Ambassadors!

April 28, 2025, Monday Message:

Mark 16, Shorter ending, NLT: “Jesus himself sent the believers out from east to west with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation that gives eternal life. Amen.”

Scholars have unearthed Gospels of Mark with different endings. Some end at 16:8, some add a short paragraph, while a few offer an additional dozen verses. Since these are consistent with other Gospel writings and reinforce redeeming principles, they deserve a look.

This shorter ending supports the Great Commission that ends Matthew 28. Jesus said we are to love our neighbors, and that includes sharing the way to heaven with them. There is only one road leading to eternity with the Father. Those of us on that road are told to include all who will come to believe. They can choose to walk with Jesus or not—their choice. But the offer includes ALL who choose to believe.

I especially like these words: “unfailing message of salvation…” Jesus prepaying the penalty of sin for believers actually happened. “It is finished!” It’s guaranteed. If your eyes are on heaven, Jesus will get you there every time. He never fails. We call this Assurance of Salvation.

Jesus commissioned believers to cover the earth with the Good News, the Gospel. Our assignments vary. Some missionaries travel internationally. That’s the mission God assigned to them. For years, I went to Lake Street. Lately, I’ve moved over to University Avenue. God will put on your heart where you are to help spread the Good News.

All believers are Jesus’ ambassadors!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Our Mediator!

For Friday, May 21, 2021

1 Timothy 2:5-6a NLT: “There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.”

Jesus said, “No one can come to the Father except through me,” and Paul is echoing those words. I’ve often felt blessed to be born in a country where Christianity is the dominant religion, where it’s comparatively easy to connect with God, with his Son the Mediator Jesus Christ, and with the Holy Spirit. Knowing that I have tied myself to Jesus – the way, the truth and the life – gives me confident hope for the life after this life.

Jesus gave his life to set us free – freedom from sin, from Satan’s control and from eternal damnation. God’s desire is that everyone would join Him in the hereafter.

God’s Son went ahead to prepare a place for us!

Blessings and safety to all today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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