Miraculous Signs!

For Sunday, January 25, 2026:

Mark 16:17a,18 NLT, Jesus speaking: “These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

These are some of Jesus’ last words, his final instructions before ascending back to the Father. He first gave us our “Priesthood of all believers” doctrine, saying, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” This isn’t optional. Every Christian is to help make new Christians. Each of us will have a different portion of that task using our God-given gifts and talents. But encouraging others in their faith should be top-of-mind for all of us.

You should be aware that there’s a supernatural spirit-world operating alongside life on Earth as we know it. A lot of it is not good. Satan and his demons reside in the spirit dimension. Our goal is to settle in the Father’s heavenly Kingdom. Satan’s goal is to derail us, to keep our souls for himself. Obviously, God’s way is the better choice.

Jesus doesn’t throw us to the wolves. He leaves believers with his power and authority to deal with evil. We can bring back to life the victims of premature death. We can lay hands on our fellows and, in Jesus’ name, cure any sickness or disease. We can cast out demons, the source of much of the world’s trouble. Cast out the demons first, because they might be the root cause of the illnesses. That’s what Jesus did!

We are saved by grace through faith. Faith is the cornerstone of our salvation. Take a high view of the Bible. Every God-inspired word is truth, and every incident happened just the way the Bible says. Pray, do things in Jesus’ name, and repent of nonconforming scenarios. Know that this life is temporary, and have confidence that Jesus is preparing an eternal place for you. If you’re with Jesus, life couldn’t be better!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

For Saturday, July 26, 2025:

Hebrews 6:2 NLT: “You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”

Or do you? The first time I was asked to preach was at an Interdenominational church. Leaders from different backgrounds had agreed to set aside minor theological differences and focus on the Good News. In the congregation was a retired AG preacher, two Baptist clergy and a Catholic-turned-Lutheran pastor. I was facing all those years of ministry experience! Yikes! But it was also a recovery church. So the bulk of the congregation was people from treatment facilities, only recently introduced to Jesus. Two weeks ago some of them were sleeping under bridges! How can you possibly prepare a message that fits this diverse gathering?

That’s why I believe every pulpit message should at least summarize the basics of redemption. Testimonies and living examples are better than babbling scripture at those who don’t yet ‘get’ it. There should be an opportunity to accept Jesus into our hearts, for those who have not yet done so. Stress the truth of the Bible. Gospels are eyewitness accounts of those who lived with and walked with and took their meals alongside Jesus. Jesus’ resurrection and ascension are real, as are all of his healings and miracles. And remember, the power he left with believers is now ours to utilize. We would be shirking our duty if we didn’t put his commands into action!

So get out there and heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons. The priesthood of all believers has your name on it!

Pastor Norton Lawellin
Jesus In the City Fellowship

Call to Ministry!

For Wednesday, July 9, 2025:

Mark 12:33 NLT, religious teacher responding to Jesus: “I know it is important to love the One God with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”

Last Sunday, I heard an incredible message. Our church has been praying for revival, both in our church and in our city. And statewide, and our entire country, for that matter! But we can best begin locally.

The pastor talked about Jesus’ call for all of us to serve, the priesthood of all believers. The Great Commission. About stepping up and becoming willing to serve. About gifts and talents, whereby each of us possesses a unique skill to bring to the revival effort. The congregation was clapping and shouting in agreement!

From the sidelines, I couldn’t help but wonder how many congregants would remember that ministry call on Monday. I wondered how many agreed, but thought it would be a good thing for someone else to do. I’m too busy, too young, too old, going on vacation, already working overtime at my job, busy with my wife, my kids, my extended family. But everything you said sounds like a good idea! Friends, I’ve led organizations for many years, and I know how hard is to get people off their keisters and into the game!

This experience isn’t unique. I’m sure the Son of God experienced these same wishy-washy attitudes. The Bible mostly records Jesus’ success stories, leaving those who walked away or dropped out undocumented. But this time it was different. The Pharisee who commented was 100% in agreement with Jesus! Love God and love your neighbor, and stop obsessing over the little stuff! That says it all!

Jesus was pleased! Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus responded, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” Finally, somebody “gets” it! Do you “get” it? Is Jesus pleased with your response? We all need to work until Jesus is smiling!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Spiritual Gifts!

For Thursday, May 1, 2025:

Mark 16:17-18 NLT: “These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

These verses have invited controversy for centuries. Let’s clear up a few things. #1–Not every believer will receive the gift of speaking in tongues or of understanding what is being said. That’s why any time someone speaks in tongues during a church service, we’re supposed to translate or interpret for those without that gift. I knew a very righteous man, friendly to a fault. He’d stand at the church door with his hand out, welcoming both newcomers and lifelong Christians. He saw others speaking in tongues and prayed for that gift, but it was not to be. I believe his gift was keeping things simple for the new Christian, and no one loved their neighbor more than this guy! I expect that he’s in heaven today. The work he did for the Lord did not require that skill!

#2–Don’t handle snakes and don’t drink poison! Duh! God can offer protection if something bad happens accidentally, but don’t do it on purpose. Jesus said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Never put on a religious “show,” challenging God to respond. And don’t refuse treatment. The anti-venom may be God’s way of saving your life!

#3–Heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons and preach the Good News. That’s what Jesus said to do, and those instructions aren’t just for Pastors. These are skills available to every Christian believer. It’s called: “The Priesthood of All Believers!”

Never underestimate what you can accomplish with Jesus on your side!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Priesthood of All Believers!

For Saturday, March 29, 2025:

John 14:12 NLT, Jesus speaking: “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

Jesus wants to leave unflinching believers in his wake. The fact that he will be returning to the Father shouldn’t end the goodness he brought to earth. He is anointing believers, authorizing them and leaving them with the power to continue his good works.

In Matthew 10:8, Jesus tells those being sent on his behalf to, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons.” These instructions aren’t just for pastors; they are for all believers! This is basic Christianity. We should also be able to explain mankind’s sin problem, and Jesus paying the penalty for those sins. We should make disciples of people from all nations. And when the candidate is convinced, we should be able to baptize them!

I once attended a church supper, and everyone was waiting for the Pastor to say grace, to pray over the food and the event. The Pastor joked, “Were you waiting for a ‘professional prayer?’ Any one of you could have done this!”

Jesus, give us the courage to step out and do the good works you have assigned to all believers. Amen!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Pristhood!

For Friday, June 28, 2024:

1 Peter 3:15 NLT: “You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”

Christians speak of the “Priesthood of all believers.” That doesn’t mean that we all have to wear black garb and quit our day-jobs! But remember that the early church, “The Way,” grew through attraction. Observers liked what they saw, and wanted to become a part of it. So they inquired of the general membership, people like you and me. Explaining their faith wasn’t limited to the apostles or church leaders. All of us are called to task, and should have the proper answers at hand whenever asked. In a way, we’re all evangelists for Jesus!

So a church member has a two-fold purpose:

#1. To worship God and his Son as creators of everything – the ultimate supreme God!

#2. To share the Good News of forgiveness, redemption and salvation through the Son. Remember, God’s desire is that none would perish!

Jesus said to make disciples of all nations, so let’s all get busy!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Priesthood of All Believers

June 28, 2010 Monday Message:

Jesus speaking: “Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’” Luke 9:10 Heal the sick? Me? Wow!

Jesus knew his time at the cross was drawing closer, but he didn’t stop ministering. There were many who had not yet heard the Good News, and Jesus-the-itinerant-preacher knew he wouldn’t get to visit all their villages. In fact, there was too much work for even the twelve apostles. But there were many others who followed our Lord, Godly people who knew his teachings well. So Jesus reached not only into the church staff for this mission; he reached into the congregation, commissioning them, empowering them, and equipping them. It was time for the church of Jesus to send 72 on a mission trip. The priesthood of all believers was born.

Jesus said that those who believe in him would be equipped with many supernatural powers: “They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in tongues. They will be able to handle snakes safely, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and the sick will be healed.” Mark 16:17-18

Jesus restates the commission as he sends the 12: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.” Matthew 10:8a Raise the dead? Me? Wow!

So here’s your take-away for this week:
1. You can heal the sick (with the Holy Spirit, Jesus said so)
2. You can raise the dead (with the Holy Spirit, Jesus said so)
3. If Jesus trusted you to do 1 & 2, your church should trust you with almost anything.
4. It is Jesus, not the church, who calls people into ministry.

For Him!

Norton Lawellin