From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Nov 1, 2023 at 6:09 AM

Subject: 11-1-23 THOUGHTS

11-1-23   THOUGHTS

Many points stand out in the reading below, but the one that jumped off the page this morning is in verse 8 “  Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another.”  The fellowship of the New Testament Church is shown through Spirit Words to be powerful and propelling as it promotes good works and fruit bearing.  Verse 11, is powerful,   “whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,”   I see below a vibrant loving Church serving God with a great strength supplied by God, as they glorify God continually.  This is an ALIVE group of saints!  With all my heart, I want this for US!   Verse 6b says “The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.”  Please, let’s pray about these things.

1Pet 4:1-11    Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,  2  so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.  3  For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.  In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;  5  but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6  For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.   The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8  Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9  Be hospitable to one another without complaint.  10  As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11  Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
2Cor 6:17   “Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,”  
1Pet 1:22   Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,

My Prayer:
Father, keep us separate from sin and help us to serve one another as good stewards of Your multifaceted grace.  Direct us to You in all things by your right way.  As You supply our strength, may we use it effectively, and powerfully.  Keep us from squandering our lives, and Your blessings.  Make us a thriving people, loving and serving those in need, and loving one another with a pure heart, fervently.      In the name of Jesus,       Amen.