From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Wed, Jun 1, 2022 at 6:03 AM
Subject: 6-1-22 THOUGHTS
6-1-22 THOUGHTS
We will begin a study of the “sermon on the mount” this Sunday morning at 9:30. In light of the blessing in verse 6, below, we invite you to join us. These are the initial teachings of our Lord. They burst upon the world as they come from God. There is no nationalistic thought here about Jerusalem ruling the world. Jesus takes aim at the heart of a man. The preparation for LOVE RULE is laid from the start. Jesus paints the blessed man as humble, and pure and gentle and merciful, and one who pursues right mightily. What a contrast with the way of the world. It’s as if Jesus knew that “this is who we would need to be” if we were going to be LIGHT and SALT. The beginning focus is the HEART OF A MAN!
Matt 5:1-16 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.
2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
My Prayer:
Help us to hunger and thirst for you, O God. May we be satisfied, O Lord, with your presence. May we give glory to your name by the lives we lead and the hearts You help us to prepare. Help us to grow and sustain our faith in you. May our desire be for the one who died for us. May we see the joy of living as your children. Cause us to know that life is not about us, but about you, and Jesus and love for the souls of men. Set eternity in our hearts, O God.
In Jesus name, Amen.