Light of the World!

For Tuesday, August 9, 2022:

John 8:12 NLT: “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’”

When Jesus speaks, we should all pay attention! After all, this is the man who rose from the dead! In three days, God had him up and walking around where everyone could see and hear him!

Frequently, the Bible refers to goodness as light and evil as darkness, and Jesus says that he is the ‘light of the world.’ In other words, Jesus is goodness walking among us! If we follow him, we’ll no longer be walking in darkness. The closer we are to Jesus, the farther we’ll be from sin!

The light of Jesus leads to life. Jesus is referring to eternal life, a life after this life in the presence of Father God. We call it heaven. Today is the accepted day to get on-board! Blessings,

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Chosen!

For Thursday, May 12, 2022:

Romans 9:15 NLT, God’s words to Moses: “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.”

Jesus came to the world through the Jews, but he is to be the Light of the World, the whole world! God loves all of mankind! Everything he created he declared to be ‘very good!’

Therefore Gentiles have been issued an invitation to seek the Kingdom of God. God commissioned Paul to make new Christians, to plant new churches, and none of them are found in Israel! Today we ALL have an invitation to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. God’s desire is that none would perish, so say ‘yes!’ Do it today!

God has issued the invitation. We all need to RSVP!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Hope Walks On Water!

For Friday, April 1, 2022

Matthew 14:25 NLT: “About three o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward the disciples, walking on the water.”

In spite of all they’d been through together, the disciples now felt alone, abandoned. Following the feeding of 5,000, they’d been told to take a boat to the other side of the lake while Jesus stayed behind. Now the wind and waves threatened, and they were without their leader!

Just when he was needed the most, Jesus came to them, walking on the water! When he got into the boat, the storm immediately calmed.

I don’t know which was the ‘larger’ miracle, Jesus walking on water or controlling the weather with just a few words. It all happened so quickly! But these miracles are additional evidence that Jesus is indeed the Son of the Living God, the light of the world!

Just when he is needed the most, Jesus can step into our lives, delivering hope. Sometimes Jesus is our only hope for rescue from the storms of this life!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Hope of the World!

For Sunday, March 20, 2022

Matthew 12:21 NLT, Prophecy about the Messiah: “And his name (Jesus) will be the hope of all the world.”

Life is complicated. People often look for that one thing that could make it all better. The Good News is that we can stop looking! The Bible assures us that Jesus is the hope for all the world! We have found hope!

When the conspirators hung Jesus on the cross, they wanted to end all enthusiasm for following him. But even going to the place of the dead, Jesus was still part of God’s vast eternal plan. He took the sins of the world to that place of the dead, leaving the believers as suitable candidates for heavenly residence. Jesus rose from the dead, a feat that could not be ignored. The number of Christians increased by leaps and bounds, and today we are part of a world-wide community of 2 billion who proudly call themselves Christians, the largest religion in the world!

Jesus is the light of the world, and the hope of the world!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Light of the World!

For Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Luke 2:29-32 NLT: “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Simeon was in the last years of his life, but the Holy Spirit told him that he would not pass until he had seen the Messiah. That’s when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple, and Simeon knew he had seen the Lamb of God! Simeon, this stranger they had just met, took the baby in his arms and praised God. He had been shown that he was holding the hope of the world!

Simeon blessed the Holy Family and prophesied to Mary that some things would go well; others would not. Jesus would cause some to fall, but others to rise! He would face stiff opposition at times, but Jesus was a true sign from above!

Since we now know Jesus rose from the dead, he still IS heaven’s hope for the world!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Light of the World!

For Wednesday, June 30, 2021

John 8:12 NLT: “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’”

People at the Temple had been celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles, known as the festival of lights. But now Jesus is saying that HE is the light of the world! Jesus brings light to those who follow Him. When we follow Him, we stay in the good light and do not walk in the evil darkness. We have hope!

2k years later, the tenets have not changed. There’s still too much darkness and evil in the world, and we’re to avoid it. Instead, seek to follow the goodness, the light. Follow that which can give us eternal light.

"Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me.” (Psalm 43:3)

Blessings to all today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Live in the Light!

For Thursday, April 29, 2021

1 Thessalonians 5:8 NLT: “Let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.”

Evil lurks in darkness, but believers live in the light of day, the light of Jesus! Satan won’t ever give up, but he won’t venture too far into the light either. One of the best defenses against darkness is to stay closer to the light! Fill your life with Jesus, the light of the world!

As we walk through life’s journey, know that we can look forward to eternal salvation made possible by the work Jesus did on the cross. We have hope! Mankind’s sin problem has been dealt with, leaving us free to seek eternal life in the presence of the Father, and isn’t that the ultimate goal, a good life after this life so that death is not the end? It’s a free gift, and we receive it through faith in the Son!

Live in the light!

Blessings and safety to all today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Let it Shine!

April 19, 2021 Monday Message

Ephesians 1:5 NLT: “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”

We are born once to our earthly parents, and born again when God adopts us into the Holy Family through knowing Jesus Christ. God knew we’d need rescuing, and put this plan in place before the foundation of the world! Be overjoyed that He’s looking out for us, and that He derives pleasure from the process!

On another note - Our city, the metropolitan Twin Cities area, is currently seeing copious amounts of darkness. While Christian values support equality and fairness, the rioting, looting and violence are unacceptable. God shines light into the world through the lives of believers. Light and darkness cannot co-exist. Therefore, in our corner of South Minneapolis, we shine as much light as possible! Pray for our city as we add more Bible and more Jesus!

If light shines into the darkness, it is no longer dark!

Blessings and safety to all today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Light of the World!

For Tuesday, January 5, 2021

John 8:12 HCSB: “Then Jesus spoke to them again: 'I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.'”

As the people of God were escaping slavery in Egypt, it was clear that they wanted to leave, but not so clear where they were to go. So God sent a pillar of light to lead the way. That's why, in the Hebrew culture, 'light' represented rescue, redemption, forgiveness and a path to salvation. In short, 'light' represented God!

Then God sent his Son to guide mankind, and Jesus is letting everyone know that he is now this light. God describes himself with the words, “I am,” and now Jesus is claiming, “I am (like God) the light of the world.” If you walk in the light of Jesus, you're leaving darkness (evil) behind. The promised “light of life” points to a heavenly life after this life, and that's Good News!

To show mankind 'the light,' Jesus uses the words, “Follow me.” Time after time, Jesus told seekers to follow him, and that's still good advice today. Followers of Jesus personally know the Light of the World and have hope for the future!

Blessings and safety go with you all!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Jesus = Hope!

Dec. 30, 2019 Monday Message:

Jesus speaking: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b NIV

When you become a Christian, all your problems won’t instantly disappear. In fact, Jesus tells us to expect some trouble in this life. We live in a fallen world, and we have to interact with other people who may not know Jesus like we do. Or they might be good people who made mistakes and bad decisions, leaving problems in their wake.

What Jesus offers us is a light at the end of the tunnel. The problems we’re experiencing are in THIS world, NOT the NEXT world! In our ‘life-after-this-life,’ Jesus offers us the free gift of eternal life in the presence of God! He offers a solution to our tribulation, to our problems. Jesus offers us hope!

Sometimes life is hard – the world can be tough. But rejoice because Jesus has overcome the world!

Happy New Year!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Young Jesus visits the Temple – for 3 days! Luke 2:41-52

Face the Light

May 20, 2019 Monday Message

“Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” Ps. 10:1 NIV

I believe David said those words, and I believe that’s how he was feeling. But his perception of the situation was incorrect. God wasn’t hiding!

If we’re not connecting with God, there are two possible causes. First, is something in the way? Sin would be the obvious culprit, causing you to avoid God, just like Adam and Eve did when they sinned in the Garden of Eden. Turns out that God wasn’t hiding – Adam and Eve were the ones hiding! Our sin could be too much work, too much recreation, addictions, etc. – anything that sets aside the 1^st commandment of keeping God first in your life.

Second, are you facing the right direction? Are you facing God, seeking light – or have you turned from it? God is right where he’s always been – he didn’t move! It is us, the humans, who from time to time turn away from the light, and then wonder why life is so dark. Duh! “Seek first the kingdom…”

Jesus said that he is the light of the world. He came to rescue mankind from eternal darkness. Hope to meet you in the light!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets May 26, 2019, 10:30AM, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406. Lead Pastor Michael Pilla continues in 1^st Corinthians 2.

Psalms 73 - Earthly vs Heavenly Kingdom

December 12, 2016 Monday Message:

In Psalm 73, Asaph affirms that God is good to believers. BUT – (yes, there’s a “but”) – “But here’s what happened to me.” Many of us may find ourselves in Asaph’s story.

Turns out that some people have been successful. They live in opulence and are proud of it, displaying their treasures openly. “Their eyes look out from fat faces … they wear pride like a necklace.” They begin to question God, and regrettably, their good fortune lends credibility to their claims.

We need to decide if our kingdom is in this world, or in heaven with our Creator. Things of this world will not last, and God has no time for those who are not “with” Him. “Lord, You would put them in a place where they would slip - It will take just a brief moment to destroy them! …like when you wake up from a dream: Lord, when you get up, you will forget that they were there!” In the long run, those against God have no chance at all.

In the end, Asaph went to the House of God and saw the light, and that’s a good model for us all to follow. Jesus is the light of the world, and his house is open to visitors each week. We celebrate the Christmas season, honoring when Jesus came to rescue all who would believe.

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30am. This Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, it’s the 4^th Sunday of Advent – the story is in Luke 1:57-80. See you at church!

Psalm 22

November 9, 2015 Monday Message:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Psalms 22:1a

It seems someone is always trying to kill David, and in his depression, he questions if God has left him to fend for himself. Jesus uses these words on the cross when burdened with the sin of the world.

For David, it’s somewhat of a rhetorical question, because as this Psalm develops, David praises God, acknowledges God’s Holiness, and acknowledges his own insignificance. David concludes by saying that God’s righteousness will be declared from generation to generation.

Think of God like the sun. Each day as afternoon turns into evening, we say, “The sun went down.” But the truth is that the sun is right where it’s always been. It’s the earth that turned away from the light.

God is right where he’s always been. If the light of God no longer shines into your life, who moved?

If the light is growing dim, it’s time to repent and return. That’s what the Bible says.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, Nov. 15, Pastor Michael Pilla speaks from Ephesians 4.

In Your Light

June 03, 2013 Monday Message:

“No one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Luke 10:22

When God realized that all humans had fallen short and would continue to do so, He sent His Son Jesus to ransom mankind. Therefore it’s the Son who will open the eyes, mind and heart of a non-believer, and allow him to see the gifts God has offered. Mankind cannot see heavenly things through his own spiritual blindness; the Son must first choose him and open his spiritual eyes.

With open eyes and a clear picture of the truth, mankind can still choose to say, “No.”

Consider the man in Luke 9:59-60 who wanted to follow Jesus, but chose to delay discipleship until he buried his father. Jesus said, “Let the (spiritually) dead bury their own (physically) dead.” (Parentheses mine) Think about it – Following our Lord Jesus would be something of substance, something with eternal ramifications. And while burying the dead, especially your father, would be a good thing to do, on God’s agenda it should be AFTER #1: Follow Jesus. Jesus says, “Your duty is to go and preach about the kingdom of God.” Substance before circumstance.

In Your light do we see light. Psalm 36:9

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at 10:30am every Sunday. We’ll continue with the Martha and Mary story in Luke Ch. 10. We gather in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. See you at church!

NL