Peace vs. Violence

Feb. 23, 2015 Monday Message:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 NIV

It’s easy to distance ourselves from conflict on the other side of the world. But as of last Saturday, the conflict has been brought into our backyard.

The Mall of America, just a few miles from where we live and do ministry, was specifically named in an Al-Shabaab call for attacks, along with the West Edmonton Mall and London’s Oxford Street. The same Al-Shabaab group claims responsibility for the 2013 attack at a Nairobi, Kenya mall, where 60 people lost their lives. This Somali-based group is counting on support of the sizable Twin Cities’ Somali community.

Here’s the situation as I see it: Al-Shabaab, ISIS, ISIL, al Qaeda et al are radical extremists. But the vast majority of Muslim people are not radical, extreme or violent. The people I have met want to work a job, earn a living, and be able to take care of their families – end of story. They’re not looking to become a hero or martyr. Unfortunately, the extreme minority is speaking for all followers of Muhammad, and the world is listening. This is a problem that Muslims need to solve within their community. Only Muslims can endorse spokespeople for their religion. Outsiders, or “infidels,” have no authority or credibility within their ranks.

In the mean time, while we can’t live in fear, it would be prudent to be cautious. In Matthew 24, Jesus tells us that these things are signs of the end of the age. “Many will claim to be the Messiah, and will deceive many.” “You will hear of war and rumors of war.” “Nation will rise up against nation.” Our salvation comes in verse 13: “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Norton Lawellin

Each Sunday, Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, Mar. 1, Pastor Michael Pilla continues our journey through Acts.

Love

Feb. 16, 2015 Monday Message:

Yesterday was the Sunday closest to Valentine’s Day, so many of us heard what the Bible says about “love” during our church services.

The Greeks had many words for different kinds of love. In English, much is lost in the translation. For example, “I love my job,” and “I love my wife,” use the same word, but have far different meanings.

Don’t confuse love with physical appearance, which will fade through the years. Sexuality and love are also far different; love is what remains after sexuality has lost its priority. God’s love is called “agape love,” unconditional everlasting lovingkindness.

The Bible teaches that love is caring. God loves each of his human creations so much; His desire is that none would perish. God so loved the world that he sent his Son to redeem mankind. God won’t change his mind about this; God (and Jesus) is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

The Bible defines love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight with evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

The love of God never fails!

Norton Lawellin

Each Sunday, Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, Feb. 22, Pastor Michael Pilla continues our journey through Acts.

Christ Alone

Feb. 09, 2015 Monday Message:

Simon-Peter: “Why are you trying to make God angry by placing a heavy burden on these (new) believers?” Acts 15:10a

In Acts 15, the Church leaders met in Jerusalem to work out basic Christian Theology. What is obvious to us today was not so obvious back then. Yes, everyone agreed that following Jesus was a good thing, but what do we have to do to be redeemed? How does Christianity “work?”

If you had been present when Jesus fed the 5000 (Matt. 14,) it would have been obvious that he was a great man. You would probably agree that he was a prophet, heaven-sent. You might even decide to follow him. That’s a snapshot of one day, but you wouldn’t yet know the big picture. You wouldn’t understand the perpetual sin-problem in mankind, that Jesus would take those sins upon himself, and then conquer the sin-problem and the death-problem all in a single day! You wouldn’t know that we’re saved by grace through faith by Christ alone – that’s the BIG picture!

In Acts 15, Jewish Christians wanted all the Christians to follow Hebrew traditions and the Law of Moses. But the elders determined this to be unnecessary. Nothing we do will get us one inch closer to heaven. Our salvation is based on what Jesus has already done for us. It’s a gift, grace, and our belief in His work is called “faith.” We are saved by Christ alone. Obedience to the law comes from our gratitude for what Jesus did for us, AFTER the issue of salvation has been settled.

Norton Lawellin

Come - let’s worship together! Each Sunday Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, Feb. 15, we close Acts 15 and move into Acts 16, the first split in the Christian church, Timothy gets on-board, and Paul’s group ministers in Philippi. Exciting times - bring your Bible!

Jesus Heals

Feb. 02, 2015 Monday Message:

“People with every kind of sickness or disease were brought to Jesus. Some had a lot of demons in them, others were thought to be crazy, and still others could not walk. But Jesus healed them all.” Matt. 4:24

Doctors and pharmacists dispense thousands of concoctions, each designed to solve a particular medical problem. Sometimes the biggest question is determining which solution solves which problem.

They would be amazed by Jesus, who seems to be a one-size-fits-all solution for whatever ails you. No problem is too big, no problem is too small. Whatever the problem, Jesus healed them all.

Our Bible verse goes on to say that news about Jesus spread all over Syria, so much so that Jesus’ healing people became expected. I have always found it interesting that when Jesus first healed, the writers gave us a lot of detail. But when the healing became commonplace, they simply wrote that he healed those who needed healing.

Jesus is still in the healing business today. He dispenses love and grace to a world desperately in need of it. And from time to time we hear of miracles, Jesus healing someone who needed healing.

Norton Lawellin

Come - let’s worship together! Each Sunday Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, Feb. 08, we look at Acts 15, Christian leaders meet in Jerusalem to work out Jew vs. Gentile issues. Bring your Bible!