December 26, 2011 Monday Message:
The baby in the manger marks the end of the Old Testament, and the beginning of the New Testament; the end of the old deal, and the beginning of the new covenant with God.
There’s not a lot of theology in the virgin birth. Rather, it is fulfillment of prophecy, God making good on promises made through the prophets. Jesus will teach theology, details of the Good News covenant, through his ministry.
God could see that none of us could or would remain sinless. Yet in His grace he wanted no one to perish. God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. That’s the new deal – that’s OUR deal – and that’s why there’s Christmas. It was God’s idea.
May the Lord bless you during this special time of year - Merry Christmas!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Fully God, Fully Human
December 19, 2011 Monday Message:
Jesus, the baby in the manger, was fully God and fully human.
The “God” part is easy to understand when we remember Christ’s knowledge and wisdom, the miracles he performed, and how he conquered death.
The “human” part is more difficult for us to understand. We tend to compare the life of Jesus with our own life-experiences, but they are not the same.
We are part of a fallen world, a sin-filled host to anger, violence and corruption. While Jesus could live among us, he was not “of” this world.
The fully human Jesus is like mankind before the fall: a sinless person. None of us are sinless – not one! But the Bible says that Jesus was without sin. The closest he got to sin was when he took the sins of the world to the grave. If we do tshuva, repent and return, then Jesus takes our sin to the grave too, and covers us with garments of white. Then we, too, are not “of” this world.
May the peace of the Lord be with you and your loved ones during this blessed Christmas season.
Norton Lawellin
Jesus, the baby in the manger, was fully God and fully human.
The “God” part is easy to understand when we remember Christ’s knowledge and wisdom, the miracles he performed, and how he conquered death.
The “human” part is more difficult for us to understand. We tend to compare the life of Jesus with our own life-experiences, but they are not the same.
We are part of a fallen world, a sin-filled host to anger, violence and corruption. While Jesus could live among us, he was not “of” this world.
The fully human Jesus is like mankind before the fall: a sinless person. None of us are sinless – not one! But the Bible says that Jesus was without sin. The closest he got to sin was when he took the sins of the world to the grave. If we do tshuva, repent and return, then Jesus takes our sin to the grave too, and covers us with garments of white. Then we, too, are not “of” this world.
May the peace of the Lord be with you and your loved ones during this blessed Christmas season.
Norton Lawellin
Monday, December 12, 2011
December 12, 2011 Monday Message:
First, God made a b’rit, a covenant with Abram, patriarch of the Jews. God changed his name to Abraham (father of many) and blessed him and Sarah (princess) with a son, Isaac or Yitzchak (laughter.)
Isaac was the father of Jacob (Israel), and Jacob’s 11th son was Joseph, who wore the coat of many colors. Wearing such a fancy coat, such an ornately bejeweled coat, a coat with sleeves, meant that Joseph would be doing very little physical work. His jealous brothers soon took matters into their own hands and plotted to kill Joseph. Ironically, many years later, Joseph would be the only one who could rescue God’s chosen people. The brothers eventually sold Joseph into slavery for 20 pieces of silver.
Jesus came to our world to rescue mankind from sin. The Pharisees, leaders of God’s people, would conspire to have Jesus executed. He was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. The parallels are remarkable.
But when God is in charge of the rescue, it cannot be stopped. Joseph became CEO of Egypt, and Jesus walked out of the tomb, both unlikely scenarios. God put Joseph in place to rescue his covenant people, and God sent his Son, Jesus, to rescue us, to make a new covenant with us.
Isn’t that Good News?
May God’s blessings be with you during this Christmas season.
Norton Lawellin
We’ll look at Jacob & Jesus as we unpack Genesis 37-38 at New Hope Center this Friday, 7pm.
First, God made a b’rit, a covenant with Abram, patriarch of the Jews. God changed his name to Abraham (father of many) and blessed him and Sarah (princess) with a son, Isaac or Yitzchak (laughter.)
Isaac was the father of Jacob (Israel), and Jacob’s 11th son was Joseph, who wore the coat of many colors. Wearing such a fancy coat, such an ornately bejeweled coat, a coat with sleeves, meant that Joseph would be doing very little physical work. His jealous brothers soon took matters into their own hands and plotted to kill Joseph. Ironically, many years later, Joseph would be the only one who could rescue God’s chosen people. The brothers eventually sold Joseph into slavery for 20 pieces of silver.
Jesus came to our world to rescue mankind from sin. The Pharisees, leaders of God’s people, would conspire to have Jesus executed. He was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. The parallels are remarkable.
But when God is in charge of the rescue, it cannot be stopped. Joseph became CEO of Egypt, and Jesus walked out of the tomb, both unlikely scenarios. God put Joseph in place to rescue his covenant people, and God sent his Son, Jesus, to rescue us, to make a new covenant with us.
Isn’t that Good News?
May God’s blessings be with you during this Christmas season.
Norton Lawellin
We’ll look at Jacob & Jesus as we unpack Genesis 37-38 at New Hope Center this Friday, 7pm.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Gotta Serve Somebody
December 05, 2011 Monday Message:
“Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life.” (1 John 3:14 CEV)
I was at an outdoor event, leading worship for Metro Hope Ministries, a Christian organization that helps people recover from addictions. The program director walked toward me, laughing, pointing, somewhat giddy. So as we say in Minnesota, “What’s the deal?”
He pointed out a young man, one of the residents in their program, who was walking through the picnic area picking up scraps of paper that were blowing around. No one had told him to do it – it wasn’t his assigned task – he just saw that it needed doing and that it would make the place nicer for everyone else. He was serving, doing the right thing for the right reasons, without being told.
The director was ecstatic! He told me, “That’s how we can tell when the guys ‘get it’ - when they start serving others, instead of being only concerned with their own needs. We find that they’ve turned the corner in recovery, and they’ve turned the corner in being a Christian when you catch them serving!”
Pastor Rick Warren teaches, “If I have no love for others, no desire to serve others, and I’m only concerned about my needs, I should question whether Christ is really in my life. A saved heart is one that wants to serve.”
Jesus, our greatest teacher, modeled servanthood for us. So now all we have to do is put the towel over our arm and walk in his footsteps.
May God’s blessings go with you this day.
Norton Lawellin
December 05, 2011 Monday Message:
“Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life.” (1 John 3:14 CEV)
I was at an outdoor event, leading worship for Metro Hope Ministries, a Christian organization that helps people recover from addictions. The program director walked toward me, laughing, pointing, somewhat giddy. So as we say in Minnesota, “What’s the deal?”
He pointed out a young man, one of the residents in their program, who was walking through the picnic area picking up scraps of paper that were blowing around. No one had told him to do it – it wasn’t his assigned task – he just saw that it needed doing and that it would make the place nicer for everyone else. He was serving, doing the right thing for the right reasons, without being told.
The director was ecstatic! He told me, “That’s how we can tell when the guys ‘get it’ - when they start serving others, instead of being only concerned with their own needs. We find that they’ve turned the corner in recovery, and they’ve turned the corner in being a Christian when you catch them serving!”
Pastor Rick Warren teaches, “If I have no love for others, no desire to serve others, and I’m only concerned about my needs, I should question whether Christ is really in my life. A saved heart is one that wants to serve.”
Jesus, our greatest teacher, modeled servanthood for us. So now all we have to do is put the towel over our arm and walk in his footsteps.
May God’s blessings go with you this day.
Norton Lawellin
“Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life.” (1 John 3:14 CEV)
I was at an outdoor event, leading worship for Metro Hope Ministries, a Christian organization that helps people recover from addictions. The program director walked toward me, laughing, pointing, somewhat giddy. So as we say in Minnesota, “What’s the deal?”
He pointed out a young man, one of the residents in their program, who was walking through the picnic area picking up scraps of paper that were blowing around. No one had told him to do it – it wasn’t his assigned task – he just saw that it needed doing and that it would make the place nicer for everyone else. He was serving, doing the right thing for the right reasons, without being told.
The director was ecstatic! He told me, “That’s how we can tell when the guys ‘get it’ - when they start serving others, instead of being only concerned with their own needs. We find that they’ve turned the corner in recovery, and they’ve turned the corner in being a Christian when you catch them serving!”
Pastor Rick Warren teaches, “If I have no love for others, no desire to serve others, and I’m only concerned about my needs, I should question whether Christ is really in my life. A saved heart is one that wants to serve.”
Jesus, our greatest teacher, modeled servanthood for us. So now all we have to do is put the towel over our arm and walk in his footsteps.
May God’s blessings go with you this day.
Norton Lawellin
December 05, 2011 Monday Message:
“Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life.” (1 John 3:14 CEV)
I was at an outdoor event, leading worship for Metro Hope Ministries, a Christian organization that helps people recover from addictions. The program director walked toward me, laughing, pointing, somewhat giddy. So as we say in Minnesota, “What’s the deal?”
He pointed out a young man, one of the residents in their program, who was walking through the picnic area picking up scraps of paper that were blowing around. No one had told him to do it – it wasn’t his assigned task – he just saw that it needed doing and that it would make the place nicer for everyone else. He was serving, doing the right thing for the right reasons, without being told.
The director was ecstatic! He told me, “That’s how we can tell when the guys ‘get it’ - when they start serving others, instead of being only concerned with their own needs. We find that they’ve turned the corner in recovery, and they’ve turned the corner in being a Christian when you catch them serving!”
Pastor Rick Warren teaches, “If I have no love for others, no desire to serve others, and I’m only concerned about my needs, I should question whether Christ is really in my life. A saved heart is one that wants to serve.”
Jesus, our greatest teacher, modeled servanthood for us. So now all we have to do is put the towel over our arm and walk in his footsteps.
May God’s blessings go with you this day.
Norton Lawellin
Monday, November 28, 2011
The Kingdom is at Hand!
November 28, 2011 Monday Message:
“Thy Kingdom come…” Matthew 6:10a
John the Baptist said the Kingdom of God was near; but Jesus sent his apostles to preach, “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” Are you watching for the Malkuth, the Kingdom of God? Good news – it’s here – right now! Jesus said so!
Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He was reigning when the world was formed. He was reigning 2000 years ago as he walked the earth. As Jesus now prepares a place for us, remember that he never abdicated the throne. This is HIS kingdom; we just get to live in it.
Things realign when we realize this. For one thing, it can no longer be MY Kingdom; it’s THY kingdom. Are you ready to step out of the driver’s seat, relinquish all control? Are you ready to have Jesus be King?
Things to think about this week:
What would be different it Jesus stepped into our world today? If Jesus were CEO of your company – how would you do business differently? If Jesus ran your school – what would be different for the staff? …and for the students? What if – instead of answering to Washington, D.C. - everyone in our country answered to Jesus?
Welcome to Advent, a Christian time of preparation for the arrival of baby Jesus!
Norton Lawellin
“Thy Kingdom come…” Matthew 6:10a
John the Baptist said the Kingdom of God was near; but Jesus sent his apostles to preach, “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” Are you watching for the Malkuth, the Kingdom of God? Good news – it’s here – right now! Jesus said so!
Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He was reigning when the world was formed. He was reigning 2000 years ago as he walked the earth. As Jesus now prepares a place for us, remember that he never abdicated the throne. This is HIS kingdom; we just get to live in it.
Things realign when we realize this. For one thing, it can no longer be MY Kingdom; it’s THY kingdom. Are you ready to step out of the driver’s seat, relinquish all control? Are you ready to have Jesus be King?
Things to think about this week:
What would be different it Jesus stepped into our world today? If Jesus were CEO of your company – how would you do business differently? If Jesus ran your school – what would be different for the staff? …and for the students? What if – instead of answering to Washington, D.C. - everyone in our country answered to Jesus?
Welcome to Advent, a Christian time of preparation for the arrival of baby Jesus!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, November 21, 2011
The World vs the Spirit
November 21, 2011 Monday Message:
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Cor. 5:17
In your old life, you were consumed with things of the world. Your job, house, car, and relationships top the list. True, life may seem better with some of these things, but they are not things eternal; for a believer, they are no longer your main things. The world should now be farther down on our to-do list.
In your new life, you were filled with the Holy Spirit, and things of God, things of Jesus, things of heaven have moved to the top of your agenda. Things of eternal significance have claimed a new priority.
These two differing philosophies, the world vs the Spirit, battle for your attention. So, which one wins? Native Americans teach a lesson about such conflicts: “The one you feed the most often wins.”
So starve the evil one out, put the world on a hunger strike, and attach your time and energy to things eternal. After all, you’ve been born anew into God’s holy family. And therefore, as a member of the family, you’re in line for an inheritance. Inheritances aren’t earned – they’re gifts, freely offered. Jesus is preparing your gift right now!
See—God is good (all the time). Amen.
Norton Lawellin
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Cor. 5:17
In your old life, you were consumed with things of the world. Your job, house, car, and relationships top the list. True, life may seem better with some of these things, but they are not things eternal; for a believer, they are no longer your main things. The world should now be farther down on our to-do list.
In your new life, you were filled with the Holy Spirit, and things of God, things of Jesus, things of heaven have moved to the top of your agenda. Things of eternal significance have claimed a new priority.
These two differing philosophies, the world vs the Spirit, battle for your attention. So, which one wins? Native Americans teach a lesson about such conflicts: “The one you feed the most often wins.”
So starve the evil one out, put the world on a hunger strike, and attach your time and energy to things eternal. After all, you’ve been born anew into God’s holy family. And therefore, as a member of the family, you’re in line for an inheritance. Inheritances aren’t earned – they’re gifts, freely offered. Jesus is preparing your gift right now!
See—God is good (all the time). Amen.
Norton Lawellin
Monday, November 14, 2011
Holy Spirit - Source of Spiritual Gifts
November 14, 2011 Monday Message:
“Christ has generously divided out his gifts to us.” Ephesians 4:7 CEV
When you become a follower of Jesus, you’re adopted into the heavenly family. Just as your earthly family bestows gifts upon you from time to time, so does Jesus. We call these, “Spiritual Gifts.”
You can’t earn them. You don’t deserve them. You can’t buy them. This is God’s grace-in-action, God’s unconditional love for his children — these are truly gifts.
God has a special plan for each of us, and we are given the spiritual gifts that “fit.” Your gifts are not my gifts, and my gifts are not your gifts — or they might be — it’s all up to God. No single gift is given to everyone, and none of us receives all the gifts. Therefore everyone needs to be surrounded by a community of believers, for when we use our gifts, the whole community benefits.
The Holy Spirit is in charge of allocation and distribution of Spiritual Gifts. "It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have." 1 Cor. 12:11 NLT
So if you’re trying to find your spiritual gifts, seek the Holy Spirit. Remember Paul’s question, pointing us to the source or spiritual gifts: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Acts 19:2a NLT
May you connect with the Spirit this week.
Norton Lawellin
We’ll be looking at Paul and his church plant in Ephesus, Friday 7pm, at New Hope Center in Minneapolis.
“Christ has generously divided out his gifts to us.” Ephesians 4:7 CEV
When you become a follower of Jesus, you’re adopted into the heavenly family. Just as your earthly family bestows gifts upon you from time to time, so does Jesus. We call these, “Spiritual Gifts.”
You can’t earn them. You don’t deserve them. You can’t buy them. This is God’s grace-in-action, God’s unconditional love for his children — these are truly gifts.
God has a special plan for each of us, and we are given the spiritual gifts that “fit.” Your gifts are not my gifts, and my gifts are not your gifts — or they might be — it’s all up to God. No single gift is given to everyone, and none of us receives all the gifts. Therefore everyone needs to be surrounded by a community of believers, for when we use our gifts, the whole community benefits.
The Holy Spirit is in charge of allocation and distribution of Spiritual Gifts. "It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have." 1 Cor. 12:11 NLT
So if you’re trying to find your spiritual gifts, seek the Holy Spirit. Remember Paul’s question, pointing us to the source or spiritual gifts: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Acts 19:2a NLT
May you connect with the Spirit this week.
Norton Lawellin
We’ll be looking at Paul and his church plant in Ephesus, Friday 7pm, at New Hope Center in Minneapolis.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Tax Collectors and Sinners
November 07, 2011 Monday Message:
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Matthew 9:11b NIV
Jesus was always hanging out with the “wrong” kind of people. Tax collectors were among the worst.
In that day, Rome was ruling over Israel. But Roman-citizen tax collectors were greatly despised and might even be killed. Therefore Rome recruited Jews to be their tax collectors. The Hebrew people might not like paying taxes to Rome, but it was thought that they would not kill one of their own.
Levi-the-tax-collector’s ancestry was in the succession of Temple Priests. Now it’s bad enough when one of your own starts working for the enemy. But just imagine how people felt when they found that one of their high priests had gone to the dark side.
But apparently Levi wasn’t too happy with his choices. I believe he was looking for an opportunity to repent and return. When Jesus said, “Follow me,” Levi left the tax-collection booth immediately, and went with the teacher. They gathered for dinner at Levi’s house, and were joined by many other tax collectors and still more sinners.
When the Pharisees asked about this, Jesus said, “It is the sick people who need a doctor, not those who are healthy.“
So if you’re going to work with Jesus, you may find yourself socializing with sinners. You may be called to visit places to which you would not normally go, and to work with those who really need to repent and return. You’ll meet people who don’t look like you, don’t dress like you, and don’t speak like you. Choose to sit at their table and share the Good News. That’s what Jesus did.
Today we know the tax collector Levi by his Greek name; he’s the Apostle Matthew.
May the Lord walk with you this week,
Norton Lawellin
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Matthew 9:11b NIV
Jesus was always hanging out with the “wrong” kind of people. Tax collectors were among the worst.
In that day, Rome was ruling over Israel. But Roman-citizen tax collectors were greatly despised and might even be killed. Therefore Rome recruited Jews to be their tax collectors. The Hebrew people might not like paying taxes to Rome, but it was thought that they would not kill one of their own.
Levi-the-tax-collector’s ancestry was in the succession of Temple Priests. Now it’s bad enough when one of your own starts working for the enemy. But just imagine how people felt when they found that one of their high priests had gone to the dark side.
But apparently Levi wasn’t too happy with his choices. I believe he was looking for an opportunity to repent and return. When Jesus said, “Follow me,” Levi left the tax-collection booth immediately, and went with the teacher. They gathered for dinner at Levi’s house, and were joined by many other tax collectors and still more sinners.
When the Pharisees asked about this, Jesus said, “It is the sick people who need a doctor, not those who are healthy.“
So if you’re going to work with Jesus, you may find yourself socializing with sinners. You may be called to visit places to which you would not normally go, and to work with those who really need to repent and return. You’ll meet people who don’t look like you, don’t dress like you, and don’t speak like you. Choose to sit at their table and share the Good News. That’s what Jesus did.
Today we know the tax collector Levi by his Greek name; he’s the Apostle Matthew.
May the Lord walk with you this week,
Norton Lawellin
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thy Kingdom Come
October 31, 2011 Monday Message:
The Lord said to my lord, “Sit here at my right side, until I put your enemies under your feet.” Psalm 110:1 GNT
In the life after this life, good and evil will not exist together. Good will live in the presence of God, and evil will not be tolerated in the presence of God. Good people will be on one level; evil will be below them, under their feet.
God is taking his time, and God is patient. God’s wish is that none would perish, but we live in a fallen world, and some who rebel will not make it. There will be anger, fighting, bruises and blood spilt on the spiritual battlefield. There will be wars and rumors of wars until Jesus returns. Some of us will be martyred, but God will win.
Each day here on earth, we’re seeing more and more of God’s kingdom and less and less evil. The prayer, “Thy kingdom come,” is coming true, a little at a time. God’s kingdom (Malkuth) is destined for our physical world, and the earth is becoming “as it is in heaven.”
Those indwelt by the Holy Spirit, adopted into the Lord’s family, will be delivered from evil and reside in God’s kingdom, for ever, in this place Jesus is preparing for us.
Happy All-Hallows-Eve!
Norton Lawellin
The Lord said to my lord, “Sit here at my right side, until I put your enemies under your feet.” Psalm 110:1 GNT
In the life after this life, good and evil will not exist together. Good will live in the presence of God, and evil will not be tolerated in the presence of God. Good people will be on one level; evil will be below them, under their feet.
God is taking his time, and God is patient. God’s wish is that none would perish, but we live in a fallen world, and some who rebel will not make it. There will be anger, fighting, bruises and blood spilt on the spiritual battlefield. There will be wars and rumors of wars until Jesus returns. Some of us will be martyred, but God will win.
Each day here on earth, we’re seeing more and more of God’s kingdom and less and less evil. The prayer, “Thy kingdom come,” is coming true, a little at a time. God’s kingdom (Malkuth) is destined for our physical world, and the earth is becoming “as it is in heaven.”
Those indwelt by the Holy Spirit, adopted into the Lord’s family, will be delivered from evil and reside in God’s kingdom, for ever, in this place Jesus is preparing for us.
Happy All-Hallows-Eve!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, October 24, 2011
Reformation — Sola Fide
October 24, 2011 Monday Message:
It’s time for holiday celebrations! Halloween is one week from today. Remember that Halloween, “All-Hallow’s-Eve,” came out of Catholic liturgy. It’s the night before another holiday on our church calendars, “All Saint’s Day.” (Nov. 1.) So they’re kind of the same holiday, following the Jewish tradition that a feast begins at sundown the previous day.
On October 31, our church calendars list one additional holiday – Reformation. It gets far less attention than Halloween, which is unfortunate, since Reformed Theology brings clarity in our journey to the place Jesus is preparing for us.
Here’s how it happened: German-born Martin Luther, a Catholic Monk and Priest, embarked on a quest for assurance of salvation. Sure, he believed Jesus was the Son of God who died to redeem the repentant, but how can you know that you and God are “OK?” How can you be certain?
The answer was Habakkuk 2:4b: “The righteous will be justified by faith.” We’re not saved by anything we do. It’s our faith in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit that saves us. It’s God’s choice to offer this gift to us; we just need to say, “Yes.”
A similar principle is stated many other places in the Bible. I like Isaiah 55:1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost." You can’t buy salvation — it’s God’s free gift to you.
This is a prime example of God’s everlasting lovingkindness toward us, His khesed, His agape love, how He takes care of us. God offers us a second chance, and our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God won’t change his mind about redeeming those who put their faith in his Son.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Sola fide,
Norton Lawellin
It’s time for holiday celebrations! Halloween is one week from today. Remember that Halloween, “All-Hallow’s-Eve,” came out of Catholic liturgy. It’s the night before another holiday on our church calendars, “All Saint’s Day.” (Nov. 1.) So they’re kind of the same holiday, following the Jewish tradition that a feast begins at sundown the previous day.
On October 31, our church calendars list one additional holiday – Reformation. It gets far less attention than Halloween, which is unfortunate, since Reformed Theology brings clarity in our journey to the place Jesus is preparing for us.
Here’s how it happened: German-born Martin Luther, a Catholic Monk and Priest, embarked on a quest for assurance of salvation. Sure, he believed Jesus was the Son of God who died to redeem the repentant, but how can you know that you and God are “OK?” How can you be certain?
The answer was Habakkuk 2:4b: “The righteous will be justified by faith.” We’re not saved by anything we do. It’s our faith in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit that saves us. It’s God’s choice to offer this gift to us; we just need to say, “Yes.”
A similar principle is stated many other places in the Bible. I like Isaiah 55:1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost." You can’t buy salvation — it’s God’s free gift to you.
This is a prime example of God’s everlasting lovingkindness toward us, His khesed, His agape love, how He takes care of us. God offers us a second chance, and our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God won’t change his mind about redeeming those who put their faith in his Son.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Sola fide,
Norton Lawellin
Monday, October 17, 2011
Do You Want To Get Well?
October 17, 2011 Monday Message:
In John 5, a crippled man waits under the colonnades beside the healing pools of Bethesda. Everyone there was waiting for the “moving of the water,” for they believed that at certain times, an angel came down into the pool and stirred the water, and then the first person who stepped into the water after the disturbance would be healed of the disease from which they were suffering.
The man in our story had been waiting for 38 years. How long have you been waiting for something to be mended in your life?
When Jesus saw the man lying there on his back—knowing that he had been like that for a long time, Jesus said to him, “Do you want to get well again?”
You see, that’s the problem, having to decide that it would be better to make a change. Right now, this man has his “spot” – his “place.” It’s in the shade, and he can lean up against the column. Friends bring him a little food and some cast-off clothing from time to time. If he was healed, he’d have to learn a trade and get a job somewhere. If he was no longer lame, he’d have to find a new place to live and make all new friends. He’d lose his “spot!” It would be scary sailing into uncharted territory. It just might be easier (feel safer) to NOT get well.
So Jesus’ question is for all of us: “Do you want to get well again?”
In recovering from any disease - physical, emotional or spiritual - the first step is to admit that you have the problem, and then decide that you want to get well again. If you want your life to be better, Jesus stands ready to heal. Sometimes it’s physical healing, sometimes it’s casting out demons. Either way, you’ll be restored!
So don’t make excuses that you can’t get to the water in time. Jesus is the living water and he can touch your life, so that you can pick up your mat and walk – to His glory!
In His service,
Norton Lawellin
In John 5, a crippled man waits under the colonnades beside the healing pools of Bethesda. Everyone there was waiting for the “moving of the water,” for they believed that at certain times, an angel came down into the pool and stirred the water, and then the first person who stepped into the water after the disturbance would be healed of the disease from which they were suffering.
The man in our story had been waiting for 38 years. How long have you been waiting for something to be mended in your life?
When Jesus saw the man lying there on his back—knowing that he had been like that for a long time, Jesus said to him, “Do you want to get well again?”
You see, that’s the problem, having to decide that it would be better to make a change. Right now, this man has his “spot” – his “place.” It’s in the shade, and he can lean up against the column. Friends bring him a little food and some cast-off clothing from time to time. If he was healed, he’d have to learn a trade and get a job somewhere. If he was no longer lame, he’d have to find a new place to live and make all new friends. He’d lose his “spot!” It would be scary sailing into uncharted territory. It just might be easier (feel safer) to NOT get well.
So Jesus’ question is for all of us: “Do you want to get well again?”
In recovering from any disease - physical, emotional or spiritual - the first step is to admit that you have the problem, and then decide that you want to get well again. If you want your life to be better, Jesus stands ready to heal. Sometimes it’s physical healing, sometimes it’s casting out demons. Either way, you’ll be restored!
So don’t make excuses that you can’t get to the water in time. Jesus is the living water and he can touch your life, so that you can pick up your mat and walk – to His glory!
In His service,
Norton Lawellin
Monday, October 10, 2011
Can You See Your Future?
October 10, 2011 Monday Message:
Last week, 56-year-old Steve Jobs succumbed to persistent pancreatic cancer. His visions touched your life and my life, and made things easier, faster and more fun. I will miss most learning what this creative visionary genius thought should be our next thing.
He possessed an uncanny knack for looking into the future. He saw a need for personal computers, and started building Apple 1’s in his parents’ house. Nowadays everyone has a personal computer. Some of us have several. Computers used to run on cryptic coded instructions, but now we point and click with a mouse on a graphical user interface; Mac was first.
Steve Jobs put an entire music library in your shirt-pocket with the iPod (275 million.) The biggest check record companies receive comes from the iTunes store. The iPhone (100 million) raised the bar for what a handheld personal electronic device should do. The recent introduction of the iPad (25 million) launched a new category of “notepad” computers. Talk about successful — this past summer Apple had more cash reserves than the U.S. treasury, and Job’s personal net worth hovered around $8 billion.
Tragically, Apple’s website tells us that Jobs was a Buddhist. I can only hope that he, having been raised in a Christian nation, at some earlier time might have worked things out with Jesus.
This is why it’s so important to carry the message of salvation to our loved ones. Their days and our days are numbered, but we never know how many. Heaven is a gift from Jesus, and cannot be bought for $8 billion. No amount of success, prominence or notoriety can open the door. But Jesus is preparing a place for all who call him Lord. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
In Christ,
Norton Lawellin
Last week, 56-year-old Steve Jobs succumbed to persistent pancreatic cancer. His visions touched your life and my life, and made things easier, faster and more fun. I will miss most learning what this creative visionary genius thought should be our next thing.
He possessed an uncanny knack for looking into the future. He saw a need for personal computers, and started building Apple 1’s in his parents’ house. Nowadays everyone has a personal computer. Some of us have several. Computers used to run on cryptic coded instructions, but now we point and click with a mouse on a graphical user interface; Mac was first.
Steve Jobs put an entire music library in your shirt-pocket with the iPod (275 million.) The biggest check record companies receive comes from the iTunes store. The iPhone (100 million) raised the bar for what a handheld personal electronic device should do. The recent introduction of the iPad (25 million) launched a new category of “notepad” computers. Talk about successful — this past summer Apple had more cash reserves than the U.S. treasury, and Job’s personal net worth hovered around $8 billion.
Tragically, Apple’s website tells us that Jobs was a Buddhist. I can only hope that he, having been raised in a Christian nation, at some earlier time might have worked things out with Jesus.
This is why it’s so important to carry the message of salvation to our loved ones. Their days and our days are numbered, but we never know how many. Heaven is a gift from Jesus, and cannot be bought for $8 billion. No amount of success, prominence or notoriety can open the door. But Jesus is preparing a place for all who call him Lord. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
In Christ,
Norton Lawellin
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sins Erased Here!
October 03, 2011 Monday Message:
There’s good news and there’s bad news! The good news is that there’s life after this life, and Christians get to live forever. After you die you will rise again, just like Jesus did! Hallelujah!
The bad news is that we then have a time of judgment, and the Bible says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) So everyone’s in trouble. Kind of – let’s look at what the Bible says.
Jesus left Christians with an advocate, someone to speak on our behalf: the Holy Spirit. At the time of judgment, it’s the Spirit’s job to remind the heavenly assembly that Christians are now wearing the white garment, covered by Jesus’ sacrifice.
God looks at us and sees only the presence of Jesus, not our sin. In fact, in the book of life where our names are written, there is no record of our sin. It’s as if our sin was written on a blackboard, but Jesus came through the room with a giant eraser and wiped it all clean. This is God’s khesed, his everlasting lovingkindness, that that pursues us all the days of our lives, so that we may dwell in the house of the Lord. (Psalm 23:6, paraphrase mine)
In His service,
Norton Lawellin
There’s good news and there’s bad news! The good news is that there’s life after this life, and Christians get to live forever. After you die you will rise again, just like Jesus did! Hallelujah!
The bad news is that we then have a time of judgment, and the Bible says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) So everyone’s in trouble. Kind of – let’s look at what the Bible says.
Jesus left Christians with an advocate, someone to speak on our behalf: the Holy Spirit. At the time of judgment, it’s the Spirit’s job to remind the heavenly assembly that Christians are now wearing the white garment, covered by Jesus’ sacrifice.
God looks at us and sees only the presence of Jesus, not our sin. In fact, in the book of life where our names are written, there is no record of our sin. It’s as if our sin was written on a blackboard, but Jesus came through the room with a giant eraser and wiped it all clean. This is God’s khesed, his everlasting lovingkindness, that that pursues us all the days of our lives, so that we may dwell in the house of the Lord. (Psalm 23:6, paraphrase mine)
In His service,
Norton Lawellin
Monday, September 26, 2011
God is Still In Charge!
September 26, 2011 Monday Message:
I recently ordered a kit to modify an office machine. The different parts arrived in different boxes on different days. The instructions were obviously translated into English by a non-native-English-speaking person. Help!
I laid out all the parts; the first step is to determine that nothing is missing. Then I tried all the connections, fittings and snap-in parts; the second step is to determine that nothing is broken.
God has given us a “kit” for life, the Bible, and His plan is perfect. We don’t need to do any double-checking, but we can examine it as much as we feel we need to. Upon close inspection, we find that nothing is missing. Everything we need for life, both here and beyond, is included.
In Genesis, it looks like something might have been broken. But Jesus came and fixed whatever went wrong and healed the separation. If we look at today’s world, it looks like there’s a lot wrong, a lot broken. But we’re not “the world.” God looks at believers through “Jesus glasses.” Nothing looks like it’s broken; in fact, there’s no record of anything ever being broken.
That’s why, as Christians, we can use God’s Word and our faith to sidestep worry, to put anxiety on the back burner. We already know that everything will turn out OK. With the Lord as our shepherd, we shall not want. With Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we can be confident that nothing is missing and nothing is broken.
God is still in charge.
In His service,
Norton Lawellin
I recently ordered a kit to modify an office machine. The different parts arrived in different boxes on different days. The instructions were obviously translated into English by a non-native-English-speaking person. Help!
I laid out all the parts; the first step is to determine that nothing is missing. Then I tried all the connections, fittings and snap-in parts; the second step is to determine that nothing is broken.
God has given us a “kit” for life, the Bible, and His plan is perfect. We don’t need to do any double-checking, but we can examine it as much as we feel we need to. Upon close inspection, we find that nothing is missing. Everything we need for life, both here and beyond, is included.
In Genesis, it looks like something might have been broken. But Jesus came and fixed whatever went wrong and healed the separation. If we look at today’s world, it looks like there’s a lot wrong, a lot broken. But we’re not “the world.” God looks at believers through “Jesus glasses.” Nothing looks like it’s broken; in fact, there’s no record of anything ever being broken.
That’s why, as Christians, we can use God’s Word and our faith to sidestep worry, to put anxiety on the back burner. We already know that everything will turn out OK. With the Lord as our shepherd, we shall not want. With Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we can be confident that nothing is missing and nothing is broken.
God is still in charge.
In His service,
Norton Lawellin
Monday, September 19, 2011
Parable of the Two Sons
September 19, 2011 Monday Message:
In Matthew 21:28-32, Jesus teaches the parable of the Two Sons. When asked to help in the family business, the first son refuses, but later has a change of heart and goes to work. The second son answers respectfully: “Yes, sir, I will work,” but never shows up. Both kinds still sit in our pews nowadays.
The first son represents someone who sinned against the Father, but later repented and returned, and was once again accepted into the Holy family. We’ve all walked in those shoes.
The second said all the right things, but failed to do what he said. Like the Pharisees, this type keeps up the external appearance of religion, but their heart is not right with God.
Spurgeon summarizes, “They talk of repenting, but they do not repent. They speak of believing, but they never believe. They think of submitting to God, but they have not submitted themselves to him yet. They say it is time they broke up the fallow ground and sought the Lord, but they do not seek him. It all ends in a mere promise.”
The danger of living like the second son is, in spite of knowing that the Word of God is true and promising to do the Father’s work, it never actually happens, which amounts to lying to the Holy Spirit. Bad idea. Jesus says that religious outcasts like corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes (who repent) will enter the kingdom before these self-righteous hypocrites.
What matters is truly living for God, not just saying words that sound right. The priests and elders were good at reciting religious verbiage, but their stubborn hearts remind us that repentant sinners will enter the kingdom before them.
Blessings,
Norton Lawellin
In Matthew 21:28-32, Jesus teaches the parable of the Two Sons. When asked to help in the family business, the first son refuses, but later has a change of heart and goes to work. The second son answers respectfully: “Yes, sir, I will work,” but never shows up. Both kinds still sit in our pews nowadays.
The first son represents someone who sinned against the Father, but later repented and returned, and was once again accepted into the Holy family. We’ve all walked in those shoes.
The second said all the right things, but failed to do what he said. Like the Pharisees, this type keeps up the external appearance of religion, but their heart is not right with God.
Spurgeon summarizes, “They talk of repenting, but they do not repent. They speak of believing, but they never believe. They think of submitting to God, but they have not submitted themselves to him yet. They say it is time they broke up the fallow ground and sought the Lord, but they do not seek him. It all ends in a mere promise.”
The danger of living like the second son is, in spite of knowing that the Word of God is true and promising to do the Father’s work, it never actually happens, which amounts to lying to the Holy Spirit. Bad idea. Jesus says that religious outcasts like corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes (who repent) will enter the kingdom before these self-righteous hypocrites.
What matters is truly living for God, not just saying words that sound right. The priests and elders were good at reciting religious verbiage, but their stubborn hearts remind us that repentant sinners will enter the kingdom before them.
Blessings,
Norton Lawellin
Monday, September 12, 2011
God, Why Do You Hide?
September 12, 2011 Monday Message:
“Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” Psalms 10:1
When the going gets tough, does God really hide? Absolutely not! So let's look at what might be going on.
When the sun goes down each evening, is its light extinguished? No, the earth has simply turned away from the light. God is like that. When we feel that God is distant, oftentimes we have turned away. God is right there, right where He always has been, right where He should be.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways,” declares the Lord. We know what we want; but do we know what God wants? A crisis in our lives is sometimes like a pruning in the vineyard. It hurts at the time, but we grow stronger by overcoming the adversity. Isaiah 55:8
God has three answers to our prayers: yes, no and not yet. We would love the answer to be “yes” all the time, but God knows what's best. Sometimes what we think would be a blessing turns out to be a curse. Most lottery winners are not happy a year later. They wanted “yes,” but “no” might have saved their lives; certainly their sanity!
“Not yet” is most challenging for me to get right. Even when something would obviously be good, I want it to happen right away. But God often gives us more time to draw a crowd, build teams and increase financial support. The thing that looks good now will still look good a year from now. It will happen in “God's time,” not our time.
“The successes of evil are only temporary, and in the end, only the righteous will endure.” Artscroll Tehillim p. 14
Blessings,
Norton Lawellin
“Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” Psalms 10:1
When the going gets tough, does God really hide? Absolutely not! So let's look at what might be going on.
When the sun goes down each evening, is its light extinguished? No, the earth has simply turned away from the light. God is like that. When we feel that God is distant, oftentimes we have turned away. God is right there, right where He always has been, right where He should be.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways,” declares the Lord. We know what we want; but do we know what God wants? A crisis in our lives is sometimes like a pruning in the vineyard. It hurts at the time, but we grow stronger by overcoming the adversity. Isaiah 55:8
God has three answers to our prayers: yes, no and not yet. We would love the answer to be “yes” all the time, but God knows what's best. Sometimes what we think would be a blessing turns out to be a curse. Most lottery winners are not happy a year later. They wanted “yes,” but “no” might have saved their lives; certainly their sanity!
“Not yet” is most challenging for me to get right. Even when something would obviously be good, I want it to happen right away. But God often gives us more time to draw a crowd, build teams and increase financial support. The thing that looks good now will still look good a year from now. It will happen in “God's time,” not our time.
“The successes of evil are only temporary, and in the end, only the righteous will endure.” Artscroll Tehillim p. 14
Blessings,
Norton Lawellin
Monday, September 5, 2011
Excellence
September 05, 2011 Monday Message:
Nowadays, when we think of an offering to God, our first thought is of the check we drop in the basket each week. That’s important, to be sure; but when we volunteer, serve in our churches, shelters, food-shelves, and go on short-term mission trips, those things too are offerings to God.
Our offerings to God are to be first-class stuff, the best we can bring. 500 years before Jesus, God felt insulted when his people brought defective animals for sacrifice. It’s the same today; God is disrespected if we give less than our best service. Malachi 1:6-14
Frankly, we’re to do our best all the time. Paul writes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23
Years ago I was taught, “Excellence honors God and inspires people.” It’s just as true today, especially in light of our assignment from Jesus, to “go and make disciples of all nations…” If we’re doing church with excellence, people are proud of it, get excited about it, and newcomers want to become a part of it. Therefore excellence ignites evangelism.
“Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17a
Blessings,
Norton Lawellin
Nowadays, when we think of an offering to God, our first thought is of the check we drop in the basket each week. That’s important, to be sure; but when we volunteer, serve in our churches, shelters, food-shelves, and go on short-term mission trips, those things too are offerings to God.
Our offerings to God are to be first-class stuff, the best we can bring. 500 years before Jesus, God felt insulted when his people brought defective animals for sacrifice. It’s the same today; God is disrespected if we give less than our best service. Malachi 1:6-14
Frankly, we’re to do our best all the time. Paul writes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23
Years ago I was taught, “Excellence honors God and inspires people.” It’s just as true today, especially in light of our assignment from Jesus, to “go and make disciples of all nations…” If we’re doing church with excellence, people are proud of it, get excited about it, and newcomers want to become a part of it. Therefore excellence ignites evangelism.
“Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17a
Blessings,
Norton Lawellin
Monday, August 29, 2011
Life-after-this-life
August 29, 2011 Monday Message:
Anticipation. Are you filled with anticipation for your life-after-this-life? Do you long to see what God has in store for you?
Are you ready to see the Son of Man in the sky, returning in a great cloud? Then you’ll know your salvation is near. Luke 15:27-28
We say the earth is not our home; heaven is our home. But in the end-times, God will restore the new heaven and the new earth, so the earth may be our home after all.
When we speak of life after death, what’s your vision; what is in your mind’s eye? For believers, the most important thing is that we will be living in the light, in the presence of our Lord. All things will go God’s way, and that will be good. “In the presence of YHWH” is a good place to spend eternity.
The worst thing about hell would be eternal separation from God, and the constant reminder that things are far better with God. Jesus taught us, “There, in torment, he (the rich man) saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side,” perpetually miserable, and constantly reminded that he should have made a different choice. Luke 16:23b
Jesus has gone ahead to prepare a place for you and me. Our mistakes, our sins and our shortcomings are covered – not just now – but for eternity. Eternal security is a huge undeserved gift, and Jesus chose to rescue us. Each of us should take a moment from time to time to appreciate and give thanks for the value of the place to which we are going.
Blessings,
Norton Lawellin
Anticipation. Are you filled with anticipation for your life-after-this-life? Do you long to see what God has in store for you?
Are you ready to see the Son of Man in the sky, returning in a great cloud? Then you’ll know your salvation is near. Luke 15:27-28
We say the earth is not our home; heaven is our home. But in the end-times, God will restore the new heaven and the new earth, so the earth may be our home after all.
When we speak of life after death, what’s your vision; what is in your mind’s eye? For believers, the most important thing is that we will be living in the light, in the presence of our Lord. All things will go God’s way, and that will be good. “In the presence of YHWH” is a good place to spend eternity.
The worst thing about hell would be eternal separation from God, and the constant reminder that things are far better with God. Jesus taught us, “There, in torment, he (the rich man) saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side,” perpetually miserable, and constantly reminded that he should have made a different choice. Luke 16:23b
Jesus has gone ahead to prepare a place for you and me. Our mistakes, our sins and our shortcomings are covered – not just now – but for eternity. Eternal security is a huge undeserved gift, and Jesus chose to rescue us. Each of us should take a moment from time to time to appreciate and give thanks for the value of the place to which we are going.
Blessings,
Norton Lawellin
Monday, August 22, 2011
Middle Ground - 3
August 22, 2011 Monday Message:
Two weeks ago we posed the question: Why did the Israelites take such a convoluted route out of Egypt? Last week we saw the answer: Because “…they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” God knows best. Exodus 13:17b NLT
But there’s another reason they spent so much time in Middle Ground. God’s people needed to learn to trust God. When they were slaves in Egypt, God came to rescue them. God is in the rescue business. They came up against the Red Sea and once again God came to the rescue. When they needed water, when they needed food, when they needed meat, God was always there for them.
But the Hebrew people weren’t always there for God. Middle Ground was fertile soil for whining and complaining: "Why can't we have meat? We ate fish in Egypt—and got it free!—to say nothing of the cucumbers and melons, the leeks and onions and garlic.” Numbers 1:4b-5 The mutiny wasn’t against Moses as much as it was against God. “We were better off in Egypt; we were better off as slaves.” Numbers 11:18b
Even Moses needed reassurance. When they were promised meat, Moses didn’t believe it was possible. So God responded with a question of his own: “Is my arm too short? (Are you questioning my goodness or my competence? Is this a capability issue?) Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” Numbers 11:23
God always has the resources to take us from “here” to “there.” He’s Lord over economic hardship, disease and illness, employment disappointments, family systems and relationships, addictions and church splits. God can help, God has what you need, and God is in the rescue business.
