Judgment!

For Tuesday, December 3, 2024:

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 NLT: “God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus.”

As this age comes to an end, the sheep will be separated from the goats. Of course, the sheep will be with their Good Shepherd, Jesus. The goats, who never did obey Jesus, will be judged for their disobedience, the outcome of which will be eternal separation from God and his kingdom.

It will be an exciting time as the New Heaven and the New Earth are created and the word of Jesus becomes the law of the land. Fire, angels and trumpets sounding! Until this time, mankind had the freedom to choose God or to reject God. But now God is asking for your decision. Make up your mind to be one of the good guys!

Choose wisely!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

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

Commandments!

For Sunday, December 1, 2024:

2 Thessalonians 1:3 NLT: “Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.”

Jews searched the Torah and found 613 commandments, things believers should do to please the Lord. This exhaustive list was difficult to remember, and also difficult to execute.

Twice in the Old Testament we were given 10 Commandments, key points that really mattered. Mankind still wasn’t successful at being perfectly obedient, but it became easier. We were part of God’s value system, the rules made sense and the success rate increased.

Jesus made life even easier. In Mark 12:30-31, he said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” I sometimes shorten that to, “Love God and love your neighbor.” It’s simple, repeatable and somewhat achievable.

Paul was praising the Thessalonian church. Their faith was flourishing which is loving God, and they took care of one another. In short, they loved God and their neighbors, which is what Jesus said to do! It’s what we all should do!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship