Invite & Include!

For Sunday, May 3, 2026:

Colossians 1:7 NLT: “You learned about the Good News (Gospel) from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker.”

How did you learn about Jesus? You’re fortunate if your parents taught you, brought you to church as a child. But nowadays, many people aren’t so lucky. A lot of families don’t have a church home, and may not be believers.

Consequently our territory, our evangelism responsibility increased. One pastor I know claims people are in our pews because somebody told somebody who told somebody. I believe that’s right!

Two words need to be in our vocabulary: invite and include. “I’d like to invite you to my church. Where you live is on my way. I could pick you up next Sunday!” -or- Three of us are going to the Bible study at my church. There’s room in the car for a fourth. We’d like to include you!”

Jesus told all believers to make disciples of all nations, not just the pastors. We should start in our own backyards!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

God's Gracious Gift!

For Saturday, December 13, 2025:

Romans 5:15 NLT: “There is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.”

Which is greater – Mankind’s sin or God’s wonderful gift of grace and forgiveness? Given who God is, anything from him will be greater, more important, more significant than anything mankind could implement.

God has a commodity to which we should aspire – greatness! God’s Son was great and obedient to his Father. People were dying left and right, God wanted the problem solved and sent his Son to put the plan in motion.

Jesus took the sins of the world to the place of the dead, making mankind once again eligible to join the throng in God’s eternal Heavenly Kingdom. Forever is a long time, and God’s desire is that we join him in that reality.

Sounds good to me!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Mission Accomplished!

For Friday, December 12, 2025:

Hebrews 12:2 NLT: “We continue keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

When Jesus returned to the Father, God must have said, “Good job – well done! You have solved mankind’s sin problem!”

We honor God by claiming his Son as Lord and Savior of our souls. Our faith in Jesus includes us in the family of God. He was sent to rescue mankind, and from the cross he said, “It is finished. The job you sent me to do is completed. Souls of believers will now start coming home!” Jesus knew his mission, and – seeing the result – determined that the effort was worth the outcome.

Our Savior is now seated at God’s right hand, the seat of honor. His mission was a gift to all mankind because of our faith, trust and love for the Son!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

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

Heavenly Kingdom!

For Friday, August 29, 2025:

Hebrews 9:24b NIV: “Jesus entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf.”

A crowd had gathered as Jesus spoke his final earthly words. He said we are to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and he promised to never leave us or forsake us. The crowd looked on in amazement as he was taken up into heaven, into the eternal Kingdom, to sit at the right hand of God the Father.

In an instant, Jesus was gone, but believers are never abandoned. Our sins are forever forgiven because of Jesus’ work on the cross, and the Holy Spirit was dispatched to be our helper. We have Jesus to advocate for us in heaven, and the Holy Spirit to keep us on the right path here on earth. Because of their efforts (not because of anything we’ve done,) we have assurance of salvation.

Most religions teach about a life after this life, but Jesus is the only spiritual mentor to actually access the real eternity. He went ahead to prepare a place for us. Every believer is included. We are blessed with assurance of salvation, and you can only get that from Jesus! Tell everyone the Good News!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

 

Hereafter!

For Thursday, August 28, 2025:

Luke 18:29-30 NLT, Jesus speaking: “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.”

People wanted reassurance about the life after this life. Was such a thing even possible? Does heaven really exist? How do you get there? Who’s included?

Critics of the Bible sometimes say that the afterlife isn’t clearly explained. But make no mistake. In this speech, Jesus clearly explained that there is a Heaven, God’s eternal Kingdom; that we should expect a life after this life; that those loyal to Jesus, God and the Kingdom would inherit a forever home.

Reread Jesus’ words. They should excite you, inspire you to pursue God’s reward. Consider this Jesus’ invitation to the hereafter!

If you love Jesus, you’re included! See you there!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Children Included!

For Thursday, August 21, 2025:

Luke 18:15 NLT: “One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.”

Little children don’t know much yet, because they’re so young. Their existence is centered on trust and faith. They believe that mom, dad and other big people will protect them, keep them safe and only want what’s best for them.

Jesus wants all of us to have an attitude of trust like these children. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” God Almighty and his Son only want what’s best for us. God will protect us and keep us safe if we trust in him. Faith is a valuable commodity when dealing with the Lord!

On a more basic level, Jesus is teaching that we should bring children to church, and that our activities should include them. If children are taught the ways of the Lord, they will grow up with those beliefs and their souls will be redeemed. Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”

Translating the ancient Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek into today’s English is always challenging. If viewed as a command, it could read, “Cause the children to come to me. Make it so! See that it happens!”

