Radically Transformed

December 31, 2012 Monday Message:

“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” from Gal. 2:20 NLT

Paul had a checkered past, with ups and downs, good and bad things in his life. You and I probably have checkered pasts too.

We cannot change the past, but we can change the future. I was recently selected to lead an organization with a history of problems. The members wanted things fixed. I told them that I could not change what happened in the past, but that our goal would be to do things with excellence starting NOW. We’re going to change how we operate.

Paul, through his spiritual awakening on the road to Damascus, found his life radically transformed. He accepted his new mission and went to work, determined to do things God’s way from now on. He didn’t always score 100% on this test, but showed remarkable progress. As humans in a sinful world, we also may never get a perfect score, but if we look at trends, over time, we'll find we’re getting closer and closer to God’s model.

As we begin a new year, this would be a good time for self-examination. How is life working for you? Can you recognize the old you in the rear-view mirror, see the line drawn when you began to follow Jesus, and picture the new you on the other side? Has your life been radically transformed?

Like Paul, we cannot change our checkered pasts, but we can pursue the future with God-honoring excellence.

Happy New Year!

Norton Lawellin

Sunday, Jan. 6, 10:30am Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. Rev. Daisy Rader will continue our exploration of Luke 2 along with a little testimony, and men from the New Hope center will be joining us as part of their church tour. See you there!

NL

For the Love of God

December 24, 2012 Monday Message:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that all who believe in him would not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

God could have turned his back on us, and gone back into heaven. “Those humans are no good, full of sin; I’m outta here!”

But He didn’t. Jesus came to earth to rescue us because God so LOVED his creation – mankind. Nothing the humans did - no matter how badly they messed up – could alter the loving character of God.

The character of God is unchanging, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Therefore God loves us just as much as he loved Adam and Eve.

I saw a TV show where a young boy was excited about his Christmas gifts, about how much he was receiving. But his TV father corrected him, saying, “Christmas is about GIVING!”

I’d like to correct the father – Christmas isn’t about getting or giving; it’s about Jesus coming to earth on a mission trip to rescue mankind. That’s how much love God has for us.

Merry Christmas!

Norton Lawellin

Tonight is the beautiful Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Trinity Lutheran of Minnehaha Falls, 5212 41^st Ave. S., 55417. It will be a special night with good worship led by a truly special worship team. If you don’t have plans for Christmas worship, or if you’d like to take in an extra service, you’re invited!  Remember – you have come up and say hi!

Sunday, Dec. 30, 10:30am Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. I’ll be teaching Luke 2:21-32, the young Jesus is presented at the Temple.

NL

A Son is Given - for ALL!

December 17, 2012 Monday Message:

“To us a child is born, to us a son is given…” Isaiah 9:6a

About 800 years before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah told everyone to watch for him - not just the religious leaders in Solomon’s Temple; the Messiah would be for ALL people. What was true then is still true now. Jesus is available to ALL who seek him.

The poor, the sick, the homeless, because of their extreme need, may do more seeking, and therefore be more likely to strike up a relationship with the Lord. Jesus taught, using an analogy, that healthy people would not seek a doctor. Those with great need would be the ones looking for help.

Those who prosper may feel they have it all together, and may not sense the need to know God.  Don’t get locked-in to that kind of thinking. You cannot push your camel through the eye of a needle.

Families and friends of the 26 victims gunned down in the Newtown, CT school last Friday will be seeking comfort and help. I don’t know how anyone could get through such a tragedy without the loving comfort of Jesus and the assurance of salvation that he brings, regardless of how bad things appear to be here on earth.

Since Friday, people I’ve met have talked of nothing but this tragedy. Perhaps we ALL need an extra touch from Jesus. It’s a good season to get to know Him better.

May the Lord bless you and your families during this special time of year.

Norton Lawellin

Sunday, Dec. 23, 10:30am Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. We celebrate Christmas as Pastor Michael teaches about the birth of Jesus.

On December 24^th, I’ve been asked to help with 11pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Trinity Lutheran of Minnehaha Falls, 5212 41^st Ave. S., 55417. Rehearsals have gone exceptionally well – it’s an outstanding worship team with many talented vocalists, and I’m proud to be a part of it. If you don’t have plans for Christmas worship, or if you’d like to take in an extra service, you’re invited!  Remember – you have come up and say hi!

NL

"In" or Not?

December 10, 2012 Monday Message:

Solomon: “My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!” Proverbs 1:10 NLT

Peer pressure is one of the most powerful motivators of our behavior nowadays. We all want to “fit in.” We want to be part of the “in” crowd.

