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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Mar 4, 2025 at 5:42 AM

Subject: 3-4-25 THOUGHTS

3-4-25   THOUGHTS

We see a compare and contrast in our reading this morning.  Verse 9 says the Old Testament physical things were a “symbol for the present time.”   As always, the physical-fleshly was first, followed by the perfecting spiritual.  The first could not purify the conscience, the second could!
Verse 14b is most powerful...  the blood of Christ cleanses our consciences for the purpose of serving God!  We are promised an eternal inheritance!  These are powerful,  affirming words given to “the called” !

Heb 9:8-15    The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing,  9  which is a symbol for the present time.  Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, 10  since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation. 11  But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; 12  and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.  13  For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh,  14  how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15  For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

My Prayer:
O  the things you have done to reconcile us to Yourself.  With clean conscience, help us to serve You diligently.   Make us excited, alive and dedicated to our calling.  Revive our spirits and restore joy in our serving.  May love from You ooze from every part of our being as we sing the gospel song.  Help us to make disciples and love our neighbors.  We praise You, O God, and with thanksgiving, we lift up Your Awesome Name.    In the name of Jesus,   Amen.