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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Sep 22, 2023 at 5:31 AM

Subject: 9-22-23 THOUGHTS

9-22-23   THOUGHTS

There is discussion of the RULE OF THE MIND below!  The TRUTH IS IN JESUS, all else is FUTILITY!   The pleasant illusion of what is forbidden has ruined the old man here!  He is to be “laid aside”!  Then a renewal of the spirit of the mind is demanded!  A NEW SELF is contemplated, one “which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”  Some proper social behavior is discussed because “WE ARE MEMBERS OF ONE ANOTHER”!  We are told to keep anger under control and finally, to not give the devil an opportunity!  Every encounter with Satan has deadly potential.

Eph 4:17-27     So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,  18  being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19  and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20  But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21  if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,  22  that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23  and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24  and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.  25  Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. 26  BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27  and do not give the devil an opportunity.
Jas 4:7-8    Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  8  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
2Thes 2:10   and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.

My Prayer:
Father, keep our hearts pure and focused as we submit to You in all.  May we continually draw near to You.  Help our resisting of the devil.  Cleanse our hands and purify our hearts.  In all, keep us from double-mindedness.  May we covet the sweet love of fellowship, yes, the fellowship of love, knowing that we are members of one another.  May we learn better to build each other up in the cause of Christ.     In the name of Jesus,     Amen.