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

I Am = Messiah!

For Thursday, September 4, 2025:

John 13:19, Jesus speaking: “I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I am the Messiah.”

Magicians, sorcerers and the like were common 2K years ago. They would perform a trick and claim to be someone special. They were not. People became wary and weary of them. Jesus had executed many miracles and healed thousands, but several wondered if it was all some kind of trick. After all, Jesus had arrived as a little baby, born to a builder and an obedient mother. That this young man who had grown up in their midst could be the Messiah seemed unlikely.

But magicians and sorcerers cannot predict the future. Jesus, who was riding high at the time, predicted his betrayal and unlikely demise. Quite a contrast! But everything happened just the way Jesus said it would. When he was gone, not only theologians but also everyday men and women could compare what happened with Jesus’ predictions, and immediately recognize him as the Messiah!

In the original language, Jesus refers to himself as the “I am,” the same name God gave when Moses asked that question. “I am” implies a perpetual existence. It’s not “I was” or “I’m going to be.” It’s just “I am,” I was from the beginning and I always will be. I am everything from God-the-creator to God-of-the-future. I was God of your ancestors, and will be God of your progeny. Forever!

Thank the Lord today for the privilege of knowing the Son, who died paying the price for mankind’s sinful nature. He personally redeemed the souls of all who believe. That’s why Christians have assurance of salvation. Jesus said so, and he’s the I am!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship