The Golden Rule!

For Sunday, August 16, 2026:

Luke 6:29, 31 NLT, Jesus speaking: “If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”

Jesus is throwing his support behind the Golden Rule, a philosophy found in Confucianism and Egyptian and Greek teachings. More importantly, it’s the way God Almighty wants us to treat one another. “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”

Back then, If a Roman soldier asked for help carrying his shield or weapons, you were required to do that for one mile. Jesus’ advice is to carry the items two miles, what we call going the extra mile. Go above and beyond what is asked of you. If someone wants your coat, give them your shirt too. Do a better job than is required. Do a little bit extra to make the world a better place for everyone.

Following the crucifixion, the first Christian church was known as “The Way.” That church grew by attraction. Observers could clearly observe a group that loved one another and shared generously. It was a new way of living; it seemed good and people wanted to become a part of it.

Nowadays, churches are still called to improve life here on earth. Each body of believers is unique and should take on projects as God inspires their hearts. Following the example of Jesus, churches are seldom about improving their own lot. We are to “do to others.” We can then share with them the greatest gift of all, the forgiveness of our sins through the sacrifice of Jesus. Our churches still grow through attraction!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

See You Later!

For Saturday, August 15, 2026:

John 16:17-18 NLT: Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does Jesus mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”

When the disciples say that they don’t understand, that’s an understatement! Jesus is about to do what has never been done before! He will be crucified and buried in a tomb. He will not be seen for three days, but will eventually walk away from it all. Everybody will see him again! Then Jesus will ascend into the sky as he returns to the Father, not to be seen for quite some time. But as our lifetimes come to an end, we’ll enter the Kingdom where we’ll see Jesus once again!

Believers will for sure see Jesus! At judgment, he’ll explain how our sins are forgiven. He’ll welcome us into the Kingdom with open arms!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Opportunity Knocks!

For Friday, August 14, 2026:

Acts 3:16 NLT, Peter, preaching in the Temple: “Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed—and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name has healed him before your very eyes.”

The man in question had been crippled from birth. The man was well known, and everyone was aware of his situation. To make ends meet, he begged at the Temple gate. As Peter and John entered, Peter explained that they had no silver or gold, but were willing to share what they had.

Previously, Jesus had sent Peter and John and the rest of the Apostles as well as numerous disciples to other towns in Israel to multiply his evangelistic efforts. They were all told to heal the sick, cure leprosy, raise the dead and cast out demons. These things were to be done in the name of Jesus, the power source for this project.

That day at the Temple, Jesus’ power had not ended. Peter took the man’s right hand and told him to stand up and walk. Everyone was amazed to see the man first walking, then running and finally jumping. They all recognized him as the crippled beggar at the gate. Suddenly, Peter and John were the talk of the town!

Peter allowed his impulsive nature to take over, and he began preaching to the crowd. He exalted Jesus, the one the crowd had handed over to Pilate. Peter called them out on this: “You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact!”

Peter never missed a chance to tell others about Jesus. This healing miracle was opportunity knocking, and Peter opened the evangelism door! That’s our take-away from this scripture. Recognize when an opportunity has presented itself, and take advantage of it while the iron is hot. It’s what we do as Christians!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church