Jesus' True Words!

October 6, 2025, Monday Message:

Luke 20:17b NLT, Jesus, quoting Psalm 118:22: “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.”

Last Sunday, our preacher stated that the death of a martyr often triggers a revival or a revolution. When Jesus was about to face death, He was rejected by all those who should have been his biggest supporters: Priests, Bible teachers, Pharisees and Temple leaders. His (Father’s) foundational principles became the cornerstone of The Way, which became Christianity, the world’s largest religion with 2.3B followers. Turns out that it’s best to NOT reject Jesus!

Any gods prior to Jesus (and his Father) were fictitious, made-up gods. Back then, you could buy a god-statuette – even a nice silver one – at the local market, bring it home and put it up on your mantle. And what you had was a nice decoration, not any kind of a real God. Jesus performed healings and miracles that were well documented. Jesus even raised a few people from the dead, notably Lazarus, the Centurion’s son and the Widow’s Son. After Jesus, there was a significant decrease in fictitious gods, because Jesus’ actions were factually recorded.

Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” Every word Jesus said has proven to be true, and this statement is no exception. People who say that all religions lead to heaven are wrong.

Other examples: Martin Luther was trying to get his denomination back to the Bible. He nailed his list of issues to the church door in Wittenberg. He used Gutenberg’s printing method to publish the Bible in his native language. He was never trying to break away from the church or to start a new religion. But when he passed, his followers continued the work, calling themselves “Lutherans,” and Protestant Christianity was born.

In 1964, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. He continued on that path while preaching Jesus until his demise. When he was assassinated in 1968, the Civil Rights movement went into high gear. The protests, marches and positive changes increased. His efforts changed our country forever.

I always try to keep these messages non-political. Our topic is Jesus, not politics. But I couldn’t help but notice the many references to Jesus and forgiveness as the news covered Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. Perhaps Jesus will serve as the common denominator to draw our nation back together. Perhaps we will love one another once again! After all, that’s what Jesus said to do!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

"God Trends"

For Saturday, March 15, 2025:

Leviticus 19:1, 2b NLT: The Lord said to Moses, “You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.”

If we expect to live alongside God in heaven or on the New Earth, we need to meet his standards. We need to live in such a way that our Father in heaven can be proud of us.

Leviticus ch. 19 reads like someone expositing the 10 Commandments. We are being taught the best ways to please God and to get along with all our neighbors. God lays out these same principles in several places in the Bible. God (obviously) knows right from wrong, and he doesn’t change his mind. If worshiping idols was wrong 3,000 years ago, it’s still wrong today. Jesus stressed loving our neighbors, honesty and fairness. These things still apply nowadays. I call these principles, “God Trends.”

If a situation arises and we can’t find that exact thing in the Bible, look for a parallel. Look for the “God Trend.” Jesus’ command to love our neighbors still applies nowadays, and his Father would be pleased if we supported the Son’s “God Trends.”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Golden Rule by Jesus!

For Sunday, February 12, 2023:

Matthew 7:12 NIV, Jesus speaking: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

There are 613 commands in scripture, things God said we are to do. Let’s be honest – few us us can remember 613 different things! Twice the scriptures give us what we now know as the 10 Commandments. Those are easier to remember!

Jesus simplified the Law even further, so that everyone can understand. We call this the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In other words, treat others the way you would like to be treated. Be a good person. Be kind and helpful, and others will treat you with kindness. And if you speak highly of your Father in heaven, he’ll think highly of you too!

Jesus uncomplicated the Law and streamlined it so that everyone could understand and remember the principles. I don’t know about you, but I have trouble recalling exact quotes. But I remember the concepts and can look them up in an instant! Jesus summarized the Law so that God’s people can more easily comply.

The Pharisees had memorized all the laws, but their mission became catching someone when they did something wrong – enforcing the Law. That’s not God’s intent. Memorizing the law isn’t nearly as important as putting those principles into our lives. That’s what Jesus said.

He made it easier for us to love the Lord!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship