Psalm 27 - Happy New Year!

December 28, 2015 Monday Message:

“One thing I ask … that I may dwell in the house of the Lord.” from Psalms 27:4a

Christianity can be simple, or Christianity can be complicated. Denominations and individual churches come up with rules, regulations, systems and procedures that seem good and meet their needs, but really have nothing to do with salvation.

We have men’s and women’s groups, youth groups, leadership teams and committee meetings; mission and outreach teams, little kids, middle kids, young adult groups and a senior’s luncheon - none of which are in the Bible.

Don’t misunderstand - fellowship with other Christians is good. Everyone puts on their church “nice.” You can’t get into a lot of “worldly” trouble at church. It’s a safe place to hang out. But just showing up at church and serving on a committee won’t get you into heaven.

And isn’t that what we all really want, to see heaven from the inside? That’s what David asked in Psalm 27, to dwell in the house of the Lord.

If we come before God, confess our sinful nature and claim Jesus as our savior, our redeemer, He has assured us a place in his kingdom. It’s that simple. It would be a great way to begin this New Year. 

Jesus said to his followers, “My Father’s house has many rooms. I will go there and prepare a place for you.”

Maybe we’ll get to meet David! Happy New Year!

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 Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, Jesus continues growing up, Luke 2:41-52. See you at church!

Merry Christmas!

December 21, 2015 Monday Message:

Jesus: “I have come in order that you might have life — life in all its fullness.” John 10:10b GNT

The Bible says that God’s desire is that no one would perish. God, being God, knows everything, and has known it for all time. So He knew that mankind would come up short and need rescuing.

Therefore the second person of our triune God, Jesus the Christ, came to earth as a little baby, to lead us, to teach us, to heal us – but most of all, to rescue mankind from our two biggest problems: sin and death. Jesus took the sin of the world upon himself, carried it to the grave, and three days later was up, walking around where people could see him. Sin and death were defeated once and for all in that unique event.

Jesus came so that we could have life – a better life here on earth; and, after that, eternal life in heaven with the Father. “Whoever has the Son has eternal life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have this life.” 1 John 5:12

Eternal life – that’s a pretty good Christmas present!

Welcome, Jesus — Merry Christmas, everyone!

Norton Lawellin

Join us for worship! 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 Sunday, Dec. 27, we’ll welcome baby Jesus to our world. See you at church!

Psalm 26 - Decision

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December 14, 2015 Monday Message:

“I have trusted in the Lord, and have not faltered.” Psalms 26:1b

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association used to have a daily radio program called, “Decision Today,” the premise being that seekers needed to make a decision to follow Jesus. New Christians oftentimes need to reinforce that decision each day, reassuring themselves that their earlier decision was truly the correct thing to do.

If you’ve been a loyal follower of Jesus for quite some time, perhaps your decision is no longer called into question. You steadfastly, incontrovertibly walk with Jesus each day. For you, there’s no other option. Following Jesus is how you’re wired – it’s second nature, so much so that you really don’t have to think about it any longer.

David was at this point in Psalm 26. He even challenges God to test his loyalty. “I have always been mindful of your unfailing love, and have relied on your faithfulness. I do not sit with deceitful hypocrites; I abhor evildoers and wicked people; I tell others of your wonderful deeds.”

David prays, “Deliver me and be merciful to me. In heaven I will praise the Lord.”

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 Sunday, Dec. 20, Pastor Michael Pilla speaks on the 4th Sunday of Advent.

Psalm 25 - Putting God First

December 7, 2015 Monday Message:

“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.” Psalms 25:1

The words David sings to the Lord are prioritized. First and foremost, David trusts God with everything, and David tells him so. Now that that’s established, that God’s in first place, we can move on to other things.

David prays for protection from his numerous enemies. And he trusts that a follower of the Lord will never be disgraced. “Show me your path, Lord. Teach me your truth. Continue with the compassion and everlasting love that we count on. Forgive the sins of those who fear the Lord.”

David’s going through a bad time. He prays, “My problems go from bad to worse. See how many enemies I have, and how viciously they hate me! May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.”

Trust the Lord in all things. Put God first in your life.

“All day long I put my hope in You.” Psalms 25:5b

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 Sunday, Dec. 13, Pastor Michael Pilla speaks on the 3rd Sunday of Advent.