Arrested!

For Thursday, October 2, 2025:

Mark 14:46 NLT: “Then a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs grabbed Jesus and arrested him.”

The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders had been planning Jesus’ demise for quite some time. They didn’t want to arrest Jesus in the Temple. It would seem wrong. It would look bad if a temple teacher were arrested. “Keep police action out of our worship space!”

One of Jesus’ defenders produced a sword and sliced off an ear of the High Priest’s slave. Jesus restored the ear, to which I would say, “Look at what just happened. The man you’re arresting can heal whatever’s wrong and cure any disease! Perhaps we should rethink this!”

But without knowing it, the Pharisees were fulfilling God’s plan. The blood of Jesus was to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world. Mankind would thereby be redeemed. It would be a rough couple of days for Jesus, but after that, his mission would be complete. (“It is finished!”)

Jesus would have to walk through the fire by himself. (50) “All his disciples deserted him and ran away.” God was keeping them safe. If they stayed close to Jesus, they too would have been killed as accomplices. But God was counting on the disciples to function as leaders of “The Way,” the new Christian church! They needed to be preserved!

The church that the disciples established still exists nowadays, with many franchised locations. We worship at one each week. Thankfully, God had the disciples temporarily step back. When Jesus rose from the grave, they regrouped and came back stronger than ever. 2K years later, people are still signing up for the Jesus team!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

One Perfect Sacrifice!

For Friday, September 19, 2025:

Hebrews 10:14 NLT: “By that one offering (on the cross) Jesus forever made perfect those who are being made holy.”

Believers are being radically transformed! Many were living only for the world. God had no place in their lives. But once introduced to Jesus and God’s ways, they like what they see and desire to become a part of it.

The first church, The Way, lived out Jesus’ command to love God and to love one another. This “caring for your neighbor” was a new concept for a lot of people. Most were only looking out for #1! But they liked what they saw and wanted to give it a try. “They’ll know we are Christians by our love!” The church grew by leaps and bounds!

I always say that Christianity isn’t a DO religion; it’s a DONE religion. Jesus made the ultimate one-time sacrifice to redeem believers. Jesus did it all! Nothing else is required. Once Jesus has captured your spirit, nothing can snatch you out of his hand. This scripture says that Jesus’ one sacrifice is good forever, for eternity. Believers will be reengineered into what God wants us to be. We are being made Holy! It’s all good!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Cock-a-doodle-doo!!!

For Thursday, September 18, 2025:

John 13:36 NLT: “Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”

And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”

Jesus gave Peter an answer, but the answer didn’t fit the question. In this exchange, Jesus never said where he was going. Jesus wisely avoided topics that most people wouldn’t understand. Remember that at that time, there was debate over life-after-this-life. Pharisees thought it was possible, but didn’t know much about it. Sadducees didn’t believe in a hereafter, so it was a dead topic with them. Jesus knew exactly what was to happen, but the true scenario would seem impossible to most people. Dying, going to the place of the dead, back to life in 3 days – doesn’t seem logical. Doesn’t seem possible!

Jesus challenges Peter with a prophecy: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

Simon Peter – I call him Mr. Impulsive – shouts out, “Not me, Lord! I would never forsake you. I would be willing to die for you!” Dying in support of Jesus would be good, but dying unnecessarily would be bad.

In the courtyard: “Didn’t I see you with Jesus earlier today?”

Peter: “Nah, couldn’t have been me. You got the wrong guy!”

In the courtyard: “I think I recognize you. Aren’t you one of the 12?”

Peter: “You’re thinking of someone else. I’m from out of town!”

In the courtyard: “You were talking to Jesus earlier, over by the fire.”

Peter: “You keep talking about Jesus. I’ve never even met the guy!”

Rooster: Cock-a-doodle-doo!!!

Some folks call Peter a coward or say that he abandoned Jesus. Yes, he saved his own skin, but I prefer to line that up with God’s vast eternal plan. You see, God had already earmarked Peter to lead the disciples following the resurrection. He was the point-person for the first Christian church, The Way. Peter needed to stay alive to do the work God had given him to do! God gave Peter purpose.

If you’re not dead, you’re not done! Peter lived to fulfill God’s purpose for his existence. We all live to fulfill God’s purpose for us. We can love our neighbors, serve others, love our Lord and encourage others to love him too. That’s our mission; that’s our assignment.

Without purpose, it may be our time to leave the planet. (Just my opinion.)

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Switch Sides!

For Saturday, June 7, 2025:

Acts 2:41 NLT: “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.”

When good things occur that defy logic and common sense, I credit God. It could be the Holy Spirit or Angels, but ultimately, God is behind the scenario.

50 days ago, a similar crowd of Jews was shouting, “Crucify him!” Maybe they had time to think about what had transpired. Perhaps Peter’s speech, making a case for Christ, touched their hearts. Or did God simply open their minds to see the truth?

HOW it happened doesn’t matter nearly as much as WHAT happened. Remarkably, 3k people decided to switch sides. Previously, they were at odds with Jesus and his disciples. But now they’re friendly, seeking advice: “Brothers, what should we do?”

Repent and return to the Lord is the answer. Be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit. Abandon the self-serving Pharisees, and sign on with ‘The Way,’ the group following the teaching of Jesus. People of The Way love their neighbors and will welcome newcomers with open arms!

Friends, this is serious business. Making a decision to follow Jesus is life-changing. Nothing will be the same, and most likely will be better. With Jesus setting your agenda, new doors will open and new opportunities will arise. So get out of the driver’s seat, and give Jesus a turn! I predict that you’ll like the result!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Pentecost!

June 2, 2025, Monday Message:

Acts 2:1 NLT: “On the day of Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place.”

The Jewish Pentecost, 50 days after Passover or Pesach, celebrated the upcoming harvest. Also known as the Festival of Weeks, it occurred seven weeks after Passover. Most Christian churches celebrate Pentecost this coming Sunday, so let’s have a look!

The first Christian Community, known as The Way, were a tight-knit bunch. They had all been eyewitnesses to the many healings and other miracles performed by Jesus. They had watched him die on the cross, and yet rise from the grave three days later. Their eyes did not lie; they were 100% committed to the fact that Jesus was God’s Heaven-sent Son.

Opposing The Way were the Roman government and Jewish leadership. Caesar claimed to be god and didn’t like any competition. He taxed all who lived there. The Temple priests and Pharisees led religious matters in the region, and they intended to keep that power. Tithes were brought to the Temple or a local Synagogue, and those leaders didn’t like the idea of tithes going anywhere else. In both cases, it was all about power and money!

So believers met privately in secret places that only they knew. They lived in fear of both opposing groups. This “togetherness” gave them fellowship and a sense of community and safety. When God decided it was time to make his move, he found the believers all together in one place, their minds on the same page, all willing to pull in the same direction. This seemingly residual team would be the start of something big – the birthday of the church! What an exciting day! Don’t you wish you could have been there?

Each of us can help with church growth nowadays. Just invite someone to come to church with you. Offer to pick them up! That’s what Jesus said we should do!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

New Commandment!

For Friday, October 11, 2024:

1 John 4:21 NIV: “Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.”

God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are pretty locked in on this “Love” command. But what if your fellow is a jerk? Really shouldn’t happen, should it? But we are told to forgive. How many times? Peter asked if seven was enough, but Jesus said 70 x 7 was a better answer.

Here are some of Jesus’ final words before going to the cross: “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” This really wasn’t a new command. It had been around for 3,000 years, but God’s command wasn’t being honored. Jesus spent his whole life trying to change that. He was constantly encouraging people to be kind and helpful, to show compassion and offer forgiveness to one another. That’s what he did. It was kind of a new concept to these believers, because they hadn’t been obeying it.

But this is how the first church, The Way, grew rapidly. Members were sharing and taking care of one another. People liked what they saw, and wanted to become a part of it. Christianity grew through attraction.

Like the song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love!”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Follow the Leader!

For Tuesday, June 25, 2024:

1 Peter 3:1b-2 NLT: “Even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.”

This is “leading by example.” I’ve said many times that before Jesus, most people only looked out for themselves. But now everyone could visually witness the good will of “The Way.” Their love and kindness seemed like a better way to live. Caring about your brothers and sisters was a new idea, but people liked what they saw and wanted to become a part of it.

The early church grew by following a caring lifestyle. People wanted what these Christians had, and willingly signed up! Each day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved! The population of The Way greatly increased!

This wasn’t a hard sell. No one needed shouting evangelists or a revival tent meeting. Simply seeing others live their lives following the model of Jesus was enough to convince new believers! They will know we are Christians by our love!

All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. Can you get onboard with that philosophy?

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Eternal Inclusion!

For Saturday, May 4, 2024:

Philippians 3:10a NLT: “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.”

The early church, “The Way,” grew by attraction. Those people were sharing everything, loved one another, and were joyful 24/7. People liked what they saw, and wanted “in” on it!

Christ died on the cross, but three days later people saw him up, walking around, and speaking. I too want to be in on that resurrection thing! Jesus ascended into heaven, but promised to return. I’d like to be alongside him. Our lives aren’t bad, but a supernatural life would be even better!

Like Paul, we should all desire to have Jesus living in our hearts. We should hunger for the supernatural power that can raise souls from the dead! We should pray that God would include us in his eternal plans.

Nowadays the local church is our version of “The Way.” We need to be discerning when choosing one. Try to find one that has a high view of the Bible. Find a church that actually does what the Bible says. Find a church that not only has a Bible, but believes it and lives out their lives as instructed by Jesus.

If you like what you see, try to get in on it!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Cock-a-doodle-do!

March 25, 2024 Monday Message:

Mark 14:67 NLT: “The girl noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, ’You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.’”

If Peter had acknowledged being a disciple of Jesus, he would have been arrested on the spot. Instead he denied Jesus to save his own skin. I believe God had something to do with that.

Peter would be the one to spearhead Jesus’ ministry after Jesus returned to the Father. Peter was the one disciple who demonstrated the leadership skills needed to become a leader of “The Way.” Although a wee bit impulsive, Peter possessed the tenacity to step forward and take charge. Perhaps those two traits go together.

So Peter denied Jesus, the rooster crowed and it seemed that all was lost. But God is still on the throne, directing all the action at this point. Everybody was fulfilling God’s vast eternal plan. Jesus would be taking the sins of the world to the place of the dead, thereby absolving mankind. Peter was preserved to become leader of The Way. The Temple hierarchy and Roman soldiers would enforce the false accusations against Jesus. The pieces were all falling into place to complete Jesus’ mission in coming to our planet.

If you want to help with ministry, look for where God is already working and jump in there. Be a part of the winning team!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Peter Denying Jesus!

For Saturday, March 02, 2024:

Mark 14:29 NLT: “Peter declared, ‘Even if all others fall away, I will not.’”

Peter will fall away that very night. Scripture predicts that if the shepherd is struck, the sheep will scatter. Timing is important. Jesus says this will occur before the rooster crows, which signals a new sunrise. So in the few hours remaining in that day, Peter will deny the Savior he loves.

In the courtyard, it was dark. Jesus had already been arrested and the guards didn’t want any more trouble. So Peter was asked, “Aren’t you one of the 12?” To save his own skin, Peter denied it. And again, “Didn’t I see you with him the other day?”

Peter answered, “No, that wasn’t me.” He was believed.

And the rooster crowed!

God knows what he’s doing. With Jesus returning to the Father, the disciples would need a strong leader. Peter fit the job description, a little impulsive maybe, but he was the default leader when Jesus wasn’t with the believers. So by denying Jesus, Peter was preserved for future heavenly assignments.

Of course, when Peter denied the Lord, he was lying. It’s a rare exception when God says it’s OK to deceive others, to tell lies. We are not supposed to tell fibs. But leadership for “The Way” was God’s goal, and this made it happen.

God knows what he’s doing, and today we all get to be a part of it! But don’t you lie and don’t you deny Jesus. You’re not Peter!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Make Disciples!

For Sunday, November 12, 2023:

Romans 15:21 NLT, Paul speaking: “I have been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘Those who have never been told about Jesus will see, and those who have never heard of him will understand.”

Paul, who encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, was given an unfathomable task: Take the Good News (Gospel) to the Gentile world. Yikes! Jesus’ disciples started the first church, ‘The Way,’ in Jerusalem where the Jews already knew and worshiped God. Christianity was an extension of the religion the people already knew, so proselytizing was easier, more direct.

Paul’s territory was much larger! He was assigned anywhere NOT in Jerusalem by Jesus himself! So before teaching about our Savior Jesus, Paul had to first explain God-the-Creator! He had to teach the scriptures we call the Old Testament, as his audience had no previous ‘God’ experience. Paul was up for the assignment!

Are you up for a similar assignment? Paul wasn’t the only one called. Jesus commissioned ALL believers to make disciples of all nations, and baptize them. We each have a piece of that assignment. It involves much more than just 1-on-1 evangelism. Worship, hospitality, transportation, administrative and teaching skills are required. We need strong churches so new believers can worship and learn more about Jesus and his Father. We need strong churches from which to send evangelists and support them in the field.

Have you pinned down your piece of Jesus’ assignment?

Blessings – See you at church!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

God = Glory!

 

For Tuesday, November 7, 2023:

Romans 15:7 NLT: “Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you, so that God will be given glory.”

Instinctively, taking care of one’s self kept mankind alive for 3,000 years. Most people primarily looked out for #1! Jesus changed all that! Jesus’ command to “love our neighbors” seems simple enough, but to those alive 2,000 years ago, this was a new philosophy. People saw members of “The Way” caring about their neighbors. These Christians were filled with love and kindness, and looked out for their brothers and sisters. Others saw how they lived, and liked what they saw. The Christian community was about to grow by leaps and bounds! This “Jesus Philosophy” was catching on!

Jesus came to rescue mankind while we were still sinners, and he wants us to show that same kind of love to our fellows. They may not be perfect, but we can still forgive and show love. This isn’t just to prove that we’re good people. Following Jesus’ commands honors his Father. And when we became believers, we became “children of God,” so that honors our Father too!

Honor your Father! To God be the glory!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship