Focus!

For Tuesday, August 5, 2025:

Mark 13:13b NLT, Jesus teaching about the end times: “The one who endures to the end will be saved.”

First, we learn about Jesus and how he can forgive our sins, setting us up for eternal life in God’s Kingdom. The future looks rosy. But don’t get too comfortable. Satan isn’t on holiday, and his demons don’t have the day off!

Newcomers to Christianity are especially vulnerable. They’re like babies still on a milk diet. We have to look after babies so that they survive. And we have to look after baby Christians so they too can survive. The devil and his minions have thousands of distractions and temptations intended to get us off track. Jesus says we need to reject all of Hell’s enticements. Those who are faithful to the end are the ones who will be saved!

We’re better off with Religious Tunnel Vision. Keep your eyes focused on the prize, on Jesus and the Kingdom, and don’t be distracted by the circus going on all around you! (May God help those with ADHD!)

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Christians!

For Saturday, February 24, 2024:

Mark 13:13 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Jesus is again teaching about the end times. Remaining a loyal believer won’t be easy. Jesus says that faithful believers will be despised. We must remain strong enough to stand up under immense pressure.

Unfortunately, there is a world-wide trend away from religion in general and Christianity specifically. If the US continues the current rate of decline, we’ll soon look like Europe, with beautiful old churches in the cities, all boarded up. A recent survey showed only 65% of Americans claim to be Christian, skewed radically toward the elderly. As we lose supporters through attrition, they’re not being replaced by younger generations. We still have work to do!

Unshakable faith, devotion and loyalty – that’s what we need as the end times grow closer day by day. Jesus said that if we endure to the end, we will be saved! I pray we all get there!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship