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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Dec 27, 2023 at 6:13 AM

Subject: 12-27-23 THOUGHTS

12-27-23   THOUGHTS

If you are a regular reader, you know that we don’t mind repeating certain passage areas.  This one is needed frequently in our lives!  The place of Jesus in God’s wisdom to save mankind, is one of preeminence! First place and fullness are the words used here.  Jesus is more than just a name or a word.  The words below define “more than”.  Qualified, rescued, transferred, redeemed, created, reconciled, made peace, are all words used to describe what Jesus has done for us.  We can “share in the inheritance of the saints in light!”  The “firstborn from the dead” idea implies our power over death in Him!  Peace for us has been made through the “blood of His cross!”  How marvelously our God has behaved toward us. “Praise Him all ye people”

Col 1:12-20    giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.  13  For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,  14  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  15  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16  For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities —  all things have been created through Him and for Him.  17  He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18  He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19  For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20  and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
Col 3:2-4    Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4  When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

My Prayer:
Surely, O God, eternal life is ours because of You, and we live the abundant life now at Your hand.  You have created and we are Your inheritance.  Praise and thanksgiving are ours to give.  With love, may we pour them out to You.  May we give Jesus His rightful place in our lives.  He is Lord, help us to make Him our life.  Teach us to die to the things of this world, especially the self.  Remind us continually of the things above.  You are the only true and living God.
We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior,       Amen.