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Love One Another: The Remix

There is an eternal fighting between people, which tends to pull our eyes, ears, and minds toward the conflict. We see fighting in politics constantly, leading to deep divisions between our leaders, and fights create wedges between people over meaningless things like movies and sports teams. Unfortunately, division sparks within the church over non-essential dogma. However, in every Gospel, Jesus commands us to explicitly “Love One Another.” Paul reminds us that we must heed Christ’s call to turn from destroying each other to building one another up in His command. The Church needs to be transformed by loving one another, leading to a revival in our communities, towns, and country.

8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 13:8–14.

“What must I do to be saved?” Just as many people approached Jesus, they also approached Peter and Paul, asking this question. How would you answer if asked? Does our answer align with the way Jesus and Paul both responded? For many years before and after Jesus came, groups have developed rules for finding salvation, each emphasizing something to create a clear delineation between the good and the evil, the saved and the lost. Our insecurity about the salvation offered by Jesus Christ on the cross makes us prone to believe we aren’t doing enough and ripe for those who would take advantage of us. Thus, Jesus was the harshest critic of the religious leaders who preyed on the poor, adding to the scriptures about how they had to fulfill God’s commandments. Pharisees developed walls around faith, but Christ painted a clear picture because others obscured the way to salvation. Therefore, we must strive not to add obligations to others for coming before Christ. Jesus broke down all barriers and invited us to follow the commandments that encapsulated them: “Love God” and “Love One Another.”

“Why were we given commandments?” As the people of Israel sought to cope with life outside of Egypt, God brought them the guardrails to help keep them in a relationship with God. The commandments established the conditions for God’s blessing of His people. This system of rules and ordinances established Israel’s covenantal relationship and, ultimately, all humanity would have with God. When we examine different families, we see a variety of rules and ways of life that ultimately distinguish the way things work in that family from how things work in our families. When I was younger and went to have dinner at a friend’s house, I always paid attention to what my friend was doing to ensure I carried out the ritual correctly. When to sit down, where to sit down, and when it was okay to begin eating—everything was necessary, as I did not want to offend and wanted to be invited back. To this day, when I find myself in a new setting, whether a friend’s home, a new job, or a church, I look around a lot to ensure I follow the protocols correctly. This method also applies to different corporations and churches. How we operate or carry out specific tasks or ceremonies will differ from place to place, but the same intention is behind the actions. Paul points out that we have been given numerous commandments, but they all convey the same message: “Love One Another.”

How we live in public will proclaim what we put our faith in. How well do we show love for each other? The world is watching us to make sure we live up to the message of Jesus because if we don’t, then they will reject us as hypocrites and liars. Paul leads us to Jesus’ message because we must live it out. The importance of this message is highlighted by the fact that there is no point where we have loved “enough” because we should always see ourselves in debt for loving. If we want to try and outdo each other in anything, let it be in loving others. We do nothing out of selfish ambition or for our well-being, but we shower others with love because that is how we best demonstrate that God loved the world. This way of living is the work of light, which brings light and salvation to the world. We must stop worrying and burdening the world with unnecessary standards that we cannot live up to. Share Paul’s message: We should do everything to lift others up. Darkness penetrates through selfishness. When our actions benefit ourselves at the cost of others, darkness consumes and closes our eyes to the work God has planned for us. Anytime we find pleasure at someone else’s expense, this is darkness. The world will judge us by whether we live in light or darkness. Therefore, instead of arguing about whether our children should read Harry Potter or watch the latest Disney movie, we should strive to show people that we love them; only by doing this do we proclaim Christ’s saving grace and live in the light.

The fighting that inevitably breaks out between people of different belief groups must not lead us toward divisiveness and darkness. Still, instead, we are called to be examples of the light. So many people are in the throws of argumentation, and we quickly rise in judgment toward those with differing opinions from ours. The media strives to elevate the outrage toward the other, and we as Christians must be slow to speak our judgment and strive to call for peace. When we hold back judgment and exchange it with being at peace with others, sharing God’s love, and NEVER tire of sharing God’s love, we proclaim the Gospel to all people and live out the call of Christ echoed by Paul in this passage. Through his continuation of sharing the message of Christ in Romans, Paul instructs Christians about letting go of self and striving NEVER to stop loving our community and neighbors, whether they agree with us or not.

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A Life of Constant Sacrifice

Throughout history, the call to live sacrificially has resonated deeply, compelling many to give freely of themselves for the greater good. Leaders of all kinds—military commanders, civil rights advocates, and devoted mothers—have embraced this noble burden, shaping the course of our world through their selfless acts. Consider the poignant example of Jochebed, the mother of Moses, who sacrificed her time with her son so that he might live. This act of profound love and courage ultimately led to the salvation of an entire nation. Yet, the epitome of sacrificial living is found in the life of Jesus, whose ultimate act of selflessness redefined love and redemption. Inspired by Christ’s example, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to lead lives marked by sacrifice, urging us to follow in the footsteps of the one who gave all for humanity. 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 12:1–2.

In Romans chapter 12, Paul transitions from theological exposition to practical instructions on living and worship. He begins by urging believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is their true and proper worship. This foundational idea of living sacrificially sets the stage for glorifying God and uplifting others. Historically, the system of sin and sacrifice aimed to make the people of Israel holy and dedicated to God. Now, through Christ’s example and teachings, we are called to be living sacrifices ourselves. This sacrificial life makes us holy and set apart for God, embodying the transformation and dedication that Paul emphasizes in his guidance for Christian living.

A life of sacrifice profoundly transforms us, making us vessels for God’s glory. This transformation pushes out all selfish desires, replacing them with a deep commitment to glorify God and uplift our brothers and sisters. As our minds and bodies shift from selfishness to selflessness, we become attuned to the needs around us. When our community suffers, our focus instinctively moves beyond our own concerns, compelling us to bring God’s peace and healing to the broken and hurting areas. This selfless orientation not only changes our actions but also redefines our very identity as instruments of God’s love and compassion in the world.

Understanding that sacrifice leads to the transformation of self, we must continuously examine our lives to root out selfishness and strive for constant sacrifice for God’s glory. Through this ongoing testing, we attune our hearts to hear what God desires for our lives, recognizing that God delights in our sacrifices made for the blessing of others. Embracing a life of sacrifice is the path to becoming Christ-like, embodying the love and selflessness that Jesus exemplified. This journey of sacrifice enables us to fulfill Jesus’ command to “go and sin no more,” as we grow in holiness and align our lives with His divine will.

Paul’s exhortation in Romans chapter 12 to live as living sacrifices is not merely a call to action but a transformative journey that redefines our very being. By embracing a life of sacrifice, we align ourselves with Christ’s example, shedding selfish desires and cultivating a selflessness that glorifies God and serves others. This ongoing commitment to self-examination and sacrificial living tunes our hearts to God’s desires, ensuring that our actions reflect His will. As we embody this sacrificial love, we not only fulfill Jesus’ command to “go and sin no more,” but also become conduits of His peace and compassion in a hurting world. Through this profound transformation, we become true instruments of God’s glory, dedicated to uplifting our brothers and sisters and advancing His kingdom on earth.

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Breaking Barriers

Most job interviews begin with the interviewer asking you to tell them about yourself. With such an open-ended question, our minds immediately move toward the right words to present ourselves in the best light. The task in such a setting immediately implies competition with everyone else, and as such, we need to elevate ourselves above others, highlighting that our differences make us superior. This attitude often spills out beyond the specific setting of a job interview, and we start looking at how each of us may claim some superior point of view or characteristic and begin to build up barriers between each other. Since the time of Christ, this attitude has infiltrated the Church, and walls have been built to exclude people because they don’t pass our “job interview,” the church inherits this posture of exclusion instead of the mind of Christ that calls us to invite the masses. Paul reminds us that the Church is not a place for barriers, but it is a place where distinctions melt away.

For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 10:5–13.

