Vengeance!

December 2, 2024 Monday Message:

2 Thessalonians 1:6 NLT: “In his (God’s) justice he will pay back those who persecute you.”

Have you ever heard someone say, “I don’t get mad; I get even!” That’s not a Christian way of living. Jesus taught us to be forgiving and loving. Getting even with someone is best left to God and God’s timing! “Vengeance is mine saith the Lord!” The world persecuted Jesus, so don’t be surprised if you too are persecuted.

People in general are not eager to get out of the driver’s seat and let God be in charge. Most people still want the upper hand. But God allowing this freedom also permits us to make incorrect decisions! We can seek our own revenge, and then worry about what we have done. Worry isn’t good either! Throw away your worries and revenge, and live in the joy of the Lord!

Live in the assurance of salvation given to us by Jesus!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Eye for an Eye!

For Wednesday, November 27, 2024:

1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT: “See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”

Jesus changed everything for the better. In the old way, typical behavior was “eye for an eye.” If a person was injured a certain amount, they were justified in retaliating a similar amount.

But Jesus taught love and forgiveness. How many times? Seven times? No – Jesus said 70 x seven! And that doesn’t mean 490 times! It means to remain in forgiveness mode more times than you can count, more times than you can easily keep track of.

Let the Lord handle judgment, discipline and revenge. We should all just keep smiling and loving our neighbors, loving the good life we have been given.

The desire to get even comes not from God, but from the evil one!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Jesus vs the World!

For Tuesday, May 30, 2023:

Matthew 18:7 NLT, Jesus speaking: “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.”

Jesus simplified being a believer. Group A: Christian believers follow the teachings of Jesus and his Father in heaven. Group B: The “world,” people living in sin and tempting others to sin.

There are only two groups. On judgement day, Jesus will place everyone in the proper group, just like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Therefore if someone sins against us, we don’t need to seek revenge. We can let go and let God. At the end times, the world’s judge will settle all matters.

Believers line up with the other sheep following Jesus!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship