Come Quickly, Lord Jesus!

For Tuesday, May 19, 2026:

Revelation 22:20 NLT: “He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”

In the language Jesus spoke, the word was “maranatha,” “surely I will come quickly.” Jesus said he would return, and as the Bible wraps up, his promise is once again confirmed. No longer just prophecy, Jesus’ return will put the End Times scenario in motion right before our eyes!

Those who have read Christian theology clearly understand that life is better when Jesus is with us. So Christians pray, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus!” Please don’t let too much time pass. We need you, and we need you now! There’s always an implied urgency in these prayers. “Come quickly, the sooner the better!”

As we strive to make disciples of all nations, God has started the End Times countdown. It will progress at His pace. God’s timing is always perfect!

Revelation concludes, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all of God’s holy people. Amen!”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

End of the Age!

For Tuesday, January 27, 2026:

Matthew 24:14 NLT, Jesus speaking: “The Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all people of all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.”

Do you ever ruminate on the end of this age, wondering what is the tipping point? When does the next reality come to fruition?

Jesus is pretty clear about that. It’s a fair process. The Earth will change once everyone everywhere gets a chance to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. ALL people from ALL nations deserve that chance. Remember that God’s goal is that ALL would repent and return, so we need to make sure that everyone has that opportunity. In pursuit of that goal, we send missionaries to faraway places and translate the Bible into additional languages. That’s all good, but the US is facing an internal problem as well. I’m willing to bet people are living on your streets, even right on your block, who haven’t heard the Gospel. The Lord’s work may begin closer to home than you were thinking!

Believers are obedient loyalists to our creator. We will not only survive the transition to God’s heavenly Kingdom, we will find a room with our name on the door. Jesus will have prepared our eternal residences as he promised. What a glorious way to spend eternity, in the presence of a loving God and his Son. Enjoy!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

End of the Age!

January 19, 2026, Monday Message:

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

Jesus is teaching about the end times. He paints a glorious picture of those who are loyal all the way to the end. But his emphasis on stick-to-itiveness tells me to take a look at those who don’t have the character to see the end times in Jesus’ time.

As this age ends, Satan will cast a thousand demons in our paths to take our eyes off the prize. Discouragement is just the beginning. Believers will be arrested, persecuted and sometimes killed. (Those killed while still believing will be rescued!) The world may hate you for being a Christ-loyalist. Many will be deceived and turn away from what they know is right. Liars and false prophets will be abundant. Sin will be everywhere, and the love of Jesus will be relatively unknown on earth.

Reject anything that isn’t true. The key is to stick with Jesus until the end of the age. Your dogged tenacity will be rewarded with a heavenly life after this life, and a permanent change of address to God’s Eternal Kingdom.

Believe the truth now, and have your Change-of-address forms ready to go!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

End Times Progress!

For Saturday, January 17, 2026:

Matthew 24:7-8 NLT: Jesus speaking: “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.”

Jesus is teaching about the beginning of the end times. His description doesn’t sound like a pleasant time for anyone. Jesus is drawing a parallel to the pain of childbirth. But when childbirth ends, we get to hold a beautiful little baby, a miracle that puts a smile on everyone’s face! All’s well that ends well!

The Bible tells us that some people will give up during this time of tribulation. Don’t you be like them! One of the Bible’s most loyal believers was Job. We should imitate him, copy his behavior. Job loved the Lord and had a good life. Then things started going south, but Job still loved the Lord. He finally hit rock bottom: starvation and diseases. Job’s wife said he should curse God and then die! But Job didn’t do that. He never lost faith. He never lost hope! God eventually proved himself worthy of Job’s ongoing faith. Job’s good fortune was restored to the best it had ever been! God is good!

As we live our lives, expect some bad stuff. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” The truly good life will be the life after this life. Jesus has prepared a place for the faithful in the next life, God’s forever Heavenly Kingdom!

Hold up the new baby, and put a smile on your face!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

End Times Signs!

For Thursday, November 13, 2025:

Luke 21:34 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap.”

The end times will be here someday soon. Jesus said so. He counseled mankind to watch out! Stay alert! That is why he taught about signs pointing to the end times, so that we would recognize what’s happening AS it happens!

When Jesus calls believers to meet him in the sky, we’d never want to miss that opportunity. A party might seem like good temporary fun, but it’s no good if it distracts us from accompanying Jesus into the next reality.

That day will be a day of last chances. It’s our last chance to join the line going with Jesus. It will also be Satan’s last chance to cloud our thinking, to divert our attention from the light. On that day, Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats. Everybody say, “Baa, baa…” Good job!

God’s desire is that all would repent and return, that none would be lost. He’s given us signs to recognize the day of decision. He’s allowing a little extra time so that more can get on board. Today is the accepted day to commit or re-commit our lives to Jesus’ mission. When Jesus says, “Let’s get going,” our desire should be to be first in line. We’ll all know when. He’s given us plenty of signs!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Warning Signs!

For Wednesday, November 5, 2025:

Luke 21:29 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near.”

"Sign, sign, everywhere, a sign!” There are good signs, and bad signs. A good sign is a good reminder. If there are far too many signs, no one will pay attention to any of them.

For close to ten years, I helped manage a non-profit organization with nearly 200 signs on the walls of its seven-room complex. “Replace your chairs as you found them. No gossip! Turn the lights out when you leave. Push the water button only once. Switch the coffee machine ‘off’ when empty. Respect confidentiality. Don’t leave trash in the building!” I would counsel them that the large number of taped-up signs made us appear less professional. The good we were doing appeared less competent. I didn’t have much luck with my campaign. Every time something happened that someone else didn’t like, up would go another sign. I can’t say that any of them were ever truly effective!

Jesus didn’t leave us with word signs. We were given prophetic signs so that when we’d see them, we’d know what was happening. Jesus gave us signs pointing to the second coming and the end times, and he told us so. Just as new leaves on a tree tell us that summer is near, the end times signs tell us that Jesus is returning soon. In a way, it’s a warning to get your house in order – or else! The anticipated day of judgment is imminent, and it’s time to claim our promise of salvation.

The prophetic signs are warnings for those who will witness the end times scenario. Those witnesses are the people who can utilize Jesus’ signs, informing them of what’s about to happen. Jesus said that the generation seeing these signs will not pass until the prophesied things have taken place. So keep your eyes open! We may end our lives in a different reality than the one into which we were born!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Prophecy!

November 3, 2025, Monday Message:

John 14:29 NLT, Jesus speaking: “I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.”

Sometimes things are so unusual, so out of the ordinary, that a lot of people won’t believe what just happened, even if they witnessed it with their own two eyes.

Here’s an example. Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha, had died. His body was kept in a closed tomb as it began to decay. Mourners had gathered to console the family. Lazarus was wrapped up like a mummy, a burial tradition.

Jesus was summoned. He dragged his feet getting there, waiting for two extra days, so that what he was about to do would increase in significance. After all, this event was for God’s glory! By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days!

Jesus told Martha that her brother would rise again. She thought he meant in the next reality, in the life after this life. But NO! Jesus meant right now! He had workers roll away the stone, Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!,” and out he came, grave clothes and all!

Locally, this incident became the focus of much discussion. Many thought it was a trick, a prank involving a magician. No one had ever seen anything like it, someone brought back to life after being dead four days. So at this point, it made more sense to disbelieve than to believe what they had witnessed.

Our lesson here is about the value of prophecy. Prophecies tell in advance what God is about to do, and when it happens, we can say, “That was God!,” rather than questioning what occurred. Prophecy is advance confirmation of a God-driven event! Jesus had been sharing signs of the end times, so that when it happens, we can easily recognize it and believe.

When you witness signs pointing to the end times, start saying, “That was God!” He has already told you what to expect!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

End Times Loyalty!

October 20, 2025, Monday Message:

Luke 21:19 NLT, Jesus speaking: “By standing firm, you will win your souls.”

The end times will not be pretty. Countries will succumb to the armies of evil nations. Longtime companions will betray you. Some believers may even be murdered. Jesus suggests running to the hills – and standing firm, not abandoning our faith in God’s Son.

The world is confused and evil in this picture Jesus painted. But while the world is in disarray, Jesus will be our rock. Since the beginning, there has been good vs bad, right vs wrong and God’s way vs Satan’s way. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have always been on the side of fairness, righteousness and love.

