Recognize God

April 28, 2014 Monday Message:

“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.” (Luke 24:30-31a ESV)

Walking on the road to Emmaus is like our walk through this life. Jesus can be near, rescuing us from situations and opening our eyes to the truth, but we may not always recognize him.

Perhaps the problem is that we’re caught up in the ways of the world – or perhaps we think that by ourselves we can handle all the problems that confront us. We’re proud - we don’t want to ask for help. We don’t want to get out of the driver’s seat long enough to let God do his God-thing.

But eventually you’ll step aside, and then notice some kind of miracle. Some situation will magically turn around. People will be radically transformed, sin and addictions will be left behind, things will be better and there’s no logical reason for it all. Yikes! – You’ve been rescued!

When I see really good things happen for which there is no human explanation, I credit God. We are his children, and as a proud parent, he’ll do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We may not recognize him at first, but when he takes the bread and blesses it, you’ll know that your redeemer lives.

Remember to say, “Thanks!”

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together – We’ve completed our 2-year study of Luke, so this Sunday we’ll move into Acts. Think of it as Dr. Luke, chapter 2. Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets every Sunday, at 10:30am, in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. See you there!

Eternal God

April 21, 2014 Monday Message:

““Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here: he has risen!” (from Luke 24:5-6 JBP)

We all understand “seniority.” The person on-the-job the longest should get the most respect.

John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus, but he declined seniority, saying, “The one coming AFTER me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove his sandals.” John understood that since Jesus was present at the creation, he actually preceded John. (from Matt. 3:11 HCSB)

The apostle John writes, “In the beginning, the Word (logos) was with God, and the Word WAS God,” and, “Apart from Him not one thing was created.”

So with these few pieces of scripture, we’re confronted with the omnipresence of God (He’s everywhere, time isn’t relevant to God,) the omniscience of God (all knowledge,) the Triune nature of our God, and the fact that God is eternal. He’s alpha and omega – the beginning and the end. He was present at the creation, and will still be present when this reality in which we’re living comes to an end.

So consider the ridiculousness of the Good Friday Scenario. The religious leaders and the Romans thought they could put God on trial, and then execute Him. Sorry – it can’t be done! They didn’t understand what we know to be true – that God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is eternal!

Norton Lawellin

Last Sunday was Easter, so this week we’re on the road to Emmaus with Pastor Michael Pilla. Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets every Sunday, at 10:30am, in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. See you at church!

Which Thief are You?

April 14, 2014 Monday Message:

Repentant Thief: “Jesus, Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Jesus: “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:42-43 NLT)

Two thieves were crucified with Jesus. One was angry, belligerent and full of himself. In spite of his predicament (hanging from a cross and facing imminent death,) he decided to call Jesus out: “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it – save yourself, and while you’re at it, save us too!”

But the other thief was contrite, repentant. He knew that Jesus was the Messiah. He knew enough about religion to know that in spite of how this looked, it wasn’t the end for Jesus. He knew Jesus wouldn’t be dying, but instead would go to a far better place. “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

We all deserve death, each of us in our own way. Picture yourself alongside Jesus on that fateful Friday. But remember that Jesus came to rescue us, to redeem us.

So the question is, which thief are you? Do you challenge Jesus: “So you claim to be the Messiah? Then prove it!”

Or do you humbly ask for forgiveness? “Please remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

The promise is that when you go from this reality into the next reality, you will be in paradise – with Jesus!

Norton Lawellin

Resurrection Sunday is upon us! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets every Sunday, at 10:30am, in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. Pastor Michael Pilla looks inside the empty grave.

Son of God?

April 07, 2014 Monday Message:

High Council: “Are you claiming to be the Son of God?”

Jesus: “You say that I am.” (Luke 22:70)

There was strong evidence that Jesus was more than just a human on this earth. Many had seen the miracles and the healings. They heard him teach from the Torah, like he already knew every word. No mere human could do all these things. The evidence pointed to the fact that Jesus was, indeed, the Son of God.

But acknowledging the divinity of Jesus would require big changes in the established religion. Instead of “an eye for an eye, we were to forgive and love our neighbors. Instead of only righteous Jews, we were taught to include sinners, tax collectors, other notorious characters – and – even Gentiles!

Often overlooked, but I believe much more significant, would be the required power shift at the Temple. The Temple Priests, Sadducees and Pharisees were devotees of the OLD covenant, and they and their beliefs would need to step aside to welcome Jesus and the NEW covenant. Power is also money, and no one ever likes to step away from wealth. We oftentimes see strange behavior from people when their money is at risk, and in this case, the desire for power and wealth blinded the leaders to the truth about Jesus.

So in spite of all the evidence, the religious leaders would not admit that Jesus was the fulfillment of Prophesy. Even though Jesus “appeared” to be the Son of God,” they weren’t prepared to act on that information.

Today we know better. We can read the whole Bible; we know how the story ends. We can read and re-read all the evidence pointing to the holiness of the Christ.

Who do YOU say that Jesus is?

Norton Lawellin

Palm Sunday is imminent! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets every Sunday, at 10:30am, in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. Dan Pilla brings us up to speed on the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.