All Hallowed's Eve!

For Sunday, October 31, 2021

1 Corinthians 15:52b NLT: “When the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.”

In the US, today is Halloween, or all hallowed’s eve. Kids don funny costumes and eat too much candy. I’m OK with that! I’m not so OK with witches and the dark side of the holiday.

Tomorrow is All Saints' Day, or ‘all hallowed’s day,’ when we honor those who preceded us in going to the Lord.

In Mexico, it’s Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, surprisingly a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning! If those who died knew Jesus, they’re with him now, and that’s certainly reason to celebrate!

Our eternal hope is in our Savior Jesus – we should all celebrate!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Heavenly Grace!

For Saturday, October 30, 2021

Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT: “God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”

Paul is attempting to detail God’s extreme love and mercy toward mankind. Words seem inadequate to explain God’s everlasting lovingkindness, and God’s rescue defies logical explanation.

The saying "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" fits here. Believers have been given the gift of eternal life in the presence of God the Father. Ours is not to question the gift, but rather to humbly accept it. We should be full of gratitude, without examining the gift or the motives of the giver.

Grace is undeserved favor, and that certainly fits the sacrifice Jesus made for believers.

We have been shown grace; we have been granted eternal hope!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Knock and Seek!

For Friday, October 29, 2021

Ephesians 3:4 NLT: “As you read what I, Paul, have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.”

Paul is the beneficiary of radical transformation, changed from Paul the persecutor into Paul the evangelist. Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus was more than an awakening – it was a complete education! Jesus showed Paul the New Covenant, God’s plan to include ALL nations in the kingdom, and commissioned him to share that Good News, that hope, with the Gentile world.

The Bible says to knock and the door will be opened; to seek and you will find. Jesus gave Paul first-hand insight into the redemption plan. He has written it all down, willing to share the knowledge he was given. And now Paul is counseling seekers to sit down and read what he has written.

We’ll be shown salvation if we knock and seek!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Direct Connection!

 For Thursday, October 28, 2021

Ephesians 3:12 NLT: “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.”

Before Jesus, people requiring God’s intervention in a matter needed to find a priest, someone approved to speak with God. To obtain the priest’s cooperation, a gift was presented, often grain or livestock. It started to look like you could buy God’s favor, and that’s never true. God isn’t for sale!

As Jesus died on the cross, the curtain separating God from mankind in the Holy of Holies was torn apart, from top to bottom, so God had to be the one doing the tearing! When Jesus took the sin of the world upon himself, it was no longer necessary to keep mankind separated from God. Therefore when we need to pray, when we need to speak with God, when we need hope, we can directly call upon our Father in heaven!

That’s what Jesus said to do!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Equal Heirs!

For Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Ephesians 3:6 Phillips, Paul speaking: “This secret was hidden to past generations of mankind, but it has now, by the Spirit, been made plain to God’s consecrated messengers and prophets. It is simply this: that the Gentiles, who were previously excluded from God’s agreements, are to be equal heirs with his chosen people, equal members and equal partners in God’s promise given by Christ through the Gospel.”

After Jesus gave us the New Covenant, there are no longer “insiders” and “outsiders.” Jesus told the believers to make disciples of ALL nations, so you and I are included, and that’s Good News! Everyone in the world has been offered hope!

As children of God, we are heirs to the eternal kingdom. Jesus has prepared a place for you, and will welcome you with open arms!

It’s all family business!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

High Priest!

For Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Hebrews 8:6 NLT: “Now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.”

If you were on trial, you’d want the best possible defense attorney, a spokesperson shielding you, an advocate working on your behalf. Having Jesus as our mediator gives us an edge, gives us hope!

The old covenant wasn’t working. God’s desire is that no one would be lost, so the rules needed to be rewritten, and Jesus went to work negotiating for mankind, taking the sin of the world upon himself, and making it possible for believers to see the inside of heaven! Jesus called it the “New Covenant!”

