Heaven-sent!

For Thursday, September 17, 2026:

John 16:28 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”

Understanding Jesus, as a part of God’s plan, can prove challenging, but especially so for those who knew him. Imagine someone you walk with, talk with and take meals with telling you they were sent by Father God. Seems unlikely. And now that same person is foretelling their return to that same Father. The faithful were not accustomed to seeing anything like this.

Now that these actions are complete, we can have a much clearer picture of what took place. We can now see the big picture. Disciples would have heard about the angel Gabriel and the immaculate conception directly from Mary, Jesus’ earthly mother. His arrival from heaven would no longer be a mystery. Then Luke, with the tenacity of an investigative reporter, authors for us an accurate record of Jesus’ life and the ongoing group of believers. His goal was accuracy and truth. If Jesus came from heaven, it makes sense that he would return there. Eyewitnesses would later confirm this event.

We worship Jesus knowing he was heaven-sent. The Creator of the world scheduled his appearance on our planet. Believers are the beneficiaries of God’s plan for our rescue. Jesus atoned for the sins of the world, just as he was sent to do. And on the cross, he said, “It is finished!” His mission to rescue mankind was complete.

Having returned to the Father, he will prepare a place for believers in the hereafter. That’s what Jesus said, and he always tells the truth. He will never leave you or forsake you!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Cornerstone!

For Wednesday, September 16, 2026:

Acts 4:11 NLT: “Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’”

In a building, a cornerstone holds intersecting walls together. But when used in this context, the cornerstone holds theology together. The coming of Jesus represents the arrival of the New Covenant. What changed?

Under the old covenant, God’s people were supposed to follow laws or commandments. In general, people weren’t very good at that. The only hope for salvation was if God would intervene, and he did by sending his Son Jesus, who would eventually become the sacrifice for the sins of the world. No longer would people have to strain to remember 613 commandments. They could claim Jesus as their Savior, thereby rejoicing in assurance of salvation.

Jesus was at first rejected by religious leaders. Unfortunately, some still reject him. But eyewitnesses saw truth in Jesus’ teaching, and he was recognized as the cornerstone for all 2.6B Christians in the world.

Claim this for yourself. Is Jesus the cornerstone in your life?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Trust in the Lord!

For Tuesday, September 15, 2026:

Romans 9:32a NLT: “Why could the people of Israel never get right with God? Because they were trying to do it by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him.”

What should be our goal in this life? I believe that getting right with God tops the list. That way, when we transition from this life to the next, we can be assured of inclusion in God’s forever heavenly Kingdom.

So what can we do that will please the Lord? Let’s be clear: Works are not the answer. We can never ‘earn’ our way into heaven.

Unflinching faith is what God wants to see. Fully trusting God’s Son as our Savior is the first step. Faith in Jesus includes us in the Holy Family. Believers become sons and daughters of the Most High. Believers are adopted as brothers and sisters of Jesus. Of course we can live in the hereafter – after all, we’re family!

Believers should try to live their earthly lives in a Godly manner. We won’t be perfect, but repentant sinners can be forgiven. I’ll never be in the “perfect” group, but Jesus qualified me for the “forgiven” group.

Jesus knew he was heaven-sent, so Christians not only need Jesus in their hearts but also Father God. Trust in God’s master plan as he sent Jesus to rescue mankind. Despite Satan’s ongoing efforts to derail our salvation, remember that God always wins. Choose today whom you will serve. I choose to stick with a guaranteed winner!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church