Children of God!

For Saturday, May 9, 2026:

Romans 8:19 NLT: “All creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.”

John writes about believers being adopted into the Holy Family, becoming “Children of God.” We’ll get to meet our true Father in the life after this life. And what a glorious day that will be!

Jesus has prepared a place for us in the hereafter, so he’ll be glad to see us. His Father will be pleased. But joy goes deeper than that. This scripture says that “All Creation” is eagerly awaiting our arrival, when the holy family all comes together!

That day is in the future, but it’s closer than you think, so prepare yourself. Be prepared for the life after this life. Be prepared to meet the Father and his Son in person! Blessings!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Advent!

 December 1, 2025, Monday Message:

Luke 1:59b-60 NLT: “They wanted to name Elizabeth’s baby Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!”

As this baby matured, we would know him as John the Baptist. John was the forerunner, opening people’s minds and hearts as he set the stage for Jesus.

We too prepare for Jesus’ arrival with the Christian tradition of Advent, which means the arrival of something of great importance. On the church calendar, Advent is the four weeks preceding Christmas. Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent, with three more to come. Advent is not in the Bible, although God arranged for John to pave the way for Jesus.

In the US, with Halloween (All Hallows’ Eve) and Thanksgiving behind us, our focus turns to Christmas. We bring trees and decorative branches indoors. We wrap special gifts for the wee ones. We lend extra support to charitable needs in our communities.

But most of all, we should keep Christ in Christmas. Yes, we’re celebrating Jesus’ arrival, his human birthday. But more importantly, we’re celebrating the rescue of mankind and the forgiving of our sins. And having been forgiven, Jesus prepared a place for us in the hereafter, eternity in the presence of the Lord. We’re celebrating the Assurance of Salvation for believers, made possible by his Son!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Prepare the Way

Dec. 01, 2014 Monday Message:

“John will lead many people in Israel to turn back to the Lord their God. He will go ahead of the Lord…” Luke 1:16-17a CEV

Never underestimate the value of preparing the way. That’s what John the Baptist did - he prepared the way for Jesus.

Jesus could have simply appeared at the appointed time: “Hey! Great Redeemer, here! Anybody interested?” Probably not.

But John got the people ready: “Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!” He told the people to expect the Messiah, to watch for the Messiah. John encouraged people to repent and return to the Lord, and he baptized them in the Jordan. When Jesus came forth for baptism, John said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the One…” And John testified that the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus, like a dove from heaven.

Because of John’s work, when it was time for Jesus’ ministry to begin, people were ready for it. “I’ve heard about this. I’m on-board; I want to be part of it too! So this is what John was talking about!” In other words, the people weren’t taken by surprise; they were well prepared.

By the way - it’s always a good idea to thoroughly prepare your congregation for any significant change. Preparing the way, you see, is biblical!

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. 7, Pastor Michael Pilla continues our Advent journey.

Hope through Jesus

July 18, 2011 Monday Message:

“Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.” Romans 8:34 (NLT)

When Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, the sacrifice that would rescue all of mankind from our sinful condition, it wasn’t a short-term deal. You see, when Jesus takes on a task, he sees it through to completion.

So when Jesus rose from the dead and subsequently ascended into heaven, he didn’t take a holiday. Jesus said that he would “go to prepare a place for us.” John 14:2b (NKJV) Also, God said that he would prepare a city for us. Hebrews 11:16b (NKJV) Sounds like they’re on the same page? Well remember that the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are of one mind. “The Father and I are one.” John 10:30 (HCSB)

Jesus is pleading your case before the Father, right now. Your sponsor, your advocate, is sitting at the right hand of the Father, bending his ear, right now. Reservations have been made for you in the heavenly city, a place has been prepared, and Jesus will not change his mind about bringing you home. He’s like a rock, the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (HCSB)

If your faith, hope and trust reside in Jesus, then we’ll all meet in heaven. “You were given this hope when you were saved.” Romans 8:24a (NLT)

That’s what the Bible says.

Norton Lawellin