Jesus - The Light of the World!

For Tuesday, January 3, 2023:

Isaiah 9:2 NLT: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land where darkness casts its shadow, a light will shine.”

After Jesus’ baptism, John-the-Baptist was arrested, so Jesus settled in Capernaum and preached around the Sea of Galilee, fulfilling the prophesy of Isaiah. Jesus’ audience was surprisingly receptive, especially considering that they were accustomed to living amongst sin, living in darkness.

The arrival of Jesus was as if someone had turned on a bright light in a world where there was none! Jesus preached a new way of living, caring for your neighbor instead of just looking out for #1. He preached repentance, forgiveness, redemption and eternal life, new concepts for most of these people. It was a far better way to live! It’s the model Jesus put in place for each of us! Finally, believers had hope!

When the people walking in darkness see a great light, it will no longer be dark!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

Testing the Lord!

January 2, 2023 Monday Message:

Deuteronomy 6:16 NIV: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah.”

After Jesus’ baptism, the devil took him into the wilderness to be tested. As Christians, we believe that the Father, the Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all one God. So to me, Satan, a created being, thinking he could tempt his creator is just insanity! The outcome should have been obvious!

As a result of Jesus’ victory through the challenges, we are given reassurance that Jesus is who he said he was. An all-powerful God is in charge of the universe, and he wants things done the right way, His way! The primary evil-doer could not sway our Savior!

Having proven himself, it’s now time for Jesus to begin his ministry. People will still be talking about all this 2,000 years later!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

New Year - New Beginning!

 For Sunday, January 1, 2023 – Happy New Year!

Matthew 3:16-17 NLT: “After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.’”

This is the beginning of a new year, so it’s appropriate to look at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Don’t you wish you’d been present that day? Obedient in his baptism, the Holy Spirit descended from heaven, like a dove, and landed right on its intended target - Jesus of Nazareth! Imagine God’s voice booming from heaven: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” Jesus’ ministry was given a jump-start, a seal of approval, from God himself!

Many of us make New Year’s resolutions, hoping to change something in our lives, hoping to follow a better path. Frankly, we could make that change any day, but somehow it seems that a new year is a good time to make a fresh start. So go ahead – commit or re-commit to our Savior! New Year’s Day is a good day to lock-in our relationship with Jesus.

Jesus is, after all, God-approved!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship