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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Dec 8, 2023 at 5:55 AM

Subject: 12-8-23 THOUGHTS

12-8-23   THOUGHTS

The two letters of Paul to the Church at Corinth were largely corrective.  I feel a tension between Paul and the Church there.   Paul wants better for them, though he seems confident of them. He tells them to “test themselves”... self examination to determine REALNESS OF THE FAITH!  The latter part of verse 10 is interesting, especially for a preacher.  The crossroads between building up and tearing down are in Paul’s mind.  They need straight, powerful truth, but he’s concerned that they cannot handle such naked fact!  He wants to use his authority to build up instead.  This is an ever-present dilemma.   Trying to be positive when change is demanded is most difficult.  There are many case studies of this in the Bible.  Soft, pure hearts, and ears eager to hear and submit, is the answer.  A Mutual love and a faith set on maturity, brings the REALNESS OF FAITH!   We must seek first and foremost the kingdom of God!

2Cor 13:1-14    This is the third time I am coming to you. EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES.  2  I have previously said when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone, 3  since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.  4  For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.  5  Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you — unless indeed you fail the test? 6  But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test. 7  Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved.  8  For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.  9  For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete.  10  For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.  11  Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12  Greet one another with a holy kiss.  13  All the saints greet you. 14  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

My Prayer:
O God of heaven, may Your grace and love and the fellowship of Your Spirit be ours.  Increase the flame that fuels our love and fellowship.  We want to please You in all.  Make us the Church of Your Word.  Please, may none of us fail the test.  Fix our eyes on Jesus, and be present always in our hearts and minds.  May rejoicing fill us as we seek You!  Teach us to spill over with the joy of the salvation of Jesus, to the world about us.  Set our feet on the rock that is You.  
In the precious name of Jesus,    Amen.