Prophecy Fulfilled!

For Wednesday, April 8, 2026:

Luke 24:13 NLT: “The same day as the resurrection, two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem.”

The story of Resurrection Day wouldn’t be complete without a look at the walk to Emmaus. The two men were believers, and had traveled to Jerusalem for Passover. But the crucifixion put a damper on things, and the two decided to return home.

Their walk began as the women discovered the tomb open, and the body of Jesus missing. Where was he? Suddenly a third man began walking alongside the first two, and they struck up a conversation. The newcomer asked, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”

The first two looked sad. “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about what happened the last few days; bad things that happened to Jesus of Nazareth.” Somehow, they didn’t recognize Jesus. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.”

Jesus responds by explaining scripture: “Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”

Arriving in Emmaus, it was getting late, and the two invited Jesus to stay the night with them. He agreed. As they sat down to dinner, Jesus blessed the bread, broke it, and... Voilà! Their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus, who immediately disappeared from sight!

The two did a 180º and headed back to Jerusalem. They felt compelled to share this Good News with the remaining 11 apostles. Jesus is alive! He can walk and talk! He has risen from the dead, just as he said he would!

To Jesus and those who love him, death is not the end!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Resurrection Sunday – Easter!

For Resurrection Sunday, April 5, 2026:

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Matthew 28:6 NLT, an Angel speaking: “Jesus isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.”

According to Jewish tradition of that time, women would prepare a body for its final resting place. So it’s logical that Mary Magdalene, from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons, would be the first to show up, along with the other Mary, mother of James and Joseph. They had been frightened by a sound like an earthquake, made by this gigantic angel descending to earth and rolling away the humongous stone from the tomb. The angel sat on the stone, as if to make a point!

By this time, most believers had given up. Jesus died three days ago. We saw the spear in his side. We watched as his limp body was placed in the tomb. No one person could move the stone sealing the burial place. Besides, it was being guarded by Pilate’s soldiers.

When the women arrived to tend to the body, they were confronted by the angel sitting on the stone that no one could move. “Don’t be afraid!” he said, always an angel’s first words. You should know that angels aren’t those cute little figurines that you see at Hallmark. ‘Angel Army of Heaven’ would be a better way to put it. Big, hairy audacious angels. (I don’t know if they’re hairy; it just sounded cool…) “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.” Mark this down as one more time that prophecy turned out to be true, that Jesus’ words were synonymous truth!

The angel further instructs the women: “Now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.”

The women took off immediately, but suddenly encountered Jesus along the way. “Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

Jesus conquered sin and death with the same event! Repentant believers are snatched from Satan’s hand and granted eternal life in God’s eternal heavenly Kingdom. And death is not the end. Believers are born again!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Believe the Eyewitnesses!

For Thursday, February 5, 2026:

Mark 16:14 NLT: “Jesus later appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead.”

That Jesus would appear to the remaining 11 disciples. This should have removed all doubt concerning his resurrection. They could all see him and hear him speak. Unfortunately, he spoke a chastisement for their previous unbelief!

Jesus previously told them that he had to leave, but would come back for them. Prophets long ago had said that the Messiah would be persecuted, suffer and die. God saw to it that the disciples knew everything in advance. They were warned! But when it actually happened – when Jesus was crucified – they didn’t believe they’d ever see him again. They could not fathom their spiritual mentor dying a human death. And in their experience, once someone died, that was final.

But not for Jesus! He took another 40 days before ascending to God’s heavenly Kingdom. In that length of time, hundreds could have seen the risen Jesus! By then, life after this life should be known by all. “Should be...” The reality is that most didn’t understand what was taking place and tended to dismiss what they had seen with their own two eyes! It’s hard to convince people of conclusions that differ from their personal experiences!

Evangelists fight this same battle daily, trying to coax faith from unbelievers. Remember that Jesus said, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” So believe! Be blessed by the Messiah!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Walk to Emmaus!

For Wednesday, February 4, 2026:

Mark 16:12-13 NLT: “Jesus appeared in a different form to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem into the country. They rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them.”

This would be the walk to Emmaus. It’s another example of a Jesus sighting following the crucifixion. As I said yesterday, these two followers saw Jesus, #1 die on a cross, #2 be pierced with a spear, and finally, #3 laid in a grave. So the last thing they’d expect to see would be Jesus walking alongside them. It’s not surprising that they didn’t recognize him. They never figured on ever seeing him again!

Jesus pretended to not know the recent happenings in Jerusalem, so the two travelers got him up to speed. Our religious mentor had been captured, beaten, endured a kangaroo court and a mock trial, and eventually was crucified and died. This happened just three days ago. How can you not have heard? We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel!

Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from Scripture the things concerning himself.

Imagine the surprise, these two men suddenly realizing that they were walking in the company of the Son of God! They had given up on Jerusalem and were headed home when their eyes were opened to the resurrection, the possibility of life after this life!

That’s the same battle we fight nowadays. Since we’ve never seen anyone from the hereafter, it’s hard for some people to believe that there IS a hereafter. That’s where Jesus went to prepare a place for believers. We’re to share that Good News as we make disciples of all nations. There will be room for all who believe!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Expect the Unexpected

For Wednesday, January 28, 2026:

Three days after Jesus’ crucifixion, the women visited the tomb to care for his body. They encountered a man dressed in a white robe.

(Mark 16:6 NIV:) “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.”

Jesus conquered both sin and death during the same event. He first took the sins of the world to the place of the dead. Then he rose from the grave, defying death. When dealing with Jesus, expect the unexpected!

We’ve been retelling this story for 2K years, so we’ve heard this all before. But Jesus’ followers were witnessing this scenario for the first time. The closest to this anyone had seen was when Jesus resurrected the daughter of Jairus, or perhaps when Lazarus was brought back to life. But never before had anyone made themselves alive again. Clearly, Jesus had authority over life and death.

This is extremely good news for those of us who believe. Jesus had proven beyond a doubt that there indeed was life after this life. Death is not the end. Because our sins were taken away and forgiven, believers have a reservation in God’s forever heavenly Kingdom. We are blessed with Assurance of Salvation, something no other religion has.

Put your faith, hope and trust in Jesus, and your life after this life will be a good one. Jesus won’t let you down!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Worship with David!

For Sunday, January 18, 2026:

Psalm 122:1 NLT: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’”

Do we have to go to church? No, we WANT to go to church, we GET to go to church, we’re ALLOWED to attend. David said that visiting God’s house made him glad, put a smile on his face! This king David is the same one who kept his sheep safe. He stood up for God when facing Goliath. You could say that David was a fan of the Lord all his life.

David was a worshiper and a worship leader. He authored songs for corporate worship. He led the congregation in singing those songs. They’re timeless, because our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Musicians frequently echo David’s words when composing new songs for us to sing.

Today is Sunday, worship day for Christians. It’s the day Jesus conquered both sin and death. It’s the day he walked away from the tomb. He had left the sins of the world in the place of the dead, and became a living example of eternal life. Jesus’ believers get to share in his forgiveness and resurrection. When it’s our turn to enter the next reality, Jesus will welcome us with open arms!

When we arrive in the life after this life, there won’t be any doubt about attending worship! Look for a lot of smiles. We’ll all be glad!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Emmaus!

For Saturday, January 3, 2025:

Luke 24:13 NLT: “That same day, (Jesus’ resurrection day,) two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem.”

The crucifixion and resurrection were not the end! The risen Jesus now seems to have traits of the Father himself: omnipresence and omnipotence. He could appear at any place at any time and had life-changing power.

(My 2¢...) I believe Jesus was fun to be around. He was often the first invited to a dinner or party. His life always had purpose, but he’d find a fun way to accomplish his goals. He wasn’t against pranking someone, and when the day ended, they’d all have a good laugh!

On resurrection day, our two men were traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a short day’s walk. These believers were returning home after witnessing a brutal crucifixion and the death of their spiritual mentor, when a third person suddenly joined them. The discussion turned to recent events in Jerusalem, specifically the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. That third traveler pretended that he hadn’t heard about those events, and the first two quickly got him up to speed. “We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.” In their minds, it was over. Jesus was gone forever.

But now the third man had to set the record straight via the scriptures. “Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” He took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining the things concerning recent events.

Darkness was about to fall, and the two encouraged their new friend to stay the night. As they sat for dinner, their guest took the bread, blessed it, and gave some to each person. And voilà, their eyes were opened! That’s when Jesus disappeared from view. Turns out they had been walking alongside Jesus himself! Turns out Jesus was in their house, sitting right at their table! What an honor!

I’ll bet that Jesus left with a hearty laugh and a twinkle in his eye, having further educated these believers with a heavenly prank!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

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

Sadducee Errors!

For Friday, October 10, 2025:

Luke 20:27 NLT: “Next, Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead.”

Apparently, the Sadducees were taking their queue from the Pharisees, trying to coerce Jesus into making a statement that would dethrone him. It’s safe to say that at that time, no one in religious authority had anything good to say about Jesus. They had religion all worked out in their minds. There was orderliness to their sacrificial system, and Jesus was rocking the boat with this New Covenant idea. But trying to trap him was futile. Jesus knew all the right answers!

The Sadducees (who didn’t believe in an afterlife) presented Jesus the following scenario: If a husband died, the custom was for his brother to marry the widow and father a son with her to carry on the deceased brother’s line. In their example, the men kept dying. There were seven brothers in all, so their question was, “In the afterlife, whose wife would she be?” After all, she was legitimately married to all seven, but at different times.

Jesus clarified what things would be like in the life after this life. “Marriage is for people here on earth. But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.” And one more thing: “They will never die again. In this respect, they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection.”

Jesus wanted the Sadducees to realign their thinking. Believe not what you’ve decided – believe only the truth Jesus taught, truth from the Bible. Christians should already be aligned with their Savior! Christians are God’s children. Jesus said so!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Jesus' True Words!

October 6, 2025, Monday Message:

Luke 20:17b NLT, Jesus, quoting Psalm 118:22: “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.”

Last Sunday, our preacher stated that the death of a martyr often triggers a revival or a revolution. When Jesus was about to face death, He was rejected by all those who should have been his biggest supporters: Priests, Bible teachers, Pharisees and Temple leaders. His (Father’s) foundational principles became the cornerstone of The Way, which became Christianity, the world’s largest religion with 2.3B followers. Turns out that it’s best to NOT reject Jesus!

Any gods prior to Jesus (and his Father) were fictitious, made-up gods. Back then, you could buy a god-statuette – even a nice silver one – at the local market, bring it home and put it up on your mantle. And what you had was a nice decoration, not any kind of a real God. Jesus performed healings and miracles that were well documented. Jesus even raised a few people from the dead, notably Lazarus, the Centurion’s son and the Widow’s Son. After Jesus, there was a significant decrease in fictitious gods, because Jesus’ actions were factually recorded.

Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” Every word Jesus said has proven to be true, and this statement is no exception. People who say that all religions lead to heaven are wrong.

Other examples: Martin Luther was trying to get his denomination back to the Bible. He nailed his list of issues to the church door in Wittenberg. He used Gutenberg’s printing method to publish the Bible in his native language. He was never trying to break away from the church or to start a new religion. But when he passed, his followers continued the work, calling themselves “Lutherans,” and Protestant Christianity was born.

In 1964, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. He continued on that path while preaching Jesus until his demise. When he was assassinated in 1968, the Civil Rights movement went into high gear. The protests, marches and positive changes increased. His efforts changed our country forever.

I always try to keep these messages non-political. Our topic is Jesus, not politics. But I couldn’t help but notice the many references to Jesus and forgiveness as the news covered Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. Perhaps Jesus will serve as the common denominator to draw our nation back together. Perhaps we will love one another once again! After all, that’s what Jesus said to do!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

God's Plan!

For Tuesday, September 16, 2025:

Mark 14:28 NLT: Jesus told the disciples, “After I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

At that point, the disciples weren’t convinced that Jesus was going to die. After all, he could heal the sick and cure any disease. He could walk on water and calm a storm. He would cast out demons and declare them to be the root of mankind’s problems. Surely he would save himself!

They hadn’t reckoned with Jesus’ obedience and commitment to God’s plan to redeem mankind. And, being one of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, it’s actually his own plan! As Jesus died on the cross, he took the sins of the world to the place of the dead. Loyal followers of Jesus, the believers, would then appear spotless on the day of judgment. Remember, God’s desire is that none would perish!

Jesus knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he would be raised from the dead. He’s so certain of this that he’s setting appointments. “I’ll catch up with you guys in Galilee!”