Remember the song:

“I’m in with the in crowd,

I go where the in crowd goes…

I know what the in crowd knows.

I know every latest dance,

It’s easy to find romance.

If it’s square, we ain’t there!”

If we are following Jesus’ Great Commission, making disciples of all nations, then by definition we’re hanging out with sinners, the ones who have not yet accepted the Good News. Jesus, using an analogy, taught, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor; sick people do.” Matthew 9:12 CEV

We’re called to love sinners, help them, pray for them, teach them, but NOT join with them in the sin. If someone wants to stop drinking, I can sit down and try to help. But I cannot join the big party-night out on the town.

Our society has the labels reversed. The “in” crowd, those who appear to be having all the fun, are actually the sinners. And those obediently following the Lord, those plain folks who really have it all together, are labeled “square” and “not hip.”

Maybe Christianity needs a little PR campaign, to let everyone know that we’re the good guys, and that they would actually be “cooler” if they were “in” with the children of the living God.

May God’s blessings fill your homes during this season of goodwill to all mankind.

Norton Lawellin

Sunday, Dec. 16, 10:30am Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. We look forward to the Christmas season as Pastor Michael continues teaching from Luke.

What an honor – I’ve been asked to help with the 11pm Christmas Eve service at Trinity Lutheran of Minnehaha Falls, 5212 41^st Ave. S., 55417, where I was worship leader for a number of years. Permit me to quote John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, “We’re puttin’ the band back together; we’re on a mission from God!” We held our first rehearsal last Wednesday, and I’m excited. This is truly going to be a great night of prayer, music and message honoring our Savior Jesus the Christ. If you don’t have plans for Christmas worship, or if you’d like to take in an extra service, you’re all invited – you won’t be sorry!  Make sure you come up and say hi!

NL

Don't shoot backward

December 03, 2012 Monday Message:

Don’t waste time shooting bullets backward.

God has an agenda, his “things-to-do” list. He loves us, his human creations, and wants us to be with him in heaven, forever.

When humans sinned and messed it all up, God didn’t quit. “Fellowship with the humans” is still at the top of God’s agenda. His unchanging nature and steadfast perseverance establish a trend that we can trace throughout the Bible. Watch for trends as you read your Bibles.

Therefore God sent his Son, and launched the process for our redemption. Giving up on the humans simply wasn’t an option. The principles of God, his trends, will not change. You can count on God.

God doesn’t hold onto a grudge or harbor resentment against mankind. Once Adam and Eve were disciplined and course-corrected, God let go of the offense. It does no good to shoot bullets backward.

Our God of provision looks forward, and so should we. He has made a way for us to live together, in the New Jerusalem, forever.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Norton Lawellin

Sunday, Dec. 09, 10:30am Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. We welcome guests from New Hope Center this week, as Pastor Michael continues teaching from Luke: the birth of John the Baptist.

NL

Prophesy Fulfilled!

November 26, 2012 Monday Message:

“It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!” Luke 2:20c Msg

At church last Sunday, we looked at the coming of John the Baptist. An angel appeared to his father, Zechariah, a priest in the Temple, and that angel foretold John’s birth, which was part of a series of life-changing events.

Consider this: Without Zechariah, there is no John the Baptist. If there is no John the Baptist, there is no prophet announcing the coming of the Messiah. If no one heralds the Messiah, the prophecies in the Old Testament are unfulfilled. If the prophesies of the OT regarding the first coming of the Messiah are unfulfilled, then Jesus did not fulfill all things. If Jesus did not fulfill all things, then He did not complete God’s plan of redemption for you and me, and we would perish in our sins!

In fact, what actually happened was Gospel, good news! Zechariah heard the Lord, John the Baptist was born, and he foretold the coming of Jesus. All the scriptures were fulfilled, and Jesus made a way for us to come back home to heaven once again. Our sins were forgiven, and death was conquered.

But I especially love the perspective of the shepherds, on the night Jesus was born: “It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!”

May love and peace be with you and your families as we prepare for the Christmas season.

Norton Lawellin

Sunday, Dec. 02, 10:30am Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. Pastor Michael continues teaching from Luke as we enter the Advent season.

NL

Come Quickly, Lord Jesus!

November 19, 2012 Monday Message:

“The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads.” Obadiah 1:15 NLT

This past week, Israel’s anti-missile defense system was put to the test. For the most part, their rockets designed to shoot down attacking rockets have been successful.

But Israel considers rockets lobbing explosives into their country unacceptable, and has retaliated against the Hamas perpetrators, who probably never considered that they will be judged on how they treat Israel.

So for now, Hamas aims rockets at Israel, and Israel aims rockets at Palestine, and that’s unacceptable for the residents of both countries.

This is serious – if the Middle East erupts, ripples will be felt throughout the world, and the escalating conflict will show its face in far-away nations.

Not nearly as well publicized are the 44-million hacking attempts on Israeli Government web sites this past week, yet another way to disrupt the country.

On Thursday, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day in the US. I wish it could be “in the world.” We can be thankful that we don’t have missiles exploding in our neighborhoods, and that our government’s web presence is intact.

The Bible says that peace will return when Jesus returns. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. We need you.

Norton Lawellin

Sunday, Nov. 25, 10:30am Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) will be making a joyful noise, singing to the Lord, and I’ll be teaching Luke 1:5-25, John the Baptist prepares the way for the coming of our Lord. North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis.

NL

Good Enough? Not for God!

November 12, 2012 Monday Message:

Sometimes I help songwriters bring their compositions to life in the recording studio. Their song is no longer just a dream; it becomes “real.” We add drums and percussion, guitars, pianos and synthesizers, instrumental solos, and polished vocals, and they can show it to someone, and say, “THIS is how it goes!” – or include it on their own CD of original music.

The songwriter asks, “How much?”

I give them a price.

And then sometimes they respond, “But it’s only for a demo,” implying that if they don’t release it to the public, they don’t need it perfect, and my services should be worth less.

The conflict is explained in Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.” (ISV)

God  doesn’t have a “demo” mode. He doesn’t want us to do our life’s work in a slipshod, careless manner. Everything we do should be our best efforts, as though working for the Lord. As a believer, God wouldn’t want me to leave mistakes in the 3^rd verse, and send it out with my name on it.

God’s team does their best in all things. God doesn’t like lukewarm! That’s what the Bible says.

Norton Lawellin

Yesterday was Veterans Day, and we observe the legal holiday today. Thank God some people answer the call to fight for human rights and freedom throughout the world.

Friday, Nov. 16, 7pm I’ll be leading the service and teaching about “Sin and Sin’s Solution” at New Hope Center, 2739 Cedar Ave. S., Mpls, MN 55407. Come join the men in recovery as we worship the Lord.

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) continues in the Gospel of Luke, 10:30 Sunday morning, North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis.

NL

False Witness?

November 05, 2012 Monday Message:

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16

A false witness is a liar, a prevaricator, and if he lies about his neighbor, he probably lies about everything and can’t really be trusted at all. Of course, “deceiving your neighbor” flies in the face of “loving your neighbor as yourself.”

This well-known commandment isn’t just about courtroom testimony. In fact, it includes gossip, exaggeration, slander, and anything put forth as a truth, which is, in fact, false. Speech intended to rob a person of his good name or character is against the spirit of this law.

Suppressing the truth when the truth could benefit your neighbor is wrong, as is putting forth the truth when it can only injure someone. Not everything true needs to be said.

None of us likes being lied to, but we sometimes experience it in an imperfect world. We do not expect lies to come from the mouths of believers. It’s far worse when we’re deceived by pastors or church elders, and the Bible says that God will hold them to a higher standard.

“There are things that the Lord hates and cannot tolerate … someone who tells one lie after another." from Proverbs 6:16-19 GNT

Godliness and honesty must walk hand-in-hand. That’s what the Bible says.

Norton Lawellin

Exceptional worship and teaching last Sunday, and if you weren’t there, you missed it! This week we continue in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF,) North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, 10:30am.

NL

Get Going!

October 29, 2012 Monday Message:

“The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” Genesis 12:1

When Abram was 75 years old, the Lord told him to leave a lifetime behind. “Get going!”

“Where to?”

“I’ll show you later – just get going!”

Can you imagine having to explain that to Mrs. Abram (Sarai,) and the extended family that pitched their tents beside yours.

“Where are we headed?”

“I dunno – God said He’s tell us later.”

This is all about faith and obedience. God will always send you in the right direction, and God has a destination in mind even if you aren’t aware of it yet. The question is, are you willing to get going?

It might be a journey, or it might be a task. God puts good people in key positions, and doesn’t micro-manage. He expects them to get going, to do their thing to put His mission into action.

So even if you don’t know how something will finish, are you willing to get started?

Get going for the kingdom!

Norton Lawellin

Pastor Michael continues our journey through Luke this Sunday. Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF,) North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, 10:30am. C U @ church!

NL

I Am, the Truth

October 22, 2012 Monday Message:

Jesus, teaching the woman at the well: “God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24

God is Spirit, and God is truth. Just as God is sinless and therefore cannot be around sin, He is also always truthful and cannot tolerate lies.

