Miracle Birth!

December 20, 2021 Monday Message

Matthew 1:20 NLT: “An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.”

Wedding traditions were different 2k years ago. After a couple was married, they then went separate ways to prepare everything for their life together. Different Bible translations say Mary and Joseph were “married,” or just “engaged.” It makes little difference. Mary was, in fact, still a virgin; the couple had not yet consummated the marriage. But a divorce would have been required if they were to separate.

Imagine getting everything ready for your new bride, and when you arrive to re-claim her, to start your married life together, you find that she’s already pregnant! Yikes! God knew this would be a problem, so he had an angel appear to Joesph in a dream, explaining that the child was conceived through the Holy Spirit, and counseling Joseph to follow through with the marriage. This requires a huge amount of faith, and a lot of trust in the Lord!

And that’s the point of today’s message. When we hear this miraculous story 2k years later, do we believe? Incredible as a virgin birth sounds, do we truly believe? Do we trust God enough to share this miracle birth of the Son of God with our friends? God wants you to believe because he wants to include you in the Kingdom. “To all who believed ... he gave the right to become children of God.”

It’s not easy being the earthly stand-in father for God’s Son!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Virgin Miracle!

Jan. 20, 2020 Monday Message:

“’The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’” Matt. 1:23

Jesus’ virgin conception is indeed a miracle, and miracles are both possible and necessary in order to understand much of our world, including creation.

Both scientists and philosophers explain the creation of our universe with the ‘big bang’ theory, but neither group is sure how big the bang was or what caused it to bang when it did. All agree there was a beginning to our universe, and that our planet exists where previously there was nothing. And the only explanation I have for the creation of matter out of nothing is Divine Intervention.

As I write this, I’m crossing the Caribbean Sea, water as far as the eye can see, beautiful blue sky overhead, just a few clouds, and all manner of fish under the billowing waves. I’m confident that there is land ahead, with a plethora of plants and animals, including those made in the image of God – humans! This whole scenario is so complex that it couldn't be some kind of evolutionary accident. Once again the only explanation is Divine Intervention.

And if a God this powerful thought it would be best to walk on earth alongside mankind, surely he could work it out. Virgin conception may be a stretch for us, but God says, “Don’t worry - I’ve got this!” With God, anything is possible!

So go ahead – believe in miracles. That way the whole universe makes sense!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Van Dickerson leads us thru Jesus’ Temptation (Luke 4.) Guest Worship Leader Jerry McCleskey.

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.