If you trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, He will move you out of your middle ground and into your land of milk and honey.
Press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14
Norton Lawellin
Two weeks ago we posed the question: Why did the Israelites take such a convoluted route out of Egypt? Last week we saw the answer: Because “…they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” God knows best. Exodus 13:17b NLT
But there’s another reason they spent so much time in Middle Ground. God’s people needed to learn to trust God. When they were slaves in Egypt, God came to rescue them. God is in the rescue business. They came up against the Red Sea and once again God came to the rescue. When they needed water, when they needed food, when they needed meat, God was always there for them.
But the Hebrew people weren’t always there for God. Middle Ground was fertile soil for whining and complaining: "Why can't we have meat? We ate fish in Egypt—and got it free!—to say nothing of the cucumbers and melons, the leeks and onions and garlic.” Numbers 1:4b-5 The mutiny wasn’t against Moses as much as it was against God. “We were better off in Egypt; we were better off as slaves.” Numbers 11:18b
Even Moses needed reassurance. When they were promised meat, Moses didn’t believe it was possible. So God responded with a question of his own: “Is my arm too short? (Are you questioning my goodness or my competence? Is this a capability issue?) Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” Numbers 11:23
God always has the resources to take us from “here” to “there.” He’s Lord over economic hardship, disease and illness, employment disappointments, family systems and relationships, addictions and church splits. God can help, God has what you need, and God is in the rescue business.
If you trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, He will move you out of your middle ground and into your land of milk and honey.
Press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14
Norton Lawellin
Monday, August 15, 2011
Middle Ground - 2
August 15, 2011 Monday Message:
Most people don’t really welcome change — change in our lives, our personal and family situations, and for our discussion, change in our churches and our ministries. Things may not have always been the way they are now, but that situation changed quite some time ago and we’ve grown accustomed to the new status quo. We’re comfortable with the way things are. We don’t want to step out of our comfort zone and once again endure change.
But life’s journey is a series of God-directed transitions. Bert and Ernie teach a Sesame Street skit where they begin right “here” and need to get over “there.” The problem is that when they get “there,” that place becomes the new “here,” and “there” is a different place, another journey. In a weird Muppet way, you can’t get “there” from “here” — they’re trapped in perpetual transition. When Bert and Ernie think they’ve achieved their destination, they discover that someone has set a new, higher goal.
God is always taking us from “here” to “there.” Sometimes we resist the change, sometimes we drag our feet, but eventually we go in God’s direction. The Israelites didn’t like being slaves to the Egyptians, and constantly complained about the hard work. But after God and Moses told Pharaoh to, “Let My people go,” (quite a project!) the people persistently resisted the once-welcomed change. “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.” Exodus 16:3 NLT Manna, schmana.
If our focus is only on the transition, we might never take the first step out of our Egypt. Therefore the first step in our transitional journey is understanding why our present situation is unacceptable, how bad it would be to stay where we are. Equipped with a bleak picture of the present, it becomes unthinkable that we would not begin our journey through the Red Sea, into the new frontier that God has waiting for us.
Last week’s question: Why did the Israelites take such a convoluted route out of Egypt? Because “…they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” God knows best. Exodus 13:17b NLT
We’ll conclude our “Middle Ground” discussion next week.
Keep moving forward!
Norton Lawellin
Most people don’t really welcome change — change in our lives, our personal and family situations, and for our discussion, change in our churches and our ministries. Things may not have always been the way they are now, but that situation changed quite some time ago and we’ve grown accustomed to the new status quo. We’re comfortable with the way things are. We don’t want to step out of our comfort zone and once again endure change.
But life’s journey is a series of God-directed transitions. Bert and Ernie teach a Sesame Street skit where they begin right “here” and need to get over “there.” The problem is that when they get “there,” that place becomes the new “here,” and “there” is a different place, another journey. In a weird Muppet way, you can’t get “there” from “here” — they’re trapped in perpetual transition. When Bert and Ernie think they’ve achieved their destination, they discover that someone has set a new, higher goal.
God is always taking us from “here” to “there.” Sometimes we resist the change, sometimes we drag our feet, but eventually we go in God’s direction. The Israelites didn’t like being slaves to the Egyptians, and constantly complained about the hard work. But after God and Moses told Pharaoh to, “Let My people go,” (quite a project!) the people persistently resisted the once-welcomed change. “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.” Exodus 16:3 NLT Manna, schmana.
If our focus is only on the transition, we might never take the first step out of our Egypt. Therefore the first step in our transitional journey is understanding why our present situation is unacceptable, how bad it would be to stay where we are. Equipped with a bleak picture of the present, it becomes unthinkable that we would not begin our journey through the Red Sea, into the new frontier that God has waiting for us.
Last week’s question: Why did the Israelites take such a convoluted route out of Egypt? Because “…they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” God knows best. Exodus 13:17b NLT
We’ll conclude our “Middle Ground” discussion next week.
Keep moving forward!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, August 8, 2011
Middle Ground - 1
August 08, 2011 Monday Message:
It’s a long journey from “Let My people go,” to the land of milk and honey. Our lives are often challenging as God-directed change takes us from point ‘A’ to point ‘B.’
We’re usually fairly certain of our point of origin, the place where our transition begins. But our destination is more vague, not always obvious at first. The Jews kept trying to camp in the desert; God kept telling them, “Not yet, I’ll let you know when to stop.”
Today, flying time between Cairo and Jerusalem is 32 minutes. You can drive it in about 6 hours. How long should their journey have taken walking, or with donkeys? A week? A month? Why was the destination not achieved for 40 years? We don’t know, but God has his reasons.
God has a plan, and He’s never wrong. God may be taking you to a new or different ministry, a new congregation, a new city or a new country. To what is God calling you? That’s your new home, your Israel.
Sometimes the move isn’t geographic – it’s a change in moral character, a change in lifestyle, eliminating a shortcoming or rebuilding a relationship. Maybe God wants you to make a change in how you’re living. Have you left your Egypt yet?
Whatever our life-changing event, oftentimes we’ve left point ’A’ but have not yet arrived at point ‘B.’ Were in transition, somewhere on the road, in the “Middle Ground.” We’ll explore “middle ground” further in the next couple of weeks.
Keep moving forward!
Norton Lawellin
It’s a long journey from “Let My people go,” to the land of milk and honey. Our lives are often challenging as God-directed change takes us from point ‘A’ to point ‘B.’
We’re usually fairly certain of our point of origin, the place where our transition begins. But our destination is more vague, not always obvious at first. The Jews kept trying to camp in the desert; God kept telling them, “Not yet, I’ll let you know when to stop.”
Today, flying time between Cairo and Jerusalem is 32 minutes. You can drive it in about 6 hours. How long should their journey have taken walking, or with donkeys? A week? A month? Why was the destination not achieved for 40 years? We don’t know, but God has his reasons.
God has a plan, and He’s never wrong. God may be taking you to a new or different ministry, a new congregation, a new city or a new country. To what is God calling you? That’s your new home, your Israel.
Sometimes the move isn’t geographic – it’s a change in moral character, a change in lifestyle, eliminating a shortcoming or rebuilding a relationship. Maybe God wants you to make a change in how you’re living. Have you left your Egypt yet?
Whatever our life-changing event, oftentimes we’ve left point ’A’ but have not yet arrived at point ‘B.’ Were in transition, somewhere on the road, in the “Middle Ground.” We’ll explore “middle ground” further in the next couple of weeks.
Keep moving forward!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, August 1, 2011
God Hears Your Prayers
August 01, 2011 Monday Message:
“He (The LORD) will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.” Psalms 102:17 NLT
The NLT title of Psalm 102 says it all: “A prayer of one overwhelmed with trouble, pouring out problems before the Lord.”
Do you ever feel so overwhelmed that your perception is that there is no hope? The psalmist clearly felt that way. He pours out his problems to the Lord, praying to God: “Pay attention! This is a cry for help! And hurry—this can't wait!” verse 2 (MSG)
The psalmist is in trouble, and finds solutions not in his own doing, but in the Lord’s doing. God will hear the prayers of the destitute, and do his God-stuff to set things right.
Psalm 102 says that Zion is also in trouble. Real enemies with real weapons who easily out-number God’s people pose a real threat. “Zion” is a metaphor for the Hebrew people, the sanctified worship of God, the Temple and Jerusalem, the Holy City¬ – you know – all that God-stuff.
Interestingly, “Jerusalem” comes from the words “Ir Shalom,” which mean “city of peace.” Not just any peace – but “Shalom,” God’s peace that passes all understanding. It must bother God greatly that His Holy City is continually threatened. And in the end, God will win this battle too. “For the Lord will rebuild Jerusalem. Then He will appear in his glory.” verse 16 (NLT)
So remember, no matter how bad things may look right now, God is your light at the end of the tunnel. He is always faithful, and He always knows exactly what is needed. He always wins.
Everything will be all right in the end. That’s what the Bible says.
Norton Lawellin
“He (The LORD) will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.” Psalms 102:17 NLT
The NLT title of Psalm 102 says it all: “A prayer of one overwhelmed with trouble, pouring out problems before the Lord.”
Do you ever feel so overwhelmed that your perception is that there is no hope? The psalmist clearly felt that way. He pours out his problems to the Lord, praying to God: “Pay attention! This is a cry for help! And hurry—this can't wait!” verse 2 (MSG)
The psalmist is in trouble, and finds solutions not in his own doing, but in the Lord’s doing. God will hear the prayers of the destitute, and do his God-stuff to set things right.
Psalm 102 says that Zion is also in trouble. Real enemies with real weapons who easily out-number God’s people pose a real threat. “Zion” is a metaphor for the Hebrew people, the sanctified worship of God, the Temple and Jerusalem, the Holy City¬ – you know – all that God-stuff.
Interestingly, “Jerusalem” comes from the words “Ir Shalom,” which mean “city of peace.” Not just any peace – but “Shalom,” God’s peace that passes all understanding. It must bother God greatly that His Holy City is continually threatened. And in the end, God will win this battle too. “For the Lord will rebuild Jerusalem. Then He will appear in his glory.” verse 16 (NLT)
So remember, no matter how bad things may look right now, God is your light at the end of the tunnel. He is always faithful, and He always knows exactly what is needed. He always wins.
Everything will be all right in the end. That’s what the Bible says.
Norton Lawellin
Monday, July 25, 2011
The Lord is My Light
July 25, 2011 Monday Message:
David: “The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom then shall I fear?” Psalms 27:1a
In David’s language, it’s not just, “the Lord.” David is speaking, probably shouting, the actual name of God – YHWH. Go ahead – try it first with some names that you already know. Shout them out!
“Bob is my light!”
“Nancy is my salvation!”
And now with God’s name: “Yahweh is my light and my salvation!!!”
See how that works? Good job!
And there’s emphasis on the “IS.” So this is a rather bold statement! David is crazy about God just as Paul was crazy for Jesus. David’s love for God was all consuming. This is the same David who, while celebrating the return of the Ark to Jerusalem, caroused up and down the street singing songs, playing musical instruments, dancing and blowing the shofar — over-the-top worship!
Whom then shall I fear? First, fear no man. Christ’s light may shine through us or reflect off of us, but no one among us is the source of that light. And no one among us can grant the others salvation.
If God is your source of light and the anchor of your salvation, whom should you fear? Fear our triune God: the Lord YHWH, his Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Show our God all the honor, respect and glory suitable for the creator of all that we know, and all that we don’t know. Celebrate in a big way, like David, who was “certain that he would see the LORD's goodness in this present life.” Psalm 27:13
Are you as “certain” as David?
Norton Lawellin
David: “The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom then shall I fear?” Psalms 27:1a
In David’s language, it’s not just, “the Lord.” David is speaking, probably shouting, the actual name of God – YHWH. Go ahead – try it first with some names that you already know. Shout them out!
“Bob is my light!”
“Nancy is my salvation!”
And now with God’s name: “Yahweh is my light and my salvation!!!”
See how that works? Good job!
And there’s emphasis on the “IS.” So this is a rather bold statement! David is crazy about God just as Paul was crazy for Jesus. David’s love for God was all consuming. This is the same David who, while celebrating the return of the Ark to Jerusalem, caroused up and down the street singing songs, playing musical instruments, dancing and blowing the shofar — over-the-top worship!
Whom then shall I fear? First, fear no man. Christ’s light may shine through us or reflect off of us, but no one among us is the source of that light. And no one among us can grant the others salvation.
If God is your source of light and the anchor of your salvation, whom should you fear? Fear our triune God: the Lord YHWH, his Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Show our God all the honor, respect and glory suitable for the creator of all that we know, and all that we don’t know. Celebrate in a big way, like David, who was “certain that he would see the LORD's goodness in this present life.” Psalm 27:13
Are you as “certain” as David?
Norton Lawellin
Monday, July 18, 2011
Hope through Jesus
July 18, 2011 Monday Message:
“Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.” Romans 8:34 (NLT)
When Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, the sacrifice that would rescue all of mankind from our sinful condition, it wasn’t a short-term deal. You see, when Jesus takes on a task, he sees it through to completion.
So when Jesus rose from the dead and subsequently ascended into heaven, he didn’t take a holiday. Jesus said that he would “go to prepare a place for us.” John 14:2b (NKJV) Also, God said that he would prepare a city for us. Hebrews 11:16b (NKJV) Sounds like they’re on the same page? Well remember that the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are of one mind. “The Father and I are one.” John 10:30 (HCSB)
Jesus is pleading your case before the Father, right now. Your sponsor, your advocate, is sitting at the right hand of the Father, bending his ear, right now. Reservations have been made for you in the heavenly city, a place has been prepared, and Jesus will not change his mind about bringing you home. He’s like a rock, the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (HCSB)
If your faith, hope and trust reside in Jesus, then we’ll all meet in heaven. “You were given this hope when you were saved.” Romans 8:24a (NLT)
That’s what the Bible says.
Norton Lawellin
“Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.” Romans 8:34 (NLT)
When Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, the sacrifice that would rescue all of mankind from our sinful condition, it wasn’t a short-term deal. You see, when Jesus takes on a task, he sees it through to completion.
So when Jesus rose from the dead and subsequently ascended into heaven, he didn’t take a holiday. Jesus said that he would “go to prepare a place for us.” John 14:2b (NKJV) Also, God said that he would prepare a city for us. Hebrews 11:16b (NKJV) Sounds like they’re on the same page? Well remember that the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are of one mind. “The Father and I are one.” John 10:30 (HCSB)
Jesus is pleading your case before the Father, right now. Your sponsor, your advocate, is sitting at the right hand of the Father, bending his ear, right now. Reservations have been made for you in the heavenly city, a place has been prepared, and Jesus will not change his mind about bringing you home. He’s like a rock, the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (HCSB)
If your faith, hope and trust reside in Jesus, then we’ll all meet in heaven. “You were given this hope when you were saved.” Romans 8:24a (NLT)
That’s what the Bible says.
Norton Lawellin
Monday, July 11, 2011
First vs Last
July 11, 2011 Monday Message:
Jesus: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35b (TNIV)
2000 years ago, the Pharisees were first. They were trusted with God’s law and knew every word.
But Jesus discerned that while the Pharisees understood the words, they did not understand the intent, the spirit behind God’s laws. They had memorized each rule on an individual basis, but could not see the big picture, how they should truly love God and also love their neighbor. Trust Jesus to turn the system upside-down!
Jesus says each of us is to serve: serve God, serve the church, serve each other. The word in verse 35 is not doulos, which would mean a slave, one who has no choice in serving. Rather, the word used is diakonos, a deliberate, voluntary choice to freely attend to the needs of others.
According to Jesus, greatness in the kingdom is not determined by status, but by service. By turning the system upside-down, he was actually amending things, putting things back the way they belonged in the first place.
Remember to wash a few feet this week!
Norton Lawellin
I’ll be teaching “First, Last, and Everything In Between,” at New Hope Center Chapel this Friday, 7PM.
Jesus: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35b (TNIV)
2000 years ago, the Pharisees were first. They were trusted with God’s law and knew every word.
But Jesus discerned that while the Pharisees understood the words, they did not understand the intent, the spirit behind God’s laws. They had memorized each rule on an individual basis, but could not see the big picture, how they should truly love God and also love their neighbor. Trust Jesus to turn the system upside-down!
Jesus says each of us is to serve: serve God, serve the church, serve each other. The word in verse 35 is not doulos, which would mean a slave, one who has no choice in serving. Rather, the word used is diakonos, a deliberate, voluntary choice to freely attend to the needs of others.
According to Jesus, greatness in the kingdom is not determined by status, but by service. By turning the system upside-down, he was actually amending things, putting things back the way they belonged in the first place.
Remember to wash a few feet this week!
Norton Lawellin
I’ll be teaching “First, Last, and Everything In Between,” at New Hope Center Chapel this Friday, 7PM.
Monday, July 4, 2011
A Message with Power!
July 04, 2011 Monday Message:
Paul: “Our Gospel came to you not as mere words, but as a message with power behind it - the effectual power, in fact, of the Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5a (Phillips)
The Good News in the Bible is much greater than any collection of words. What sets words in scripture apart from words in newspapers, magazines, and nowadays the internet, is that God’s words come with power - the power for healing, the power for miracles, the power to change minds, change hearts, and change lives. The Gospel comes with the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit can change the heart of one who hears God’s message of truth, and give each of us exactly what we need – comfort for the distressed, instruction for those who seek, and conviction for those weary of fence-sitting.
Paul actually writes that the Gospel “be-comes” to you; you “grow” into it. God’s Word seems to get better all the time, its power increases, and your understanding of the teaching increases. The power of the Holy Spirit within you increases, your confidence to carry the message increases, and your assurance of salvation shines on your face. Everyone can clearly see that you are radically changed in a positive way!
So grab your Bible, call on the Holy Spirit, and “…let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2a (NLT)
Norton Lawellin
Paul: “Our Gospel came to you not as mere words, but as a message with power behind it - the effectual power, in fact, of the Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5a (Phillips)
The Good News in the Bible is much greater than any collection of words. What sets words in scripture apart from words in newspapers, magazines, and nowadays the internet, is that God’s words come with power - the power for healing, the power for miracles, the power to change minds, change hearts, and change lives. The Gospel comes with the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit can change the heart of one who hears God’s message of truth, and give each of us exactly what we need – comfort for the distressed, instruction for those who seek, and conviction for those weary of fence-sitting.
Paul actually writes that the Gospel “be-comes” to you; you “grow” into it. God’s Word seems to get better all the time, its power increases, and your understanding of the teaching increases. The power of the Holy Spirit within you increases, your confidence to carry the message increases, and your assurance of salvation shines on your face. Everyone can clearly see that you are radically changed in a positive way!
So grab your Bible, call on the Holy Spirit, and “…let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Romans 12:2a (NLT)
Norton Lawellin
Monday, June 27, 2011
I and the Father are One
June 27, 2011 Monday Message:
Jesus: “I and the Father are one.” John 10:30
It took just one big bang to create the universe, our world and the vast eternal plan for all mankind. Our God, God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit, created that creation. The reason it all worked so well is that our God of three persons - was of one mind. Isn’t that what we really want as Christians – to be of one mind with God?
Don’t think that you have to be sinless – not one of us has achieved perfection. Rather, think of us as children of God. Yes, children want to please their parents. But children make mistakes, do things that are wrong, and have to say, “I’m sorry,” from time to time. No matter what, parents love us unconditionally, with agápe love that has no limit. God loves you like that.
When you say, “Whoops, I’m sorry,” you are becoming of one mind with your parent. “You’re right, I was wrong, I can see it your way now, I’m sorry.” In the same way, repentance is being of one mind with God. “God’s right, I was wrong, I can see it His way now, I’m sorry.”
When we understand God’s value system, the way he separates right from wrong and good from evil, our thinking can become more like his. God doesn’t change his mind about these things – he’s solid as a rock, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
When we’re on the same page as God, we can become, like David, someone after God’s own heart! 1Samuel 13:14b
Norton Lawellin
Jesus: “I and the Father are one.” John 10:30
It took just one big bang to create the universe, our world and the vast eternal plan for all mankind. Our God, God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit, created that creation. The reason it all worked so well is that our God of three persons - was of one mind. Isn’t that what we really want as Christians – to be of one mind with God?
Don’t think that you have to be sinless – not one of us has achieved perfection. Rather, think of us as children of God. Yes, children want to please their parents. But children make mistakes, do things that are wrong, and have to say, “I’m sorry,” from time to time. No matter what, parents love us unconditionally, with agápe love that has no limit. God loves you like that.
When you say, “Whoops, I’m sorry,” you are becoming of one mind with your parent. “You’re right, I was wrong, I can see it your way now, I’m sorry.” In the same way, repentance is being of one mind with God. “God’s right, I was wrong, I can see it His way now, I’m sorry.”
When we understand God’s value system, the way he separates right from wrong and good from evil, our thinking can become more like his. God doesn’t change his mind about these things – he’s solid as a rock, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
When we’re on the same page as God, we can become, like David, someone after God’s own heart! 1Samuel 13:14b
Norton Lawellin
Monday, June 20, 2011
You Gotta have Heart!
June 20, 2011 Monday Message:
“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.” Ephesians 3:17a
Each of us has our visible side, the part of us that we allow the rest of the world to see. It’s the face we put on so that we can look good to others. Our outer show is driven by the circumstances around us. Living life like that is like juggling – scrambling to keep all the balls in the air. It keeps us in the game, but mostly it’s not real – there’s nothing of substance behind the show.
Remember that the Pharisees put on a good show. They held elaborate ceremonies, huge rituals and lengthy liturgies, but did not know love for their fellows. It was an empty show; they lacked substance from above.
Each of us also has our inner person, our soul, visible only to us and to God. It’s driven by eternal truths and Godly substance, not other people and circumstances. We sometimes refer to this as “heart.”
If a boy thinks a girl is cute, he says, “I like you.” If she’s extra-special, he tells his friends, “I think we’re in love.” But when it’s time to get married, he confesses to her, “I love you with all my heart!”
When we want to express the most commitment, the most sincerity, we refer to our heart. When we want to get closer to God, we don’t just use the eyes on our face. We sing, “Open the eyes of my heart!” Ephesians 1:18
When Jesus partners with us, we don’t welcome him to some obscure body part. We have prepared the best room inside our temple-of-a-body for His arrival. Jesus will make his home in our hearts, we’ll see Him with the great big eyes of our hearts, and we’ll love the Lord with all our heart. And soul, mind and strength.
May Jesus be alive in your heart today!
Norton Lawellin
“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.” Ephesians 3:17a
Each of us has our visible side, the part of us that we allow the rest of the world to see. It’s the face we put on so that we can look good to others. Our outer show is driven by the circumstances around us. Living life like that is like juggling – scrambling to keep all the balls in the air. It keeps us in the game, but mostly it’s not real – there’s nothing of substance behind the show.
Remember that the Pharisees put on a good show. They held elaborate ceremonies, huge rituals and lengthy liturgies, but did not know love for their fellows. It was an empty show; they lacked substance from above.
Each of us also has our inner person, our soul, visible only to us and to God. It’s driven by eternal truths and Godly substance, not other people and circumstances. We sometimes refer to this as “heart.”
If a boy thinks a girl is cute, he says, “I like you.” If she’s extra-special, he tells his friends, “I think we’re in love.” But when it’s time to get married, he confesses to her, “I love you with all my heart!”
When we want to express the most commitment, the most sincerity, we refer to our heart. When we want to get closer to God, we don’t just use the eyes on our face. We sing, “Open the eyes of my heart!” Ephesians 1:18
When Jesus partners with us, we don’t welcome him to some obscure body part. We have prepared the best room inside our temple-of-a-body for His arrival. Jesus will make his home in our hearts, we’ll see Him with the great big eyes of our hearts, and we’ll love the Lord with all our heart. And soul, mind and strength.
May Jesus be alive in your heart today!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, June 13, 2011
Give What You Have
June 13, 2011 Monday Message:
“I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have.” Acts 3:6a
The Holy Spirit filled Simon-Peter and the other believers on the day of Pentecost. Next, our impulsive Apostle preached the story of how Jesus fulfilled all prophecy, and as he spoke, the message was miraculously understood in all languages.
Challenged to make a decision, the listeners asked, “Brothers, what should we do?” They were told to repent and return to the Lord, and 3000 came forward and were baptized that day.
After such a day, what could be next? How about healing a man who had been lame from birth? As Peter and John entered the Temple, they passed a beggar who asked them for money. Peter answered, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you, but I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
Peter took the man’s hand, helped him to his feet, and instantly he was restored. Not just a little bit healed, but all the way healed! The man took off, leaping through the Temple and praising God to everyone!
Nowadays, people in need often turn to churches for help. Like the lame man, these people ask for money or food, and yes, we try to supply those things. Like Peter, we may not always have silver or gold. But we are called to pour out what we DO have: love modeled after Jesus, peace that passes all understanding and true friendship. People who ask for help need Jesus as much as they need food. And they’re longing for community, a sense of belonging. Like the Apostle, we are called to reach out our hand and help them to their feet.
If you’ve been filled with the Living Water, you can pour some of it for others! Therefore go…
Norton Lawellin
“I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have.” Acts 3:6a
The Holy Spirit filled Simon-Peter and the other believers on the day of Pentecost. Next, our impulsive Apostle preached the story of how Jesus fulfilled all prophecy, and as he spoke, the message was miraculously understood in all languages.
Challenged to make a decision, the listeners asked, “Brothers, what should we do?” They were told to repent and return to the Lord, and 3000 came forward and were baptized that day.
After such a day, what could be next? How about healing a man who had been lame from birth? As Peter and John entered the Temple, they passed a beggar who asked them for money. Peter answered, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you, but I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
Peter took the man’s hand, helped him to his feet, and instantly he was restored. Not just a little bit healed, but all the way healed! The man took off, leaping through the Temple and praising God to everyone!
Nowadays, people in need often turn to churches for help. Like the lame man, these people ask for money or food, and yes, we try to supply those things. Like Peter, we may not always have silver or gold. But we are called to pour out what we DO have: love modeled after Jesus, peace that passes all understanding and true friendship. People who ask for help need Jesus as much as they need food. And they’re longing for community, a sense of belonging. Like the Apostle, we are called to reach out our hand and help them to their feet.
If you’ve been filled with the Living Water, you can pour some of it for others! Therefore go…
Norton Lawellin
Monday, June 6, 2011
Come Holy Spirit!
June 06, 2011 Monday Message:
“If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Galatians 5:18
Jesus said he would send a helper, a comforter, to fill us with the power of heaven until he returns. In Greek the word is Parakletos, also translated as encourager, advocate and counselor, in the same way that a lawyer would stand beside you in a court of law.
Pentecost Sunday, June 12, is the day we celebrate the Holy Spirit, who, with a melodramatic arrival, filled the believers, following the ascension of Jesus. This appearance of the Holy Spirit was not the first. In fact, the 2nd verse of the Bible teaches, “The Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” Genesis 1:2
Why is the Holy Spirit such a big deal? Because we all need help. Mankind cannot ever live the perfect life. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
We need someone to rescue us. Jesus. And someone to redeem us. Jesus. But with Jesus in heaven, at the right hand of the father, who can help us now? The Holy Spirit. Who is our “connector” with God, Jesus, and with heaven? The Holy Spirit. Who will stand with us on judgment day, and remember that our name is written in the book of life? The Holy Spirit. Remember that if we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are no longer under the law!
Even though Jesus ascended, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit can fill us with the super-natural power of heaven to accomplish super-natural things here on earth, in Jesus’ name, until he returns for us.
Pray, “Come Holy Spirit.” You are not alone.
Norton Lawellin
“If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Galatians 5:18
Jesus said he would send a helper, a comforter, to fill us with the power of heaven until he returns. In Greek the word is Parakletos, also translated as encourager, advocate and counselor, in the same way that a lawyer would stand beside you in a court of law.
Pentecost Sunday, June 12, is the day we celebrate the Holy Spirit, who, with a melodramatic arrival, filled the believers, following the ascension of Jesus. This appearance of the Holy Spirit was not the first. In fact, the 2nd verse of the Bible teaches, “The Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” Genesis 1:2
Why is the Holy Spirit such a big deal? Because we all need help. Mankind cannot ever live the perfect life. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
We need someone to rescue us. Jesus. And someone to redeem us. Jesus. But with Jesus in heaven, at the right hand of the father, who can help us now? The Holy Spirit. Who is our “connector” with God, Jesus, and with heaven? The Holy Spirit. Who will stand with us on judgment day, and remember that our name is written in the book of life? The Holy Spirit. Remember that if we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are no longer under the law!
Even though Jesus ascended, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit can fill us with the super-natural power of heaven to accomplish super-natural things here on earth, in Jesus’ name, until he returns for us.
Pray, “Come Holy Spirit.” You are not alone.
Norton Lawellin
Monday, May 30, 2011
Get Ready for Pentecost
May 30, 2011 Monday Message:
“Everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit…” Acts 2:4a
Pentecost will soon be upon us, and most of our churches will celebrate on Sunday, June 12.
I think Pentecost should be one of the “Big 3” Christian Holidays: Easter, Christmas, and Pentecost. It celebrates the day the Holy Spirit came to be with the believers in a way that they could hear and see. There was a roaring sound, like a strong wind might make, a sound that everyone could hear. And “tongues of fire” fell from above and landed on each person.
The roaring-wind sound attracted a huge crowd, and Simon Peter preached his best, a sermon that could be understood in all languages. And when he gave the altar call, 3000 came forward and were baptized that day.
The Holy Spirit moved over the waters at creation, filled Old Testament prophets and saints, and came to be with Jesus at his baptism. Our one God shows himself to us in 3 distinct persons, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is our paraclete, our advocate to help us in this life until Jesus himself returns. When we fail to call upon our helper, the loss is ours.
Your church will be decorated in scarlet red for Pentecost, and many believers wear red on that day. Look for the Holy Spirit in your church that day. Expect him to show up!
Norton Lawellin
“Everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit…” Acts 2:4a
Pentecost will soon be upon us, and most of our churches will celebrate on Sunday, June 12.
I think Pentecost should be one of the “Big 3” Christian Holidays: Easter, Christmas, and Pentecost. It celebrates the day the Holy Spirit came to be with the believers in a way that they could hear and see. There was a roaring sound, like a strong wind might make, a sound that everyone could hear. And “tongues of fire” fell from above and landed on each person.
The roaring-wind sound attracted a huge crowd, and Simon Peter preached his best, a sermon that could be understood in all languages. And when he gave the altar call, 3000 came forward and were baptized that day.
The Holy Spirit moved over the waters at creation, filled Old Testament prophets and saints, and came to be with Jesus at his baptism. Our one God shows himself to us in 3 distinct persons, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is our paraclete, our advocate to help us in this life until Jesus himself returns. When we fail to call upon our helper, the loss is ours.
Your church will be decorated in scarlet red for Pentecost, and many believers wear red on that day. Look for the Holy Spirit in your church that day. Expect him to show up!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, May 23, 2011
Holy Spirit - Fill Us!
May 23, 2011 Monday Message:
“The apostles kept asking Jesus, ‘Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?’” Acts 1:6
If we are both traveling, but have maps to different destinations, we will not arrive together. That’s why it’s so important for us to listen to what Jesus teaches and to participate in what Jesus is doing. We need to learn to think like Jesus is thinking, to get on the same page, to have the same destination in mind.
Even as Jesus prepared to ascend into heaven, the apostles’ thinking was still not quite aligned with their leader. After all they had seen – driving out demons, healing the sick, raising the dead – the apostles still didn’t quite get it. They had been expecting some kind of super-natural king to restore Israel to world dominance, and with 20/20 tunnel vision, this was still their focus.
But Jesus had a different agenda: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” Acts 1:8a
This is not the political power the apostles were expecting. Political power doesn’t last. World governments are constantly changing, and Jesus said that there would be wars and rumors of wars until he returns. Even in the United States, the power of the government can change hands every four years.
Jesus wanted his followers to have power that would last, spiritual power, something with eternal significance. Jesus went ahead to prepare a place for us, but did not leave us alone. The power of the Holy Spirit can fill each of us right away, and love us into eternity.
Don’t limit God; don’t just ask for power over Caesar. Pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit!
Norton Lawellin
“The apostles kept asking Jesus, ‘Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?’” Acts 1:6
If we are both traveling, but have maps to different destinations, we will not arrive together. That’s why it’s so important for us to listen to what Jesus teaches and to participate in what Jesus is doing. We need to learn to think like Jesus is thinking, to get on the same page, to have the same destination in mind.
Even as Jesus prepared to ascend into heaven, the apostles’ thinking was still not quite aligned with their leader. After all they had seen – driving out demons, healing the sick, raising the dead – the apostles still didn’t quite get it. They had been expecting some kind of super-natural king to restore Israel to world dominance, and with 20/20 tunnel vision, this was still their focus.
But Jesus had a different agenda: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” Acts 1:8a
This is not the political power the apostles were expecting. Political power doesn’t last. World governments are constantly changing, and Jesus said that there would be wars and rumors of wars until he returns. Even in the United States, the power of the government can change hands every four years.
Jesus wanted his followers to have power that would last, spiritual power, something with eternal significance. Jesus went ahead to prepare a place for us, but did not leave us alone. The power of the Holy Spirit can fill each of us right away, and love us into eternity.
Don’t limit God; don’t just ask for power over Caesar. Pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, May 16, 2011
The Ten Virgins
May 16, 2011 Monday Message:
Set the Wayback machine for 2000 years ago, and let’s go to a wedding. It’s different than nowadays…
To start the marriage process, the groom’s parents would search for a suitable bride for their son. Next, everyone would meet, and agree that this marriage would be a good thing. Then the groom’s family would give a considerable sum to the bride’s family, to finalize the marriage.
Here’s where it really gets weird – then the groom leaves. That’s right – he takes off, but it’s to get everything ready for his new bride. They’ll need a house, furniture, a supply of food, and a plan for employment. Fortunately, he doesn’t have to do this all by himself. The groom’s family and his groomsmen-friends all pitch in to help meet the goal.
While he’s gone the bride, her family and her bridesmaid-friends have a parallel assignment. They make clothing and linens, and procure all the other household essentials. This assignment was not to be taken lightly – each bridesmaid had a specific task to complete, her piece of the puzzle.
When the groom had everything prepared, he would return to claim his new wife. But the women didn’t know in advance the exact time of the groom’s return. So they had to be intentional in their work, and always on the lookout, ready to go at any moment.
The bridesmaids who were diligent in their duties and committed members of the wedding team would wind up knowing a lot about the new groom and his family. They were involved. But those who were lax in their assignments would not possess this information. It’s easy to tell them apart. The diligent ones had oil for their lamps, because they cared about the impending wedding, while the lax group did not. The lax group hadn’t completed their tasks for the groom—therefore they didn’t know much about him, and when it was time for the wedding he didn’t know them either.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins is just that, a parable, but it has eschatological implications. Jesus is the Savior who came, and the judge who will come again. His bride, the church, has tasks to complete in his absence, and each one of us is a piece of the puzzle. Those who helped prepare for the wedding will be guests at the wedding. But if you do not know Jesus, he may not know you either.
Norton Lawellin
I’ll be teaching the Parable of the Ten Virgins in a lot more detail this Friday at New Hope Center, 7PM.
Set the Wayback machine for 2000 years ago, and let’s go to a wedding. It’s different than nowadays…
To start the marriage process, the groom’s parents would search for a suitable bride for their son. Next, everyone would meet, and agree that this marriage would be a good thing. Then the groom’s family would give a considerable sum to the bride’s family, to finalize the marriage.
Here’s where it really gets weird – then the groom leaves. That’s right – he takes off, but it’s to get everything ready for his new bride. They’ll need a house, furniture, a supply of food, and a plan for employment. Fortunately, he doesn’t have to do this all by himself. The groom’s family and his groomsmen-friends all pitch in to help meet the goal.
While he’s gone the bride, her family and her bridesmaid-friends have a parallel assignment. They make clothing and linens, and procure all the other household essentials. This assignment was not to be taken lightly – each bridesmaid had a specific task to complete, her piece of the puzzle.
When the groom had everything prepared, he would return to claim his new wife. But the women didn’t know in advance the exact time of the groom’s return. So they had to be intentional in their work, and always on the lookout, ready to go at any moment.
The bridesmaids who were diligent in their duties and committed members of the wedding team would wind up knowing a lot about the new groom and his family. They were involved. But those who were lax in their assignments would not possess this information. It’s easy to tell them apart. The diligent ones had oil for their lamps, because they cared about the impending wedding, while the lax group did not. The lax group hadn’t completed their tasks for the groom—therefore they didn’t know much about him, and when it was time for the wedding he didn’t know them either.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins is just that, a parable, but it has eschatological implications. Jesus is the Savior who came, and the judge who will come again. His bride, the church, has tasks to complete in his absence, and each one of us is a piece of the puzzle. Those who helped prepare for the wedding will be guests at the wedding. But if you do not know Jesus, he may not know you either.
Norton Lawellin
I’ll be teaching the Parable of the Ten Virgins in a lot more detail this Friday at New Hope Center, 7PM.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Deliver Us from Evil
May 09, 2011 Monday Message:
Jesus: “Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” (from The Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6:13)
During this past week, news headlines spoke of the demise of Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaeda leader who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks on the United States. During the Iran-Contra hearings, Oliver North testified that this man was “the most evil person alive.”
There is a lot of evil in the world. Satan is relentless and passionate with his anti-God agenda. The devil wants to be like God, but it will never happen. The prince of evil is a created being, and YHWH-God is the creator.
Ever since the Garden of Eden, mankind has desired to possess all knowledge, to be more God-like. It cannot happen, because we too are created beings. But we can easily be tempted, and sometimes we slip and fall into evil. Not just an occasional bad word or a casual thought, but something really evil. A plot to take somebody down, a scheme to get even, malicious gossip, revenge – these are all fueled by the evil one, who is tempting us at every turn to abandon this God-thing in our lives.
Before Jesus, people didn’t know as much about things spiritual and eternal. Those who believed hotly debated the possibility of life-after-this-life. But the empty tomb removed all doubt. And Christ’s teachings made clear the concepts of salvation (heaven) and condemnation (hell.) Jesus spent more time warning us about the misery of hell than extolling the virtues of heaven.
Jesus was well aware of evil. He had been tempted by the devil, but used the Word of God as his defense. Jesus cast out demons, which had not been done before. And he gave his followers the “authority to cast out evil spirits, and to heal every kind of disease and illness.” Matt. 10:1b Jesus would not have empowered us to drive out demons if it wasn’t a big deal.
We’re still not perfect. We all slip and make mistakes, and then have to repent and return to the Lord (tschuva.) But remember that Jesus advised each of us to pray for deliverance from this kind of evil.
Lord, we pray, protect us; deliver us from the BIG evil.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Norton Lawellin
Jesus: “Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” (from The Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6:13)
During this past week, news headlines spoke of the demise of Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaeda leader who orchestrated the 9/11 attacks on the United States. During the Iran-Contra hearings, Oliver North testified that this man was “the most evil person alive.”
There is a lot of evil in the world. Satan is relentless and passionate with his anti-God agenda. The devil wants to be like God, but it will never happen. The prince of evil is a created being, and YHWH-God is the creator.
Ever since the Garden of Eden, mankind has desired to possess all knowledge, to be more God-like. It cannot happen, because we too are created beings. But we can easily be tempted, and sometimes we slip and fall into evil. Not just an occasional bad word or a casual thought, but something really evil. A plot to take somebody down, a scheme to get even, malicious gossip, revenge – these are all fueled by the evil one, who is tempting us at every turn to abandon this God-thing in our lives.
Before Jesus, people didn’t know as much about things spiritual and eternal. Those who believed hotly debated the possibility of life-after-this-life. But the empty tomb removed all doubt. And Christ’s teachings made clear the concepts of salvation (heaven) and condemnation (hell.) Jesus spent more time warning us about the misery of hell than extolling the virtues of heaven.
Jesus was well aware of evil. He had been tempted by the devil, but used the Word of God as his defense. Jesus cast out demons, which had not been done before. And he gave his followers the “authority to cast out evil spirits, and to heal every kind of disease and illness.” Matt. 10:1b Jesus would not have empowered us to drive out demons if it wasn’t a big deal.
We’re still not perfect. We all slip and make mistakes, and then have to repent and return to the Lord (tschuva.) But remember that Jesus advised each of us to pray for deliverance from this kind of evil.
Lord, we pray, protect us; deliver us from the BIG evil.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Norton Lawellin
Monday, May 2, 2011
Can You See the Light?
May 02, 2011 Monday Message:
Jesus: “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12
What would our world be without light? We’d be cold. We couldn’t go outdoors, and we wouldn’t want to. We couldn’t see anything. Life as we know it would not exist.
But WITH light, we’re warm and we can see things. Sometimes people get depressed during the winter when there isn’t enough light. But even just one bright, sunshiny day can lift everyone’s spirits, and the darkness is soon forgotten. God put the sun in the sky, and we count on each day’s rotation of the earth to bring us daybreak at the proper time. That’s fine for the light in the sky — but what about the Light of the World, Jesus?
In Psalm 27:1a, David says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation.” So it’s certainly good to want to have God shine into our lives. Let’s look at what might be wrong if we’re having difficulty seeing the light.
First, we may have turned away from the light. Perhaps something else caught our attention, and we followed it instead. Just as each afternoon the earth turns away from the sun, so too can we turn away from the light of the world. But just as each morning the earth seeks out daylight, when we sense darkness in our lives we too need to return to the light.
Next, something might have come between the light and us, like an eclipse. It could be a family member, a job, a hobby or something else altogether. Has it ever seemed like when you try to focus on Jesus, something gets in the way? Remove it. We all need a clear view of the light.
Finally, you might have your eyes closed! I know, it’s hard to believe, but the Bible is full of people who appeared to look right at Jesus but apparently didn’t see or understand. Let’s keep our eyes, our minds and our hearts wide open so that we can see the light.
In each of the above scenarios, notice that the light never stopped shining. The problem was never with the light — the problem is with our visualization of the light. Each day, make a commitment to face the light, open both eyes, and let nothing come between you and the light of the world.
Remember, “The Lord is God, shining upon us.” Psalms 118:27a
Norton Lawellin
Jesus: “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12
What would our world be without light? We’d be cold. We couldn’t go outdoors, and we wouldn’t want to. We couldn’t see anything. Life as we know it would not exist.
But WITH light, we’re warm and we can see things. Sometimes people get depressed during the winter when there isn’t enough light. But even just one bright, sunshiny day can lift everyone’s spirits, and the darkness is soon forgotten. God put the sun in the sky, and we count on each day’s rotation of the earth to bring us daybreak at the proper time. That’s fine for the light in the sky — but what about the Light of the World, Jesus?
In Psalm 27:1a, David says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation.” So it’s certainly good to want to have God shine into our lives. Let’s look at what might be wrong if we’re having difficulty seeing the light.
First, we may have turned away from the light. Perhaps something else caught our attention, and we followed it instead. Just as each afternoon the earth turns away from the sun, so too can we turn away from the light of the world. But just as each morning the earth seeks out daylight, when we sense darkness in our lives we too need to return to the light.
Next, something might have come between the light and us, like an eclipse. It could be a family member, a job, a hobby or something else altogether. Has it ever seemed like when you try to focus on Jesus, something gets in the way? Remove it. We all need a clear view of the light.
