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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Apr 26, 2024 at 6:13 AM

Subject: 4-26-24 THOUGHTS

4-26-24   THOUGHTS

This morning’s reading takes us to end times.  Men often seek to know more than they can know in this area.  We can know what is said below.  The promise of our Lord’s return in the NT shows a nearness and immediateness.  We are to watch and pray and be ready, and the Lord will come as a thief in the night.  It’s been a long time now.  Shall we be like these scoffers?  “The Lord is not slow concerning His promise.”   The eternal question asks “what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness”.   The simple answer of faith and trust is “we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells”!

2Pet 3:3-13   Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts,  4  and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation."  5  For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, 6  through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. 7  But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9  The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 10  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 11  Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,  12  looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13  But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

My Prayer:
O God, in simple faith, hope and trust, help us to groan for the coming of our Lord!  With smiling affection, help us to be motivated to see You as You are.  Help us to hold closely and preciously the living hope of Your promise.  We thank You and praise You for Jesus and the promises that have been assured through Him. May our looking for His promise be active and intense and powerful.   Help us to be diligent disciples as we wait.      In Jesus’ name,   Amen.