Church is for families. It would be awesome if we could see your family at church this Sunday. It would be more awesome if your family invited another family!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Tax Collectors and Sinners!

For Friday, July 11, 2025:

Luke 15:1 NLT: “Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach.”

Tax collectors were considered the worst of the sinners, so much so that the Bible often speaks of “tax collectors and sinners,” giving them their own distinct category. Sinners had simply done something wrong, but tax collectors were working for the opposition, the bad guys! They were working FOR Rome, against the Hebrew people. Tax collectors were also known for taxing a little bit extra to line their own pockets. They were skimming, taking more from their Hebrew brothers than Rome required. Needless to say, tax collectors had abandoned their heritage in favor of the almighty dollar. (OK, denarius.)

Tax collectors knew they weren’t welcome in Synagogues, but many were still interested in God and religion, the way they had been raised. So when Jesus taught, they would stop and listen. Their presence angered the Pharisees. Even though Jesus wasn’t “their guy,” they wanted to maintain a certain majesty at religious gatherings, and including tax collectors wasn’t on the Pharisee agenda.

Jesus had previously stated, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Therefore, tax collectors and sinners needed to hear what the Pharisees should have already known! (Mark 2:17)

This raises some tough questions. Does your Sunday church cater to those who already believe, or to the notorious sinners in your community? Look around; see who’s there. Hopefully you’ll see some from each group! Those hosting the meeting need to be welcoming to those just checking things out. We can gently make a case that following Jesus is the better way to live. Let everyone know that being a Christian can be exciting and fun. Tell your face! Love your neighbor, even if they don’t yet have Christian ethics. That’s what Jesus did!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Workers!

For Sunday, May 4, 2025:

Luke 10:2 NLT, Jesus speaking: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

Of course Jesus is speaking metaphorically. He’s not talking about harvesting crops; he’s referring to sharing the Good News, letting everyone know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. So wake up, open your eyes and witness the obvious. This “Jesus of Nazareth” is special, and you should sign up to play on his team!

There were only 12 Apostles, but this time Jesus was sending 72 of the “other” disciples into the field. So the job description for Evangelist isn’t limited to Pastors or church professionals. This task is for all believers, and serving isn’t optional! In his Great Commission, Jesus didn’t exclude anyone!

Jesus intended to visit all the cities first visited by the 72. They were kind of the advance team, piquing everyone’s interest before Jesus’ arrival. The Billy Graham organization always sends an advance team ahead of a Crusade, so they can partner with locals both before and after the big event. If Jesus did this, we should do it too!

I once worked for a church with about 3k members. On average, we’d worship 850 each week. But one day the Lead Pastor said to me, “The same 18 people do everything around here!” Jesus was right! We do need more workers! So if you’re a believer, pray to be shown your task, something you’d be good at. God endowed each of us with different gifts and talents. Where could you best serve the King of kings? And if you’re already serving, delegate something, take the new believer under your wing and make a point of including others as you do the Lord’s work. That’s what Jesus did!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Ambassadors!

April 28, 2025, Monday Message:

Mark 16, Shorter ending, NLT: “Jesus himself sent the believers out from east to west with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation that gives eternal life. Amen.”

Scholars have unearthed Gospels of Mark with different endings. Some end at 16:8, some add a short paragraph, while a few offer an additional dozen verses. Since these are consistent with other Gospel writings and reinforce redeeming principles, they deserve a look.

This shorter ending supports the Great Commission that ends Matthew 28. Jesus said we are to love our neighbors, and that includes sharing the way to heaven with them. There is only one road leading to eternity with the Father. Those of us on that road are told to include all who will come to believe. They can choose to walk with Jesus or not—their choice. But the offer includes ALL who choose to believe.

I especially like these words: “unfailing message of salvation…” Jesus prepaying the penalty of sin for believers actually happened. “It is finished!” It’s guaranteed. If your eyes are on heaven, Jesus will get you there every time. He never fails. We call this Assurance of Salvation.

Jesus commissioned believers to cover the earth with the Good News, the Gospel. Our assignments vary. Some missionaries travel internationally. That’s the mission God assigned to them. For years, I went to Lake Street. Lately, I’ve moved over to University Avenue. God will put on your heart where you are to help spread the Good News.

All believers are Jesus’ ambassadors!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Resurrection Inclusion!

For Wednesday, April 23, 2025:

Luke 24:15-16 NLT: “As the two men talked and discussed what had recently happened in Jerusalem, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.”

We seldom perceive what we don’t expect to see. The risen Jesus seems to be particularly challenging to identify. In the garden, Mary Magdalene didn’t recognize him until he spoke. These two men walking to Emmas were believers and had watched Jesus teach many times, but failed to recognize him at first. I believe Jesus essentially looked as he had on the cross. After all, he told doubting Thomas, “Put your hand in my side,” so Jesus’ body had not been restored.

With no internet or TV 2k years ago, news was spread person-to-person, and by this time, everyone in Jerusalem had either witnessed or heard about Jesus’ crucifixion and death. That he died was certified by Roman soldiers. Jesus’ body was then placed in a tomb, so no one expected to see him walking around. They should have listened to the prophets who predicted Jesus’ conquering death. And yet, in human terms, it just didn’t make any sense!

Our acknowledgment of his other miracles reinforces our confidence in Jesus’ resurrection. If he turned water into wine and walked on water, life after death just might be possible. If he controlled the weather and fed 5k, life after this life could be real! If he brought Jairus’ daughter and Lazarus back to life, it makes sense that he could do the same for himself!

Life after this life isn’t just for Jesus. He wants to include all believers in that Holy Family. Those who put their faith, hope and trust in Jesus the Christ are promised to see heaven from the inside! We call it “Assurance of Salvation.” Jesus is preparing a place for us and will welcome us with open arms!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Family!

For Wednesday, April 2, 2025:

John 14:20 NLT, Jesus speaking: “When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

Cozy. Jesus and the Father are one. He said that if you know him, you have seen the Father. And now he tells believers, “You are in me, and I am in you.” It’s all one big happy family! Believers who bond with Jesus are also bonded with the Father. And just as Jesus is the Son of God, we too are God’s children. John 1:12: “To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Doesn’t it feel good to be included in the Holy Family? Everyone wants to be included. (One of my favorite words!) “Three of us are attending the event – there’s room in the car for a fourth, and we’d like to include you!” Of course, God’s desire is that everyone would repent and return. He wants everyone to exercise their chance to be included!

Given brain power and the freedom to choose, we need to correctly make this decision regarding our forever destiny. Our choice has eternal ramifications. Cozy up to the Creator. Picture yourself as a child, sitting on God’s lap. Let him rock you to sleep. Contented and safe. Forever!

God will include you if you include God!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Passover!

For Saturday, February 1, 2025:

Exodus 11:1 NLT: Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will strike Pharaoh and the land of Egypt with one more blow. After that, Pharaoh will let you leave this country. In fact, he will be so eager to get rid of you that he will force you all to leave.”

According to God, the tenth and final plague was the most severe and would get everyone’s attention, even Pharaoh’s. Here’s what would happen: All the firstborn sons would die in every family in Egypt. Even the firstborn of their livestock would die. Pharaoh’s oldest son preparing to take the throne would die. The only ones exempt from this plague would be the Israelites. Following this, Pharaoh would not only let the Hebrew people leave Egypt, he would insist that they get out of town!

The night before, each Jewish household sacrificed a lamb to the Lord, and it would be their final meal in Egypt. We call it the Seder supper. Blood from the sacrificial lamb would be spread on the door posts to each house, marking the inhabitants as people of God, and as death filled Egypt, the Lord would “pass over” those houses. Passover is remembered by both Jews and Christians nowadays.

Jesus himself would be the sacrificial lamb for Christian believers. He took our sin away so that we could reside in God’s forever Kingdom. Just as God provided for the Hebrews, he also provides for Christian faithful. The Lord always takes care of his people. Thank you, God, for including us in your eternity!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Inclusion!

For Tuesday, January 7, 2025:

John 8:7b NLT, Jesus speaking: “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”

The Pharisees taught the law of Moses but did not abide by it themselves. Jesus said we should listen to them, but not imitate them! Pharisees had assumed the role of religious police, searching for someone doing something wrong, and then punishing them for the offense.

Jesus had another idea, that we should actually do what the Lord commanded, and loving one another topped his agenda. This was forward thinking in his day.

Since we’ve all sinned – no one of us is better than the other – the question becomes, “What should we do NOW? Given our current set of circumstances, what’s the best way to proceed?”

Jesus counsels us to be kind, to be helpful and to do the next right thing. Be forgiving. and make reconciliation your goal: IN-clusion, not EX-clusion!

Pharisees aren’t worthless – they can always serve as a bad example!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship