Truth!

For Thursday, February 20, 2025:

Exodus 23:1 NLT: “You must not pass along false rumors. You must not cooperate with evil people by lying on the witness stand.”

People of God should be people of integrity. We should not lie, cheat or steal. The song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love,” but it should also say, “They will know we are Christians by our truth.” Christians should be known for honesty.

Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Liars, scammers and thieves will don a coat of Christianity, attempting to fool many, attempting to add credibility to their sham. They need to be called out on their offensive nature and expelled from the fellowship before they pollute others.

There’s really only one right way to live. It’s God’s way or the highway! Remember, truth is God’s opinion on everything!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Psalm 41 - People of Integrity

April 25, 2016 Monday Message:

“Anyone who is kind to the poor will be very happy. The LORD will help him when life is difficult.” Psalms 41:1

Psalm 41 finds David ill and not feeling good about life in general. Many people came to visit, but they were just looking for bad things to say, to slander him. Some wanted him to die, so there could be a new king, David’s evil son Absalom.

The parallel here is that Jesus also had an evil friend, who betrayed him at the worst possible time, Judas Iscariot. Jesus lamented using the words of verse 9, “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”

But there was a good visitor, the LORD God, who made David well again. God is still on his throne; he looked after David, he looked after Jesus, and he’ll look after you and me. As Christians, we’ve been adopted into the Holy Family, and God has blessed us with all the rights and privileges given to a son or daughter.

God always wins; David was restored, and his enemies could not triumph over him. David’s integrity kept him in God’s presence forever. (Psalm 41:12) No matter our trouble, we too can be restored. People of integrity will remain in the LORD’S presence forvever.

“The LORD protects and preserves those who help the weak. God counts them blessed in their time of trouble.” (from Psalm 41:1-2 NIV)

Norton Lawellin

Come worship with us! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets every Sunday at 10 am in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, May 1, 2016, we’ll open up Romans 8, living by the power of the Holy Spirit. See you at church!

Truth or Consequences

March 18, 2013 Monday Message:

As part of our 10 Commandments series, today we’ll visit #9 - "Do not bear false witness against your neighbor." Ex. 20

God doesn’t lie, and neither should you. Should you ever be called upon to testify in a court of law, you’ll be asked to place your hand on a Bible and to swear on God’s name that your testimony is true. This is not something to be taken lightly. You are using God’s good name to backup what you’re about to say. You’re putting God’s stamp of approval on your words. Don’t let Him down!

What comes out of your mouth should always be true – but – not everything that’s true needs to be said. Some things are best kept to yourself. Don’t use your words to dis somebody, to put somebody down. Leave gossip to the pagans. Use your words for kindness, or remain silent.

The concept extends into trustworthiness, honesty and truth. People of God should be known as people of good character; incorruptible.

Sidebar: Whenever I hear of another fallen TV preacher, or a scandal within a denomination, I want to scream, “Get off our side!” Unfortunately, the behavior of the fallen has discouraged many in their Christian walk, and has kept others in the agnostic abyss. Let me assure you that this is a problem with human failings, not a problem with God. God is still on the throne, and rescuing you is still #1 on Jesus’ agenda. The Bible says to not put your trust in man, who cannot save. But joyful are those who trust in the Lord. (from Ps. 146)

Next week: The grass is always greener…

Norton Lawellin

Celebrate Palm Sunday with us, March 24, 10:30am, Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF), in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. Dan Pilla recaps the Triumphal Entry.

NL