Decision/Assurance!

For Saturday, April 18, 2026:

Romans 8:3 NLT: “The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.”

God’s preferred outcome is that every sinner would repent, return to Him and join Him in the hereafter. Mankind has been given free choice to accept God’s offer or not. The correct choice is obvious, so only a few will intentionally decide incorrectly. The biggest hangup in the US is procrastination by fence-sitters. If someone hasn’t decided to accept forgiveness through God’s Son, it’s counted as a ‘no’ vote. When I did work for Billy Graham, we had a daily radio show called “Decision Today,” the premise being that “today” is always the best day, the preferred day, to make your decision for Christ. Tomorrow may be too late!

Other parts of the world are littered with false gods. Friends, there is only one God, the Creator of everything. The false gods may appear good on the surface. They encourage everyone to do good things and to be kind. Think of a balance scale, where a person is trying to pile up enough good on one side to outweigh the bad on the other. When do we have enough good? I don’t know, and neither do they! In the false religions, no one is ever guaranteed heaven (or paradise.)

Christianity is different. Jesus personally paid the penalty for our sins, past, present and future. Therefore believers, having a clean slate, are eligible to spend eternity in the Lord’s presence. Jesus promised to go ahead to prepare a place for believers, and we are blessed with Assurance of Salvation, something no other religion has!

Now sing a chorus of Blessed Assurance, thank Jesus for covering your sins, put a smile on your face and have a great day!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Fishing for Souls!

February 16, 2026, Monday Message:

Matthew 4:19 NLT: Jesus called out to Simon and his brother Andrew, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

I told you that Jesus did a lot of his ministry around the Sea of Galilee. It starts now as he begins to assemble his team. Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew were fishermen by trade. And like most people of Hebrew descent, they were keeping a watchful eye out for the Messiah. Imagine being told all your life to expect a Messiah, and suddenly along comes Jesus, THE Messiah!

Fishermen were judged by the quality and quantity of their catch. You can’t make a living by catching only a few fish, and some breeds of fish are more desirable than others. Jesus promises an even loftier goal. “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Now, instead of fishing, they were in the “Repent and Return” business. It’s the same business in which we find ourselves nowadays. Have you caught any big ones lately?

When the Messiah calls you to his ministry team, the right thing to do is to drop everything and immediately become a disciple. Secure your boat, your nets, and your other fishing paraphernalia and get in step with God’s Son. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Simon and Andrew. And it can be a lifetime opportunity for you and me!

Blessings on this Presidents’ Day!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and 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

Jesus, our Mediator!

For Friday, January 2, 2025:

Hebrews 12:24 NLT: “You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.”

God made two sets of rules for mankind, the ‘Old’ and the ‘New’ Covenants. The ‘New’ Covenant, by definition, was an update, a revision to the old rules.

God’s desire is that none would perish and that all would repent and return to the Father. For this to happen, God revised his expectations for mankind. Humans would never achieve perfection, sinlessness, but could be forgiven. Jesus was put in charge of that. From the cross, he took the sins of the world to the place of the dead, leaving believers suitable to take up permanent residence in God’s presence.

We come to the Father, to his heavenly place, through his Son, the source of forgiveness, the author of salvation. Jesus qualifies us under the ‘New’ Covenant, freely sharing it with repentant believers. God has exchanged vengeance and anger for forgiveness and mercy. God decided that things would be better this way. He’s glad to see us again!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Jehovah-jireh!

For Saturday, December 6, 2025:

Romans 5:6 NLT: “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”

There’s a lot in this scripture. Let me review a couple of basic Christian principles, and then we’ll have a look.

1. God and sin are incompatible. God is perfect, and everything around him is perfect. Sin is hugely imperfect and is not tolerated in God’s presence.

2. When God formed mankind, the final step of creation, he looked at everything and declared it “very good!” He loves us, so his desire is that everyone would repent and return to his dwelling place, Heaven. God is willing to forgive repentant sinners if we’re willing to discard our errant ways and if our desire is to come home.

Mankind had no way to obtain forgiveness on our own. Helpless. So God sent his Son, Jesus, our redeemer, to rescue us. As Jesus died, he took the sins of the world to the place of the dead. And mankind, suddenly without sin, found ourselves eligible to take up eternal residence in the Lord’s presence.

God-the-provider, Jehovah-jireh, sent exactly what we needed, forgiveness and redemption, exactly when we needed it. God is good beyond measure!

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

Someday Soon?

For Thursday, October 23, 2025:

Luke 21:25 NLT, Jesus speaking: “There will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides.”

As we near the end times, our earth will not stay the same. The Paris Climate Accord of 2015 warns of average temperatures increases over 1.5ºC, with 2ºC being the tipping point. Our world briefly passed the 1.5ºC increase last year, and averaged +1.38ºC. Tourists are flocking to Alaska to see the last of their glaciers, many of which have already fallen into the sea. Consequently, the ocean is rising. Several Pacific island-countries are closing up shop, the residents seeking refuge elsewhere. In the US, New Orleans would be totally underwater if not for dams and levees. Today, flooding is threatened in Laredo, McAllen and Corpus Christi, TX. And Galveston, an island, is always at risk. Let me stress that the sun didn’t get warmer. It is our planet that changed, allowing it to absorb and retain more of the sun’s heat.

Discovered in 2025, Asteroid PN7 is known as Earth’s second moon. Kinda. It follows our path around the sun, but doesn’t orbit the earth itself. To astronomers, it’s new!

Scientists keep inventing better telescopes, allowing mankind to see a far larger universe than we ever thought possible. Again, to astronomers, it’s all new!

Jesus said that there will be wars and rumors of wars until he returns. To learn about today’s wars, check any news feed. The US President helped negotiate a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Less than a week later, it’s already been violated by both sides. Our president has met with Russia’s officials about ending the fighting in Ukraine. Yet the conflict continues, with more killing than ever. The #3 offender may be Syria, with the government defending itself against those who want to be the government! A civil war. There seems to be no end to fighting nowadays.

Are these signs of the end of life as we know it? I can’t say for sure. Jesus said that only the Father knows the exact day and hour he will return. But these are prophesied signs, reminding us that Jesus will be coming again, and with his return comes accountability. Jesus taught that if we knew when the thief was coming, we’d have locked the door! His words are always true, so he IS coming! We just can’t say exactly when! So it’s time to get ready. Time to repent and return!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Father Knows Best!

For Saturday, October 18, 2025:

John 14:24b NLT, Jesus speaking: “Remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.”

We have grown accustomed to Jesus speaking this way. Most of us, one way or another, have some sort of Christian education, so Jesus’ words don’t sound strange to us. But 2K years ago, people were still trying to figure out religion. If Jesus had told them everything straight away, they might not have believed him. So he keeps feeding them pieces of the theology puzzle that they can assemble as the Holy Spirit leads.

In today’s scripture, Jesus tells us that the words he teaches are not his own. They originate from God the Father. From this we can assume that Jesus and the Father know each other well and are on the same page. They believe the same things, and both want mankind to behave the same way. Their commandments are identical. And apparently, Jesus knew the Father long before he came to Earth. Apparently, Jesus has already seen heaven from the inside! When he says, “The Earth is not my home,” there’s another place, Heaven, God’s Kingdom, their eternal residence. Jesus is right there alongside his Father.

We would be wise to cherish all of Jesus’ hints, the theology puzzle-pieces. Pray that the Holy Spirit would show you the big picture, the truth about who Jesus is, who sent him to visit the Earth, and his mission. I believe his primary mission is the redemption of mankind by forgiving our sins. Once forgiven (and therefore sinless,) we can join God in his eternal Kingdom.

The Lord’s desire is that none would perish, and all would repent and return. Jesus is the Captain of the team, bringing God’s desires to fruition!

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

Paid In Full!

September 15, 2025, Monday Message:

Hebrews 10:12 NLT: “Our High Priest (Jesus) offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”

Jesus fully understood his primary mission. He was the final sacrifice atoning for the sins of the world. That includes your sin and my sin, and past, present and future sins. Yes, even future sins not yet committed are covered by Jesus’ sacrifice. If we repent and return to the Lord and acknowledge Jesus as our Savior, He will confirm our heavenly reservation. We will be seated at the wedding banquet in the Kingdom, thereby confirming our relationship with the Son.

Jesus did it right the first time. We don’t need another sacrifice. Nothing could be greater than the offering of God’s Son’s life to atone for the sins of the world. One and done!

By that one offering, Jesus made perfect all those lined up behind him. None of us are perfect. All who walk on the earth have fallen short of God’s glory. And yet when we fall in behind Jesus, he renders us sinless, forgiven and in a way, “perfect,” eligible for residence in the Kingdom!

So my advice is to repent and return, and to then follow Jesus into the hereafter! Eternity can be awesome! Our transition to eternity fulfills God’s vast eternal plan for believers! Believers are “IN!”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Zacchaeus - Repent and Return!

For Tuesday, September 9, 2025:

Luke 19:6 NLT: “Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.”

Zacchaeus had become chief tax collector for the region, and because tax collectors were notorious for collecting a little “extra” for themselves, he had become very rich. But no amount of money could increase his stature. Zacchaeus was a short little man, forced to climb a sycamore fig tree if he was to get a glimpse of Jesus. And up in the tree, Jesus could easily spot him! “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

The crowd watched Jesus accompany Zacchaeus to his home, but did not approve. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

What they didn’t realize is that Zacchaeus was about to repent and return to the Lord. “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

Jesus summed up what just happened. “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Friends, when those around you think you’re a lost cause, don’t believe them! Jesus is in the forgiveness business. He will bring salvation into your home just as he did for Zacchaeus. By following Jesus, you can become one of the redeemed. He’ll prepare a place for you in his Father’s Kingdom!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Decision!

Daily message of hope...
For Friday, August 1, 2025:

Luke 16:28 NLT, The Rich Man’s dialog as Jesus concludes the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: “I have five brothers, and I want Abraham to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.”

Every person living in every nation will get their chance to hear the Good News of the saving grace of Jesus. They will learn about repenting and returning. Everyone will learn about getting a second chance, a time to straighten out their relationship with God Almighty. So what about these additional brothers in Jesus’ parable?

They were told about God, His Kingdom and a life after this life by Moses and the other prophets. Jesus, the Messiah, was prophesied long before he arrived. They should have had all the information needed to make a decision.

In fact they had not decided in favor of Jesus, and those who are not for Jesus are against him. Jesus is saying, “You had your chance, but you turned me down! Don’t keep asking for more chances! You’ll probably just turn me down again!”

Which is why, when offered an opportunity to follow Jesus, our answer should be a prompt, “Yes, Lord!” A positive decision is what God wants. No straddling the fence. We need to pick one way or the other. Wishy-washy is the same as saying ‘no.’

Billy Graham used to have a daily radio show called “Decision Today.” I always liked that name, because TODAY is the best time to settle the question of your eternal destination!

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

Rich Man and Lazarus!

July 28, 2025, Monday Message:

Luke 16:22-23 NLT, Jesus telling the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.”

Just so you know, this is not the same Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary, who was a close friend of Jesus. Jesus just used this name for a character in a story he was telling.

This poor Lazarus lived alongside the dogs just outside the main gate to a rich man’s mansion. There he begged as the wealthy came and went, transacting their business. As Jesus tells it, Lazarus was sickly and had sores all over himself. Lack of resources had finally taken its toll on his body. Lazarus died, and angels carried him to heaven. The rich man also died and was delivered to the place of the dead, Hades. Here’s where the story gets interesting!

From his place of torment, the rich man caught a glimpse of Lazarus sitting beside Abraham. He pleaded, “Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.”

Well brother rich man, you made your bed, and now you have to lie in it! “No can do! During your lifetime, you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish.” The first will be last, and the last will be first! “Besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.”

Q: Is it possible that part of hell’s punishment is being able to visualize just how great heaven is? Are people in hell confronted daily with their bad decision, having turned their backs on Jesus? They had a chance, but turned down a golden opportunity. The Bible doesn’t say for sure, but Jesus seems to imply that scenario. He also teaches that accepting salvation is a forever decision. Once we reach the next reality, there’s no changing our minds. The chasm is too wide, and no one can cross over in either direction. Repent and return only works in this life!

Today is the accepted day to commit or re-commit our souls to the service of God’s Son. We never know when tomorrow will come, and we must be prepared to embark on the best journey of our lives. Jesus will meet you with open arms!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship