Psalms 130 - Forgiveness

Feb. 26, 2018 Monday Message:

“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, who could stand?” Psalms 130:3 NIV

When we die and go to the place of judgment, the Bible says that for followers of Jesus, there will be no record of our sin. The tally of our life on earth should contain all of our human errors, for the Bible says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” And yet when they check into our “sin” column, it will be blank. No scratch-outs, no eraser marks – just blank space.

Jesus not only forgives our sins, but blots them out as if they never occurred. Jesus himself was the ultimate sacrifice for ALL the sins of the world. He personally took care of our sin problem 2,000 years ago, and our faith in Jesus is our ticket into eternity in the presence of the Father.

And the principle of God not keeping a record of the sins of those who would repent and return was in Psalm 130 a thousand years before Jesus walked with mankind. Forgiveness is a God-trend – it’s part of God’s character.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Mar. 04, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Michael Pilla teaches from Luke 18:9-30 – the cost of discipleship.

Psalms 129 - God's Holy Family

Feb. 19, 2018 Monday Message:

“May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.” Psalms 129:5 NIV

3,000 years ago, other countries were constantly attacking Israel. Fortunately, God has always given help to Israel, and they persevered.

For a time, the Jews were scattered and Israel ceased to exist. Then, following WWII, Israel was re-established, and the Hebrew people once again had a homeland. This was the land God first gave the Jews when He moved them from Egypt to the land of milk and honey, the Promised Land.

Whose side are you on? There are those who are for Zion, and those who are against Zion. “Zion” refers to Israel the country, Jerusalem the city, the Jewish people, and in general, all things “God.” God sent all knowledge of Godly things to us through the Hebrew people, and they are to share this knowledge with the world.

The bottom line is that God wants to include you in his Holy family. All who repent and call Jesus “Lord” have a place in God’s house. All who repent and return are beneficiaries of God’s love, forgiveness, care and protection. You can be a part of God’s kingdom both here on earth, and also when you enter the next reality. It’s the right side to be on!

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. I’ll conclude our journey through Psalms with  #150, the praise & worship psalm. See you at church!

Psalms 128 - Family/Peace

Feb. 12, 2018 Monday Message:

“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house.” Psalms 128:3a NIV

In Psalm 128, God once again stands up for marriage and family values. Your children will be like olive shoots around your table.” Ps. 128:3b

This is God’s reward for those who fear him, who respect him. In fact, blessed are ALL who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. “May you live to see your children’s children.” Ps. 128:6a

In the last line, the tag line, this psalm takes an interesting twist: “Peace be on Israel.” Ps. 128:6b

Recently, Syria dropped bullets and mortars into northern Israel, threatening the Golan Heights. At the same time, Hamas has been firing rockets at Jerusalem from the south. An Israeli soldier peace-keeper was assassinated at the Temple Mount. Forced to retaliate, Israel stands to be the site of much violence.

A better way might be the prayer at the end of Psalm 128: Peace be on Israel.

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. I’ll open up Psalm 91 – “When trouble comes.” See you at church!

Psalms 127 - Work WITH God

Feb. 05, 2018 Monday Message:

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Psalms 127:1a NIV

In Psalm 127, Solomon writes that everything good comes from the Lord: safety, houses, food, children and peace. Things of God are universally good, while things not of God tend to have little value.

Mankind oftentimes thinks they can handle things themselves, but without the Lord, they will prove to be worthless.

By the way, in this Psalm, God stands up for children and family values. “Children are a gift from God; offspring are a reward from him.” Ps. 127:3

Jesus wants us full of God’s goodness – he wants God’s light to shine through each of us. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matt. 5:16

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Van teaches from Psalm 23, guest worship leader David Boeltl.