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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, Apr 22, 2024 at 6:10 AM

Subject: 4-22-24 THOUGHTS

4-22-24   THOUGHTS  

We look this morning at Paul’s thoughts to the Corinthian Church in his second letter as he closes the letter.  He cautions them to “5  Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!”  1John 3:19-21   “We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him  20   in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 21  Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God”.  Paul says his purpose is to “build up and not tear down”.  Twice he desires their completeness.  He closes with “be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”  Consider verse 14 carefully.  

2Cor 13:3-14    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, keep our hearts clean and pure as we live before You.  May our own hearts give us confidence in Your presence.  Teach us effective self-examination and may we always stand the test.  May we be complete in You.  May we rejoice and be comforted in You.  Please keep giving us Your grace and love and the fellowship of Your Spirit.       In Jesus’ name,    Amen.