Merry Christmas!

Dec. 24, 2018 Monday Message:

At Christmastide each year, I marvel at the story retold by Luke, of the Messiah coming to earth as a little baby, humble and helpless, wrapped in cloths and safely placed in a stable manger. His arrival wasn’t heralded by either earthly kings and royalty or the ultra-religious Pharisees. Rather, God’s messengers, the angels, announced the arrival of our Savior to shepherds, true blue-collar working-class individuals, ostracized by much of society. God’s point here that Jesus is not only a Savior for the rich and famous – He’s a Savior for ALL who would call him “Lord.”

From John 1: ”¹²To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— ¹³children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.”

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God.” That’s where we get the term, “Born-again Christian.” John 3:3

God gave mankind an incredible gift – eternal life in the presence of the Father to all who called on the name of Jesus. Merry Christmas!

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. We’ll be watching as baby Jesus is presented at the Temple in Jerusalem. See you at church!

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.