Resurrection!

For Thursday, September 29, 2022:

Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT: “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”

Never underestimate the power of God Almighty! Never impose human limitations on your understanding of God.

God can overturn death; no human can do that! The Bible tells us of several people who were resurrected. It’s well documented.

The most well-known resurrection was God’s own Son, Jesus, who left the tomb after three days. Hundreds of people saw him up, out, walking around and speaking! Finally a crowd of believers watched Jesus ascend into heaven, to sit at God’s right hand.

None of this is surprising once we realize that God-the-creator made the whole earth and everything in it. And all who believe will be included in a miracle when Jesus welcomes us into the Kingdom with open arms!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Holy Spirit - Fill Us!

May 23, 2011 Monday Message:

“The apostles kept asking Jesus, ‘Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?’” Acts 1:6

If we are both traveling, but have maps to different destinations, we will not arrive together. That’s why it’s so important for us to listen to what Jesus teaches and to participate in what Jesus is doing. We need to learn to think like Jesus is thinking, to get on the same page, to have the same destination in mind.

Even as Jesus prepared to ascend into heaven, the apostles’ thinking was still not quite aligned with their leader. After all they had seen – driving out demons, healing the sick, raising the dead – the apostles still didn’t quite get it. They had been expecting some kind of super-natural king to restore Israel to world dominance, and with 20/20 tunnel vision, this was still their focus.

But Jesus had a different agenda: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” Acts 1:8a

This is not the political power the apostles were expecting. Political power doesn’t last. World governments are constantly changing, and Jesus said that there would be wars and rumors of wars until he returns. Even in the United States, the power of the government can change hands every four years.

Jesus wanted his followers to have power that would last, spiritual power, something with eternal significance. Jesus went ahead to prepare a place for us, but did not leave us alone. The power of the Holy Spirit can fill each of us right away, and love us into eternity.

Don’t limit God; don’t just ask for power over Caesar. Pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit!

Norton Lawellin