God's Purpose!

For Friday, April 23, 2021

Philippians 2:13 PHILLIPS: “It is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve his purpose.”

This helps answer a ‘first-order’ question: “Who am I, and what am I doing here?” Everyone has questions like these. The short answer is that God put you here and has a purpose in mind. It’s like we’re all a piece of a big jigsaw puzzle. It will present a much better picture if we all participate.

God is the perfect example of a benevolent dictator. He gives us the freedom to make choices, but God’s way is always the right way! Time after time God forgives our offenses, and makes a pathway for us to return. His desire is that none would be lost, that all would repent and return! He’s a God of second chances, and that gives us hope!

God wants to work in you and through you!

Blessings and safety to all today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

"God-trend!"

For Sunday, March 21, 2021

Jonah 2:8 NLT, Jonah praying: “Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies.”

It’s important to understand the character of God. He is loving and forgiving. He wants us to do well in this life. His desire is that no one would perish, but that all would repent and return. He’s a God of second-chances, and then third-chances, etc. He loves us so much that he sent his Son to pay the price for our sin, so mankind could be guaranteed a presence with Him in eternity. That’s the “God-trend!”

In the church where I grew up, they had a painting. I didn’t like it then, and I still don’t. God was at the top in the clouds; some poor sinner was in the middle, on his knees begging for mercy; and the bottom was filled with the fires of hell. God’s finger was pointing down, condemning this sinner to the lake of fire. I think that’s faulty theology. God doesn’t condemn us so much as we condemn ourselves when we fail to accept His forgiveness and mercy. He’s given us chance after chance to say, “Yes!”

When you understand that our Lord is so loving and merciful, why would you choose anything else?

Blessings and safety this Sabbath!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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