People of ALL Nations

Aug. 25, 2014 Monday Message:

 “The Lord is not willing that any should perish.” from 2 Peter 3:9 AKJV

Much of the Bible was written by men, about men and for men. But when Jesus did ministry, he included women. He was criticized for that, but Jesus stood his ground, because Father God is not willing that ANY should perish, male or female.

What color was the skin of our precious Savior Jesus? I don’t know. In Sunday school, I saw many pictures portraying Jesus as Caucasian. That was probably incorrect. I once heard a black pastor make a pretty convincing argument that Jesus was black. But that’s probably not correct either. Since Jesus was born to middle-eastern parents, it would make sense that he would look like other middle-eastern people, kind of tan. But the bottom line is that we don’t know and it really doesn’t matter, because God wants to welcome people of ALL nations to eternal life.

What about people openly sinning? God still wants them. God will forgive them if they repent and return to him, because God’s desire is that none would perish. None. That’s what the Bible says.

As Christians, our job is to welcome everyone. Jesus said to go and make disciples of ALL nations, to tell everyone about the saving grace of Jesus. So we just need to spread the Good News. We can teach the Bible’s truths, but we need to stay out of the judging business. That’s up to God, the one who is not willing that any should perish.

“God wants everyone to be saved.” 1 Tim. 2:4a CEV

Norton Lawellin

Come worship with us! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets one more Sunday at 10:30am in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. Then starting Sept. 7^th, we’ll meet a half-hour earlier – 10AM! This week, Aug. 31, we’ll continue our study in Acts 6, the story of Stephen. See you there!

Trust In Your Creator

Aug. 18, 2014 Monday Message:

 “Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Heb. 13:8 CEV

Nothing on this earth truly lasts. For example, the minute we put up a building, the weather begins taking its toll.

My family built a new home, but that was twenty-plus years ago. To me, it still feels new, because we built it. But I am incorrect – the house has aged considerably!

In recent years, we remodeled a deteriorating kitchen, upgraded a bathroom, and replaced a roof due to hail. The cracked steps coming into the house are an embarrassment, and the cedar-wood on the deck is starting to rot. This year, we’re replacing windows on the upper-level. When we finish all of this, it will be a just like a new house again, but only for a couple of years.

There are potholes in roads, crumbling bricks in buildings, and rusting steel holds up our bridges. Nothing that mankind constructs matters for very long.

People don’t last either. Most don’t live much past their 80^th birthday; women a little longer, men not quite as long. 90 is unusual, and 100 is extraordinary, but that’s it.

The only thing that lasts forever is God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and God’s Holy Word, the Bible.

You can’t count on things of this world, because nothing lasts. Instead, place your faith, hope and trust in something of substance, the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end.

Trust something that lasts - trust your creator.

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, Aug. 24, Dan Pilla opens up Acts Ch. 6.

Angels Open Doors!

Aug. 11, 2014 Monday Message:

Angel of the Lord, to the Apostles: “Go and stand in the Temple, and tell the people all about this new life.” Acts 5:20 GNT

Peter had been preaching in Solomon’s Portico, in the Temple, when in a jealous power struggle, the Sadducees had the Apostles arrested.

But the imprisonment didn’t last long. Overnight, an angel of the Lord opened the door, telling them to once again stand in the Temple and preach the Good News. In other words, don’t quit; go right back and keep doing the thing that got you into trouble.

Telling others the Good News isn’t a mission for only Peter; it isn’t a task for just the Apostles or for church professionals. It’s everyone’s assignment.

I have felt imprisoned and silenced, just like these Apostles, when ministry isn’t working the way I would choose; when we have lost members to backsliding or relapse.

But the Lord’s angel will open new doors for us, and we are to go back out and continue to spread the Good News, to make disciples of all nations.

We’re responsible for the effort. God is responsible for the outcome.

May God’s blessings go with you throughout your day.

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. My family will be vacationing this, so Lead Pastor Michael Pilla will continue our study in Acts.

Lukewarm - Bad!

Aug. 04, 2014 Monday Message:

Jesus: “Lead us not into temptation.” Matt. 6:13a

Jesus teaches, “Whoever is not with me is against me.” Jesus doesn’t condone middle ground. God wants us on his side, hot; and if you’re against him, then you’re cold; but at least you and God know where you stand. Both Exodus and the Revelation teach about this.

I believe that God thoroughly detests lukewarm. If you’re caught in the middle, you lack discernment to separate good from evil, the sheep from the wolves. At the root of lukewarm is deceit. Lukewarm lives in the valley of temptation. It leans toward trickery, half-truths, and being able to switch sides if it becomes convenient. It’s really taking no stand for either side.

Like I said, if you’re hot or cold, at least you and God know where you stand. Lukewarm allows you to waffle back and forth, never actually making a decision for Jesus and the Kingdom. You are deceiving yourself. You’ve heard a lot about Jesus, and foolishly think your eternal destiny is secure. But lukewarm isn’t welcome at the wedding.

Jesus taught us to pray against lukewarm, against the valley of temptation, and to be delivered from the evil therein.

May you all be “hot” today!

“Deliver us from evil.” Matt. 6:13b

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 we’ll look at many signs and wonders, Acts Ch. 5:12-16. See you there!