Finally, you might have your eyes closed! I know, it’s hard to believe, but the Bible is full of people who appeared to look right at Jesus but apparently didn’t see or understand. Let’s keep our eyes, our minds and our hearts wide open so that we can see the light.
In each of the above scenarios, notice that the light never stopped shining. The problem was never with the light — the problem is with our visualization of the light. Each day, make a commitment to face the light, open both eyes, and let nothing come between you and the light of the world.
Remember, “The Lord is God, shining upon us.” Psalms 118:27a
Norton Lawellin
Monday, April 25, 2011
Good News after the Resurrection
April 25, 2011 Monday Message:
With Holy Week and Easter behind us, it’s a good time to look at what happened and how it affects us.
First of all, Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday fulfilled many prophecies. While Bible scholars can debate the exact number, it’s well over 100. A single prophecy fulfilled is evidence that Jesus is who he says he is. But this sizable number of prophecies fulfilled removes any doubt. Jesus is truly the Son of the living God. Jesus really is the way, the truth and the life.
Next, our Savior took the sins of the world to the grave, and in the Great Exchange, clothed us in His righteousness. Most of us don’t have a good perspective on our sin. It’s either, “I don’t think I’m that bad,” or, “I’m so bad I don’t think I could ever be forgiven.” We either don’t take this seriously, or we’re serious to the point of depression. But the Bible doesn’t ask us to judge ourselves; we don’t need to, and we shouldn’t. We can confess without assigning a degree of wrong vs right. If we simply confess our sins and claim Jesus as Lord and Savior, we will be forgiven and become children of the living God, adopted into His holy family. That's Good News!
Finally, death has been conquered for all time. It may be challenging to understand some things about God, such as His omnipresence or the fact that He isn’t constrained by our concept of time. But we certainly understand death. Humans die every day. We put them in the ground, and don’t expect to encounter them again. Death appears to be final. But Jesus walked away from death, and about 600 people saw him walking around and heard him speaking. So Jesus proved that death is NOT the end!
It isn’t just Jesus who rises from the dead. You and I will rise from the dead too. Our bodies will rise to be with Jesus when he returns. So get ready, put on your white wedding garment, and prepare for another resurrection — YOURS!
I’m with the guy on the white horse…
Norton Lawellin
With Holy Week and Easter behind us, it’s a good time to look at what happened and how it affects us.
First of all, Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday fulfilled many prophecies. While Bible scholars can debate the exact number, it’s well over 100. A single prophecy fulfilled is evidence that Jesus is who he says he is. But this sizable number of prophecies fulfilled removes any doubt. Jesus is truly the Son of the living God. Jesus really is the way, the truth and the life.
Next, our Savior took the sins of the world to the grave, and in the Great Exchange, clothed us in His righteousness. Most of us don’t have a good perspective on our sin. It’s either, “I don’t think I’m that bad,” or, “I’m so bad I don’t think I could ever be forgiven.” We either don’t take this seriously, or we’re serious to the point of depression. But the Bible doesn’t ask us to judge ourselves; we don’t need to, and we shouldn’t. We can confess without assigning a degree of wrong vs right. If we simply confess our sins and claim Jesus as Lord and Savior, we will be forgiven and become children of the living God, adopted into His holy family. That's Good News!
Finally, death has been conquered for all time. It may be challenging to understand some things about God, such as His omnipresence or the fact that He isn’t constrained by our concept of time. But we certainly understand death. Humans die every day. We put them in the ground, and don’t expect to encounter them again. Death appears to be final. But Jesus walked away from death, and about 600 people saw him walking around and heard him speaking. So Jesus proved that death is NOT the end!
It isn’t just Jesus who rises from the dead. You and I will rise from the dead too. Our bodies will rise to be with Jesus when he returns. So get ready, put on your white wedding garment, and prepare for another resurrection — YOURS!
I’m with the guy on the white horse…
Norton Lawellin
Monday, April 18, 2011
Holy Week - We Know the Future!
April 18, 2011 Monday Message:
This is Holy Week. Many of you will visit church more than once this week. Holy week actually started yesterday, with Palm Sunday. Let’s look at what happened during this week 2000 years ago.
It’s Pesach, the Passover week, so Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. As they finished Thursday’s Passover meal, Jesus took common items from the dinner table, bread and wine, and instituted The Lord’s Supper, known also as Holy Communion or the Eucharist. Jesus said to do this so as not to forget him, “in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19
On the surface, Good Friday seems anything but good. This is the day Jesus was beaten and crucified. But it is good that Jesus took our sin to the grave, it’s good that as he took away our sin, his righteousness covered us, and it’s good that the Father’s plan was being fulfilled.
Friday was Jesus’ first day in the place of the dead; Saturday was the second, and Sunday the third. And on that third day, “God had him up, alive, and out where he could be seen.” Acts 10:40 MSG
Each year as we transition from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, I’m reminded of Dr. Tony Campolo’s famous story, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Comin’!” No matter how bad Friday looks, we know everything will be fixed by Sunday. We know the future!
At any given point in time, God’s plan may not make sense to us. But only God knows the entire plan; only God can see the big picture. “My thoughts are not your thoughts; your ways are not My ways,” says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8
So our mission is to trust in the Lord, and lean not on our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 Everything will be all right in the end. If everything is not all right, it is not the end.
May you and your loved ones have a safe and blessed Easter.
He is risen; He is risen indeed!
Norton Lawellin
This is Holy Week. Many of you will visit church more than once this week. Holy week actually started yesterday, with Palm Sunday. Let’s look at what happened during this week 2000 years ago.
It’s Pesach, the Passover week, so Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. As they finished Thursday’s Passover meal, Jesus took common items from the dinner table, bread and wine, and instituted The Lord’s Supper, known also as Holy Communion or the Eucharist. Jesus said to do this so as not to forget him, “in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19
On the surface, Good Friday seems anything but good. This is the day Jesus was beaten and crucified. But it is good that Jesus took our sin to the grave, it’s good that as he took away our sin, his righteousness covered us, and it’s good that the Father’s plan was being fulfilled.
Friday was Jesus’ first day in the place of the dead; Saturday was the second, and Sunday the third. And on that third day, “God had him up, alive, and out where he could be seen.” Acts 10:40 MSG
Each year as we transition from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, I’m reminded of Dr. Tony Campolo’s famous story, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Comin’!” No matter how bad Friday looks, we know everything will be fixed by Sunday. We know the future!
At any given point in time, God’s plan may not make sense to us. But only God knows the entire plan; only God can see the big picture. “My thoughts are not your thoughts; your ways are not My ways,” says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8
So our mission is to trust in the Lord, and lean not on our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 Everything will be all right in the end. If everything is not all right, it is not the end.
May you and your loved ones have a safe and blessed Easter.
He is risen; He is risen indeed!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, April 11, 2011
Jesus - 100%
April 11, 2011 Monday Message:
Do you rationalize sin? Many of us do. “I didn’t really mean to do it; I’ll never do that again; he/she deserved it – they had it coming; it wasn’t all my fault; it’s just a little white lie.” It’s like we believe in “degrees” of sin, which logically leads to “degrees” of forgiveness. But that’s not what the Bible says.
Any sin is offensive to God. That’s the bad news. God doesn’t grade sin on a curve. It’s pass/fail. If you remain free of all sin, you pass. If you commit any sort of sin, you fail. According to the Bible, we have all come up short.
The good news, of course, is that Jesus dispenses forgiveness on a pass/fail system as well. He doesn’t forgive just a few of your sins, or only the minor ones. Jesus came to take away ALL the sin of the world, and that includes all of YOUR sin and all of MY sin.
If you have turned away from sin and claim Jesus as your savior, you are forgiven. Not just a little forgiven, but totally and completely forgiven. There is no sin for which you cannot be forgiven. Jesus didn’t do just half the job. When Jesus took the sin of the world to the grave, he took it ALL!
So leave ALL your burdens at the foot of the cross. Jesus will take care of everything. When He takes your sin in exchange for his robe of white, you become as holy as the Holy One. “You are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:10 Now we can stop worrying about old sins, and get back to worshiping God!
May God’s hand be on you and your loved ones as Holy Week draws near.
Norton Lawellin
This Friday night 7PM some of us will lead worship at New Hope Center, part of Metro Hope Ministries. We’ll look at the anointing of David, and his encounter with Goliath as God once again rescues the entire Hebrew nation.
Do you rationalize sin? Many of us do. “I didn’t really mean to do it; I’ll never do that again; he/she deserved it – they had it coming; it wasn’t all my fault; it’s just a little white lie.” It’s like we believe in “degrees” of sin, which logically leads to “degrees” of forgiveness. But that’s not what the Bible says.
Any sin is offensive to God. That’s the bad news. God doesn’t grade sin on a curve. It’s pass/fail. If you remain free of all sin, you pass. If you commit any sort of sin, you fail. According to the Bible, we have all come up short.
The good news, of course, is that Jesus dispenses forgiveness on a pass/fail system as well. He doesn’t forgive just a few of your sins, or only the minor ones. Jesus came to take away ALL the sin of the world, and that includes all of YOUR sin and all of MY sin.
If you have turned away from sin and claim Jesus as your savior, you are forgiven. Not just a little forgiven, but totally and completely forgiven. There is no sin for which you cannot be forgiven. Jesus didn’t do just half the job. When Jesus took the sin of the world to the grave, he took it ALL!
So leave ALL your burdens at the foot of the cross. Jesus will take care of everything. When He takes your sin in exchange for his robe of white, you become as holy as the Holy One. “You are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:10 Now we can stop worrying about old sins, and get back to worshiping God!
May God’s hand be on you and your loved ones as Holy Week draws near.
Norton Lawellin
This Friday night 7PM some of us will lead worship at New Hope Center, part of Metro Hope Ministries. We’ll look at the anointing of David, and his encounter with Goliath as God once again rescues the entire Hebrew nation.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Holy Spirit - Secret Decoder
April 04, 2011 Monday Message:
When I was growing up, I’d dig through the cereal box that advertised, “Secret Decoder inside.” Usually it was just a piece of red cellophane. But when held in front of the jumble on the back of the box, letters magically appeared that revealed the secret message, “Tony the Tiger is Grrrreat!”
We all want a little “inside information,” to be “in the know.” Christians have a secret decoder for messages from God — it’s the Holy Spirit! Are you filled with the Holy Spirit?
We walk this planet with both worldly people and Spirit-filled people. Here’s what the Bible says: “The worldly person does not understand that which comes from God’s spirit; it seems foolish to them. The worldly person cannot understand, because it needs to be revealed spiritually. The spiritual person, however, can discern everything ... we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Cor. 2:14-16
This explains a lot of things. When something seems obvious to you, but others just don’t get it, it could be the Holy Spirit speaking right to your heart. Those who aren’t “in the Spirit” can listen all day long, but won’t be convinced; they just won’t understand. Their eyes can’t see God’s vision, God’s big picture.
In Greek, “worldly man” or “natural man” is “psuchikos.” It describes a material person who lives in a material world, who lives as if there were nothing beyond this physical life. This “psuchikos” person is unrepentant and unsaved. We all start there, but things radically change for some of us. We repent and return to God. First God chooses us, next Jesus rescues us, and then the Holy Spirit fills us until the end of the age, so we’ll always have the inside track!
Isaiah 40:13 asks, “Who can know the mind of the Lord?” The answer is that WE can, with the help of our secret decoder, the Holy Spirit!
May you and your loved ones be blessed during this holy season.
Norton Lawellin
When I was growing up, I’d dig through the cereal box that advertised, “Secret Decoder inside.” Usually it was just a piece of red cellophane. But when held in front of the jumble on the back of the box, letters magically appeared that revealed the secret message, “Tony the Tiger is Grrrreat!”
We all want a little “inside information,” to be “in the know.” Christians have a secret decoder for messages from God — it’s the Holy Spirit! Are you filled with the Holy Spirit?
We walk this planet with both worldly people and Spirit-filled people. Here’s what the Bible says: “The worldly person does not understand that which comes from God’s spirit; it seems foolish to them. The worldly person cannot understand, because it needs to be revealed spiritually. The spiritual person, however, can discern everything ... we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Cor. 2:14-16
This explains a lot of things. When something seems obvious to you, but others just don’t get it, it could be the Holy Spirit speaking right to your heart. Those who aren’t “in the Spirit” can listen all day long, but won’t be convinced; they just won’t understand. Their eyes can’t see God’s vision, God’s big picture.
In Greek, “worldly man” or “natural man” is “psuchikos.” It describes a material person who lives in a material world, who lives as if there were nothing beyond this physical life. This “psuchikos” person is unrepentant and unsaved. We all start there, but things radically change for some of us. We repent and return to God. First God chooses us, next Jesus rescues us, and then the Holy Spirit fills us until the end of the age, so we’ll always have the inside track!
Isaiah 40:13 asks, “Who can know the mind of the Lord?” The answer is that WE can, with the help of our secret decoder, the Holy Spirit!
May you and your loved ones be blessed during this holy season.
Norton Lawellin
Monday, March 28, 2011
Believe What You Believe
March 28, 2011 Monday Message:
Do you believe what you believe?
As David was coming of age, the Hebrew people were constantly threatened by their long-time rivals, the Philistines. Especially troublesome was the Philistine giant-of-a-warrior, Goliath, who stood nearly 10 feet tall. His armor weighed 125 pounds and had to be carried by others, and the head of his spear weighed 15 pounds. “Meanest man in the valley,” this imposing, uncircumcised pagan.
Each day, the battle went like this: The Hebrews and the Philistines would come to opposite sides of the valley of Elah. Then the Philistine giant would step forward, insult the God of Israel and issue this challenge: If anyone could fight him and win, the Philistines would become their subjects. But if Goliath won, the Jews would have to become servants of the Philistines.
It was believed that defeating Goliath was not possible. For 40 days, no one came forth to fight the giant. It was an embarrassing time for the Jews, hearing their God insulted daily, but not a single person willing to defend the name of Yahweh.
The Hebrews taught that God was the creator of all things. They knew that He was Jehovah-jireh, the God of provision; El Shaddai, the Lord God Almighty; omnipresent (everywhere), omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (knows all.) Here’s the problem: God’s chosen people no longer believed what they believe. They had grown distant from God, and while their writings taught that the Lord God Almighty could win any battle, they no longer trusted it to be so.
It took a sturdy little shepherd-boy with faith in spades answer the Philistine challenge. David knew God had protected him from the bear and the lion; the LORD had worked in his life before, so David trusted that God would be there again. After all, this was really GOD’s battle! But key in David’s mission is that he truly believed what he professed to believe.
In the end, David triumphed over Goliath. Once again God came to the rescue right when it was needed. God will rescue each of us when we need it, too. We just need to give God credit for being God. We need to believe that Jesus is who he said he is. We need to believe what we believe.
