Provision!

For Saturday, June 13, 2026:

Luke 5:3 NLT: “Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon (Peter), its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.”

Have you ever been on a shore and clearly heard a conversation taking place on a nearby boat? Voices carry quite a distance over water. Jesus had been preaching the Word of God from shore, but the crowd had grown too large for everyone to hear. His solution was to hop in a boat and use it as his podium. His voice would then carry well over the water! Problem solved!

Jehovah-Jireh, God the provider, already had two boats nearby. Finding no fish that day, the crew was back in port cleaning their nets. The lesson here is that God will often provide what you need even before you know that you need it! Jesus would later repay their favor by taking them fishing for more fish than both boats could hold, but that’s another lesson!

The Bible says that people were “pressing in” on Jesus to hear the Word of God. Soon he might have been under the waves in the Sea of Galilee! The boat was a much better solution! God is good!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Preaching Good News!

For, June 8, 2026, Monday Message:

Luke 4:43 NLT, Jesus speaking: “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.”

Early the next morning, Jesus left Simon’s house, preparing to leave the city. People begged him to stay, but he explained, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.” Jesus was on a mission trip, sent from God’s Kingdom to planet Earth with a goal, an agenda, a mission.

The Good News is that Jesus himself would pay the penalty for the sins of the world, and that believers would be redeemed. He could explain the Tanakh and Torah, and teach us God’s ways, that God loves us, and that he made a way for us to return home.

There are far too many cities for Jesus to visit himself, so eventually he sent his Apostles and disciples to proclaim the Kingdom on his behalf. And before ascending back to the Father, he told the believers to continue making disciples of all nations. That’s still our mission nowadays. Jesus wants us to share the Good News with as many as possible before his return.

He’ll be returning soon, and that’s our Good News for today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Challenge Builds Strength!

Friday, April 24, 2026:

Luke 4:14-15 NLT: “Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.”

After being tested in the desert by Satan, Jesus returned to the region around the Sea of Galilee. The Devil had been tempting Jesus, who consistently rejected Satan’s offers. In this ongoing battle of good vs evil, Jesus was the clear victor. And when you battle the evil one and win, you emerge stronger. In other words, Jesus was in his prime as he began teaching in Synagogues. He was praised, honored and glorified by all.

The same principle applies to us. Satan will continue tempting us throughout our lives. But if we reject the evil one, we will emerge stronger for overcoming this challenge, just like Jesus!

At this point, Jesus’ ministry efforts were focused on teaching. Listening to him speak must have been like having a complete Bible commentary to explain Torah in a way that everyone could understand. Nowhere does it say that Jesus attended a school, a seminary or studied with a particular Rabbi. Being the Son of God, he just knew what the Father would want him to do, preach truth! At this time, there was no organized opposition to Jesus

Lead us not into temptation. But if we find ourselves there, let us grow from the challenge. Let us emerge stronger!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Teaching Truth!

For Sunday, April 19, 2026:

Luke 4:14-15 NLT: “Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.”

Jerusalem to Galilee is about 80 miles. In Jesus’ day, most people were on foot, so it was about a week-long hike. Depending upon the route, you might encounter mountains, have to cross a river or deal with unclean Samaritans. So many went to the Mediterranean and just proceeded North up the coast.

The region around the Sea of Galilee is where Jesus grew up, specifically the city of Nazareth. At the time, little is known about him other than that he’s Joseph the builder’s son. But immediately, he begins teaching in the Synagogues. The congregants are amazed by his knowledge and wisdom.

I like that my Bible calls this “teaching.” Personally, I’m better at teaching than preaching. I believe that if I teach the truth from the Bible, what someone should do becomes self-evident. I don’t like to harp at them. My 2¢.

This is Sunday morning, a good time to attend church. Hopefully, your church will teach truthful topics from the Bible. They should teach eternal salvation through the goodness of Jesus the Christ, fulfilling his Father’s plan for the rescue of mankind. It’s a good plan. We should leave with smiles on our faces!

Have a blessed day!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Passover!

For Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Passover:

Genesis 17:7 NLT, The Father’s words: “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you.”

The simplified version is, “I will be your God, and you will be my people!” This was God’s promise, God’s covenant with Abram and his descendants. God’s word is always good; God’s word is always truth. God will never renege on his promises. Hence, His commitment to the Hebrew people suffering under slavery in Egypt. It’s a long story, so I’ll jump right to the end,

God called Moses to approach Pharaoh, telling him to “Let my people go!” Pharaoh refused, so God set 10 disastrous plagues loose upon Egypt, the last being the death of the firstborn of everything. That’s right, the firstborn of all – livestock and people – would be visited by the angel of death. This was Pharaoh’s breaking point. He not only let the Hebrews go; he demanded that they get out of town! Of course, he later changed his mind, and most of the Egyptian army was lost in the Red Sea incident.

As for the Hebrews, God told them to have a lamb dinner the night before, and then mark their doorposts with the lamb’s blood. This would be a sign for the angel of death to bypass that house, hence the name, “Passover.” They were told to eat standing up, with their walking-stick in hand and their togas tucked inside their belts. God wanted everybody prepared for when it was time to go.

The Israelites were told to teach their children about God’s goodness as he rescued them from Egypt. Teach about the oppression, the plagues and about God’s eventual deliverance of them back to the Promised Land.

God’s words to Abram: “I will give the entire land of Canaan to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.”

Jesus’ words to believers: “I will never leave you or forsake you!”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Our Father, Our Teacher!

For Friday, December 19, 2025:

Hebrews 12:9 NLT: “Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?”

In spite of what they think, children don’t know everything. They need to be taught right from wrong, good from bad, and Godly from evil. As we raise children, they will test us. “Can I get away with this?” No!,

As believers, we have voluntarily joined a new family. We have become Children of God. Jesus said to refer to God as “Our Father,” and a Father’s job description includes teaching His children the rights and wrongs in life. We wind up being better people because of His efforts!

So don’t become discouraged if life isn’t always a bed of roses. Our Father may need to discipline us from time to time. His promise of a loyalty reward comes in the next life. Remember, the first will be last. The last get to move to the front of the line! Thank you, Jesus!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Heaven-sent!

September 29, 2025, Monday Message:

Luke 20:1-2 NLT: One day as Jesus was teaching the people and preaching the Good News in the Temple, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”

It was an odd situation. Jesus had turned the Temple upside down as he threw out the vendors and money-changers. Now he’s showing up daily to teach the Good News, the Gospel. He would commandeer a space, and huge crowds would gather, hanging on his every word! None of this was authorized by the Priests or Elders.

Picture this in your mind’s eye. Pretend you have a new method for understanding higher mathematics. You go to your local high school and find that the cafeteria is unused most of the day. So you set up shop and begin teaching your methods. Soon, the room is bursting at the seams, filled with curious students (who are NOT in their regular Math class!) The principal faces a quandary. You’re not authorized to teach and should be thrown out, but the students seem to love their new teacher, and have threatened to riot if their opportunity to learn is cancelled. What to do?

Jesus was called on the carpet by the Pharisees: “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”

Jesus responded to their question with one of his own. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?” The Temple leaders didn’t have a good answer, so the confrontation died.

If Jesus claimed to be God’s Son, he might have been killed on the spot. We now know that his earthly mission was to share the Good News, to heal those who needed healing and to be the one-time sacrifice for the sins of the world. Because of Jesus, believers have been forgiven. Because of Jesus, believers have been redeemed! His authority comes from Heaven!

Have a blessed week!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth!

For Tuesday, May 27, 2025:

Luke 11:45 NLT: “Teacher,” said an expert in religious law, “you have insulted us, too, in what you just said.”

Today’s message concerns truth. Jesus, being fully man but also fully God, cannot lie. When Jesus taught his disciples, everything he said was true! When he addressed a large crowd – you guessed it – all truth! And when confronted by Pharisees and teachers of the law, Jesus responded with more truth. If they were offended, they need to listen more closely and conform to what Jesus was teaching, because it’s all true!

As a Christian, truth is in your evangelistic arsenal. As you’re telling others about salvation, know that God is truth, his Son is truth and the God-inspired Bible – our owner’s manual for life – is completely true. Pray that the Holy Spirit would touch seekers’ hearts, opening their minds to be receptive to truth.

If a person won’t believe the truth, they probably still want to be in the driver’s seat. I was once leading a Bible study when one of the students spoke up, saying, “I’ve never really believed that part of the Bible.” To which I replied, “Well, you might as well go home then!” That person needs more Holy Spirit intervention! God, his Son, the Holy Spirit and the Book they inspired are 100% true. That’s the foundation needed for all further Christian learning.

Truth is God’s opinion on everything!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Ascension!

For Sunday, April 27, 2025:

Luke 24:51 NLT: “While Jesus was blessing the believers, he left them and was taken up to heaven.”

What would you give to have been there that day? Kneeling down, head bowed, being blessed by the Son-of-God, he suddenly starts rising, ascending into the sky. His destination is heaven, to be seated at the right hand of the Father. As he disappeared from sight, I believe Jesus wasn’t the only one walking on air!

So much happened in the preceding 40 days. Mankind was redeemed as the sins of the world were taken away, Jesus was crucified, died, but rose again three days later! The resurrected Jesus still spoke to his followers, teaching and proclaiming the Kingdom. Ascension into heaven was the final step. Nothing this significant will occur until Jesus returns!

Awestruck, the believers returned to the Temple and continued to worship. That was the only possible response to what they had just seen!

Jesus was truth in a human body. Everything he ever uttered was honest and true. He said he would return, so we have no reason to doubt his words. At the second coming, Jesus won’t be hard to spot. The Bible says that the whole world will know when he arrives!

Nonetheless, keep your eyes peeled!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

God's Word!

For Tuesday, November 12, 2024:

1 Thessalonians 2:13 NLT: “We never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.”

Believers should have what’s called a “high view” of the Bible, meaning the scriptures are God-inspired and true. Therefore the theology we teach is not your idea or my idea; it’s all God’s ideas! The Holy Spirit opens people’s hearts, and we fill them with the Good News of salvation through Jesus!

Some preachers motivate their listeners with the fear of hell, and chastise them for wrongdoing. Personally, I’m not good at that. I’m more likely to teach what the Bible says, and assume that the desired action would be self-evident. If we truly believe that the Bible is God’s word, how could we not obey?

If we know what God has spoken, we’ll know what to teach!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Mission Trip!

February 20, 2023 Monday Message:

Matthew 8:4 NLT: “Then Jesus said to the leper he had just healed, ‘Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.’”

Compare Jesus coming to earth to walk alongside mankind with going on a mission trip. You can do a lot of good, helpful things along the way, but there’s usually a primary mission, the main thing. Jesus healing the leper was good, but that’s wasn’t his primary mission, so don’t tell everybody. Don’t make a big deal out of it.

While on earth, Jesus straightened out misguided teaching of God’s commands. He healed those who needed healing. He could explain Torah with divine inspiration. But I believe that Jesus’ main thing, his primary purpose was to redeem mankind. Jesus was to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world – past sin, present sin and even future sins not yet committed. If a person would confess sinfulness and claim Jesus’ gift of grace as their own, they would be forgiven through their faith in God’s Son. The redeemed person would be given a ticket to heaven, an irrevocable promise of eternity in the presence of the Lord!

Jesus said no one can come to the Father except through him. If we choose Jesus, we become beneficiaries of his earthly mission. God’s desire is that none would perish and that all would return. Jesus went on a mission trip to make that possible!

Mission accomplished!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

Let there be Light!

 For Friday, October 14, 2022:

Ephesians 5:14 NLT: “The light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, 'Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.’”

The Bible frequently describes God, Jesus and goodness as ‘light.’ Satan and all manner of evil is ‘darkness.’ It’s a good metaphor.

We all know that our God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is the creator of everything, and that Satan is a created being. So in the end, God will always have his way. In the long-running battle between light and darkness, light always wins. If darkness comes into light, it will be overtaken by the light. If light and darkness collide, light prevails.

Those living in darkness may not realize the value of light until someone shows them. Jesus called believers to teach others, to make disciples of all nations, to show them the light!

Run from darkness toward the light! It’s Christ who will always give you light!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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