For Saturday, July 26, 2025:

Hebrews 6:2 NLT: “You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”

Or do you? The first time I was asked to preach was at an Interdenominational church. Leaders from different backgrounds had agreed to set aside minor theological differences and focus on the Good News. In the congregation was a retired AG preacher, two Baptist clergy and a Catholic-turned-Lutheran pastor. I was facing all those years of ministry experience! Yikes! But it was also a recovery church. So the bulk of the congregation was people from treatment facilities, only recently introduced to Jesus. Two weeks ago some of them were sleeping under bridges! How can you possibly prepare a message that fits this diverse gathering?

That’s why I believe every pulpit message should at least summarize the basics of redemption. Testimonies and living examples are better than babbling scripture at those who don’t yet ‘get’ it. There should be an opportunity to accept Jesus into our hearts, for those who have not yet done so. Stress the truth of the Bible. Gospels are eyewitness accounts of those who lived with and walked with and took their meals alongside Jesus. Jesus’ resurrection and ascension are real, as are all of his healings and miracles. And remember, the power he left with believers is now ours to utilize. We would be shirking our duty if we didn’t put his commands into action!

So get out there and heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons. The priesthood of all believers has your name on it!

Pastor Norton Lawellin
Jesus In the City Fellowship

Change the World - Together!

Nov. 25, 2013 Monday Message:

“Go and make disciples of all nations…” (from Matt. 28:19)

Last week we talked about denominational distinctiveness. While each of us may be justifiably proud of our own church, I believe Jesus’ commission would be better served if we put more of our energy and resources into working together with other Christians, concentrating on the many things we have in common, rather than focusing on our differences.                       

So what do we have in common with other believers?

Christians are mono-theistic; that is, we believe there is one God. This God has expressed himself to us as Father-in-heaven, Jesus-on-earth and Holy Spirit advocate, who stands alongside us nowadays.

We believe that the Bible is God-breathed, His inspired Word.

We acknowledge that the world is a sinful place, and we’re part of it. We believe that Jesus died as the sacrifice for our sins, was buried and then bodily resurrected. Our salvation comes from our relationship with the one born of a virgin, Jesus, the one who was without sin. We are saved by grace through faith, and the price Jesus paid to redeem us is once-and-for-all sufficient. Our eternal destiny, heaven, can’t be earned or purchased. Jesus has done the work, the price is paid in full, and we get to spend eternity in the presence of God because we’re with Jesus, the one who ascended into heaven. He will come again.

While not an exhaustive list, these are some things on which all believers can agree. Perhaps, as we carry the Good News to all nations, we should do as Paul suggested: “Be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” 1 Cor. 1:10b NLT

Now go change the world - together!

Norton Lawellin

Each Sunday Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at 10:30am in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, Dec. 01, I’ll open up our Christmas series by returning to Luke Ch. 1. Bring your Bibles!

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