Psalms 75 - Assurance of Salvation

December 26, 2016 Monday Message:

“We praise you, God, for your name is near.” Psalms 75:1a

God has never been closer than when Jesus came to earth as a little baby, carrying with him the New Covenant of mercy, forgiveness and redemption. We celebrate this annually, each Christmas. We number our years forward from the time of this monumental event.

Jesus walking with mankind was the turning point for all of God’s people. Before Jesus, no one could achieve a sinless life, and eternity in heaven was elusive.

But with Jesus offering forgiveness and rescue, we were granted assurance of salvation. God desires that we join him in the hereafter, and Jesus became the way for us to reach that goal. This path is open to all who would repent, return and call Jesus “Lord.”

Nowadays we give Christmas gifts to each other. But the best gift of all is Jesus’ offer to escort each of us into heaven. “As for me, I will declare this forever … the righteous will be lifted up.” from Psalms 75:9-10

Merry Christmas!

Norton Lawellin

Next Sunday, January 1, 2017 is New Year’s Day! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) will gather as usual at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30am. Join us as baby Jesus visits the Temple, Luke 2:21-40.

Psalms 74 - Salvation

December 19, 2016 Monday Message:

“God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth.” Psalms 74:12 If you’ve ever looked for “Jesus” in the Psalms, here’s one verse to underline!

John writes that Jesus existed before creation – before our planet, before our galaxy, before our universe, and that he was the guiding force in all creation. “Nothing was created except through Him.” from John 1:3

Of course the one bringing salvation to the earth was that same Jesus. When mankind exhibited an unsolvable sin-problem, Jesus came to the rescue 2,000 years ago. While the healing miracles were life-changing, Jesus sometimes concluded the healing with, “Your sins are forgiven,” and only an eternal God can forgive sins.

Revelation tells us that Jesus will come again, ushering in judgment and a new heaven and a new earth. Those “with” Jesus will have their sins blotted out, and move to the next reality in the presence of the Lord forever.

It’s important to remember that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 He was present at creation, and he’ll be here at the end of time. In Psalm 74, Asaph prophesies the King from long ago bringing salvation. That could only point to Jesus, the baby in the manger on his way to rescue all who would repent and return and call him “Lord.” Are you “in?”

We celebrate the “Son-of-God” becoming the “Son-of-man” this coming week. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Norton Lawellin

Next Sunday, December 25, is Christmas Day! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30am. Join us for Pastor Pilla’s special Christmas message.

Psalms 73 - Earthly vs Heavenly Kingdom

December 12, 2016 Monday Message:

In Psalm 73, Asaph affirms that God is good to believers. BUT – (yes, there’s a “but”) – “But here’s what happened to me.” Many of us may find ourselves in Asaph’s story.

Turns out that some people have been successful. They live in opulence and are proud of it, displaying their treasures openly. “Their eyes look out from fat faces … they wear pride like a necklace.” They begin to question God, and regrettably, their good fortune lends credibility to their claims.

We need to decide if our kingdom is in this world, or in heaven with our Creator. Things of this world will not last, and God has no time for those who are not “with” Him. “Lord, You would put them in a place where they would slip - It will take just a brief moment to destroy them! …like when you wake up from a dream: Lord, when you get up, you will forget that they were there!” In the long run, those against God have no chance at all.

In the end, Asaph went to the House of God and saw the light, and that’s a good model for us all to follow. Jesus is the light of the world, and his house is open to visitors each week. We celebrate the Christmas season, honoring when Jesus came to rescue all who would believe.

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30am. This Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, it’s the 4^th Sunday of Advent – the story is in Luke 1:57-80. See you at church!

Psalms 72 more - Benevolent Leadership

December 05, 2016 Monday Message:

The job of a king, or any leader of a country, is to serve its citizens. A country runs more efficiently and is a safer place with good leadership – but it needs to be benevolent leadership.

Jesus was the prime example of benevolent leadership. With his connection to heaven, he could have forced everyone to bow down, but he did not.

Instead, with Jesus, the blind had their eyes opened, those who were in darkness came into the light, those who were far from God came closer to God. Those who needed food were fed, disease was washed away, dead were restored to life, and those who needed hope were shown the way to eternal life. In fact, Jesus himself became the sacrifice for the sins of the entire world, guaranteeing that anyone who would repent and follow him would get to see heaven from the inside!

Solomon writes of benevolent leadership in Psalms 72:12-14 “The king will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their lives in his eyes.” Of course Solomon is writing about himself, how he intends to lead Israel.

Our prayer is that every nation on earth would be led by God-ordained benevolent leaders. King, President, Prime Minister – someday they’ll ALL have to answer a much higher authority, one who values compassion.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30am. This Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, Pastor Pilla celebrates Advent 3 – the story of Jesus’ arrival continues to unfold.