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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Jan 17, 2024 at 5:29 AM

Subject: 1-17-24 THOUGHTS

 1-17-24   THOUGHTS

We are reminded below that “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY.”   We joyfully sing the song “Victory In Jesus.”   It is also powerfully noted that flesh and blood are not contemplated in this victory.  We live in the flesh today, but that’s all going to change one day.  The implications for this discussion are given in verse 58.  T-Bone used this verse in his sermon Sunday.    “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”   We shall not live VAINLY!  This “imperishable change perspective” is UNCHANGEABLE!  The eternal  SENSE of our lives is bound up in this discussion.   “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”  Acts 16:25  But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;  Php 4:4   Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

1Cor 15:50-58    Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.  51  Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53  For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.  54  But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. 55  "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"  56  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57  but thanks be to God, who  gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

My Prayer:
O God, may we learn to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in Your work.  Teach us to rejoice in this!  Keep our minds focused on the eternal change, and may our lives be spent wisely and profitably in The Church that Jesus bought with His blood. Teach us the power of togetherness and joint fellowship.  Partner with us, O God, that we might succeed.  With all gratitude, we praise Your majestic name.  Beyond our comprehension, You are good to us.  We love You in the name of Jesus,      Amen.