Messenger!

For Tuesday, January 6, 2026:

Matthew 1:20b-21 NLT, Angel speaking to Joseph: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus [the Lord Saves], for he will save his people from their sins.”

The Angel Gabriel had been busy. He had already visited Zechariah, who would father John the Baptist. He also visited Mary, who was to birth the Messiah’s next entrance to planet earth. Mary loves the Lord and is obedient. “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

Just one problem remains. Mary was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. He doesn’t understand how she could turn up pregnant. To him, she was still a virgin! It was time for Gabriel to finish their education! See above scripture!

Gabriel also explains the purpose of the Messiah coming to our world. “Jesus will save his people from their sins.” No mention of miraculous healings. No expanded teaching of Torah. No casting out of demons. Those are all good things, but not on the tip of Gabriel’s tongue! That’s why I teach that Jesus’ primary purpose is rescuing mankind from our sin problem. God’s messenger angel said so!

Christian believers are the beneficiaries of God’s gift. Jesus’ forgiveness has lifted us from the fires of hell to eternal life with Father God, a much better place. Thank goodness Jesus came to rescue us!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Prepare the Way - #2

Dec. 08, 2014 Monday Message:

Last week we talked about John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry, and the value of advance preparation.

Mary too had been prepared for what was about to take place. The angel Gabriel told her that she would have a son named Jesus who will be called, “Son of the Most High, and like David he will reign as King of Israel, and his kingdom will never end.” Wow! from Luke 1:31-33 CEV

Mary was somewhat confused: “How can this happen? I am not married!”

Gabriel explained God’s power, the power of the Holy Spirit, and told her that her child will be called the Holy Son of God!

Mary agreed, saying, “I am here to serve the Lord.” She was now prepared for all that would happen, and therefore played her role perfectly when it was time.

This is a great story, but I have to ask: What if she had NOT been properly prepared? What if she just turned up pregnant one day?

An unwed pregnant woman would be an embarrassment to her family, estranged from her fiancé, and could be stoned by her community.

But Mary had been prepared – she knew the inside story of what was about to happen. It took another angel to bring Joseph around. But then Mary and Joseph in turn prepared their close family and friends for what was about to take place, as the prophesy of Isaiah was being fulfilled: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel – God is with us!” Isaiah 7:14b NIV

“Jesus” means “The Lord saves!”

Norton Lawellin

Every Sunday Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, Dec. 14, we welcome all as Pastor Michael Pilla continues our Advent journey.