The good news is that if God says something, you know it’s true, because God cannot lie. (Satan is the author of lies.)

God is truth, and God’s Word, the Bible, is truth. The Holy Spirit and Jesus, as parts of the Triune God, are also truth.

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. “The way” is the name used by early Christians. It’s also the right way, the best way, the way to forgiveness, the way to heaven. “Truth” keeps you away from deceit, and puts you in harmony with God’s plan for you. “Life” is eternal life in the presence of God, as promised by God in the Old Testament and by Jesus in the New Testament.

“No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Norton Lawellin

This Sunday, I’ll be teaching about Jesus as he names his 12 Apostles (Luke 6:12-16.) Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF,) North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, 10:30am.

NL

Worship in Spirit

October 15, 2012 Monday Message:

Jesus, teaching the woman at the well: “God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24

God is Spirit, and so are we. It’s important to realize that an earthly body is just a temporary home for our ruach, our spirit, and our nephesh, our soul, the essence of our life.

Our body will not live forever, but our spirit will exist as long as God allows us to continue. That’s why it’s important to know Jesus as your savior. Then your eternal spirit will rest in heaven, in the presence of God, rather than in hell, separated from God.

True worship would be our spirits communing with the Spirit of the Living God. Many of us don’t often get there. Our worship hours are filled with man-made traditions and rituals, and most churches do little to help you connect your spirit with God’s spirit.

And yet that’s what Jesus said we were to do. May your spirit reach out to the spirit of the Holy Father today.

Next week – worship in truth!

Norton Lawellin

See you at New Hope Center Friday Oct. 19, 7pm for Chapel, and we’ll dig deeper into Jesus’ meeting with the woman at the well.

JICF worships Sunday in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, 10:30am. This week Pastor Daisy Mae Rader teaches from Luke. See you at church!

NL

Come unto Me

October 08, 2012 Monday Message:

“Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” James 4:8a

Before Jesus, mankind was wise to remain some distance from God, separate. Moses came down from Mt. Sinai sunburned! The earliest commands were about maintaining separation and distance. Only the highest priest, the kohen godol, could enter the Holy of Holies once per year.

But Jesus changed everything. He walked with mankind on earth. He developed a community of close friends. Many were notorious sinners, tax collectors, and harlots – Jesus rescued them all. He explained that he had not come for the righteous, but rather to rescue those who needed redemption. The veil was forever torn!

It was not the mission of Jesus to remain separate. God would not have sent a redeemer if we didn’t need rescuing. Jesus said to cause children to come to him, and to also come ourselves. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and over-burdened, and I will give you rest! … and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 Phillips

Today, take one step closer to the Lord.

Norton Lawellin

Last Sunday, Jesus in the City Fellowship experienced an outstanding Sunday of worship, communion and fellowship with Familia de Fe that will be remembered for some time!

JICF worships this Sunday in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, 10:30am. Pastor Michael Pilla continues our journey in Luke. See you at church!

NL

Serve the Lord - Gideon and You

October 01, 2012 Monday Message:

YHWH: “Pull down your father’s altar to Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole standing beside it.” Judges 6:25b NLT

Sometimes God wants us to take action. Even though Gideon loved the Lord, followed the law and brought sacrifices, there was more work to be done.

God had promised Gideon victory over the Midianites. “I will be with you,” said the Lord, “and you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.” Judges 6:16

But God also commands us to not worship idols, hence the instruction to “pull down your father’s altar to Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole standing beside it.”

Gideon built a new altar on that site and gave a sacrifice to honor God. The people of the town were unhappy about this, and wanted Gideon to die for what he had done. Eventually it was decided to leave vengeance to Baal, who, since he doesn’t exist, did nothing. And after that, Gideon was known as “Jerub-baal,” which means, “Let Baal defend himself.”

Of course the big picture isn’t about any single incident. Gideon’s trend was simply to serve the Lord, through love, sacrifices, tearing down idols and building a new altar for the Lord – whatever God needed. There were no job-description or geographic restrictions on Gideon’s ministry.

Now put yourself in Gideon’s shoes. You already love the Lord and try to honor his commandments; but maybe there’s more to do. It may be something new for you, different from what you have been doing. Talk it over with God, and see what he needs you to do next.

Norton Lawellin

This coming Sunday is the day we’ve all been eagerly anticipating - Jesus in the City Fellowship and Familia de Fe (Spanish language) will be worshiping together, in the main sanctuary of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, 10:30am. Pastor Michael Pilla teaching, Pastor Walter Chuquimia translating. Potluck follows in the gym – bring something to share!

We’re working on special music for this service – it should be awesome! See you at church!