Early on, as the Hebrew people began adapting to the law, they realized that God had called them to holiness. The law instructed the people of God to refrain from looking like, eating sacred foods, and assimilating with their neighbors to become a beacon for the goodness of God in the Near East. They would learn to become fully reliant on God by setting themselves apart from the surrounding nations. However, instead of relying on God to help keep them holy, they became reliant fully upon the law. They used it as a bludgeoning device to maintain the religious status quo. The gift became contorted into a weapon that used distinctions to become barriers instead of reasons to praise God. The Pharisees then took the law to further extents and created walls to surround the law, which became an impenetrable barrier for anyone to come close to worship, even Jesus. We must ensure that our worship rules don’t keep Jesus out in its attempt to remain different.

The differences we have can lead us to places that are filled with beauty and understanding of the great diversity that God creates with. However, when we would rather spend all our time in the pools of sameness, for the sake of maintaining our purity, it becomes wholly something other than what the Almighty had planned for us in the world. The barriers highlight otherness as a negative, while Jesus went to the grave and was resurrected to knock down the barriers so that our otherness might blend into the full tapestry of God’s people. Thus we need to confess our brokenness and through it we access the power of God to bring renewal in our lives and in our communities, tearing down the walls that separate us, leading us to relationship and Gospel sharing. When we join together through communion, our differences do mean separateness, but rather through God’s power of reconciling, we are brought closer to God, and as we grow closer to God we grow closer to one another. Thus the Church needs to be called closer to God, and through that motion we are closer to one another, and break through any division.

With this nearness we have with God, we find that the barriers are evaporated, and there are no longer distinctions between one group and another, but rather we are all created and saved through the power of God. Just as Christ was resurrected, all of humanity is granted access to the Gospel, no longer is the message of God’s reconciliation only for a select few, but the entire world is given a key. All previous exclusions are eliminated, and because of Christ’s saving act the world is given access to Shalom. Now because we have access, we are called to share this message of peace with everyone, so that all know that Jesus did the work of reconciliation for them. This becomes imperative that we share this with everyone as followers of Christ. Instead of highlighting the gates and barriers to the law, which far too many churches exemplify, we are called to knock down the walls keeping the world away from the Gospel, and offer the peace that surpasses all understanding to everyone in our communities. We must do this because Christ loves us without distinction.

When we give our lives to Christ, we humbly learn to love people without distinction as Jesus demonstrated. Although there are forces in this world seeking to create bigger barriers and walls, the Christian must be different and holy, breaking down those barriers and those walls inviting everyone to the Gospel. No matter our backgrounds or identities, our identity in Christ implores each of us to work toward understanding that all of us are created in God’s image, and although we sinned and fell short of the ideal standard, Jesus redeemed us on the cross. Therefore, as members of Christ’s Church we must share the Gospel without concern for the person on the other side, and sharing the Gospel means that we humbly come alongside people, in the same way Jesus humbly came to the world and died for our sins. 

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The Empowering Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the primary empowering force in our lives, enabling us to achieve remarkable feats and guide our paths. Despite its significance, churches often overlook or misinterpret its role. However, theologian John Calvin, despite his reservations regarding musical instruments in Presbyterian traditions, underscored the importance of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity. He recognized its pivotal role in empowering and guiding believers to accomplish extraordinary deeds. Yet, our inherent weakness frequently distorts our understanding of divine laws, leading to their misuse. While the law is a divine gift intended to draw us nearer to God, our frailties often hinder its righteous application. Through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and the guidance of divine law, we are called to navigate our journey toward spiritual fulfillment and growth.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 

Romans 8:1-11 (ESV)

In our churches today, there’s a tendency to rely heavily on programs and books as guiding lights, often overshadowing our faith in the Holy Spirit. Instead of relying solely on written resources, we must focus on devoting ourselves to the Holy Spirit. We should seek guidance directly from God as we immerse ourselves in scripture study. By doing so, we align ourselves with the freedom from the law of sin and death that comes through Christ. Following the Spirit brings forth life and peace, a truth underscored by Jesus’ sacrificial death and Resurrection, which shattered the chains of death. While the law initially was a guiding principle, our human nature often led us astray. However, God invites us to embrace a new path where His Spirit leads us toward genuine fulfillment and purpose.

Jesus, in taking on the fleshly body, undertook the monumental task of destroying sin’s grip on humanity. Through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, we are granted the ability to live in alignment with the Spirit, thereby breaking the chains of sin that once bound us. We must introspectively examine our actions, discerning whether they foster unity and peace or sow seeds of division and chaos. By consciously striving to empower others and walking in the paths of peace and unity, we amplify the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Embracing this divine power enables us to extend peace and hope to a world torn by division as we humbly relinquish our pride and yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming beacons of unity and agents of positive change.

The Holy Spirit is the ultimate source of empowerment, enabling us to transcend barriers and cultivate unity, love, hope, and peace in a world fractured by division. This transformative power was exemplified in the life of St. Patrick, who was imbued with the strength of the Holy Spirit, extended forgiveness, and shared the gospel with his captors, birthing a profound faith tradition. Similarly, the Holy Spirit empowers us to become instruments of peace, love, and hope within our communities. By aligning ourselves with its guidance, we are equipped to spread the gospel’s message, fostering unity and healing amidst societal discord. As vessels of the Holy Spirit’s divine grace, we are called to participate actively in restoring harmony and disseminating God’s love, thereby fulfilling our purpose of bringing peace and hope to a world in need.

JRMITCH85 Character, Faith, Hope

Seize Life

In his letter to the Romans, Paul meticulously disassembles humanity’s reliance on the Law, revealing its limitations in offering salvation. However, amidst this deconstruction, he pauses to underscore the divine origin of the Law, emphasizing its initial purpose as a benevolent gift from God. Yet, sin’s insidious nature seeks to pervert the Law, twisting it from a source of life to a harbinger of death. Much like the internet, initially conceived to facilitate the exchange of ideas and unite people across vast distances, only to be corrupted into a platform rife with divisiveness, spreading hatred, lies, and discord. God, through his guidance, leads us to acknowledge the inherent goodness of the Law. Yet, its manipulation by sin steers humanity away from its intended path of righteousness and life towards disobedience and spiritual death.

What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

Romans 7:7-12 (ESV)

Embedded within the fabric of divine guidance, the Law was not crafted for sin but as a framework for righteous living. However, in our inherent disobedience, sin opportunistically distorts the intentions of the Law, using its precepts to justify rebellious behavior. This inclination towards rebellion traces back to humanity’s inception; from Adam and Eve’s ruinous actions, sin insidiously seized upon the purity of God’s creation, ushering in death. Despite God’s unwavering desire for our well-being, He furnished us with the Law and commandments as protective boundaries to illuminate the path towards a relationship with Him. Yet, through deceitful manipulation, sin perverted these divine guidelines, leading humanity astray into disobedience and severing the once unbroken communion with God, settling us into the depths of spiritual death. Thus, what was initially ordained for our benefit became a conduit for animosity.

Much like oxygen, the Law is an essential element for spiritual survival. Just as oxygen fills our lungs and courses through our veins, granting vitality to our bodies, the Law imparts guidance and structure to our spiritual journey, offering insights into righteous living and fostering a flourishing relationship with God. However, akin to oxygen’s dual nature—vital for life yet capable of fueling destruction through wildfires—the Law, too, can be manipulated by sin to spread death and chaos. Recent devastating wildfires across California, Canada, Colorado, and Texas vividly illustrate this duality, showcasing the potential for destruction when elements meant for good are exploited. Without the Law, sin would lack the framework necessary for its proliferation. Yet, conversely, the absence of the Law would deprive humanity of the vital knowledge and direction needed to navigate life in alignment with God’s will. Thus, while the Law serves as both a safeguard against sin’s encroachment and a beacon guiding us toward righteous living, its absence would leave humanity adrift, devoid of the essential guidance needed for spiritual flourishing.

Hope emerges between the Law and humanity’s struggle with sin—a promise of divine redemption. Through the boundless goodness of God, hope springs forth from the very essence of the Law. In a profound act of love and sacrifice, Jesus Christ, the embodiment of divine grace, reclaimed life from the clutches of death upon the cross. Through His ultimate sacrifice, our fractured relationship with God finds restoration, paving the way for liberation from the shackles of sin. United in Christ’s victory over death, humanity is granted the freedom to choose obedience and embark on a path of righteousness. Thus, through the redeeming power of Christ’s sacrifice, we are offered a renewed existence and empowered to walk in steadfast obedience, basking in the light of God’s eternal love and grace.

As we embrace the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection, a profound calling beckons upon God’s people—to not merely exist but actively participate in restoring our world through the proclamation of the Gospel. This calling transcends mere verbal declaration; it encompasses a holistic embodiment of Christ’s love and compassion toward our fellow human beings. Wherever there is hunger, poverty, or despair, we are summoned to extend a hand of solidarity and support, offering sustenance, hope, and comfort to those in need. In a world marred by the ravages of war, hunger, and suffering—manifestations of death’s relentless grip—Christ’s sacrificial act on the cross provides us with the impetus to seize life amidst the darkness. Thus, as bearers of Christ’s redeeming love, we are entrusted with the sacred duty of illuminating the world with the radiant light of hope, peace, and eternal life.

JRMITCH85 Character, Decisions, Faith, Hope

No Room For Sin

Our world has innumerable things vying for our attention. God beckons us to prioritize Him above all else in the cacophony of distractions clamoring for our attention. Yet, sin subtly creeps in, luring us away with its enticing choices. Though the offerings on sin’s buffet may seem appealing, they ultimately leave us unsatisfied and longing for more. When we align our lives with God, the Holy Spirit fills us with goodness and righteous thoughts, offering us both satisfying and tasteful nourishment. However, sin seeks to divert us from this path, leading us back into confusion and offering us a buffet filled with cheap and empty sustenance. It is in recognizing the true fulfillment found in God’s presence that we can resist the allure of sin’s deceptive offerings and feast upon the richness of His grace.

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.

Romans 6:6-12 (ESV)

Sin is the manifestation of humanity’s inability to adhere to the divine principles set forth by God. It beckons us with its allure, enticing us with promises of fulfillment and satisfaction. Much like succumbing to the temptation of junk food when we falter in our diet goals, sin presents itself as a quick fix for our spiritual hunger. Yet, just as indulging in unhealthy snacks only leaves us feeling unsatisfied and remorseful, sin ultimately leads to spiritual emptiness and separation from God’s goodness. It is a constant struggle, as we are drawn to sin when we fall short of God’s standards, seeking solace in temporary pleasures rather than seeking true fulfillment in His grace and guidance.

Even in the grip of temptation, the sacrificial act of Christ’s death on the cross serves as our ultimate liberation. His selfless sacrifice breaks the chains of sin that entangle us, granting us freedom from its seductive grasp. It is akin to being transported from a realm of empty calorie treats to the exquisite ambiance of the finest restaurant, where the most delectable and nourishing cuisine awaits. No longer are we enslaved to the fleeting pleasures of sin; instead, we are invited to partake in the abundant and fulfilling feast of God’s grace. Through Christ’s redemptive sacrifice, sin’s power over us is nullified, and we are empowered to walk in righteousness guided by His love and mercy.

As beneficiaries of His boundless grace, we are called to forsake the allure of sin and embrace the abundant joy found in Christ. There is no justification for returning to the shackles of sin when our souls are filled with the overflowing joy of His presence. Once we have tasted the richness of God’s hope and love, there is no room left for the empty indulgences that sin offers. God’s nourishing sustenance strengthens and uplifts us, while sin leaves us perpetually hungry, chasing after fleeting pleasures that never truly satisfy. In the banquet of God’s grace, we find lasting fulfillment, leaving behind the hollow cravings of sin and death.

Let us forsake the cheap buffet of sin and instead embrace the endless gourmet meals in God’s abundant grace. Through Christ’s sin-conquering death, we are included in His sacrifice and His life-saving resurrection. Therefore, we are called to live as people of the resurrection, constantly turning away from sin at every opportunity. Just as Christ triumphed over sin and death, we are empowered to walk in the newness of life, liberated from the bondage of sin’s empty promises. Let us embrace the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection, living each day in the light of His victory and boldly rejecting the enticements of sin that seek to ensnare us.

