Truth Defended!

For Wednesday, July 29, 2026:

Colossians 2:4 NLT, Paul writing to the church in Colossae: “I am telling you these things so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments.”

2K years ago, a lot of people would frequently switch religions. The core beliefs of each group were not always clearly defined, the exception being Jews who had previously encountered the real God. But others – the idol worshipers and such – were constantly proselytizing that there was value in their ever-changing beliefs. There was not. But remember, Christianity was the new kid on the block!

Once people had been introduced to the Son of God, Paul didn’t want their minds polluted with Higher Power misinformation. The Risen Savior personally met Paul on his way to Damascus, so Paul had truth straight from the horse’s mouth. (That’s a common expression; I’m not dissing Jesus! And he’s not Mr. Ed!)

Truth is worth fighting for. Paul’s truth wasn’t based on a rumor or what some random person told him. He’d heard from Jesus, he learned the truth and he was blessed to share it with others. Paul doesn’t want any believer to be side-tracked, because truth is nonnegotiable. Truth is not up for debate.

Truth is what’s in our Bibles!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Gentiles Included!

For Tuesday, April 9, 2024:

Colossians 1:27 NLT: “God wanted everyone to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.”

Jesus came to our planet through the Jews, but he came to redeem the whole world. That includes both Jews and Gentiles. That includes me, and it most certainly includes you!

Jerusalem was the “headquarters” for the Jewish religion. In Jerusalem was the Temple. At the time, most people who lived in Jerusalem were Jews, but not so much in the countries outside of Israel. Only a few Jews were scattered in the hinterlands; most were Gentiles. My point is that “The Way,” the Christian group in Jerusalem, were most likely converted Jews. That’s where most of the disciples ministered. But in the city of Colossae, a 500 mile hike from Jerusalem, most worshipers were Gentiles, and they were Paul’s audience for this letter to the Colossians.

Paul wanted to make it abundantly clear that the Good News of Jesus included all the believers in Colossae, Gentiles who had seen the light! This is particularly Good News for most of us who are not former Jews! Yes, Jesus came for YOU, and believers have assurance of salvation, a guaranteed place in eternity as a child of the Almighty! So claim what Jesus promised!

There is no end to the good things Jesus did for us!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Church!

For Tuesday, April 2, 2024:

Colossians 1:2a NLT, to the church in Colosse from Paul and Timothy: “We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Early Christians were considered somewhat unusual. They didn’t fit in with the rest of society. Almost everyone else had a selfish “look out for #1” mentality. But these unconventional Christians shared their resources and loved everybody. How odd!

Epaphras was the Christian leader in their city, and he taught well. Followers of Jesus were “all in!” Believers frequently gave up businesses, homes and land, and donated the proceeds to the work of the church, helping spread the Good News! They had experienced unconditional love and friendship from their new Christian family! There was no going back; this was too good! They had made a decision to join up with these Christians. They liked what they saw, and chose to do life with these people. No one is ever sorry they made that decision!

Paul and Timothy wrote only the one letter to Colosse. It was assumed that all the Christians would be doing life together, and their one message would be heard by all.

At my church, following the Good Friday service, we all received an email from the lead pastor expressing gratitude for all the really good people in the congregation, people with whom we can live our lives. I believe God put us together, and each of us made a decision to stay.

I hope everyone reading this has a good church family that they can count on during life’s trials. God wants us to all experience fellowship!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship