Unending Miracles

May 25, 2015 Monday Message:

Peter: “In the name of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, get up and start walking.” Acts 3:6b CEV

Jesus had risen from the dead, taught for another 40 days, and ascended into heaven. Pentecost went well, and it was over, but the miracles did not end.

The believers continued to worship at the Temple, and everyone who went to the Temple knew the lame man. He had a spot by the Beautiful Gate, where he could receive alms from those coming and going.

Peter didn’t have a nickel to his name, but offered to share what he did have. He commanded the man to stand up and walk in the name of Jesus, then took him by the right hand and helped him up. The man didn’t just walk – he skipped, jumped and danced for joy!

Everyone at the Temple saw this, evidence that the healing and miracles of Jesus had not ended. And today we still see healing and miracles in the presence of those who pray. Lives are radically transformed daily. Jesus is alive!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, May 31, Pastor Michael Pilla opens up Acts 21.

Courageous Evangelism

May 18, 2015 Monday Message:

“Peter stood with the eleven apostles and spoke in a clear voice to the crowd.” Acts 2:14a CEV

The apostles should have been scared to death. Jesus, their leader, had just been crucified, and public opinion was not with them.

But on the day of Pentecost, God filled them with the Holy Spirit, and Peter boldly stepped forward, proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of prophecy. That’s right – Peter used the Hebrew Scriptures, the words of their prophets, to prove that Jesus was the Son of God and the answer to the world’s sin-problem.

Did it work? Was he successful? Yes! 3,000 were convinced, came forward that day and were baptized. “They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also ate together, celebrated the Lord’s Supper and prayed together.” Acts 2:42 CEV

This Pentecost story is often called the birthday of the church. God added to their number daily, and Peter is still alive!

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, May 24, we’ll look at the Pentecost story in Acts 2. Wear something red – send the fire!

Community of Believers

May 11, 2015 Monday Message:

“They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Acts 2:42

We attend churches, and those people become our church family. We meet in our home church, and home is where when you go there, they have to let you in. When the church is working right, all the people are doing life together.

Police, judges, courts, governments and legislators are “reactive.” They can react when there’s a problem, but they do little to prevent the problem in the first place, and their actions are a stopgap measure, not a long-term solution.

But the Church can be “proactive,” setting standards that keep people away from life’s problems, BEFORE they get in trouble. Church comes with a built-in value system.

The Bible teaches that church members should love each other as Jesus loves us. It’s “everlasting lovingkindness,” compassion and total forgiveness.

Anyone is welcome to join the voluntary Christian Community, and the greatest gift we can give someone is to include them in our Church family. We welcome others out of gratitude for what Jesus did for us.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, May 17, Pastor Michael Pilla continues in Acts 20.

Honor your Mother

May 4, 2015 Monday Message:

“Jesus said to the disciple whom He loved, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from then on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:27 NLT

This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day. I believe that God sees Mothers as special people, and apparently Jesus feels that way too. From the cross, his concern wasn’t for himself, but rather for the provision and ongoing safety of his mother.

Last Sunday at church, a shall child approached an older woman, shouting, “Grandma!” She whispered to me, “We’re not really related. It’s just that everybody calls me ‘grandma.’” I think Jesus would have liked that. Some women are mothers to their children; and other women are mothers to us all. God is responsible for placing all these women in our midst.

Several years ago, I compiled a Mother’s Day prayer for use in a worship service. I think we’ll use it again this year. Feel free to use it yourself, or to share it. Let’s all honor the special women in our lives on this special day.

Mother’s Day Prayer:

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

We thank You for all mothers, to whom You have entrusted the care of human life from its very beginning in the womb, those with selfless motherly-love for the children in their lives.

LORD, be with all women, including those who may have no children of their own, yet unselfishly care for the children of others. Father, may they know the joy of fulfilling this motherly calling of women, whether in teaching, nursing, religious life, or any other work or relationship that shines the light of Jesus into the world.

May all mothers teach faith to their children, growing daily in the knowledge of Jesus. Grant women the wisdom to share this knowledge faithfully with all who depend upon them.

And through the Holy Spirit, comfort those who sorrow for children who have died; comfort parents whose children who are ill; comfort those with children estranged from their families, children who are in trouble or danger of any kind. Help grieving parents rely on Your tender mercy, LORD, and the knowledge that You love ALL your children.

And God, fill our women with your inspiration, strength, and heavenly blessing. May they receive Your Grace abundantly in this life, and share eternity in Your presence in the life to come.

We pray to You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord and Risen Savior. AMEN.”

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, May 10, we’ll first honor the special women in our lives, and then open up Acts 20. See you at church!