Don't Steal!

December 16, 2024 Monday Message:

Deuteronomy 5:19 NKJV, God’s words: “You shall not steal.”

About a week ago, we started looking at the 10 Commandments as listed in Deuteronomy. Today we’re up to, “Do Not Steal.” We need to understand that 2k years ago, survival of the fittest was the standard mode of operation. Beg, borrow, steal – whatever – just survive. So God needed to teach us his laws, his ethics, his value system. The laws were spoken to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and Moses in turn told the other Israelites.

You have your things, and I have my things. Don’t you take my things, and I won’t take your things. Seems simple enough. But sin is a choice to disobey God, and regrettably, some people choose to sin. Small-time thieves will take something from your yard or break into your car. Big-time thieves plot to rob a bank. It’s all wrong. Just ask God!

With the New Covenant given to us by Jesus, God’s laws are written on our hearts. In other words we have a conscience. We instinctively know right from wrong. So even without reading God’s Commandments, everyone already knows that it’s wrong to steal!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

No More Works!

For Friday, May 13, 2022:

Romans 10:4 NLT: “Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.”

As a child, I was brought up with 10 Commandments. I know there are more, but we were mainly concerned with the big 10. The thinking was that if we could stick with these 10 things, we’d get to heaven. This couldn’t be more incorrect!

Salvation is never based on ‘works.’ None of us can be good enough long enough to ‘earn’ a ticket to heaven. Rather, we are redeemed by the mission Christ completed on the cross. It’s a free gift to all who believe that Jesus, the Son of God, is our Savior.

Jesus did all the work so we don’t have to!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Joyfully Unburdened!

For Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Psalm 119:1 TLB: “Happy are all who perfectly follow the laws of God.”

We all know the 10 Commandments. They are not only God’s Law – turns out that they’re also a pretty good way to live! Living your life God’s way lets you sidestep many of life’s problems. Adherence to God’s principles smoothes out the bumps in your road and fills in the potholes.

There are actually 613 Commandments in the Bible, but since Jesus, many are no longer necessary. Jesus himself covered most situations with the summary, “Love God and love your neighbor.”

This psalm teaches that following God’s precepts isn’t a burden. We have happier, more joyful lives living in harmony with the Lord and with our fellows. The Message paraphrases it like this: “You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.” And that gives us hope!

Blessings and safety to all today,

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

The Grass is Always Greener

March 25, 2013 Monday Message:

Today we wrap up our 10 Commandments series with #10, "Do not covet…” Ex. 20

We are forbidden to desire and plan how we may obtain that which God has given to another. Now, the Bible says that with the Lord as our shepherd, we’ll have everything we “need.” We shall not be left wanting. But it does not say that we’ll be rich, or that we’ll have everything that we desire. Coveting is the cousin of jealousy, and we are told specifically to not desire our neighbor’s spouse. This goes right back to #7!

We’re also not to desire his workers, those who do such a nice job at his home and business. We’re not to desire his means of transportation. Your Civic will get you there just fine, even if your neighbor drives a Jaguar.

We need to be OK with our lot in life, so that we’re not constantly coveting other stuff. Being content with our situation puts coveting on the back burner. Don’t wait for boosted “self esteem,” where others pat you on the back and give you accolades. Instead, make your own “self worth,” where you do the right things for the right reasons - you’re OK with it, and God’s OK with it. If anyone else approves, fine, but you and God are already walking together on the high road, and you can be content with that.

Norton Lawellin

Celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection on Easter Sunday, March 31, 10:30am, with Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF), in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. We’ll look inside the empty tomb!

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Truth or Consequences

March 18, 2013 Monday Message:

As part of our 10 Commandments series, today we’ll visit #9 - "Do not bear false witness against your neighbor." Ex. 20

God doesn’t lie, and neither should you. Should you ever be called upon to testify in a court of law, you’ll be asked to place your hand on a Bible and to swear on God’s name that your testimony is true. This is not something to be taken lightly. You are using God’s good name to backup what you’re about to say. You’re putting God’s stamp of approval on your words. Don’t let Him down!

What comes out of your mouth should always be true – but – not everything that’s true needs to be said. Some things are best kept to yourself. Don’t use your words to dis somebody, to put somebody down. Leave gossip to the pagans. Use your words for kindness, or remain silent.

The concept extends into trustworthiness, honesty and truth. People of God should be known as people of good character; incorruptible.

Sidebar: Whenever I hear of another fallen TV preacher, or a scandal within a denomination, I want to scream, “Get off our side!” Unfortunately, the behavior of the fallen has discouraged many in their Christian walk, and has kept others in the agnostic abyss. Let me assure you that this is a problem with human failings, not a problem with God. God is still on the throne, and rescuing you is still #1 on Jesus’ agenda. The Bible says to not put your trust in man, who cannot save. But joyful are those who trust in the Lord. (from Ps. 146)

Next week: The grass is always greener…

Norton Lawellin

Celebrate Palm Sunday with us, March 24, 10:30am, Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF), in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. Dan Pilla recaps the Triumphal Entry.

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God's Value System

March 11, 2013 Monday Message:

We’re in the last portion of the 10 Commandments, and this week it’s #8 - "Do not steal." Ex. 20

This is one of those things that everyone already knows. A thief, by definition, exhibited behavior outside of society’s norms and God’s directions. But long before the judge sentenced them, I believe that each of them knew stealing was wrong. And even in prison, you don’t steal someone’s magazine, you don’t take someone’s pen, and you sure don’t grab their cigarettes. That kind of behavior could get you killed.

See? Everyone, even those on the wrong side of the law, already knows God’s value system. Stealing is wrong – God said so.

Next week: Truth or Consequences

Norton Lawellin

We’ll worship this Sunday, March 17, 10:30am, Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF), in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. This week we wrap up Luke Ch. 8.

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Family Values - God's Master-plan

March 04, 2013 Monday Message:

We’re in the last portion of the 10 Commandments, and this week it’s #7 - "Do not commit adultery." Ex. 20

God ordained marriage. When God saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone, he said, “I will make a helper who is just right for him.” Gen 2:18b And that perfect helper was Eve, sent from God. This model, God putting Eve together with Adam, is the way marriage is supposed to work. The Bible explains, “This is why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” Gen. 2:24 It’s God’s plan, all the way, and the closer we stick to God’s plan, the better He likes it!

Yes, adultery undermines a God-ordained union, but there’s much more at stake. In His command, God condemns all immoral and perverted sex, and takes a stand for family values. Sex outside of marriage is no good; it subverts God’s family value model. Promiscuity is no good. Pornography is no good. Sex for money is no good. Furthermore, being unkind to your spouse is no good, because your marriage is a sacred union put together after God’s model.

Next week: #8 “Do Not Steal.”

Norton Lawellin

We’ll worship this Sunday, March 10, 10:30am, Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF), in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. Dan Pilla continues our journey in Luke Ch. 8.

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Killing vs. Murder

February 25, 2013 Monday Message:

We’ve been studying the 10 Commandments, and this week it’s #6 - "Do not murder." Ex. 20

There’s not much commentary available on this. It’s a God-thing, one of those things that everyone already knows. Even if there were no Ten Commandments, we would  know that we shouldn’t murder, we shouldn’t steal, and we should stay away from our neighbor’s spouse. Paul says that God has written these things on our hearts.

Some older Bible versions read, “Thou shalt not kill,” while most of our modern translations refer to the prohibition as “murder.” There’s a huge difference between the two words, which we can sort out by understanding the character of God.

We have been commanded to “love our neighbors” so much that we would give our lives for them. That’s what Jesus did for us. Sometimes we may have to defend our neighbors, our families, our property, or ourselves, or we may find our country at war. Unfortunately, these scenarios may involve killing. God’s people need to protect themselves, and while I don’t believe God ever really likes killing, he has called us to mount an appropriate response to whatever sort of evil is coming our way.

What is prohibited in this commandment is the capital crime, maliciously taking the life of another. Murder is what is prohibited.

Next week: Family Values – God’s Master-plan.

Norton Lawellin

We’ll worship this Sunday, March 3, 10:30am, Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF), in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. Jesus lights a lamp, calms a storm, and describes his true family as we continue in Luke Ch. 8.

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Ancestral Accolades

February 18, 2013 Monday Message:

We’ve been looking at the 10 Commandments. Ex. 20 The first four are about our relationship with God, and we wrapped up that section last week.

Jesus also taught us, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” Matt. 22:39 and the remaining six commandments deal with exactly that: Our relationships with others.

#5    "Honor your father and your mother..."

If I had understood this sooner, I could have done a better job with it. As a know-it-all young adult, I felt my parents were hopelessly old-fashioned and no fun at all. After all, I was young, hip, better looking, had more hair and less weight, and, frankly, I was cool. Or so I thought.

As I grew older and wiser myself, I discovered that my parents had been full of wisdom all along. But now my eyes were opened and I could see. I came to realize that those who once appeared fatally square were actually the ones on a solid path. I have been able to discern, not just in my parents, but also in all elders, much perennial wisdom. Gaining that knowledge had a lot to do with thinking less of myself, and caring more about others. It’s been a gradual learning process; progress, not perfection.

I don’t think I’m alone in this. Elders throughout our country are routinely discarded in favor of the tragically hip. Instead of valuing senior wisdom as a resource, and giving elders a place of honor, it seems we can’t be troubled by their presence.

The Bible says that even though walking with the Lord might make us unpopular in the short run, it will work out in the long run. We should all be intentional about this good, God honoring thing, lifting up our parents.

This is the only commandment that comes with a promise. God will grant you abundance and a long life in the land He is giving you.

Next week, #6: Killing vs. Murder!

Norton Lawellin

We’ll worship this Sunday, Feb. 24, 10:30am, Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF), in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. Jesus explains the Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed as we open up Luke Ch. 8.

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God is God; We are Not!

February 11, 2013 Monday Message:

We’ve been looking at the 10 Commandments; last week was #4. The first four are about the relationship between mankind and God. Jesus said that the most important assignment for us is to “Love the Lord our God.” Therefore we should do our best to honor God’s plan for this relationship.

Remember that God said, “I will be your God, and you will be my people.” Lev. 26:12b NLT He never said that we could become Gods too. Confusing this relationship has been at the heart of the human sin-problem ever since the Garden of Eden. Satan tempted Eve to eat fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, explaining, “You will be like God…” Gen. 3:4b NLT This is the grandfather of all lies. You and I will NEVER be like God.

This whole Garden of Eden scenario is a metaphor for mankind saying, “Thanks for creating us, God, but I can handle everything now. I don’t need your help - I can take it from here.” And we couldn’t be more wrong. As much as we are to exalt the Lord, we should also be diligent about not exalting ourselves. Stay off the podium. “Don’t think more highly of ourselves than we ought.” Rom. 12:3b NIV God is God, and we are not. It’s always going to be that way, and that’s good, because life goes better when God is in the driver’s seat.

Next week we’ll move on to God’s instructions for our relationships with other people.

Norton Lawellin

Join us this Sunday, Feb. 17, 10:30am, Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF), in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis, as Dan Pilla wraps up Luke Ch. 7.

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Remember the Sabbath

February 04, 2013 Monday Message:

We’re visiting the Ten Commandments, and today we’ll look at #4, "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy."

Everyone benefits from a little time off, a vacation, or a sabbatical. God’s instruction is to rest every seventh day, and to dedicate that day to Him. Spend time in the Word. Don’t just go to church; think about who you can invite, who you can take to church. Stay away from work. That includes your cell phone and your email.

Shabbat is a great day to spend with family; if not your biological family, then your church family. The Bible says we are to enjoy three festive meals, and to study scripture together. But above all, abstain from productive work on the Sabbath. You may have to re-think this if you work for a church!

Muslims gather on Friday, Jews on Saturday, and Christians on Sunday. Technically the Jewish Shabbos is from sundown Friday until sundown Saturday. Technically the word Shabbat means Saturday. Christians celebrate the day Jesus conquered sin and death, walked away from the tomb and was seen alive by His disciples. As you recall, Jesus was crucified and placed in the tomb on Friday, and reappeared on the third day, Sunday, fulfilling prophecies.

My 2¢: I feel it’s way more important to make a special time, worship together and honor God than to split hairs over which day it is. (Some may disagree.) Since I work for a church, I’m always busy on Sunday mornings. So my family and I often attend a Saturday night service at a church close to our home.

There is also the Sabbatical year, every seventh year. God says, “For six years you may plant your fields and prune your vineyards and harvest your crops, but during the seventh year the land must have a Sabbath year of complete rest. It is the Lord’s Sabbath.” Lev. 25:3-4a Following God’s lead, Pastors and Professors often take a Sabbatical Year, a time for study and enrichment without day-to-day obligations.

Next week we’ll summarize the first four commandments, those dealing with the relationship between God and mankind.

Norton Lawellin

Join us this coming Sunday, Feb. 10, 10:30am, Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF), in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. I’ll do my best to explain John the Baptist, just as Jesus explained him to his followers. Luke 7:24-35

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