Satan, on the other hand, has no real agenda other than to oppose God. He has no Kingdom, no heaven, no paradise. The only thing a follower of Satan can hope to receive is a toasting in the fires of hell.

Deciding to become a believer is a simple decision. Almost anyone can understand the benefits and join the good guys. So stand firm in your convictions. Jesus promises that your reward will be the eternal salvation of your soul!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Attend Your Local Church!

For Wednesday, October 8, 2025:

Hebrews 10:25 NLT: “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

If ever there were a good time for attending church, this would be it. Of course, it goes without saying that corporate worship of the one true God is always good. But what are some of the benefits for us?

We can double-check that we’re still on the same page with other believers. We can double-check that our beliefs still conform to the truths found in the Bible. We can encourage and support one another. We can fellowship together, even when it’s not a worship moment. We can “belong” in our community of believers. Our church friends can be our best friends.

I remember when I started a business with a partner. A lot of remodeling was necessary to make the space suitable for our business, and we did the work ourselves. If I became overwhelmed and discouraged, I still kept working because I didn’t want to let him down. He did the same for me. Even after we both decided it was time to take a break, one of us would jump up and pound the last few nails or measure a board for the next cut. It seems that we didn’t even know how to properly take a break! The point is that we accomplished way more as a team than I would have by myself.

A pastor told me that he believes we are in the end times of the end times. Jesus told us to watch for certain signs, and we’re routinely seeing some of them. I always hesitate when discussing eschatology, because Jesus said that no one knows exactly when it will all happen – the Second Coming of Christ, death, judgment, and the afterlife. After today, we’re one day closer than we were yesterday. The Bible says that God may be moving slowly to give more people a chance to be redeemed. God’s desire is that none would perish, but that all would repent and return. God will set the wheels in motion at the perfect time.

Watch for it with your brothers and sisters as you meet together!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Wars and Rumors...

 Daily message of hope...
For Thursday, September 11, 2025:

Matthew 24:6...8 NIV: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning.”

I remember when 911 was only the phone number you’d dial in an emergency. Nowadays, 9/11 (2001) is remembered as the day the United States was attacked by radical Muslims, killing about 3,000 people and destroying the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the worst attack ever on the continental US. In retrospect, we should not have been surprised.

Jesus told us that there would be wars and rumors of wars until he returns. We’re often told to pray for world peace, but I pray, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus.” That’s when we’ll see peace! Currently, the goats and the sheep are roaming the earth together. When Jesus returns, he will separate the goats from his flock. Evil will be sent down, and believers will enter God’s eternal Kingdom, where Jesus has already prepared a place for us. This is God’s plan, and in the end, God always wins. A created being who became evil can never overtake its creator (God.)

People tend to be stubborn, stuck in their ways. If Hamas returned the Israeli hostages, Netanyahu could back off on trying to capture Gaza City. Neither side will budge, neither wants to lose face, and so the war continues. 64,000 (some say 84,000) innocent civilian lives have been lost in this conflict. God cannot be pleased.

Three years ago, Putin’s Russia invaded Ukraine. There was no good reason. Putin just wanted a bigger chunk of our planet. Over 1M people have died in the fighting. Despite US attempts to broker peace, the war continues. Nowadays, a drone can be dispatched to blow-up the opposition, with no risk to the sender. Ukrainian people are quite religious, exalting Jesus. Putin doesn’t believe in any god, so the conflict continues. Again, our Lord cannot be pleased.

What is your territory, and what is mine? The lines on a globe separating different countries were drawn by mankind, often the result of harsh conflict. These lines and country names mean little to God. He has no obligation to honor mankind’s divisions. But he did give the promised land to the Jews!

With over 40 conflicts worldwide, it would be easy to surmise that we’re nearing the beginning of the end. Only God knows the exact date. But I can promise you that each day we’re one day closer to the end of the age!

Pastor Norton Lawellin
Jesus In the City Fellowship

New Beginning!

August 18, 2025, Monday Message:

Mark 13:29 CJB: “When you see all these things happening, you are to know that the time is near, right at the door.”

Jesus was taking questions that day. Some asked for clarification of God’s Laws, God’s Commandments. But others wanted more details about the future. Aren’t we all curious about what lies ahead? Since Jesus has all knowledge, let’s ask him!

Jesus said that when it’s time for the End Times, we’ll see signs. Many deceivers, false Christs, will become prominent. We are to look the other way, staying steadfast, paying no attention to any false teaching. There will be wars and rumors of even more wars. Compared to what we now consider normal, the world will seem in disarray, messed up and confused in violent ways.

While we should be ready for Jesus’ return 24/7, God gives us signs to jog our memory into doing the right things prior to Jesus’ arrival. Jesus admits he doesn’t know the exact day or hour when God will press the “restart” button. Only the Father knows.

And “restart” is the keyword in this scenario. We refer to it as the End Times, but it’s actually the beginning of the New Heaven and the New Earth, and believers are included! God is creating a forever world for the faithful!

We’re included because of our faith in God’s Son, the Messiah, Jesus the Christ. Thank God for his grace, the free gift of eternal salvation!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Great Tribulation!

For Saturday, August 9, 2025:

Mark 13:14 NKJV, Jesus warning about the Great Tribulation: “When you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”

Insatiable curiosity may be the death of me! When the storm sirens sound, I want to go outside and see what the weather’s really like. If there’s a tornado, I want to witness it up close! Instead of going to the basement (which we’re supposed to do,) you’ll more likely find me on the front porch checking things out!

But in the Great Tribulation during the End Times, Jesus says to run for the hills! Get out of town! Something terribly evil will occupy a Holy place, and that is our sign. Like the straw that broke the camel’s back, God will have reached his breaking point, and that will be the beginning of the end. Destruction like we have never seen will fall upon the deceiver. You don’t want to be around when God lets loose. God will win.

For the sake of believers, God shortened those days of Tribulation on his agenda. So once again, God is caring for the loyal. His flock receives the advantage during the Great Tribulation. At that time, Jesus will be returning to escort us into the hereafter.

God has it all planned out, and believers are included!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Let There Be Light!

For Wednesday, August 6, 2025:

John 12:36a NLT, Jesus, warning about the end times: “Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”

We don’t know what we don’t know. We don’t know how much time remains in our world, because we don’t know the total amount of time left on God’s countdown clock. Jesus said that only the Father knows! Therefore, we must be perpetually prepared to transition into the next reality.

God created mankind with a brain and the freedom to make our own choices.
The Bible frequently speaks of good as being in the light, whereas evil lives in darkness. Jesus is counseling those assembled to trust in the light. Hang out with the good guys. Stay far away from trouble. John’s Gospel tells us that the one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, came into our world. And to all who believe in him and accept him, he gave the right to become children of God.

Believers get to live in the light with assurance of salvation. Those living in darkness have no idea where they’re headed!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Good News for All!

For Thursday, July 31, 2025:

Mark 13:10 NLT, Jesus teaching his disciples about the end times: “The Good News must first be preached to all nations.”

How long will this age last? When do the “end times” begin – and end! Good questions! The disciples in the Bible certainly had an interest in knowing the answers, as do we!

Jesus says that the Gospel or Good News must first be preached to all people everywhere. All of mankind deserve an opportunity to repent and return. Everyone gets a chance to express repentance, receive forgiveness and claim the right to join Jesus in the hereafter. He has gone ahead to prepare a place for all who believe.

 “All nations” implies that new believers may not look like you. New believers may speak a different language. Realize that there is really only one race, the human race, and Jesus awards everyone a chance to be included in the Kingdom. This is why so many churches support international missionaries.

It’s important to prayerfully consider your call. Years ago, God sent me to the inner city of Minneapolis. There’s drugs, crime, far too many single parents and sometimes no parents. I call that the lost generation, missing parents while grandma tries to hold the family together. Fortunately, grandma is usually carrying a Bible, so there’s hope! That’s my mission field. Where’s yours?

Mankind is made to worship, and most people are seeking spiritual answers. They’ll listen if we’re willing to teach. But non-believers won’t accidentally attend our churches. That’s why we must leave our buildings and carry the Gospel to the people we’re called to reach. That’s why every place on earth can be a ministry opportunity.

Always be prepared to share the Good News!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship