Risen!

For Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Luke 24:6 NLT: “Jesus isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee...”

That the tomb is empty is the best news ever! Jesus took the sin of the world to the place of the dead, and conquered sin and death on the same day! He had promised the believers that death was not the end, and this is proof that his words were true!

Later, when Jesus ascended into heaven, he said that he would prepare a place for each of his followers. This assurance of salvation gives us hope for both this life and the next.

The risen Jesus reminded his disciples of the prophesy fulfilled: “There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.”

That promise is still valid today!

Blessings and safety to all!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Forgiveness

For Sunday, July 12, 2020.

Luke 17:4 NLT (Jesus speaking:) “If a person wrongs you seven times a day, and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”

Forgiveness is huge in the Bible. Jesus says that if someone sins against you and then repents, we are to forgive them. But what if someone sins against you seven times? Jesus says that if they’re truly sorry and keep asking for forgiveness, we are to forgive them “70 times 7!” And that’s a metaphor for a “whole lot of forgiveness” – forgiveness doesn’t stop at 490!

“Forgive us our trespasses AS we forgive those who trespass against us.” Jesus teaches that AS we forgive others, so we will be forgiven. God desires everyone to join him in the hereafter, and has plenty of forgiveness to offer all those who repent.

So on this Sabbath day, generously forgive others in the same way that you wish to be forgiven. Blessings,

Pastor Norton

Jesus in the City Fellowship

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Forgiveness AND Change

Dec. 03, 2018 Monday Message:

On Forgiveness AND Change

John 8 details the incident of the woman caught in adultery. The crowd stood ready to stone her, but Jesus stalled them off: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” from John 8:7 And one by one, the crowd dispersed.

When someone we like sins, people often quote this verse. It’s good advice to forgive, to ‘let go and let God,’ but we also need to remember the second part of Jesus’  lesson: “Go now and leave your life of sin.” from John 8:11

Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” God-the-Son came to earth to rescue us, to forgive mankind’s sinful ways – to forgive all who would repent and return to the Lord. And Jesus’ direction, after we repent and He has forgiven, is to change for the better.

Should we go on sinning? “No!” says Paul. “Just as Christ was raised by the glory of God, so too should we live a new life,” a changed life!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Michael Pilla will lead us through the second Sunday of Advent.

Forgive

Oct. 7, 2018 Monday Message:

(Jesus speaking:) “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matt. 6:12 NIV

The disciples wanted Jesus to teach them to pray, and he included these words. This principle of forgiveness is so important that Jesus restated it again: “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matt. 6:14-15

You’ve probably heard the Christian saying, “Let go and let God.” That’s a good idea. It’s unhealthy to hang onto old resentments. And carrying a grudge is just too much work! Today is a good day to clean house. Start afresh – empty your bag of grievances.

As you forgive others, so will the Father forgive you. And forgiven followers of Jesus the Christ will be welcomed into God’s eternal kingdom.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Founding Pastor Michael Pilla teaches from Jonah.

Forget What You Forgive

Sept. 24, 2018 Monday Message:

“Love keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Cor. 13:5d NIV

What happens to your record of sin after you have repented and God has forgiven you? The Bible says that you are separated from your sin “as far as the East is from the West.” Your record of sin lies “at the bottom of the deepest ocean.”

When heaven finds your name in the Book of Life, and looks down the column marked, “sin,” it will be empty. There will be no record of your sin. Don’t look for scratch-outs or eraser marks. It will be blank white-space, as if nothing had ever been written there.

The principle here is that God forgets what He forgives. Read that again – “God forgets what He forgives.” And if that works for our God, it’s good advice for us too.

I’ve heard people say, “I don’t get mad – I get EVEN!” But seeking revenge is not Jesus’ way. Carrying a grudge just hurts YOU, not the other person who upset you. They’re probably sitting at Starbucks enjoying a latté while your anger is raising your blood pressure! Let go and let God!

We will all be healthier and enjoy life more if we do things God’s way. Jesus said to forgive 70 x 7 times. Now it’s time to forget what you have forgiven.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Michael Pilla continues our study of the minor prophet Amos.

Merry Christmas

Dec. 25, 2017 Monday Message:

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given … And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting father and Prince of Peace.” from Isaiah 9:6 NIV

This is a special Monday Message, because it’s Christmas Day! Christmas – the arrival of the King of Kings – is earthly evidence of one of the Bible’s most important teachings. God’s true desire is that none would perish. So in spite of mankind’s sin and disobedience, God – in his wisdom – provided a means of rescue. This is Good News!

God loved us so much that he personally sent his son to hand us a complimentary ticket to spend eternity with the Creator. If you identify with the “sin” group – those who have not lived a perfect life, repent, and identify Jesus as your personal savior, the Father will welcome you into eternity with open arms. And on that very first Christmas day, God was setting mankind’s redemption plan in motion.

Israel had been talking about it for 700 years: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” – God with us. He’s still with us and for us, 2000 years later. from Isaiah 7:14

Merry Christmas!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, New Year’s Eve day, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Jesus is presented in the Temple – Luke 2:21-40 - Pastor Michael Pilla.