Afterlife!

For Wednesday, September 2, 2026:

Acts 4:2 NLT: “The priests and Temple guards were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead.”

We tend to not believe what we haven’t seen with our own eyes. Jesus broke new ground by proving that there is life after this life. Although he was pronounced dead by Roman soldiers, he walked away from his tomb three days later. He could walk and talk, and appear to various groups seemingly at will.

The risen Jesus had supernatural abilities, and Peter and John were eyewitnesses to all these things. They were filled with enthusiasm having seen the miracles firsthand. So their natural response was to begin sharing the Good News with others.

At that time, most Pharisees were hoping that there was a life after this life, but they weren’t sure. Sadducees taught that there was no life after this life. So Peter’s and John’s preaching radically opposed the best thinking of the day.

As followers of Jesus, we now know the truth. Jesus rose from the grave, opening the door for us all to be welcomed into a life after this life. These eyewitnesses documented exactly what Jesus did so that all believers would know the truth.

Yes, friends, there IS life after this life!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Access to God!

For Tuesday, September 1, 2026:

John 16:23 NLT, Jesus speaking: “At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.”

The “time” about which Jesus is speaking follows the crucifixion. We will not see him for a while. But he will be resurrected from the tomb and we will see him again. After that, he will ascend to the Father, absent from us for a while, but we will see him again as he ushers us into the Father’s Kingdom. He will never leave us of forsake us!

Remember that as Jesus was crucified, the curtain isolating the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom, which means God was doing the tearing. Because we’re disciples of Jesus, we no longer need to summon a priest or religious leader to communicate with God. Jesus has given us direct access to the Father. We can ask him directly using the Jesus’ name. Jesus’ name commands great respect in the spirit world. Demons don’t like it when we use Jesus’ name, for they know that he is God’s Son. They know that they are powerless against him.

We can heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons using Jesus’ name. Maybe even more! That’s what the Bible says!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Forgive!

August 31, 2026:

Luke 6:37b NLT, Jesus speaking: “Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”

Jesus not only encourages us to forgive others, but has commanded us to give others a second chance, a third chance, etc. Here Jesus echoes the words in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.” Since God made me aware of the unforgiveness problem, I’ve started noticing it everywhere. It’s far too prevalent in today’s world.

People with problems in their lives are often kept away from solutions because of unforgiveness, sometimes related to the problem, sometimes not. A person may have trouble with relationships because they haven’t forgiven their parents for their sad upbringing. Someone may have trouble keeping jobs because they haven’t forgiven a previous boss who was mean. Is there anyone in your own life you haven’t forgiven?

I believe God gives us a piece of paper each day with ‘Things to do Today’ written at the top, and numbers down the left side. He gave us free will, so we can include anything on our agenda that pleases us. Is ‘Holding a grudge’ on your list? Are you angry at a coworker, a fellow student or just the person driving too slow in fast lane?

Are the same people on your list every day? If so, it’s time to clean house. Let go of the bad stuff and hang on to the good stuff. Don’t make a permanent home for a grudge. Don’t make a home for a demon.

We can live better lives if we let go and let God. Let him have your grudge. Your load will be lighter if the Lord is carrying your problems!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church