Merry Christmas

Dec. 25, 2017 Monday Message:

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given … And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting father and Prince of Peace.” from Isaiah 9:6 NIV

This is a special Monday Message, because it’s Christmas Day! Christmas – the arrival of the King of Kings – is earthly evidence of one of the Bible’s most important teachings. God’s true desire is that none would perish. So in spite of mankind’s sin and disobedience, God – in his wisdom – provided a means of rescue. This is Good News!

God loved us so much that he personally sent his son to hand us a complimentary ticket to spend eternity with the Creator. If you identify with the “sin” group – those who have not lived a perfect life, repent, and identify Jesus as your personal savior, the Father will welcome you into eternity with open arms. And on that very first Christmas day, God was setting mankind’s redemption plan in motion.

Israel had been talking about it for 700 years: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” – God with us. He’s still with us and for us, 2000 years later. from Isaiah 7:14

Merry Christmas!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, New Year’s Eve day, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Jesus is presented in the Temple – Luke 2:21-40 - Pastor Michael Pilla.

Prince of Peace

Dec. 18, 2017 Monday Message:

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Psalms 122:6a NIV

Jerusalem in universally known as “the Holy City.” There is debate over which religion should control the Holy City, but no question that it’s a special place for Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Jerusalem – especially “old Jerusalem” - is known as the City of David, and David wrote about it in Psalm 122. Jerusalem is where the people go to praise the name of the Lord. Picture David in your mind’s eye, joyfully shouting, “I was glad what they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord!”

Mostly David asks for peace within his namesake city. “May there be peace within your walls … For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’” from Ps. 122:6-7

We need this prayer as much nowadays as we did 3,000 years ago.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, Christmas Eve day, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Michael Pilla leads us in a celebration of the arrival of the Prince of Peace! All are welcome!

Psalms 121 - My Help Comes from the Lord!

Dec. 04, 2017 Monday Message:

“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:2 NIV

People focused on legalism seem to think God is out to get them. They think He set incredibly high standards that no one could ever achieve, thereby dooming mankind forever.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. God’s desire is that no one would perish, and to that end, Jesus came to earth to help us. Jesus’ sacrifice paid the price for the sins of the world. The penalty for your sins and my sins has been prepaid. All we have to do is acknowledge our sin, declare Jesus to be our redeemer and stick with him in all things. It’s the best gift ever! In return, we get to spend eternity in heaven right along with Jesus, who is already preparing a place for us.

If you’re having trouble with this, God will arrange your rescue. When David’s train was going off the tracks – adultery and murder come to mind – God sent the prophet Nathan to point David in the right direction. Yes, it was God who arranged David’s rescue. He’s a God who loves you and is waiting for you to come home. He has a gift for you if you’re willing to accept it.

“The Lord will … watch over your life, … both now and forevermore.” from Ps. 121:7-8

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Michael Pilla leads us through Advent - See you at church!