JRMITCH85 Character, Decisions, Faith, Hope

The Promise

As kids, our promises begin with promising to do more chores in exchange for a bigger allowance or promising your dessert in exchange for a baseball card. The older we get, we start promising more in exchange for more, for example, promising to do a job in exchange for payment. Even further, we promise banks to repay our loans in exchange for large sums of money to purchase vehicles and homes. These promises are only made between parties that trust each other, and businesses and individuals are given scores to determine trustworthiness. Our behavior amid these contractual promises will determine the direction in which those scores move. In personal relationships, we don’t quite have the same type of scoring system, but especially in a marriage, we must have faith that the person will honor their promise. In all of our human relationships, faith in another may ebb and flow, but Paul reminds us of the faith of Abraham, and how with God we are called to have the utmost faith.

13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. 

Romans 4:13-25 (ESV)

Abraham’s faith in God predates the Law given to Moses on Sinai. Therefore, the promise God made to Abraham wasn’t because of adherence to a set of rules but was given as an act of God’s providential grace. As we consider how we prioritize our lives, we should understand that God promised Abraham would be the father of many at the age of 100 and that God would never leave him because Abraham had faith. When we prioritize faith over pride in a law that we could never be perfect enough on our own, we stop pushing God’s promise away and begin to embrace and be embraced by God’s promises. Thus, our work must focus on building faith over strict adherence to the law because righteousness flows out of faith, while legalism is birthed out of the law.

Through legalistic behavior, the law that was provided as a gift to the people to maintain their connection to God, people were blocked from a connection with the Almighty due to people building walls keeping the outsiders out. While the law was always intended to outline how we could keep ourselves within the righteousness of God, it was never intended to be used to curse people and push them away. The community was the intended audience for the law, and not the individual; individually we have always missed the mark and sinned, and the law was intended to be used collectively to lift up the community avoiding individual shortcomings. Therefore, we were called to place our faith in God, and the community God established with the promise, which leads to our future hope.

With a mindset focused on hope, Abraham received the promise of God. Abraham had confidence in God, and because of his faith he was assured that God would not be deterred by his limitations. Even though he was an older man and had an older barren wife, the hope elevated the promise to providence, and grew the faith of Abraham, which increased the righteousness surrounding the situation. This faith serves as an example to each of those in the community of faith to sow hope in our community as we bring people to God’s goodness and share with them the righteous promise found in God.

God’s promise frees the people from the strictures pronounced by the law, and provides hope of a new life in faith that produces righteousness that the law failed to bring forward. The individual’s quest to fulfill the law keeps falling short of the purpose and promise, and descends quickly into a legalism that ultimately binds us to our sin. However, the hope found at the cross, breaks the chains of legalism, and encourages living in faith that produces righteousness. Through righteous living, we hear God’s call to bring our community to the throne of grace, where they can rest in hope and grow in faith, which in turn produces righteousness.

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The Signs of Holiness

In business, the saying goes, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” This leads to the idea that all the work you put into something doesn’t matter because the person who has cozied up to the boss will be rewarded. Ultimately, this causes many to do or think completely counter to the ways they know to be right. Look, act, and become powerful or influential in attaining a higher status through mimicry. This behavior often leads to the type of language that sounds like, “Don’t you know who I am?”

It would be pleasing if we could believe that this type of language would be completely foreign in the community of faith; unfortunately, it might even be worse than in some areas.  In the early church, Paul noticed how the Jews wanted to force the standard of circumcision upon the Gentiles who had become followers of the Way and used their circumcision as a status that they would flaunt. This behavior prompted Paul to call people out for not acting like the God worshippers they proclaimed that they were, and going as far as to say without living a life according to the promises God made; they might as well not even be circumcised.

25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

Romans 2:25-29 (ESV)

As we find in Romans as well as much of the Bible, the Jews were a people marked by covenant, and the circumcision was a sign and seal of that covenant that God made with Abraham. Through the ritual rite of circumcision, the Jew is connected back to the day when God singled out Abraham because of his faith and made a covenantal promise to be their God, and they would be obedient to the law or Word of God and mark themselves with the circumcision. In the church, we often have baptisms and celebrate communion as these identifying markers that we are a part of the community of faith and that we are covered by a covenant that connects us with the sacrifice of Christ. Similarly, many of us mark ourselves with identifying markers, whether it be something related to our job, our favorite sports team, or political affiliation. We wear these identifying things as markers or badges to define ourselves. Through these, we go through certain ritualistic behaviors, such as chants or songs. We treat them with a certain dignity and hold them tightly, sometimes even tighter than our allegiance to Christ. Paul warns us of this behavior.

Allegiance produces behavior; thus, how we behave will tell the world around us what we prioritize. Thus, through how we act, people will connect with our community or reject it. Unfortunately, when Christians and others produce acts and behavior that do not align with the teachings of Christ and instead reflect the negative and ugly treatment of others, many will reject them and the church they represent. Through covenant, our behavior should reflect obedience to the Word of God because, without obedience, there is a disconnect between what we proclaim on the outside and how we act on the inside. The covenant with Abraham that began the mark of circumcision was born out of Abraham’s faith and obedience, and the purpose of the sacraments in a church is to remind us of our identity and how we are to act. When we remember who we are, we reconnect to the Gospel, produce healing, and share hope, peace, and love with the world.

God placed the Jews on the Earth to carry the name of praise; literally, the name Jew translates to “praise.” Thus, the sign of circumcision was a sign to oneself to remember who they were, while walking around with lives full of praise and obedience to the law is supposed to be the external sign for the world. Similarly, followers of Christ have reminders and signs to remember that they belong to a community, but our life is supposed to be based on living out the Gospel for the world. This living reflects a heart that the Spirit transforms into a heart of worship and obedience. We must fully submit to God and allow all competing allegiances to become secondary to our devotion to the Almighty God and the Gospel mission in the world. As our hearts become changed and formed by God, so too will the world come closer to God, and the community will find transformation.

Our transformation purposefully reveals the holiness of God present within our hearts to the external world. However, there are no loopholes in transformation. The law clearly calls us to avoid lying, cheating, or putting anything above God. Additionally, the Gospel calls us to show kindness and care in all circumstances, and there is no excuse to avoid behaving according to the Gospel. The law and the Gospel were both put in place for our benefit so the holiness within can be visible outside world. When the world sees the holiness within, they also have an opportunity to see God in action and have the chance to praise. The world watches us, and our witness must be Holy and true to the Gospel with hearts transformed to live out God’s Holy Word.

JRMITCH85 Uncategorized

FROM FAITH + FOR FAITH

Throughout our lives, we always seek ways to find belonging. As we strive for something that brings a change to our lives, many things and groups promise to give us that sense of belonging and purpose. With belonging, we strive for something that empowers us to become more than what we are or better versions of ourselves. Companies, organizations, hobbies, or even political affiliations tap into our desires to prompt us to leave behind our former selves and unite with them to be a part of something. However, faith empowers us not only to be a part of something or become a better human but also to connect with the Almighty and strive to better ourselves and our community. In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul underscores the transformative power of faith and emphasizes the significance of community.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)

Paul opens his thesis statement with a proclamation of confidence found in the Gospel. With the power of God, the Gospel provides a transforming power that leads to a birthing of faith in one’s soul. When encountered with sincerity, faith creates a striving for righteous living, where the intrapersonal wrestling with becoming a person who strives to be the best person they can be creates a desire for sanctification. Through a community of faith, this begins to create a fertile ground for faith to be nourished and grown. With growth, opportunities arise to spread that faith through stories and sharing.

A key to faith is a constant source of nourishment and growth potential. We allow faith to stagnate and fade outside of regular practice and an environment that provides sustenance. Therefore, the community of faith must strive to expand by sharing with others the hope and peace within the Gospel framework. While it may be compelling to state that all we need to do is share our stories, we must also help people overcome the darkness in our world by actively giving hope through meeting needs and working for justice that gives peace to the people in our community. Without hope and peace, we cannot affect change in the world because righteous living is not birthed in a vacuum but rather is encouraged to thrive when the community of faith fights against the darkness of sin that ravages our communities.

When offering hope and peace through faith, we offer a power that sustains our community with the understanding that we have a new identity as a follower of Christ. Looking at Paul’s life, this new identity sent him in a new direction that sparked a new movement within the church. Previous identifying principles would follow him but not haunt him. As he used his background to connect and identify with people, Paul did not lose sight of the fact that those identifications all move to the background once we follow Christ. Similarly, our faith should not erase all other identifications, but those identifications should not be anything that divides once our faith unites us. This new identity builds our faith as we share and prompts us to grow closer to God collectively and, in turn, produce more faith in our community and ourselves. Therefore, faith lived out prompts a gift of more faith intended to be shared.

Faith sparks each person’s transformation and acts as the fan that spreads the faith to the world. Through faith, our lives change, and our hearts, minds, and souls lead us to become people who live righteously and share with our community the hope and peace that bring lasting change to our world. We know our world has been affected by sin that has led to darkness and division, but faith strives to remind each of us that we have been created by a God who loves us and wants to build in us a faith that leads to sanctification and holiness, which in turn births more faith.

JRMITCH85 advent, Character, Decisions, Faith, Hope, Uncategorized

The End Is Near?

The key prop of the stereotypical street preacher is a sign that reads, “REPENT! THE END IS NEAR!” While this type of thinking sits in the back of our minds, as we, as sinful people, need repentance, however, do we know how we feel about the second part of that sign? These thoughts cause each of us to confront our eschatological thoughts and the reality in front of us. Far too many within Christian circles look around at “clues” around us pointing to the imminent return of Christ. This, however, is not a new phenomenon, as since the time of Christ, people have been looking for a sign. We need to heed the words of Jesus that we don’t know, and a generation should not need a sign to do what is right. Paul writes to the church in Corinth; while he does state that time is short, he instructs the church that there is no time to place our faith in structures but only on the power of Christ in them.

29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, 31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (ESV)

Paul instructs us to hold the perspective of the world’s impermanence, and we as individuals should live as if everything around us is passing away. The insignificance of worldly pursuits is highlighted, prompting a shift in focus away from our worldly pursuits and claims and towards the eternal and the spiritual. In contrast to the tumultuous events in the external world, the scriptures provide solace, reminding believers that such external occurrences are temporary and not as significant as they may seem.

Living a life centered on God and nurturing a deep relationship with Him is emphasized by Paul as the cornerstone of a meaningful existence. Too many things with our world demand that we give them attention and will fool us into believing they are worthy of our time, money, and attention. In a world filled with transient experiences and fleeting moments, the enduring connection with God stands out as the most crucial aspect of our journey. The guidance for such a life is sought through the scriptures, where the teachings reveal profound insights into the nature of our relationship with God. Probing the Word becomes a source of wisdom and a roadmap for navigating the complexities of life.

Within the nature of a life devoted to God and studying the mysteries through the Word and prayer, we find ourselves changing the priorities within our lives, and we change what our minds’ focus. However, even when we don’t consume ourselves with the things of the temporary world, it does not give the Christ follower a license to ignore the plight of the people of this world. Rather, as a Christian, we must understand that through the scriptures the instruction is to find the worries and hurts of the world and work to help the world to be reconciled to God, and bring healing to the world.

This pursuit must extend to all our relationships, cautioning against relying solely on earthly connections. Instead of putting faith in human institutions or leaders, our emphasis must prioritize God as the head of the church and recognizing His ever-evolving work in the world. The warning against misinterpreting biblical passages without acknowledging God’s centrality reinforces the idea that genuine faith is anchored in a direct relationship with God. Ultimately, the call is to bring peace and hope to a world filled with chaos, choosing God’s love as the guiding force in our lives and turning to Him in times of despair rather than surrendering to hopelessness.