Community of Believers

June 30, 2014 Monday Message:

“Everyday God added to their number those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47b JBP

Following Simon-Peter’s persuasive altar call on Pentecost (Acts 2,) the early church had to work out some details. With 3,000 new members, how were they going to “do” church?

First, they stuck with basics. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and prayer. The Bible says that everyone was in awe because many miracles, signs and wonders were taking place.

But our new believers took things a step further. Many sold their property and possessions and divided the proceeds among the fellowship according to need. Jesus had said, “Love your neighbor,” which they interpreted as, “Take care of your neighbor,” and they brought life to this principle.

This new church had become the centerpiece of their lives. They met in the Temple and prayed together, ate meals together, and in fact had formed an entire “community” of believers. It’s a compelling model, then and now.

They were filled with joy, and the rest of Jerusalem looked up to them. And God added to their number daily.

Norton Lawellin

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. This week I’ll wrap up Acts 2 as we discuss the new community of believers.

Radically Transformed

June 23, 2014 Monday Message:

“Do not conform to the world; rather, be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2a

Paul is the poster-boy for radical transformation. As a devoted Jew, his mission was to stomp out this new group, the Christians. But God had other plans.

Paul was struck blind as Jesus personally chastised him. This bold warrior had to be led by the hand into the city, where Ananias prayed and laid hands on him.

And here’s what happened next:

1. The scales fell and Paul’s eyes were opened.

2. Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit.

3. Paul was baptized.

He reversed directions, did a 180º, switched sides. We call this radical transformation. Paul soon became a church-planter, bringing Jesus to the Gentile world.

Still today, the Holy Spirit radically transforms new believers, who receive the blessing of having their lives flipped upside-down. And when someone is radically transformed, they clearly show evidence of their changed life. Everyone knew that Paul had been radically transformed, and they’ll know if you have been radically transformed too.

Norton Lawellin

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. This week Pastor Van Dickerson continues the “Freedom in Christ” series.

With God

June 16, 2014 Monday Message:

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” from John 15:5

In Acts 2, the believers were first filled with the Holy Spirit. This super-natural power gave Simon-Peter the courage to speak out in favor of Jesus to the very same group of people who a couple of months ago shouted, “Crucify Him!” Filled with optimism, Simon hoped to reverse their position.

Miraculously, each person could understand the orator in his own language. Simon-Peter went point-by-point through the prophecies, showing how Jesus fulfilled each one. And as he wrapped up his message, it was time for the altar call. 3,000 people had their minds changed and their lives transformed that day; they came forward, and were baptized.

When Simon-Peter hopped out of bed that morning, I doubt that he expected to be baptizing 3,000 new Christians. But he wasn’t working alone. He wasn’t just working his own agenda. This was God’s agenda, with the Holy Spirit in the driver’s seat. And WITH God, anything is possible.

Jesus explains it: He is the vine, and we are the branches. He is the power, and we are his hands and feet here on earth. While you’re here, God will ask you to do “God stuff” once in a while. If you do it alone, it probably won’t work too well. But with God as your partner, you’ll get incredible results.

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! 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. This week I’ll lead us through Acts 2, pt. 2. Bring your Bibles, and bring a friend. See you at church.

Filled with the Spirit

June 9, 2014 Monday Message:

“The Spirit of God was moving over the water.” (Gen. 1:2b)

The Holy Spirit was present at creation. And since the Holy Spirit is in fact God, he never ceases to exist. So what was happening when “tongues of fire” fell upon the believers on the day of Pentecost? Had the Holy Spirit gone somewhere and now needed to return?

Think of it this way – I’ve used this analogy before and it works well here: Think of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – as the sun. He shines brightly, unceasingly. Think of these believers – in fact, all of mankind – as the earth.

In the evening, we say that the sun “set.” But the sun is actually right where it always was, a bright, pure light, shining forever. It is us - the earth – who turned away from the light.

People are often like that, turning away from God from time to time. We turn toward God when we need extra help, when we’re in a jam. But after God rescues us, we tend to say, “Thanks God, but I can handle things now.”

The believers had recently seen their religious beliefs persecuted, their main guy crucified, resurrected, and then ascend into heaven, and now they were alone. No wonder the believers were somewhat confused and maybe a little depressed. Their lives had been turned upside down, and now they needed reassurance.

Jesus had promised that he would be with them until the end of the age, and now he’s making good on that promise. Matt. 28:20 It wasn’t just, “Remember to call on the Holy Spirit.” As the story unfolds, there was a loud sound like a big wind, but it was not windy. Flickering flames fell from heaven and landed on everyone, but nothing caught fire. This was a visible and audible confirmation that God was still in control, and that they had been filled with the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. And with that power, great things would unfold.

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” from John 15:5

Norton Lawellin

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. This week Pastor Van Dickerson begins his Freedom in Christ series.

Pentecost

June 2, 2014 Monday Message:

“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:4a)

This coming Sunday, June 8, is Pentecost Sunday. It’s a special day. Jesus was born a Jew, so many of the things he did were tied to traditional Jewish festivals and holidays.

Pentecost means 50, the days between Easter and Pentecost, and is sometimes called the Festival of Weeks. But the Jews had already gathered to celebrate Shavuot (or Shavuos,) honoring the day God gave them the Torah through Moses on Mt. Sinai.

Three big things happened on the Day of Pentecost.

1. The believers were filled with the Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit has always been with us on earth, but our awareness of His presence comes and goes. Think of it like the gas tank on your car. You filled up last Sunday, but as the week goes on you move closer to empty. It’s time to fill-‘er-up once again. “Top off” your Holy Spirit tank.

2. Peter preached the best sermon ever. Point-by-point he explained how Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies, and then he challenged the listeners to become followers of Jesus. Miraculously, each listener could understand in his native language. At Peter’s altar call, 3000 were baptized that day, and the first church became a mega-church.

3. This community of new believers put “Love Your Neighbor” into action. They shared everything and eagerly helped one another, and the Lord added to their number daily.

Your assignment for this week is to take out your own Bible and read Acts chapter 2. It’s an incredible story, and most churches will be discussing it on Sunday. Wear something red to celebrate; you’ll match the liturgical color for Pentecost.

“Many signs and wonders were being done through the apostles.” Acts 2:43b

See you at church!

Norton Lawellin