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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Dec 19, 2023 at 5:38 AM

Subject: 12-19-23 THOUGHTS

12-19-23   THOUGHTS

A certain holiness-sanctification is to be ours as we engage the world we live in.  We are told to “overcome evil with good” and there’s a danger that the opposite might occur.  As we resist the devil and draw near to God, what we truly love restrains our behavior and gives us the discipline we need to walk in the spirit!  Verse 12 below says that, “ but you are restrained in your own affections.”  We are said to be “are the temple of the living God...”  Verse 17 says  "Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.”  We are to affect the world with God’s mind and not the other way around.  The Good News, love and cheerful giving are our contributions to our world.   Somehow in the “be separate” conversation, we must be love-connected to people.  1John 5:1  “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the [child] born of Him.”

2Cor 6:11-18    Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide.  12  You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. 13  Now in a like exchange — I speak as to children — open wide to us also. 14  Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15  Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16  Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.  17  "Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.  18  "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty.
1Pet 1:16   because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."
Heb 12:14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.
John 17:17  "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”

My Prayer:
Lord, keep us holy as we engage in the war for souls in this world.  Your word is truth and it sanctifies us.  Help us ever to be affecting the souls around us with Your word, but not allowing the world to affect us.  May we seek our home made without hands.  According to Your promise, we desire to be with You eternally.   May we be welcomed by You.       In the name of our Lord,     Amen.