From: "Phil Rembleski"

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Dec 30, 2025 at 6:01 AM

Subject: 12-30-25 THOUGHTS

12-30-25   THOUGHTS

We consider DEATH and FREEDOM in our reading today.  Two simple eternal options.  The first is closer to a default than an option.  John 3:18  "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  The “SLAVE” terminology is offensive to us.  It designates ownership, therefore the right to control... the LORD concept!  In verse 22, freedom from sin flows directly into enslavement to God!  It is positive, if we truly understand it!  Each human must decide the OWNERSHIP ISSUE!  Jer 10:23 “I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.”  Luke 5:4b  “...He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch."

Rom 6:17-23   But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed,  18  and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19  I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.  20  For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21  Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22  But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.  23  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Our Prayer:
O God, truly free us that we may give You the place of Lord and the best of our lives.  Help us to consider carefully the implications of Your ownership of our lives.  Awaken us to a radical transformation.  Help us to know that our change is not to comfort and apathy.  Give us vigor and power to “launch out into the deep...”    We love You in Jesus name,   Amen.