Hope!

For Wednesday, August 14, 2024:

Matthew 4:15-16 NLT: “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.”

This scripture falls under the category of TMI, “Too Much Information,” too confusing. Let’s just call the region, “Gentile Land,” a place where people have no knowledge of our Creator God. Into that dark land, a light will shine: Jesus of Nazareth, Son of God. Remember that Jesus came to earth through the Jewish people, but he came to redeem ALL people, including these Gentiles.

When a light shines into darkness, the area always becomes more light. Darkness cannot extinguish light. Light always wins!

In a way, our cities and our neighborhoods are areas of darkness where death casts a shadow. Since believers are the hands and feet of Jesus, we should now be shining his light into that darkness. Our church should be the light on the hill, shining hope for everyone to see!

If people need hope, we should be shouting, “Come and get it!”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Follow Jesus' Example!

October 23, 2023 Monday Message:

Romans 13:3 NLT: “For the (governing) authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.”

We never really get to own anything. We’re here for such a short time! Even our most prized possessions will belong to someone else in less than 100 years. I thought my house was paid off, but unless I pay taxes and other fees, it will soon belong to the authorities. Our incomes are taxed, and unless we pay, the government will soon own our bank account!

Paul is telling the Christians in Rome to get along with the authorities. When we decided to live in our city of choice, we expected certain benefits. We need roads so we can get from one place to another. We expect the snow to be plowed in the winter. Police and fire protection are essential nowadays. We get to enjoy nonessential things like city parks and ballfields for the kids. If there’s a civic center or theater, that’s a bonus. Providing these services requires dollars, and by living in our city, we have implicitly agreed to split the cost with our neighbors.

As Christians we should do what is right and serve as a good example. Even Jesus told Peter to take a coin from the mouth of a fish and use it to pay their taxes. Jesus explained, “We don't want to cause trouble.” None of us should want to cause trouble either.

When in doubt, we should follow Jesus’ example!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship