Truth!

For Saturday, September 12, 2020. 

Mark 3:28 NLT, Jesus speaking: “I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven.”

One certainty that should override all your theological and religious pursuits is that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is incapable of lying. Therefore if Jesus says something, we can count on it being true! 

And in this discourse, Jesus tells us that ALL sin can be forgiven – past sin, present sin, even future sin – Jesus has it all covered! Repent and return to the Lord is the message, and making Jesus Lord of your life makes salvation possible. That’s the Gospel truth, Good News for all mankind.

And with our sin problem solved, Jesus went on ahead to prepare a place for us in the hereafter. It’s not like a hotel room for a temporary visit. Jesus is preparing a permanent residence in the presence of the Lord for all believers! That’s the truth; that’s Good News, and that gives us hope! 

Blessings and safety today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

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

God Will Answer!

For Friday, September 11, 2020. 

Psalm 91:15 NRSV, God speaking to Believers: “When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.”

Today is September 11, and I can never forget what happened on the morning of 9/11/2001. Somehow I immediately knew that it was a Holy War. Later, thorough investigation proved that the Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda had launched the four coordinated attacks against the United States, retaliating against US foreign policy favoring Israel. 

Believers across America and around the world immediately turned to prayer. This Psalm says that God is always listening, and that God will be with us in our times of trouble. God will rescue and honor believers, children of God, His Holy Family. We truly needed the Lord’s hand on this situation, His protection. I should point out that there were no further attacks after that one day!

Thankfully, most of us have far smaller problems in our own lives. God doesn’t respond based on the size of a problem. He’s available to all of us, 24/7, no matter what’s gone wrong. God will rescue you and put you in a high place. That’s what the Bible says, and that’s Good News! 

Blessings and safety to you today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

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

Blessed!

For Thursday, September 10, 2020. 

Matthew 5:10 ESV: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

This verse is part of Jesus’ greatest message, the Sermon on the Mount, which includes ‘The Beatitudes,’ lessons of extreme joy, blessedness and happiness. 

Even in our own country, the character traits in the Beatitudes are not valued by some. We don’t give awards to the “Most Pure in Heart,” or the “Most Poor in Spirit.” It seems the opposite; those living wild, raucous, extravagant lives make the covers of the tabloids. But those characteristics DO describe citizens of God’s Kingdom!

Doesn’t that sound good to you – being a child of God in the Heavenly Kingdom? Jesus assures us that his followers will have a place prepared for them in the next reality. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. That’s ETERNAL life! Jesus wants to bring us with him, and that gives us hope! 

Blessings and safety to you today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

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