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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Apr 18, 2023 at 5:52 AM

Subject: 4-18-23 THOUGHTS

4-18-23   THOUGHTS

Surely we desire SALVATION which is said to be the outcome of our faith.  Several statements are made that imply that ABUNDANCE is to be part of the life of a Christian.
       “May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.”
       “who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  6  In this you greatly rejoice,”
       “You greatly rejoice with  joy inexpressible and full of glory,”
John 10:10b    I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
We have a most powerful reading this morning. We await the “glories to follow.”

1Pet 1:1-12   Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2  according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. 3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4  to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5  who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  6  In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,  7  so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8  and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,  9  obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. 10  As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11  seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12  It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — things into which angels long to look.

My Prayer:
We thank you, O God, for the words and assurances above. You have blessed us beyond measure.  We desire the fullness of Your blessings.  May grace and peace be ours in the fullest measure.  Teach us to live intense, focused lives with passion and total devotion to You.  Remove from us, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.  Help us to die daily that we might live to You, O God.    In Jesus name,     Amen.