May the Lord bless you and your loved ones during this Lenten season.
Norton Lawellin
Do you believe what you believe?
As David was coming of age, the Hebrew people were constantly threatened by their long-time rivals, the Philistines. Especially troublesome was the Philistine giant-of-a-warrior, Goliath, who stood nearly 10 feet tall. His armor weighed 125 pounds and had to be carried by others, and the head of his spear weighed 15 pounds. “Meanest man in the valley,” this imposing, uncircumcised pagan.
Each day, the battle went like this: The Hebrews and the Philistines would come to opposite sides of the valley of Elah. Then the Philistine giant would step forward, insult the God of Israel and issue this challenge: If anyone could fight him and win, the Philistines would become their subjects. But if Goliath won, the Jews would have to become servants of the Philistines.
It was believed that defeating Goliath was not possible. For 40 days, no one came forth to fight the giant. It was an embarrassing time for the Jews, hearing their God insulted daily, but not a single person willing to defend the name of Yahweh.
The Hebrews taught that God was the creator of all things. They knew that He was Jehovah-jireh, the God of provision; El Shaddai, the Lord God Almighty; omnipresent (everywhere), omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (knows all.) Here’s the problem: God’s chosen people no longer believed what they believe. They had grown distant from God, and while their writings taught that the Lord God Almighty could win any battle, they no longer trusted it to be so.
It took a sturdy little shepherd-boy with faith in spades answer the Philistine challenge. David knew God had protected him from the bear and the lion; the LORD had worked in his life before, so David trusted that God would be there again. After all, this was really GOD’s battle! But key in David’s mission is that he truly believed what he professed to believe.
In the end, David triumphed over Goliath. Once again God came to the rescue right when it was needed. God will rescue each of us when we need it, too. We just need to give God credit for being God. We need to believe that Jesus is who he said he is. We need to believe what we believe.
May the Lord bless you and your loved ones during this Lenten season.
Norton Lawellin
Monday, March 21, 2011
Apostles' Creed Unlocked Pt. 3
March 21, 2011 Monday Message:
“I believe in the Holy Spirit.” from the Apostle’s Creed
This week we wrap up our journey through the Apostles’ Creed, resuming at the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost). Jesus promised, in John 14:16, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will never leave you.” That’s one additional helper, the final 1/3 of our Triune God.
In the Greek, it’s “Paraclete,” meaning, "one who consoles, one who intercedes on our behalf, a counselor, a comforter, an encourager and an advocate." The Holy Spirit is called to walk through life with you, and to never leave you. You should consider the Spirit’s passion for helping mankind to be similar to the love of God, the same God who desires that not one of us would perish, and the love Jesus felt for us as He walked the earth and gave his life to redeem us.
Some churches keep the Holy Spirit locked up in the creed, while in other congregations, the Holy Spirit is passionately worshiped. God is in heaven, and Jesus ascended to be with the Father, but the Holy Spirit is with us right now! Many believers rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for healing, provision and supernatural intervention in their lives.
We believe in the “holy catholic Church,” not to be confused with the Roman Catholic Church. Notice the lower case “c” in the Apostles’ Creed. The word “catholic” mean “one,” “whole,” or “universal.” Some congregations believe in “the holy Christian church,” thereby removing the confusion. This sentence just means that all believers are on the same team.
The also confusing “communion of saints” isn’t referring to the Eucharist. Another victim of juxtapositioned linguistics, “communion” means fellowship, association, sharing and oneness, like the word, “community.”
We believe in the forgiveness of sins. This one’s obvious – Jesus died to redeem us out of our sinful nature. If you’re a repentant believer, you too can be forgiven.
Believing in the resurrection of the body was controversial in Jesus’ time, when the Sadducees didn’t even expect an afterlife. But full-body resurrection? That’s quite a stretch. But that’s what Jesus taught, that’s what Paul wrote, and that’s what our Bibles say. Our earthly bodies will be changed into “resurrection bodies” or “new heavenly bodies” as we rise to be with Jesus in the life everlasting, forever. See you there!
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Norton Lawellin
“I believe in the Holy Spirit.” from the Apostle’s Creed
This week we wrap up our journey through the Apostles’ Creed, resuming at the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost). Jesus promised, in John 14:16, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will never leave you.” That’s one additional helper, the final 1/3 of our Triune God.
In the Greek, it’s “Paraclete,” meaning, "one who consoles, one who intercedes on our behalf, a counselor, a comforter, an encourager and an advocate." The Holy Spirit is called to walk through life with you, and to never leave you. You should consider the Spirit’s passion for helping mankind to be similar to the love of God, the same God who desires that not one of us would perish, and the love Jesus felt for us as He walked the earth and gave his life to redeem us.
Some churches keep the Holy Spirit locked up in the creed, while in other congregations, the Holy Spirit is passionately worshiped. God is in heaven, and Jesus ascended to be with the Father, but the Holy Spirit is with us right now! Many believers rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for healing, provision and supernatural intervention in their lives.
We believe in the “holy catholic Church,” not to be confused with the Roman Catholic Church. Notice the lower case “c” in the Apostles’ Creed. The word “catholic” mean “one,” “whole,” or “universal.” Some congregations believe in “the holy Christian church,” thereby removing the confusion. This sentence just means that all believers are on the same team.
The also confusing “communion of saints” isn’t referring to the Eucharist. Another victim of juxtapositioned linguistics, “communion” means fellowship, association, sharing and oneness, like the word, “community.”
We believe in the forgiveness of sins. This one’s obvious – Jesus died to redeem us out of our sinful nature. If you’re a repentant believer, you too can be forgiven.
Believing in the resurrection of the body was controversial in Jesus’ time, when the Sadducees didn’t even expect an afterlife. But full-body resurrection? That’s quite a stretch. But that’s what Jesus taught, that’s what Paul wrote, and that’s what our Bibles say. Our earthly bodies will be changed into “resurrection bodies” or “new heavenly bodies” as we rise to be with Jesus in the life everlasting, forever. See you there!
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, March 14, 2011
I believe in Jesus Christ...
March 14, 2011 Monday Message:
“I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.” from the Apostle’s Creed
The Apostles Creed, a statement of faith used by many denominations, can be studied in three parts. Last week we talked about God the Father, and next week we’ll move on to the Holy Spirit and everything else (at least that’s what I call it). But this week we’re in the middle - Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
Saying, “I believe in Jesus Christ,” implies way more than is written. It’s not just believing that Jesus was real, that he actually walked on earth. It’s believing that Jesus is who the Bible says he is. Simon Peter stated it best: "You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16
This creed goes on to list some unique and notable events in the life of Christ; significant yes, but this is certainly not an exhaustive list.
We believe in Mary’s super-natural conception and the virgin birth of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, where it also names Jesus, “Immanuel – God with us.”
We believe Jesus suffered under the Roman Perfect (Governor) Pontius Pilate. We believe Jesus died on the cross - no heartbeat, no breathing – dead by all our earthly standards. He was placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.
Next, the version of the Apostle’s Creed on the ELCA web site says, “He descended to the dead,” but explains that the traditional reading is “hell.” From Hebrew to Aramaic to Greek to English, there’s a bit of confusion here, as different religions, different cultures and different times held different understandings of life after death. For example, “sheol” (Hebrew) or “hades” (Greek) sometimes means “pit (hell),” “grave,” or “abyss (separation).” So it can mean “place of the dead,” but not necessarily a bad place. When a Greek citizen died, they were said to be “sleeping.” And the Bible says that the dead will rise again, meaning, in a way, that they weren’t really dead in the first place. See the potential confusion?
So did Jesus go anywhere during the 3 days he was “dead?” The truth is we don’t really know, but he may not have gone anywhere. I’ve had people tell me that Jesus had to duke it out with Satan, to let him know who’s the boss. Others say that Jesus personally delivered the sins of the world to hell, where all evil belongs. Still others say that because Jesus had the sins on the world upon him, he was temporarily sentenced to the lake of fire.
Personally, I don’t buy any of it. Reformed Theology teaches that Jesus took the sins of the world upon himself, and in the great exchange, covered the people with his righteousness. Since Jesus was a lamb without blemish, he was a sufficient sacrifice to pay for the sins of the whole world. And that’s all that was necessary. When Jesus spoke from the cross, “It is finished,” the mission was indeed complete. Jesus had fulfilled his greatest purpose in coming to earth – to redeem mankind. John 19:30a
Death has no hold on the Son of God, and we believe Jesus walked away from it all. The women found the tomb empty, but over the next 40 days about 600 people saw our Lord walking around and heard him speak the Good News. Then they watched in awe as Jesus was taken into the clouds, returning to the Father. We believe he will return again (with fire in his eyes and a sword in his hand, riding a white horse – don’t make me sing the whole song!). That will be the time of judgment, and Jesus will be in charge.
Next week we’ll move on to the Holy Spirit and remainder of the Apostle’s Creed.
Blessings,
Norton Lawellin
“I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.” from the Apostle’s Creed
The Apostles Creed, a statement of faith used by many denominations, can be studied in three parts. Last week we talked about God the Father, and next week we’ll move on to the Holy Spirit and everything else (at least that’s what I call it). But this week we’re in the middle - Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
Saying, “I believe in Jesus Christ,” implies way more than is written. It’s not just believing that Jesus was real, that he actually walked on earth. It’s believing that Jesus is who the Bible says he is. Simon Peter stated it best: "You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16
This creed goes on to list some unique and notable events in the life of Christ; significant yes, but this is certainly not an exhaustive list.
We believe in Mary’s super-natural conception and the virgin birth of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, where it also names Jesus, “Immanuel – God with us.”
We believe Jesus suffered under the Roman Perfect (Governor) Pontius Pilate. We believe Jesus died on the cross - no heartbeat, no breathing – dead by all our earthly standards. He was placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.
Next, the version of the Apostle’s Creed on the ELCA web site says, “He descended to the dead,” but explains that the traditional reading is “hell.” From Hebrew to Aramaic to Greek to English, there’s a bit of confusion here, as different religions, different cultures and different times held different understandings of life after death. For example, “sheol” (Hebrew) or “hades” (Greek) sometimes means “pit (hell),” “grave,” or “abyss (separation).” So it can mean “place of the dead,” but not necessarily a bad place. When a Greek citizen died, they were said to be “sleeping.” And the Bible says that the dead will rise again, meaning, in a way, that they weren’t really dead in the first place. See the potential confusion?
So did Jesus go anywhere during the 3 days he was “dead?” The truth is we don’t really know, but he may not have gone anywhere. I’ve had people tell me that Jesus had to duke it out with Satan, to let him know who’s the boss. Others say that Jesus personally delivered the sins of the world to hell, where all evil belongs. Still others say that because Jesus had the sins on the world upon him, he was temporarily sentenced to the lake of fire.
Personally, I don’t buy any of it. Reformed Theology teaches that Jesus took the sins of the world upon himself, and in the great exchange, covered the people with his righteousness. Since Jesus was a lamb without blemish, he was a sufficient sacrifice to pay for the sins of the whole world. And that’s all that was necessary. When Jesus spoke from the cross, “It is finished,” the mission was indeed complete. Jesus had fulfilled his greatest purpose in coming to earth – to redeem mankind. John 19:30a
Death has no hold on the Son of God, and we believe Jesus walked away from it all. The women found the tomb empty, but over the next 40 days about 600 people saw our Lord walking around and heard him speak the Good News. Then they watched in awe as Jesus was taken into the clouds, returning to the Father. We believe he will return again (with fire in his eyes and a sword in his hand, riding a white horse – don’t make me sing the whole song!). That will be the time of judgment, and Jesus will be in charge.
Next week we’ll move on to the Holy Spirit and remainder of the Apostle’s Creed.
Blessings,
Norton Lawellin
Monday, March 7, 2011
Apostle's Creed Unlocked - 1
March 07, 2011 Monday Message:
“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” Beginning of Apostle’s Creed
I’ve recently been asked several questions about The Apostle’s Creed. Perhaps we should park here for the next few weeks.
Of course the common myth is that the Apostles themselves authored this Creed. You’d think that from the name. But the first mention of The Apostle’s Creed is 400 years after Jesus, and that wasn’t the form we know today. We know of a version close to what we use nowadays from c. 700 A.D.
The original thinking was that an apostle had, at some time, stated the principles set forth in this creed. Another tradition is that each of the 12 apostles spoke a portion. What we translate as “creed” is actually “symbol” in Latin. So this creed is our symbol of what Christians believe, based on what the apostles taught.
While The Apostle’s Creed includes many basic truths that express what Christians should believe, it is not an exhaustive list. The divine nature of Jesus and the Holy Spirit is not clarified, nor is the fact that our salvation comes to us by the grace of God because of our faith in what God can do, key points in Reformed Theology.
“I believe in God,” should be different than believing in an earthly entity. What we’re saying is that God IS! God is who he says he is, did the things he claims to have done, and in the future will do what has been prophesied in scripture. God is the creator of all things, the giver of life and our assurance of salvation in His heavenly kingdom. God is God, and we are not. This is an unchanging, non-negotiable reality. There’s a lot in this first sentence.
Next week we’ll look at Jesus in the Creed, and the Holy Spirit the following week.
May God bless each of you on your walk with the Him!
Norton Lawellin
“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” Beginning of Apostle’s Creed
I’ve recently been asked several questions about The Apostle’s Creed. Perhaps we should park here for the next few weeks.
Of course the common myth is that the Apostles themselves authored this Creed. You’d think that from the name. But the first mention of The Apostle’s Creed is 400 years after Jesus, and that wasn’t the form we know today. We know of a version close to what we use nowadays from c. 700 A.D.
The original thinking was that an apostle had, at some time, stated the principles set forth in this creed. Another tradition is that each of the 12 apostles spoke a portion. What we translate as “creed” is actually “symbol” in Latin. So this creed is our symbol of what Christians believe, based on what the apostles taught.
While The Apostle’s Creed includes many basic truths that express what Christians should believe, it is not an exhaustive list. The divine nature of Jesus and the Holy Spirit is not clarified, nor is the fact that our salvation comes to us by the grace of God because of our faith in what God can do, key points in Reformed Theology.
“I believe in God,” should be different than believing in an earthly entity. What we’re saying is that God IS! God is who he says he is, did the things he claims to have done, and in the future will do what has been prophesied in scripture. God is the creator of all things, the giver of life and our assurance of salvation in His heavenly kingdom. God is God, and we are not. This is an unchanging, non-negotiable reality. There’s a lot in this first sentence.
Next week we’ll look at Jesus in the Creed, and the Holy Spirit the following week.
May God bless each of you on your walk with the Him!
Norton Lawellin
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