Face the Light

May 20, 2019 Monday Message

“Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” Ps. 10:1 NIV

I believe David said those words, and I believe that’s how he was feeling. But his perception of the situation was incorrect. God wasn’t hiding!

If we’re not connecting with God, there are two possible causes. First, is something in the way? Sin would be the obvious culprit, causing you to avoid God, just like Adam and Eve did when they sinned in the Garden of Eden. Turns out that God wasn’t hiding – Adam and Eve were the ones hiding! Our sin could be too much work, too much recreation, addictions, etc. – anything that sets aside the 1^st commandment of keeping God first in your life.

Second, are you facing the right direction? Are you facing God, seeking light – or have you turned from it? God is right where he’s always been – he didn’t move! It is us, the humans, who from time to time turn away from the light, and then wonder why life is so dark. Duh! “Seek first the kingdom…”

Jesus said that he is the light of the world. He came to rescue mankind from eternal darkness. Hope to meet you in the light!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets May 26, 2019, 10:30AM, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406. Lead Pastor Michael Pilla continues in 1^st Corinthians 2.

"Called"

May 13, 2019 Monday Message

If Paul were writing to you, he might say, “I am writing to the believers, to you who have been CALLED by God to be His own people.” Adapted from 1 Cor. 1:2  

There’s an ongoing theme throughout 1 Cor. Ch. 1 – That believers are first called by God – then their eyes are opened, then they believe, and then their lives are radically transformed – changed for the better, and THEREFORE, because they have been redeemed, believers serve God, serve Jesus, serve the church.

The key here is, “Called by God.” Paul is working from personal experience. You’ll recall that Jesus turned Paul’s life around on the road to Damascus. Paul’s agenda changed from wanting to quash the new Christians to being a leader of Christians, planting churches all across Asia Minor. Paul had been called by the best – by Jesus himself!

While none of us have experienced as dramatic a conversion as Paul, I believe that we are all somehow called, given an invitation, before we can say ‘yes.’ If you’re part of a church or if you know somebody from a church or if you find yourself reading this – you’re probably ‘called.’ God has tapped you on the shoulder and said, “Come on, get off the bench and get into the game. Let’s see how we can move the Kingdom forward with YOU on the team!”

“A non-serving Christian is a contradiction in terms.” Pastor Rick Warren

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets May 12, 2019, 10:30AM, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406. Lead Pastor Michael Pilla opens up 1^st Corinthians 2.

The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength!

May 06, 2019 Monday Message

“One by one their seats were emptied.

One by one they went away.

Now the family is parted.

Will it be complete one day?” from ‘Will the Circle Be Unbroken’ c.1907

Jesus taking our sin upon himself made it possible for us to see heaven from the inside. We would pray the same for our spouse, our families and our loved ones. Jesus said all those who believe will see their loved ones again.

In this life, seeing our families is high on our agenda, near the top of our things-to-do list. But in the next life, heaven, God and Jesus will be so awesome that worship will top off our daily agenda. We’ll still know our friends and family and be glad to see them all, AFTER we’ve praised the lord for all he has done for us.

Nehemiah said, “The joy of the lord is your strength,” and I believe that heaven’s residents will be filled with the joy of the lord - not a temporary short-lived happiness that can come and go, but a permanent joy that comes from living in God’s presence. Nehemiah 8:10b

I pray that I’ll see ALL my friends and family in heaven, and that we can all worship the lord together!

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship meets May 12, 2019, Mother’s Day, at 10:30AM, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406. I’ll continue in 1^st Corinthians 1:18-31 “Those Who are Being Saved...” See you at church!