Messiah = Rescuer!

January 12, 2026, Monday Message:

Luke 2:25-26 NLT: “There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him, and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.”

On the eighth day, Jesus was presented in the Temple. There, the Holy Family encountered Simeon, who was filled with the Holy Spirit. He believed that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. At that point, most of Israel had been watching and waiting for a Messiah. Angels verified Jesus’ identity to the shepherds. Gabriel confirmed Jesus’ mission for his earthly parents. And now the Holy Spirit helps Simeon identify the Son of God. There should be no doubt concerning Jesus’ true identity and his mission in coming to Earth.

At that time, Rome had captured Israel. The police keeping order were Roman soldiers. The Hebrew people were not happy about this, and the popular thinking was that God’s Messiah would rescue them from Roman oppression. They were only half right. Jesus would rescue them all right, but from their sin penalty, not from the Roman government.

Let’s keep this simple. Before Jesus, Israel was in disarray. After Jesus, everything got better. If he had fixed Israel, it would have benefitted mankind only for their lifetimes, perhaps 50-100 years. Instead, he fixed mankind’s eternal sin problem, ensuring us a safe life in God’s forever Heavenly kingdom.

Jesus gave mankind not what they asked for, but rather the gift with the greatest long-term benefit. Stick with Jesus, and in the end, everything will be OK! Jesus and his Father are always looking out for us!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Use Your Head!

For Tuesday, September 30, 2025:

John 14:9 NLT: Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!”

 God designed mankind with brains and the ability to think things through to their logical conclusion, and he expects us to do just that. In this example, Philip had traveled with Jesus, ate meals with him, and observed miracle after miracle as Jesus ministered to the Hebrew people. From everything Philip saw, Jesus’ identity should have been obvious.

 But sometimes we want reassurance, verification that our conclusion is correct. Jesus couldn’t have been clearer in his answer: “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father!”

 Q: Why should we read our Bibles and attend Bible studies with others? A: To learn as much as we can about the Father and the Son. We want to familiarize ourselves with their similar traits and trends. And when our eyes have been opened as to who Jesus is, we can share that Good News with others, something we are all called to do.

 Do you believe Jesus is the Son of the Most High? Not just because the Bible says so (and the Bible is always right!) But because you’ve arrived at your answer through critical examination of the evidence, all of which points to the only possible conclusion: Jesus is Lord!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Rescue Mode!

For Tuesday January 9, 2024:

Mark 4:38b NLT: “The disciples woke Jesus up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’”

Jesus decided to venture to the other side of the lake. Throwing caution to the wind, the entourage immediately hopped into boats and off they went!

Alternately called the Sea of Galilee, Lake Tiberias or Lake Gennesaret (Greek) or Kinneret (Hebrew), this was a sizable body of water a short distance from Nazareth, known for violent maritime storms. Fed by the Jordan river and underground springs, the lake was well known by commercial fishermen, but those sailors were wise keeping a constant eye on the weather.

As happened, while they were traveling, a ferocious storm erupted and everyone sensed impending doom. Interestingly, Jesus slept through the whole incident. (Like Alfred E. Neuman: “What? Me worry?”) When the crew found themselves knocking on death’s door, it was past time to rouse their leader. “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

Jesus awakened, ordering the storm, “Silence! Be still!” And just like that, the wind ceased and calmness dominated the waters. Those present were amazed that nautical storms would obey Jesus’ commands. It was a test of their faith and of our faith. It’s an answer to everyone’s question, “Who is this guy, that the weather obeys his edict?”

Who do you say that he is?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship