Homework Assignment!

For Saturday, November 2, 2024:

Romans 13:1 NLT: “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”

“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” There it is, right in our Declaration of Independence. The United States of America acknowledges a Creator! Our government was formed under the watchful eye of that Creator! An important election is being held next Tuesday, although half the country has chosen to vote early. So it’s well past time to get out our Bibles and do our homework!

Q: Do we want a Christian or a non-Christian in the White House? The obvious answer is that a Christian would be best. Christianity is so established in the US that currently it would be impossible for anyone to get elected if they claimed to be a non-Christian. So we need to examine the trends, the behaviors and the actions of the candidates. Who is best living out the “Jesus model?” Remember that Jesus will disavow some who claim to be believers, saying, “I never knew you!” Their actions don’t match what they claim.

Compare the candidate’s positions and their party platforms with the Bible. Which group intends to live out God’s value system? The earth and its people were intelligently designed, and God’s way of living is for our protection and for our own good. God’s laws are his way of loving us.

When you’ve finished your homework, it’s time to vote. Not voting is like casting a ballot for the bad guys, so circle the date on your calendar. Make sure voting is on your agenda.

See you at the polls!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Psalms 61 - God Bless our Leaders

September 12, 2016 Monday Message:

“Let our leader be wrapped in God’s presence forever. Give him your kind love and truth to protect him.” Psalms 61:7

It’s important to remember to pray for our country’s leaders. In David’s day, it was “Kings.” In our time, it’s “Presidents” and “Prime Ministers.” And also “Governors, Senators, Representatives, Mayors, Councilpersons and Judges.” They would all benefit from God’s guidance as they lead our citizens.

This November, most Americans will enter a voting booth to help choose new leaders for our country. Some choices may prove difficult. Some of your candidates may win, while others may lose.

Regardless of the outcome, it’s important that we all pray God’s presence into all our leaders. With God’s hand setting our course, everything will be OK. It will be more OK WITH God than without God.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30am. This Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, Pastor Retha Dowells opens up 1 Corinthians Ch. 2.

Psalm 51 - Happy Independence Day!

July 04, 2016 Monday Message:

“Wash away all my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” Psalms 51:2 NIV

Happy Independence Day!

The early settlers in Plymouth, MA, both Pilgrims and Puritans, left their homeland to worship “their” way, and were quite rigid in their beliefs.

But in 1635, Plymouth banished dissident Roger Williams, who eventually settled in Providence, RI, and this is where “Freedom of Religion” first manifested itself in the US.

One of the best forms of government is the Benevolent Dictatorship, the key being “benevolent.” King David was such a leader for Israel. But even the best, handpicked leaders can mess up sometimes, and David really messed up with the Bathsheba incident. Nathan the prophet held David accountable for his actions, and Psalm 51 is thought to be David’s confession before the Lord.

Nowadays our political leaders mess up all the time – not a good situation. This will be a most interesting year as the US selects a new leader for our next four years.

Here’s the situation: Some in Washington are trying their best to indict Hillary Clinton over her email fiasco. Meanwhile, every time Donald Trump opens his mouth, he seems to stick his foot in it! Perhaps a third-party candidate will emerge, hopefully one carrying no baggage. Pray that whoever rises to the top will turn to the Lord.

In spite of its faults, thank God that we are living in the greatest nation ever! God bless the USA!

“Create in my a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10

Norton Lawellin

Come worship with us! This Sunday, July 10, 2016, Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) worships in our new location, the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30am. We continue our study in Romans 13.