Jesus' Name!

For Sunday, October 20, 2024:

Luke 10:17 NLT: “When the 72 disciples returned, they joyfully reported to Jesus, ‘Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!’”

We know Jesus called 12 Apostles, but we don’t know the number of disciples, loyal followers of Jesus, part of the entourage traveling with him from place to place. Jesus wanted an advance team to prepare the hearts of those he was planning to visit, so he sent these trusted disciples in pairs, which tells us that Jesus had at least 36 cities on his itinerary. The disciples told everyone to repent and return to the Lord, for the Kingdom was drawing closer and closer, day by day. The Messiah is on his way to your city, so prepare yourselves!

Of course, Satan and his demons weren’t buying tickets for the ‘Jesus tour of Israel!’ In fact, they would do anything possible to throw sand in the gears, to derail the mission. But the disciples were using the name of Jesus, and discovered that by using his name they could cast out the demons! Demons and Satan are no match for Jesus, Son of the Most High!

Satan isn’t on vacation, and that’s why so much of our world is a big mess right now. Evil seems to be everywhere, except where Jesus is acknowledged as King of kings, Lord of lords. And even there, Satan will try to sneak in every once in a while. Our solution is to stick with what the Bible says, and with what Jesus taught. Constantly search for truth, and if a demon gets in the way, use Jesus’ name to send him packing!

Worship the Lord today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Whoever Has the Son!

October 14, 2024 Monday Message:

1 John 5:11-12 NLT: “This is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.”

Eternal life means spending the hereafter in the presence of God, in his Kingdom, as an adopted member of the Holy Family. We have been forgiven through the work of Jesus, made pure and innocent, suitable for living in God’s house. And Jesus is the deciding factor in our eternal destination. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. It’s that simple!

This verse was shown to me back in my college days, and I memorized it as my “life verse.” This scripture is the bottom line in being a Christian. If Jesus is with you, you’re good. If you don’t know Jesus, you’re out!

My prayer is that more and more people would come to know the Son. Jesus commissioned believers to share this Good News with all nations, and for years South Minneapolis was my territory. Now I’ve branched out into Burnsville, where my wife and I live, south of the Minnesota River. The Father’s House is my Sunday Morning church, but last weekend I was in Afton, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park and St. Paul, speaking or singing!

Seekers don’t always come to us. Sometimes we have to go to them. That’s what itinerant ministry is all about. Believers need to get in the habit of saying “yes” when called upon to serve!

Have a great week! Blessings!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship