Direct Connection!

For Sunday, April 13, 2025:

John 16:23 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Following my resurrection, 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.”

On the cross, Jesus took the sins of the world to the place of the dead. And with sins forgiven and the penalty paid in full, mankind can directly approach the Father. When Jesus died, the curtain protecting the Holy of holies, separating mankind from God was torn – torn from top to bottom, so it was God doing the tearing! We no longer needed a middle-man, an intercessor, a priest. That is why we pray directly to God our Father in the name of Jesus.

 "You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” In Hebrew jargon, a sinner is said to be “far from God.” Someone who repents and returns to the Lord is “closer to God.” Tearing down the curtain allows us to be closer to God. So apparently God desires us closer to him. He wants a relationship with each of us!

Many things changed with the New Covenant Jesus introduced to the world. A closer relationship with Father God gives us a foot in the door of eternity!

Today is Palm Sunday. Lift your hands and sing with joy! With your family, celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into the Holy City! See you at church!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship