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A Prisoner for Christ

Album: Gold Audio 06: Mission: Accomplished

Episode: 80

Lesson/Theme: Biblical history: Philemon; forgiveness.

Bible Verse: The book of Philemon.

Characters: Whit

Writer: Phil Lollar

Sound Designer: Bob Luttrell

Original Air Date: July 29, 1989

Last Air Date: April 24, 2008

Description:
Nicholas Adamsworth is back-and he's more afraid than ever. But it's not Richard Maxwell he's scared of, it's Eugene! Nicholas tells Whit that he and Eugene had to create computer programs for a class at the college. Eugene created a great one that Nicholas has managed to ruin! He's afraid that Eugene will kill him, so he's hiding out at Whit's End. Whit says that since Nicholas is there, he can help test a new Imagination Station adventure. Nicholas agrees, climbs in, and is propelled back to first-century Rome, where he finds himself in the middle of an exciting chase. A slave named Onesimus is being pursued by Flavius, a centurion who's driving a chariot. With Onesimus, Nicholas manages to escape from Flavius, but Onesimus sprains his ankle in the process. Fortunately, they are helped by Epaphras, a countryman of Onesimus's, who witnessed the end of the chase. Onesimus pleads to Epaphras for sanctuary, so he takes them through the sewers to the only man he knows who has a house in Rome-the apostle Paul! But after they arrive at Paul's house, Flavius shows up, claiming Onesimus. Paul grants Onesimus sanctuary, but the centurion still demands payment for the damages caused by the chase. Paul agrees to pay Onesimus's bill himself! This satisfies Flavius, and he leaves. Everyone is stunned by Paul's generosity, especially Onesimus. He wants to know why Paul would do such a thing. Paul says that someone special once paid a great debt for him-could he do anything less for others? Onesimus wants to know more about this man who repays impossible debts, so Paul tells him about Jesus. Eventually, Onesimus becomes a Christian. He realizes that now he must return to his master, Philemon. Nicholas tries to talk Onesimus out of it, but Onesimus says that not going back would be like living a lie. He only wants to do the right thing. Nicholas realizes that he needs to do the right thing as well. He exits the Imagination Station and tells Whit that he's returning to the college to face Eugene.

Questions:
Why was Nicholas so afraid of Eugene? Have you ever repayed someone's debt? If so, when? Is it important to be baptized? Why or why not? What does your church believe about baptism?