Welcome Seekers!

For Sunday, December 28, 2025:

Hebrews 12:22 NLT: “You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering.”

Seekers are those who have heard about Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but haven’t yet made their decision. But they’re curious. They’re interested. And it’s up to those of us already convinced to “make disciples of all nations.” That’s our assignment from Jesus.

If a church is working right, it should paint an attractive picture for seekers. They should see believers living in harmony with one another. If we’re following God’s plan, he has done away with flaming fire, darkness and gloom. Picture thousands of angels, all with smiles on their faces. God sits at the head-table, accompanied by a flock of believers, all with their names written in the Book of Life! Good times!

We may not have physical angels in our churches, but those present should look like they’re part of the heavenly throng – happy, smiling and conflict free, interested and welcoming, eager to share the Good News, the Gospel.

As believers, we should make it a point to welcome seekers into our midst. Shake their hand, refill their beverage, and invite them back. Do your best to answer their questions, and if you’re not sure, introduce them to someone who does know the answers. Introduce them to your pastor. Say, “See you next Sunday!”

Or say, “See you next time!” Wednesdays work just as well!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

God's Gift!

For Wednesday, November 26, 2025:

Romans 5:2 NLT: “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

 "Because of our faith…” This is why Heaven’s gifts keep raining into our lives. I wish we could see God. That way, we could watch him smile as we do things that please him. Surely God smiles when we worship him, and when we honor his Son. God wants to include us in his forever kingdom, where his glory shines!

 In the past, we might not have been worthy to live alongside the Father and his Son. But the Son, Jesus, took away our sinful nature as part of God’s vast eternal plan. So here we are, looking forward to our eternal lives because of what God had his Son put in motion. This is undeserved favor at its max! Mankind is the beneficiary of God’s grace!

 God, Jesus and believers all living in harmony, loving one another, forever! It doesn’t get any better than that!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

God's Team!

 

For Thursday, June 27, 2024:

1 Peter 3:12 NLT: “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

If you sincerely try to do what God likes, he will try to give you what you like. Hopefully your desires are lined up with God’s!

God wants you on his team, pulling in his direction. Permanently! Backsliding shouldn’t be an option. When you choose God and you choose Jesus, it’s a forever decision.

Think about it: If you walk alongside God, he’ll be walking alongside you! The closer you can get to God, the better!

It’s best to get in step with the Lord!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Living in Harmony!

For Friday, November 3, 2023:

Romans 15:5-6 NLT: “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul has been counseling the church in Rome – rules, commandments, dos and don’ts – when suddenly he inserts a short prayer for these people. It could have been written for us nowadays!

Patience is always needed, myself included. Nothing seems to happen as fast as I’d like. When something is good and right, my instinct tells me it should be put it in motion right away, but that may not be God’s timing. God’s timing will always be the right timing, so we may need a little encouragement along with our patience!

The goal is for believers to live in complete harmony with each other, following Jesus’ example. Everyone can then be on the same page as we give praise and glory to God the Father!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

God's Value System!

For Saturday, October 21, 2023:

Romans 12:16 NLT: “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”

Everyone has a mother. Some taught their children well, things like good manners and common sense, while others came up short. Here Paul is counseling Christians in Rome, but his words sound just like my mother’s!

Try to get along with everyone. Live in peace. Be nice. Do the next right thing. Do what you can to be helpful. Realize that the unpopular kid needs a friend too. Get off your throne of being ‘cool,’ and make a new acquaintance. If the trouble maker had more friends, he might not be a trouble maker! Nobody likes a know-it-all. Be humble. Do not think more highly of yourself than you ought.

Surprisingly, the trend back then was to look out for #1, not to love your neighbor. Jesus changed all that. Loving your neighbor became a priority for the new Christian community. And people liked what they saw and wanted to become a part of it!

We can call these behavior suggestions a part of God’s value system. We should endeavor to live like Jesus lived and like the Bible says we should. We can shine the light of Jesus into the world! Others will see it!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship