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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, Sep 12, 2022 at 5:57 AM

Subject: 9-12-22 THOUGHTS

9-12-22   THOUGHTS

There’s a certain tenderness in the writing below as Paul goes from the excluded Gentile, to Jesus being their PEACE.  This is the foundation story for most of US, to become part of the CHOSEN idea.  We are moved from FAR AWAY, (“separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world”) to NEAR.  “You who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”    The word PEACE is powerful!  ONENESS is proclaimed!  It is said that “you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”  God’s great design of the CHURCH ends this discussion.  It’s the HOUSEHOLD OF GOD, Christ being it’s CORNERSTONE.  We are to “grow a Holy Temple” TO THE LORD!   Can we see the AWESOME VISION in the words...   “in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”  Is this my vision for THE CHURCH?  AM I PROMOTING these words?

Eph 2:11-22    Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands —   12  remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13  But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14  For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15  by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16  and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17  AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; 18  for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.  19  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20  having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,  21  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,  22  in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
Col 1:12-13   giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. 13  For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

My Prayer:
Lord, help us to learn your view of the Church and not one we have manufactured for ourselves.  Help us to see it, and ourselves as part of it, in your light and truth.  May we see it as our place for dwelling and growing, and not as some optional attachment of duty.  You gave us the Church, Lord, and placed us in it as saints.  This is where love grows, and hearts are healed and provoked to love and good works.  Help us to be growing together into Your dwelling place in Your Spirit.  Restore unto us the joy of your salvation.  

In Jesus name,       Amen.