Repent & Return:

Daily message of hope...

For Saturday, January 24, 2026:

 

Mark 16:15 NLT: “Then the risen Jesus told the believers, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.”

 

Throughout the Old Testament, the bottom-line message has always been to repent and return. Repent of sin, and return to the Lord. Come back to God’s way, his commandments and his thinking. God has a plan to reward loyalty.

 

As the New Testament begins and Jesus enters our world, the plan unfolds. Jesus’ mission is to put the Father’s plan in motion. As He dies on a cross, He will take the sins of the world upon himself and carry them to the place of the dead, leaving the forgiven faithful as eligible for eternal residence in God’s heavenly Kingdom. Didn’t Jesus promise to prepare a place for us? And doesn’t Jesus always speak the truth? You might as well start packing, because we’re leaving soon

 

Before we leave, we should be doing what Jesus commanded: “Preach the Good News to everyone!” How we do that may look different for each of us, but if we combine our gifts, we can get the job done. Everyone needs to know that the heavenly train is leaving soon. There’s plenty of room, but we need to get on board with haste. That train won’t wait forever!

 

If you believe Jesus is who he said he was and have faith that he can do what he promised, you’re “IN!” You have something that only redeemed Christians have – Assurance of Salvation! Relax. God has you covered!

 

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Saturday in Sheol!

For Saturday, April 19, 2025:

John 19:28a NLT: “Jesus knew that his mission was now finished.”

With the sins of the world now heaped upon him, Jesus knew that his earthly mission was completed. It was time to move on. He would take the world’s sins to Sheol, the place of the dead. But he would not remain there. He would be resurrected on the third day!

The concept of resurrection was still fairly new to the Hebrew people. In fact, some Jews didn’t believe in any life after this life. Those who believed that it was possible recalled Lazarus and the daughter of Jairus, both restored by the command of Jesus. But Jesus himself was a public figure, well known by everyone. His death was documented by Roman soldiers, whose business was death. Jesus returning from the dead would be eyewitness evidence that death was not the end! Theology would be rewritten!

Returning on the third day fulfills prophecy. Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Saturday was the Sabbath when no work could be done. Best to lay low that day. And on Sunday, he rose again!

Friends, there is life after this life! Jesus proved it, and believers all want to be a part of it. Jesus will go ahead to prepare your place in eternity. Use his name when you get there!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship