Eternal Life!

For Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

John 17:3 NLT, Jesus speaking: “This is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.”

In today’s scripture, Jesus has been teaching, but then turns his face to the sky and begins praying—but praying ALOUD so that the prayer becomes an extension of the lesson. Jesus never lost sight of his primary mission – rescuing us from mankind’s sin problem - so he never skipped an opportunity to teach about eternity.

Jesus says, “This is the way to have eternal life.” Don’t ever think that heaven is some mystery, where we have to decipher some cryptic code. Jesus lays it out plainly: “Know God and know his Son.” Believe they are who they say they are, and believe they can do what they say they can do. Belief requires some faith.

We are saved by grace through faith. The opportunity to see heaven from the inside is a free gift and a choice. You can say ‘yes,’ or you can say ‘no,’ but I hope you say ‘yes!’ Make the right choice, accept the free gift, go along with Jesus and join all the believers!

Blessings on you all today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

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

Repent and Return, America!

May 13, 2013 Monday Message:

God: “Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you.” Malachi 3:7a

God isn’t just speaking to the ancient Hebrews! What God describes seems to become increasingly applicable with each generation.

Consider this: When the US was founded, the 55 delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention contained this assortment of religions:

28 Church of England (Episcopal), 8 Presbyterian, 7 Congregationalists, 2 Lutherans, 2 Dutch Reformed, 2 Methodists, and 2 Roman Catholics. Others, notably Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson followed Jesus but not within an organized religion, and Thomas Paine believed in a “God-the-Creator.”

While their worship styles were diverse, the desire for “freedom to worship” was universal. Our founding fathers intended for all to have the freedom to worship and to follow the traditions of their denomination. Note that it’s freedom TO worship, not freedom FROM worship – they never anticipated that Americans wouldn’t worship, or that some people would be offended by worship.

Today, if you survey the US, 40% will claim they’re “regular attenders” on Sunday. But if you actually count heads in churches, it’s more like 18%. Either way, churchgoers are now a declining minority in our country.

But remember that it’s God’s desire that no one would perish. (2 Peter 3:9) God is more faithful than mankind, when he promises, “Return to me, and I will return to you.” We know God’s promise is still good when He says, “I the Lord do not change. So you … are not destroyed.” Mal. 3:6

Repent and return, America!

Norton Lawellin

Friday, May 17, 7pm, I’ll be teaching David’s Psalm 5 for Chapel at New Hope Center, 28^th & Cedar, Minneapolis.

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at 10:30am Sunday, May 19. We’ll look at Luke 9:46-50, who is the greatest, and how we can use the name of Jesus. We gather in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. See you at church!

NL

Come unto Me

October 08, 2012 Monday Message:

“Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” James 4:8a

Before Jesus, mankind was wise to remain some distance from God, separate. Moses came down from Mt. Sinai sunburned! The earliest commands were about maintaining separation and distance. Only the highest priest, the kohen godol, could enter the Holy of Holies once per year.

But Jesus changed everything. He walked with mankind on earth. He developed a community of close friends. Many were notorious sinners, tax collectors, and harlots – Jesus rescued them all. He explained that he had not come for the righteous, but rather to rescue those who needed redemption. The veil was forever torn!

It was not the mission of Jesus to remain separate. God would not have sent a redeemer if we didn’t need rescuing. Jesus said to cause children to come to him, and to also come ourselves. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and over-burdened, and I will give you rest! … and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 Phillips

Today, take one step closer to the Lord.

Norton Lawellin

Last Sunday, Jesus in the City Fellowship experienced an outstanding Sunday of worship, communion and fellowship with Familia de Fe that will be remembered for some time!

JICF worships this Sunday in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, 10:30am. Pastor Michael Pilla continues our journey in Luke. See you at church!

NL

Do You Want To Get Well?

October 17, 2011 Monday Message:

In John 5, a crippled man waits under the colonnades beside the healing pools of Bethesda. Everyone there was waiting for the “moving of the water,” for they believed that at certain times, an angel came down into the pool and stirred the water, and then the first person who stepped into the water after the disturbance would be healed of the disease from which they were suffering.

The man in our story had been waiting for 38 years. How long have you been waiting for something to be mended in your life?

When Jesus saw the man lying there on his back—knowing that he had been like that for a long time, Jesus said to him, “Do you want to get well again?”

You see, that’s the problem, having to decide that it would be better to make a change. Right now, this man has his “spot” – his “place.” It’s in the shade, and he can lean up against the column. Friends bring him a little food and some cast-off clothing from time to time. If he was healed, he’d have to learn a trade and get a job somewhere. If he was no longer lame, he’d have to find a new place to live and make all new friends. He’d lose his “spot!” It would be scary sailing into uncharted territory. It just might be easier (feel safer) to NOT get well.

So Jesus’ question is for all of us: “Do you want to get well again?”

In recovering from any disease - physical, emotional or spiritual - the first step is to admit that you have the problem, and then decide that you want to get well again. If you want your life to be better, Jesus stands ready to heal. Sometimes it’s physical healing, sometimes it’s casting out demons. Either way, you’ll be restored!

So don’t make excuses that you can’t get to the water in time. Jesus is the living water and he can touch your life, so that you can pick up your mat and walk – to His glory!

In His service,

Norton Lawellin

Can You See Your Future?

October 10, 2011 Monday Message:

Last week, 56-year-old Steve Jobs succumbed to persistent pancreatic cancer. His visions touched your life and my life, and made things easier, faster and more fun. I will miss most learning what this creative visionary genius thought should be our next thing.

He possessed an uncanny knack for looking into the future. He saw a need for personal computers, and started building Apple 1’s in his parents’ house. Nowadays everyone has a personal computer. Some of us have several. Computers used to run on cryptic coded instructions, but now we point and click with a mouse on a graphical user interface; Mac was first.

Steve Jobs put an entire music library in your shirt-pocket with the iPod (275 million.) The biggest check record companies receive comes from the iTunes store. The iPhone (100 million) raised the bar for what a handheld personal electronic device should do. The recent introduction of the iPad (25 million) launched a new category of “notepad” computers. Talk about successful — this past summer Apple had more cash reserves than the U.S. treasury, and Job’s personal net worth hovered around $8 billion.

Tragically, Apple’s website tells us that Jobs was a Buddhist. I can only hope that he, having been raised in a Christian nation, at some earlier time might have worked things out with Jesus.

This is why it’s so important to carry the message of salvation to our loved ones. Their days and our days are numbered, but we never know how many. Heaven is a gift from Jesus, and cannot be bought for $8 billion. No amount of success, prominence or notoriety can open the door. But Jesus is preparing a place for all who call him Lord. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

In Christ,

Norton Lawellin

God is Still In Charge!

September 26, 2011 Monday Message:

I recently ordered a kit to modify an office machine. The different parts arrived in different boxes on different days. The instructions were obviously translated into English by a non-native-English-speaking person. Help!

I laid out all the parts; the first step is to determine that nothing is missing. Then I tried all the connections, fittings and snap-in parts; the second step is to determine that nothing is broken.

God has given us a “kit” for life, the Bible, and His plan is perfect. We don’t need to do any double-checking, but we can examine it as much as we feel we need to. Upon close inspection, we find that nothing is missing. Everything we need for life, both here and beyond, is included.

In Genesis, it looks like something might have been broken. But Jesus came and fixed whatever went wrong and healed the separation. If we look at today’s world, it looks like there’s a lot wrong, a lot broken. But we’re not “the world.” God looks at believers through “Jesus glasses.” Nothing looks like it’s broken; in fact, there’s no record of anything ever being broken.

That’s why, as Christians, we can use God’s Word and our faith to sidestep worry, to put anxiety on the back burner. We already know that everything will turn out OK. With the Lord as our shepherd, we shall not want. With Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we can be confident that nothing is missing and nothing is broken.

God is still in charge.

In His service,

Norton Lawellin

You Gotta have Heart!

June 20, 2011 Monday Message:

“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.” Ephesians 3:17a

Each of us has our visible side, the part of us that we allow the rest of the world to see. It’s the face we put on so that we can look good to others. Our outer show is driven by the circumstances around us. Living life like that is like juggling – scrambling to keep all the balls in the air. It keeps us in the game, but mostly it’s not real – there’s nothing of substance behind the show.

Remember that the Pharisees put on a good show. They held elaborate ceremonies, huge rituals and lengthy liturgies, but did not know love for their fellows. It was an empty show; they lacked substance from above.

Each of us also has our inner person, our soul, visible only to us and to God. It’s driven by eternal truths and Godly substance, not other people and circumstances. We sometimes refer to this as “heart.”

If a boy thinks a girl is cute, he says, “I like you.” If she’s extra-special, he tells his friends, “I think we’re in love.” But when it’s time to get married, he confesses to her, “I love you with all my heart!”

When we want to express the most commitment, the most sincerity, we refer to our heart. When we want to get closer to God, we don’t just use the eyes on our face. We sing, “Open the eyes of my heart!” Ephesians 1:18

When Jesus partners with us, we don’t welcome him to some obscure body part. We have prepared the best room inside our temple-of-a-body for His arrival. Jesus will make his home in our hearts, we’ll see Him with the great big eyes of our hearts, and we’ll love the Lord with all our heart. And soul, mind and strength.

May Jesus be alive in your heart today!

Norton Lawellin

Get Ready for Pentecost

May 30, 2011 Monday Message:

“Everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit…” Acts 2:4a

Pentecost will soon be upon us, and most of our churches will celebrate on Sunday, June 12.

I think Pentecost should be one of the “Big 3” Christian Holidays: Easter, Christmas, and Pentecost. It celebrates the day the Holy Spirit came to be with the believers in a way that they could hear and see. There was a roaring sound, like a strong wind might make, a sound that everyone could hear. And “tongues of fire” fell from above and landed on each person.

The roaring-wind sound attracted a huge crowd, and Simon Peter preached his best, a sermon that could be understood in all languages. And when he gave the altar call, 3000 came forward and were baptized that day.

The Holy Spirit moved over the waters at creation, filled Old Testament prophets and saints, and came to be with Jesus at his baptism. Our one God shows himself to us in 3 distinct persons, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is our paraclete, our advocate to help us in this life until Jesus himself returns. When we fail to call upon our helper, the loss is ours.

Your church will be decorated in scarlet red for Pentecost, and many believers wear red on that day. Look for the Holy Spirit in your church that day. Expect him to show up!

Norton Lawellin

Holy Spirit - Fill Us!

May 23, 2011 Monday Message:

“The apostles kept asking Jesus, ‘Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?’” Acts 1:6

If we are both traveling, but have maps to different destinations, we will not arrive together. That’s why it’s so important for us to listen to what Jesus teaches and to participate in what Jesus is doing. We need to learn to think like Jesus is thinking, to get on the same page, to have the same destination in mind.

Even as Jesus prepared to ascend into heaven, the apostles’ thinking was still not quite aligned with their leader. After all they had seen – driving out demons, healing the sick, raising the dead – the apostles still didn’t quite get it. They had been expecting some kind of super-natural king to restore Israel to world dominance, and with 20/20 tunnel vision, this was still their focus.

But Jesus had a different agenda: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” Acts 1:8a

This is not the political power the apostles were expecting. Political power doesn’t last. World governments are constantly changing, and Jesus said that there would be wars and rumors of wars until he returns. Even in the United States, the power of the government can change hands every four years.

Jesus wanted his followers to have power that would last, spiritual power, something with eternal significance. Jesus went ahead to prepare a place for us, but did not leave us alone. The power of the Holy Spirit can fill each of us right away, and love us into eternity.

Don’t limit God; don’t just ask for power over Caesar. Pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit!

Norton Lawellin

I believe in Jesus Christ...

March 14, 2011 Monday Message:

“I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.” from the Apostle’s Creed

The Apostles Creed, a statement of faith used by many denominations, can be studied in three parts. Last week we talked about God the Father, and next week we’ll move on to the Holy Spirit and everything else (at least that’s what I call it). But this week we’re in the middle - Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

Saying, “I believe in Jesus Christ,” implies way more than is written. It’s not just believing that Jesus was real, that he actually walked on earth. It’s believing that Jesus is who the Bible says he is. Simon Peter stated it best: "You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16

This creed goes on to list some unique and notable events in the life of Christ; significant yes, but this is certainly not an exhaustive list.

We believe in Mary’s super-natural conception and the virgin birth of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, where it also names Jesus, “Immanuel – God with us.”

We believe Jesus suffered under the Roman Perfect (Governor) Pontius Pilate. We believe Jesus died on the cross - no heartbeat, no breathing – dead by all our earthly standards. He was placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.

Next, the version of the Apostle’s Creed on the ELCA web site says, “He descended to the dead,” but explains that the traditional reading is “hell.” From Hebrew to Aramaic to Greek to English, there’s a bit of confusion here, as different religions, different cultures and different times held different understandings of life after death. For example, “sheol” (Hebrew) or “hades” (Greek) sometimes means “pit (hell),” “grave,” or “abyss (separation).” So it can mean “place of the dead,” but not necessarily a bad place. When a Greek citizen died, they were said to be “sleeping.” And the Bible says that the dead will rise again, meaning, in a way, that they weren’t really dead in the first place. See the potential confusion?

So did Jesus go anywhere during the 3 days he was “dead?” The truth is we don’t really know, but he may not have gone anywhere. I’ve had people tell me that Jesus had to duke it out with Satan, to let him know who’s the boss. Others say that Jesus personally delivered the sins of the world to hell, where all evil belongs. Still others say that because Jesus had the sins on the world upon him, he was temporarily sentenced to the lake of fire.

Personally, I don’t buy any of it. Reformed Theology teaches that Jesus took the sins of the world upon himself, and in the great exchange, covered the people with his righteousness. Since Jesus was a lamb without blemish, he was a sufficient sacrifice to pay for the sins of the whole world. And that’s all that was necessary. When Jesus spoke from the cross, “It is finished,” the mission was indeed complete. Jesus had fulfilled his greatest purpose in coming to earth – to redeem mankind. John 19:30a

Death has no hold on the Son of God, and we believe Jesus walked away from it all. The women found the tomb empty, but over the next 40 days about 600 people saw our Lord walking around and heard him speak the Good News. Then they watched in awe as Jesus was taken into the clouds, returning to the Father. We believe he will return again (with fire in his eyes and a sword in his hand, riding a white horse – don’t make me sing the whole song!). That will be the time of judgment, and Jesus will be in charge.

Next week we’ll move on to the Holy Spirit and remainder of the Apostle’s Creed.

Blessings,

Norton Lawellin

Angels We have Heard On High!

December 20, 2010 Monday Message:

“Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” Luke 2:13-14

God taking human form and coming to earth as the baby Jesus is a series of miracles. There are several hundred miracle-prophecies that point to the arrival of our Savior. Jesus fulfilled all of them. We all know the most common predictors: born of a virgin, descendent of David, city of Bethlehem. Other prophecies predicted Jesus’ death, mocking by the soldiers who cast lots for his garments, and his side being pierced while, miraculously, no bones were broken.

But today, I want to consider just one small cause and effect scenario.
Cause: a baby is born on earth.
Effect: Angels praise the LORD.

It wasn’t just a few angels that praised God; the Bible calls it a multitude. I don’t know exactly how many angels in a “multitude,” but I suspect it’s like a mega-church. Hundreds for sure, maybe thousands. And these angels aren’t like the cute little Precious Moments statuettes. “Heavenly Hosts” are the huge angel-army warriors who defend eternal good from the never-ending attacks of the dark side.

And praising God for a new baby on earth isn’t limited to Jesus Christ. In fact, it happens every day. Each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. So yes, God was praised for your creation and your arrival on earth. Creation of a new soul always results in a significant Heavenly celebration. Praise God because he’s awesome!

You are a child of God; you’re family. Join in celebrating the arrival of the son of God, our redeemer, Christ the newborn King!

Norton Lawellin

The LORD Upholds the Oppressed

November 29, 2010 Monday Message:

“The LORD upholds the cause of the oppressed.” Psalm 146:7a If it’s important to God, it should be important to us, so let’s look at “The Oppressed,” their situation, what God is doing for them, and what we should do for them.

Stronger people feel like they have it all together. They feel good today, and they’re that way most of the time.

Oppressed people feel all beat up, all the time. They may have failing relationships, financial challenges and spiritual questions with no answers. They may be fighting an illness, fighting an addiction or fighting for our country. Unfortunately, life is a battlefield, and the oppressed are oftentimes fighting the stronger people.

Stronger people force the weaker people to work for them. They don’t pay them enough for the work. The oppressed are often hungry. Sometimes they’re in a prison, and sometimes they just feel as if life is a prison. Oppressed people are people to whom stronger people are not kind. Orphans and widows, foreigners, the blind, people not like us—there are many who fall into the “oppressed” category.

But don’t write them off yet—these are GOD’s Oppressed People! “Blessed are those who trust in the LORD!” Jeremiah 17:7a Remember that God is the Creator, so he knows what everyone needs, and he remains faithful forever. “The LORD gives food to the hungry, sight to the blind, lifts up those who are bowed down, watches over the foreigner, sustains the fatherless and the widow, and loves those who love him. God loves the righteous, but subverts the plans of the wicked.” Psalm 146:7-9

So if God is an advocate for the oppressed, we should make sure we’re on His side, which, by the way, is the winning side! If you stick close to God, you can step past the problem and become part of the solution.

Norton Lawellin

Filled with the Spirit???

November 22, 2010 Monday Message:

Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? And why is that important? For followers of Jesus, it works like this…

Just as light and darkness cannot coexist in the same space, goodness and evil are forever separated. If you’re living your life filled with the Holy Spirit, you are separated from evil. Pretty cool, huh? Oftentimes, when sin is the issue, the more difficult solution is to try really, really hard to NOT sin. The easier—and I believe better—solution is to simply add more God. Since sin cannot exist in the presence of God, the best solution to our sinful nature is to get closer to the Lord, and stay there!

As you start your day, take your yellow pad and title it, “Agenda.” Now, fill it up with good stuff—the Bible, your church, serving others, doing acts of kindness, feed the hungry, clothe those who need help, love the Lord and then your neighbor. Is your page full yet? If you filled it with enough good stuff, there won’t be any room—or any time—for any bad stuff!

Paul puts it like this: “Here is my advice. Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don't do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Galatians 5:16-18

That’s right—you have been freed from Law of Moses by the blood of Jesus Christ. How does it feel to have been rescued?

Norton Lawellin

Christ's Business Plan

September 20, 2010 Monday Message:

Last week we looked at the declining attendance and membership in many of our denominations. It opens marketing questions, such as “Are the people buying what we have to sell,” and, “Are we selling what congregations want to take home?” Let’s take a closer look.

Jesus, the author of our business plan, says we are to worship in Spirit and Truth. All denominations have truth in their tradition, but does it continue in the pulpit today? Many denominations have slipped away from truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth – and are just serving watered-down, lukewarm theology. If a church doesn’t stand for much anymore, it shouldn’t be surprising that no one really wants to commit to it. Surprisingly, it seems that the churches with more “rules” are doing better, while those with fewer rules are declining the most.

Worshiping in Spirit is another matter. Congregations in general have little understanding of the Holy Spirit, few teachers choose to go there, and many people are just plain uncomfortable with the whole idea.

But that’s not the plan Jesus had in mind. Jesus said that he would send a helper, a comforter, someone to walk beside us, and we are to seek and wait for this supernatural power. With the Holy Spirit we can do anything, and without the Spirit we will accomplish nothing.

When the Holy Spirit knocks on your church door, do you need to open up and let Him in? I know, people who worship “in the Spirit” seem out of place in mainline denominations, but they’re present nonetheless. I call them “Charismatic Lutherans.” They may be in the pew right in front of you. If you’re not tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit, you’re leaving 50% of Christ’s plan unimplemented.

Don’t confuse any of this with worship style – there are dead liturgical churches and dead contemporary churches. They all need revival. This is about using God’s power to connect with people, and we’ll investigate the “connecting” piece next week.

May the Holy Spirit touch your life this week!

Norton Lawellin