibrant congregation near Scott Air Force Base with a passion for helping families find and follow Jesus. A 28-year U.S. Air Force veteran who retired as Chief Master Sergeant, Ronnie previously pastored Crossroads Church in Centralia, IL, from 2018 through 2025, growing attendance from 40 to over 230 and celebrating 280 baptisms through visionary, relational leadership. Called to FBCM in 2026 alongside his wife, Carrie, he envisions a revitalization to build a spiritual home away from home for military families and Mascoutah residents.

https://fbcmascoutah.org
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