One God!

Jan. 27, 2020 Monday Message:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

We’ve all read John 1:1, where the “Word” (logos) refers to the Holy name of Jesus. Here the Bible tells us that Jesus existed at the beginning of creation. In fact John goes on to say that nothing was created without Jesus.

And yet Jesus is clearly differentiated from the Father, while each is still specifically referred to as God. Jesus shares the same traits and attributes as the Father. If you’ve ever wondered if the Bible claims Jesus to be God, the beginning of this Gospel should answer your question.

Genesis 1:2 says that the Spirit of the Lord moved over the waters of creation. That’s the 3^rd part of our Triune God – the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes when speaking, I’ll mix them all together under the one name, ”God.” God has shown himself to us in 3 different ways - Father, Son, Holy Spirit - but there’s really just one God.

Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.”

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Pilla follows Jesus through the Temple (Luke 4.) I’ll be back to lead worship this week – see you there!

Virgin Miracle!

Jan. 20, 2020 Monday Message:

“’The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’” Matt. 1:23

Jesus’ virgin conception is indeed a miracle, and miracles are both possible and necessary in order to understand much of our world, including creation.

Both scientists and philosophers explain the creation of our universe with the ‘big bang’ theory, but neither group is sure how big the bang was or what caused it to bang when it did. All agree there was a beginning to our universe, and that our planet exists where previously there was nothing. And the only explanation I have for the creation of matter out of nothing is Divine Intervention.

As I write this, I’m crossing the Caribbean Sea, water as far as the eye can see, beautiful blue sky overhead, just a few clouds, and all manner of fish under the billowing waves. I’m confident that there is land ahead, with a plethora of plants and animals, including those made in the image of God – humans! This whole scenario is so complex that it couldn't be some kind of evolutionary accident. Once again the only explanation is Divine Intervention.

And if a God this powerful thought it would be best to walk on earth alongside mankind, surely he could work it out. Virgin conception may be a stretch for us, but God says, “Don’t worry - I’ve got this!” With God, anything is possible!

So go ahead – believe in miracles. That way the whole universe makes sense!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Van Dickerson leads us thru Jesus’ Temptation (Luke 4.) Guest Worship Leader Jerry McCleskey.

Vision

Jan. 13, 2020 Monday Message:

“Where there is no vision, the people perish. Prov. 29:18a KJV

It is the job of a leader of an organization, in our case the church, to seek God’s divine burden on their heart, and then present a Spirit-filled, God-breathed vision to those they lead. If you’re in the top chair, you need to determine the direction, the mission and the goals for your organization. Everyone is looking to you for this leadership, this vision, so they can make sure that what they’re doing is pushing the organization toward the goals you have placed on the horizon.

Sometimes a leadership “team” sets the direction, but all must be on board and passionate about the cause. It would be unacceptable to not move in the direction of God’s calling. Ask, “What are we good at? What do we do better than others? If you and I weren’t here tomorrow, what’s the one thing we hope our church would keep in place?”

Ask, “If we could only do one thing, what would it be?” That should be your main goal, your primary mission. Now go cast the vision!

 If you don’t know where you’re going, you won’t be certain when you arrive!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. In today’s lesson, Jesus gets baptized! (Luke 3.) Guest Worship Leader Jerry McCleskey.

Jesus at the Center!

Jan. 6, 2020 Monday Message:

Jesus speaking: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28:20b NIV

We did this at church last Sunday…

Let’s pretend that you could fly a drone over your church, over your congregation, and snap a quick picture. You’d have a scene full of people and all the church ‘stuff’ surrounding them. So take a minute – study that picture in your mind’s eye, and see if you can find Jesus. It’s kind of like ‘Where’s Waldo,’ except we’re looking for Jesus. Where’s Jesus? Did you find him yet?

In our church-picture, Jesus should be right in the middle. Jesus should be the center of everything! You don’t need to search every square inch like when you’re looking for Waldo. Just look right in the middle, right in the center of the picture. Jesus should be the center of all you do. Your church shouldn’t be doing anything without Jesus at the center.

Don’t ever make the mistake of thinking that you have it all covered. If nothing is left to faith, there is no dependence on Jesus or his Father, only faith in yourself, and you can’t satisfactorily deliver yourself into the next reality. That’s what Jesus does better than anyone else!

I’m keeping Jesus at the center!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus’ ministry. Luke 3. Guest Worship Leader Jerry McCleskey.