Press On!

For Sunday, June 18, 2023:

Philippians 3:14 NLT: “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

Motivational speakers tell their listeners to first set a goal. If it’s not clear where you’re going, how will you know when you have arrived? Define what it is that you’re trying to achieve. Then you can divide that into incremental steps, and check things off as progress is being made.

Everyone knew about Greece’s national foot-races, the forerunner of today’s Olympics. The prize was often a wreath of olive branches, not particularly valuable but extremely coveted. Runners were told to keep their eye on the prize. Imagine yourself wearing the wreath! Picture yourself receiving accolades from your peers!

So Paul is comparing our journey towards heaven with a Greek race, something with which his audience would be familiar. There may be missteps along the way, but that’s not the issue. The Christian prize has eternal ramifications, and we are counseled to not get off on a side track. We’re to keep our eyes on victory, on the big prize. Jesus has already done most of the running for us, so have faith in him and in the Father. Remember that Jesus’ mission was to rescue mankind, and he always does a good job!

Celebrate your progress in the eternity race! Be joyful! Let your face know!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

Do Not Love the World!

 For Sunday, March 26, 2023:

1 John 2:17 NLT: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

We need to define ‘world’ to fully understand this scripture. It doesn’t refer to the planet earth or the body of people who presently reside here. John is referring to the community of sinful humanity that is united in rebellion against God.

Do you ever have days when it feels like the whole world is against you? If you’re doing your best to live life the right way – God’s way – and those around you persist in sin, life can be challenging.

Paul compared our lives to an athletic contest. We are not to concern ourselves with the difficulty of the contest. Instead we are told to keep our eyes on the prize. In this case, the prize is heaven, spending eternity with the Lord. It’s a good reward, the best news ever!

When you compare paradise to the lake of fire, your choice should be clear!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

Second Coming!

November 14, 2022 Monday Message:

Titus 2:13 NLT, Paul speaking to Titus: “We look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.”

Rewards motivate people. They run the race to receive the prize. Here Paul was giving encouragement to Titus, who remained on the Island of Crete, continuing the evangelistic work started by Paul.

For Christian believers, the ultimate reward is forgiveness of our sins and assurance of salvation, and Paul is reminding Titus of those rewards, benefits of claiming Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. And Jesus is coming back to gather all who believe!

The day Jesus returns will be the best reward ever!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Heavenly Prize!

For Saturday, October 22, 2022:

Philippians 3:14 NLT: “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

The Apostles in Jerusalem ministered mainly to Jews who had seen the light. But Paul’s mission was to the Gentiles in Greece and later in Rome. Greeks originated the olympic games, so they were quite familiar with finishing a big race and winning a prize. Here Paul compares a Christian’s journey with an olympic race.

Running a marathon is challenging, especially considering its length. It’s easy to run to the corner and back, but 28.2 miles tempts us to just give up, to quit. Paul says, “I press on,” even when there are challenges, even when it becomes difficult. Why? Because those who complete the journey are given a “heavenly prize,” the gift of spending eternal life in the light of the Lord!

The Greeks only won olive branches. But this heavenly prize makes running the Christian race worthwhile!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Eyes on the Prize!

For Tuesday, August 2, 2022:

Philippians 3:14 NLT, Paul speaking: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

If you could read this passage from the beginning, Paul has just detailed his shortcomings. But in spite of problems, failures and past discretions, he keeps the faith, putting forth his best to do what God has called him to do, to spread the Good News, the saving grace of Jesus.

I saw a comic in last Sunday’s newspaper explaining why the windshield was so big while the rear-view mirror was so small. Where we’ve come from isn’t nearly as important as where we’re headed!

The same is true of our Christian walk. Our God is in the rescue business, pulling us out of the mire and setting us on solid ground. He’s a God of second-chances, pointing us in the right direction. Turns out that where we’re going is far more important than where we’ve been!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Focus on Jesus!

March 7, 2022 Monday Message

Matthew 24:13 NLT: “The one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Jesus tells us that being a believer won’t be easy. Many will be arrested, persecuted and even killed. There will be false prophets regularly telling lies, trying to take our focus off Jesus. Eventually, the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

Paul compares a spiritual life to an athletic contest. Run the race in such a way as to win, and keep your eye on the prize. Our prize is heaven, spending our life after this life in the presence of the Father. Jesus made that possible for us. He left us with us hope!

Don’t let the world take you off-point. Like the hymn says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus,” and keep them there!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Heavenly Prize!

For Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Philippians 3:14 NLT: “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

With the Olympics in full swing, I’m reminded daily of Paul’s words to the church in Philippi. That Greek city was quite familiar with olympic-style contests, stressing personal achievement and civic pride.

But Paul had something bigger in mind – eternal hope! As an analogy, he cited heaven as the goal we should all seek. Paul said to keep your eye on that prize; to press toward the mark. The Greek Olympians knew exactly what he was talking about!

Nothing is more important than focusing on the eternal reward Jesus has prepared for us!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Run the Race - Win the Prize

December 13, 2010 Monday Message:

“(God) is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9b

Some of us grew up in Christian households and can’t remember a time when we didn’t love Jesus. Others, like me, can point to a particular day or specific incident when we made a conscious decision to accept what Jesus was offering, forgiveness and eternal salvation.

Still others have loved God, left God, and then returned to God. While you were gone, Jesus never left you. Whatever your path to the Lord, the important thing is that you’re with God today.

The Bible compares our walk with the Lord to a race. We may get a fast start or a slow start. Many will stumble along the way, but get back up and run some more. Some of us will run better when we can see the finish line. We all want to finish well. We will not run a perfect race like Jesus did. After all, we’re human, and he is divine. If we could be perfect on our own, we wouldn’t need rescuing. But God, with heavenly patience, waits for us, and gives up on no one who seeks Him.

This Advent season is a new beginning for the church year calendar. It’s also a good time for a new beginning for each of us. Re-dedicate yourself to the Lord. Get back in the race. And “run (your race) in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Cor. 9:24b

Norton Lawellin