Jesus, our high priest, sits in the place of honor at the right hand of God himself. Our counselor is well-connected! Fortunately, our defender works pro bono!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Hope for Eternity!

October 25, 2021 Monday Message

John 1:32 GNT: “John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and stay on Jesus.”

In this passage describing Jesus’ baptism, John-the-baptist stands amazed as the Holy Spirit descends and fills Jesus. There aren’t words sufficient to describe the event, but I wish I could have been there to see it!

John has been telling everyone in Israel to repent and return to the Lord, for the Kingdom of God is at hand. I think he suspected that Jesus was the promised Messiah, but sought verification. Witnessing the Holy Spirit fall upon Jesus was all the proof he needed! John writes, “I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God, the Son of God.”

Later, heaven opened and a voice said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Now we know for sure who Jesus is, confirmed by God himself.

Jesus came to earth to give mankind hope for the next life, for eternity!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Wisdom!

For Sunday, October 24, 2021

Proverbs 9:12 NLT: “If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.”

One night God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

Solomon replied, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

We are reminded that wisdom is an individual commodity, something personal, almost selfish, but in a good way. God equips us uniquely for the purpose he has in store for us. You are the one who will most benefit from the wisdom you seek!

So study. Learn. Read daily. Seek truth. Never stop increasing your wisdom!

Those who do not choose wisdom are charting their own course.

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

God's Words!

For Saturday, October 23, 2021

Numbers 23:12 NLT: Balaam replied, “I will speak only the message that the Lord puts in my mouth.”

The Israelites passed through Moab as they journeyed to the Promised Land, and the Moabite king felt threatened. “Look, a vast horde of people has arrived from Egypt. They cover the face of the earth and are threatening me.” He sought Balaam’s help.

Balaam was a man of God and a prophet. He prayed about it, and God told him that the Israelites had his blessing. He should not impede their progress. God had blessed the Israelites with hope! Balaam responded to the Moabite King saying that he would only speak what God told him to say.

That’s a good policy for churches and for Christians as individuals. At my church, every sermon-teaching starts with scripture from the Bible, reasoning that if we start with God’s inspired words, something useful will follow.

God’s words are always a good place to start!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Overflowing Agenda!

For Friday, October 22, 2021

Matthew 11:28 NLT: Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

It’s really hard to tell someone ‘no!’ Christians aren’t very good at it! Many people tend to over-promise and under-deliver. They’re probably not bad people; simply over-burdened. Their agenda is overflowing. They’d like to be a super-hero at work, for their spouse and for their kids, but there are only 24 hours in a day. Burning the candle at both ends just makes things worse.

Jesus has a better way. The Message translates it like this, Jesus speaking: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

There’s the wrong way, and then there’s Jesus’ way. His way is always better!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Exalted!

For Thursday, October 21, 2021

Revelation 4:2 NIV: “At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.”

I find it interesting and also a blessing that God describes things in terms that we humans can understand. We all have an image in our mind of a palace containing a throne from which a benevolent leader can shepherd his flock. God uses that metaphor so that we can more easily comprehend the majesty and power of our Creator.

Jesus came to usher our souls, the spirits of believers, into eternity. Jesus gives us hope. I believe that when we enter heaven, everything will look somewhat familiar. We’ll instantly recognize God in the most exalted place in the universe, but that probably won’t be a big chair!

Is Jesus seated at the right hand of God? Being someone’s “right-hand man” is a good analogy to help us understand the in-concert relationship between the Father and the Son.

When you get to heaven, tell them you’re with Jesus – use His name!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

10,000 Years...

For Wednesday, October 20, 2021

2 Peter 3:8b NLT: “A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.”

Two truths: #1 Jesus is returning! #2 We have no idea when! Jesus said that he’ll come back for us. Everything else he said was true, so this also must be true. He left us with hope!

Early Christians thought Jesus might return this week, this month, or surely sometime this year. Humans only have knowledge of earthly time. (e.g. A day is one rotation of our planet; a year is our planet’s journey around the sun.) Surely our definitions of ‘day’ and ‘year’ aren’t applicable everywhere in God’s universe.

So a thousand years could be like a day in God’s world – we really don’t know! Don’t constrain the God in your mind by shackling him with earthly restraints. After all, he’s omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent! He’ll let us know when it’s time for Jesus’ return!

Live each day as if Jesus’ return was on tomorrow’s agenda!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Eternity!

For Tuesday, October 19, 2021

John 18:36a NLT, Jesus speaking: “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom.”

Jesus’ kingdom is not on this earth, and neither is yours! We are here for such a short time, a mere blip on the radar of eternity!

People often ask if they will live forever, and I answer yes! The real question should be, “Where will you be spending your time?”

When we leave the earth to enter the next reality, we face judgment, and the questions will be about how we lived our lives here on earth. The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s goals for us. Our only hope is a rescuer, someone to lift us out of the peril of judgment day, and that one is the Son of God, Jesus the Christ.

The Bible says that those who have the Son have (eternal) life; those who do NOT have the Son do NOT have life. Today is the best day to cement your relationship with Jesus, to insure that he will prepare a room for you in the Heavenly Kingdom, and then take your hand and escort you into the Father’s presence!

See you there!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

God's Goodness!

October 18, 2021 Monday Message

3 John 1:11 CEV: “Dear friend, don’t copy the evil deeds of others! Follow the example of people who do kind deeds. They are God’s children, but those who are always doing evil have never seen God.”

Earlier in this letter, John writes: “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.” Just as God easily separates wheat from chaff, or sheep from goats, each us has been blessed with a gift of discernment. Jesus wrote his New Covenant laws on our hearts, so we already know good from bad. We have been blessed with a built-in value system! We have inherent knowledge that keeps us on track with the Lord, and our relationship with Jesus assures us of hope!

John is writing about caring for itinerant evangelists, but the basic message is to just be nice. Spend time with good people, not the evil ones, not the ones causing trouble. Imitate those who are close to God. Follow the good, for we serve a good God. Those who follow the good will likewise do good themselves.

Figure out what you can do that would be helpful.

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Son of God!

For Sunday, October 17, 2021

John 2:16 Phillips: “Then Jesus said to the pigeon-dealers, ‘Take those things out of here. Don’t you dare turn my Father’s house into a market!’”

There are skeptics who claim that Jesus never fully identified himself. But here he claims YHWH as his Father! So Jesus did claim to be the “Son of God!”

At Jesus’ baptism, the heavens opened and a voice boomed out: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” So we know that God claims Jesus as his Son.

I always say that God puts good people in key places, and expects them to use their God-given intelligence. Simon-Peter, the Apostle, had traveled with Jesus for some time and had heard the wisdom and witnessed the miracles. Jesus asked him, “Who do you say that I am?”

Peter responded: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” Peter knew.

The object of Christian worship is God, his Son Jesus, and the Spirit helping us nowadays – one God, known to us in three persons.

See you at church!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Love the Lord!

For Saturday, October 16, 2021

John 2:16 Phillips: “Then Jesus said to the pigeon-dealers, ‘Take those things out of here. Don’t you dare turn my Father’s house into a market!’”

Christians gather, and we call that a “church.” The primary mission of Christians coming together should be to honor God, to lift up his Holy Name and to acknowledge just how wonderful He is. Churches do many other good things, have good programs and fun activities, but those shouldn’t become our focus. Everything we do as a church should support the primary mission of loving the Lord.

In Jesus’ day, animals were sacrificed to God as a part of worship. But the buying and selling of livestock in the lobby had become big business. Many were coming to the Temple not to worship but to be a part of the livestock exchange, which is why Jesus put an end to it that day.

Everywhere, but especially at church, God should have the top spot on our agenda!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406