Our lesson here is that obedience to is God always best. Even when things look grim, stick with God. Jesus would be beaten and nailed to a cross until he died. He was still doing God’s tasks as he delivered the world’s sins to the place of the dead. God faithfully brought him back to life, and 40 days later Jesus ascended right up into God’s Kingdom, heaven! Most people never saw that coming, but Jesus had been faithful!

If we trust in God, everything works out for the best!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Obedience and Faith!

For Saturday, August 23, 2025:

John 13:2: “Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.”

The Jesus we worship is both fully God and fully human. He was heaven-sent to redeem mankind, and this mission remained front-of-mind throughout his ministry. At the same time, he knew that mission would incur brutal treatment, suffering and eventually death (in the human sense.) Being fully God, he had control over everything. He could have pulled the plug on this mission at any time to save his skin. But that would have sabotaged the greater mission. He was willing to endure personal misery to bring heaven’s mission to fruition. We call this obedience.

God wants to see obedience in each one of us. Jesus’ mother Mary replied to the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Total obedience! The concept is to 100% agree with the Lord. “Whatever God wants, I’m in!”

How did this scenario end? Jesus was raised from the tomb three days later, eventually returning to heaven and reuniting with the Father. Mankind’s sins had been forgiven according to God’s plan. You see, God’s plan always works out for the best! Pray that you and I could better learn obedience. And give us faith to persevere until it’s our turn to live in the Kingdom.

Obedience and faith – a good combination! Trust God – everything will be all right in the end!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Throne Room of Heaven!

 For Wednesday, August 20, 2025:

Hebrews 9:12 AMP: “Jesus went once for all into the Holy Place [the Holy of Holies of heaven, into the presence of God], and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, having obtained and secured eternal redemption [that is, the salvation of all who personally believe in Him as Savior]”

 The Amplified scripture not only gives us the text, but also explains it. Jesus returning to his Father in Heaven following his sojourn to earth only happens once. In other words, Jesus came to walk alongside mankind and then returned to the Father from whence he came. It will not happen again. God will not keep sending Jesus back and forth, hoping that mankind can ‘get it’ this time. Once should be enough!

 Jesus, Son of the Most High, did not return to the general population of heaven. The Tabernacle had a “Holy of Holies,” but the one in heaven is the “most Holy of all Holy places. It’s where the spirit of God Almighty lives. Jesus returned to that most holy place to sit at the right hand of his Father.

 This occurred not because of any animal sacrifice as mankind practiced. Jesus had shed his own blood, paying the penalty for the sins of all mankind, once and for all. All who call Jesus Messiah, Savior or Redeemer have a reservation in heaven. We call that “Assurance of Salvation.” It’s a gift from Jesus and his Father. It’s not debatable or negotiable. God said, and it is so! Salvation is for all who personally believe in Jesus. God said!

 I believe the principal goal of Jesus coming to earth was to redeem mankind. So, do you have Jesus in your heart? Does there remain any question in your mind about your eternal destination? Today is the best day to cement your relationship with Jesus, to make an irrevocable decision to call him Lord of lords!

Pastor Norton Lawellin
Jesus In the City Fellowship

Jesus' Dilemma!

For Saturday, August 2, 2025:

John 12:27 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came!”

One cannot look forward to crucifixion with joy. Not only is death is the end result, but it’s a horrendous and callous way to take someone’s life. The floggings in the hot sun that preceded the actual crucifixion may have been a blessing for the victim. In their weakened state, death would come quickly. The Romans had perfected this hideous manner of execution.

Jesus was known for healing the sick, raising the dead and casting out demons. He was an excellent teacher of the Bible, expositing scripture with clarity that had been missing for centuries. But his main purpose in coming to Earth was to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world. If he’s a sacrifice, that implies death, and no one looks forward to dying. But it would be a perfect fit with the Father’s plan for rescuing mankind. So what to do? Do you see the dilemma?

Of course we all know how the story ends. Jesus was obedient, and he chose to take the sins of the world to the place of the dead. Believers are the beneficiaries of his actions. What those around him didn’t quite understand was that he’d be back in three days, full resurrected, brought back to life! Jesus’ followers could see him and hear him speak for another forty days before he ascended back to the Father. The followers could bring their friends and show them the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection. Fence sitters would leap to the “Jesus Camp!”

Jesus commissioned us to make disciples of all nations, and we can retell this story any time it might be helpful!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship