JRMITCH85 Faith, Hope

Watch Out

As Paul wraps up this letter to the Romans, he must know that these may be the last words he delivers to the Roman church. Paul knows that the road ahead of the church will be rocky, as he has experienced himself. We know something about navigating rocky terrain, metaphorically in our church and physically on our freeways. Driving up and down the freeway these days is particularly perilous because of the extensive road work, and someone is always in a hurry. When an accident occurs, or someone loses something from their vehicle, it compounds the problem, leading to further problems because of additional obstacles. The best thing we can do is drive so that we do not add to the problem at the least, but if possible, we should help contribute to a solution to easier driving.

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 16:17–20.

Always be on the lookout for those seeking to drive a wedge between followers of Christ between each other. As followers of Christ, it is imperative that we strive to live at peace with one another, and any wedge between us does not come from God. Disagreements will undoubtedly arise between Christians; however, we must always approach such divisions humbly and not allow them to become obstacles to fellowship. Should anyone, through their actions or words, break with fellowship over such disagreements, we break down the pure meaning of the cross, where Christ brought us back into fellowship. 

Always serve Christ in all you do, and avoid selfish ambitions. As followers of Christ, we will have to make some hard decisions about what we need to put our support behind, and when doing that, we need to ask if this is in line with what Christ calls us. Many things appeal to us because they will benefit us personally; however, as Christians, we need to think about the greater impact of what we do because many things look good at the outset, only to lead to situations where our selfishness emerges. When we follow Christ, we must learn to put aside what might be best for ourselves, as Paul exemplified. As Acts came to a conclusion, we learned of Paul repeatedly choosing captivity to share the Gospel. He went to Jerusalem, even though he knew they would arrest him. He appealed to Ceasar when he could have asked for his freedom. He could have escaped captivity but stayed as a testament to Christ. Thus, Paul showed us that the ministry of Christ is paramount.

Always strive after obedience and goodness in our lives. No matter what happens to us, there is always an opportunity to be good and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into people who honor God by how we live. We will find the temptation to spend more time reflecting and calling out people for their errors and misgivings. Still, in this closing note, Paul invites us not to waste our time on such reflections but rather put our efforts into cleaning up our lives rather than worrying about someone else’s issues. The ultimate influence that we will have in leading people to Christ is reflected in the type of people we are because our obedience to God and our good deeds will speak louder than any words we use. Don’t waste our time using our words to persuade people to faith; rather, be good and bless people with our lives.

While Paul has detailed a lengthy systematic theology for the Roman church and, ultimately, us, his most important message was left for us to concentrate on living at peace with one another and focus on being good people striving to serve Christ. The same rules will follow us in anything we do; if we strive to live well with one another and follow the rules we need to follow, we will be far more persuasive than yelling at everyone for not doing the same with us.  When we are not adversely affected by road rage, we are better drivers and can concentrate on how we can better facilitate driving in hazardous conditions. Even if something happens and we end up in a wreck or face damage, how we handle it should reflect the God we serve. Our ultimate mission in this world is to share Christ’s message of Grace with all humankind, and we can only do that when our focus is on the work of the cross and not on ourselves. Ultimately, God will take care of everything, for the crushing blow to Satan won’t come from violence and might but rather from peace because, ultimately, the power of the cross comes from making peace with the world. Therefore, watch out for your words and actions. They need to reflect the peace of God’s work on the cross, not the violence of Rome’s work on the cross.

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Building Up Our Community

We, as a united community, are called to build a safe and encouraging environment where everyone feels valued and included. Our mission is not just a theoretical ideal, but a practical call to action, inspired by the enduring themes found in various aspects of our culture and faith. It is a collective responsibility that we all share, a mission that binds us together. In the movie Field of Dreams,’ building a baseball stadium symbolizes reconnecting with family and heroes from the past. This act of creation and restoration speaks to a deep human desire to bridge gaps between generations and honor those who came before us. It is a powerful metaphor for the importance of connection and legacy. However, while reconnecting with the past holds significant value, our primary focus must be on connecting with our community in the present. Our mission is to build God’s kingdom here and now, sharing the gospel with those around us. The past can inform and inspire us, but it is in the present that we act, live, and make a difference.

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 15:1–7.

As followers of Christ, we are called to bear the failings of the weak, please our neighbors, and live in harmony. This call to empathy and unity is central to glorifying God and building our community. By supporting one another and working together, we create a stronger, more resilient community that reflects God’s love and compassion. The church, as a safe haven and support system, plays a fundamental role in our lives. This role is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who welcomed and ministered to the marginalized and brokenhearted. As the body of Christ, the church is called to continue this mission by being a place of refuge and assistance for all who seek it. Life is filled with challenges and uncertainties, and many people seek solace and guidance during difficult times. The church, with its peaceful sanctuary, supportive community activities, and personal prayer and meditation, should be a place where individuals can find peace and comfort, a place that reassures and supports them in their journey.

We must build a community where everyone feels safe and encouraged, regardless of background. In this inclusive environment, people can experience God’s love firsthand. By fostering a sense of belonging and support, we help individuals grow in their faith and contribute to the greater good of the community. God’s love and hope are present in our community; we are called to serve and spread that love. This means actively reaching out to those in need, offering support, and sharing the gospel message. Our actions should reflect the unconditional love and grace that God has shown us.

We are tasked with building a safe place where people can feel God’s love and hope. This involves creating an environment where the gospel message is shared openly and freely. We help build up the community and spread the good news of God’s kingdom. God sent Jesus to die for our sins so that we can share the gospel message and spread God’s love to the world. This ultimate act of love and sacrifice is the cornerstone of our faith and the driving force behind our mission. By sharing this message, we invite others to experience the transformative power of God’s love.

It is not enough to create a safe haven within the church; we must also go out into the world to share the gospel message and build up the community. By actively engaging with those around us, we extend God’s love and hope beyond the walls of the church, making a tangible difference in the lives of others. We are called to build a community where everyone feels safe and encouraged. By spreading God’s love and hope, sharing the gospel, and supporting one another, we create a vibrant and thriving community that reflects the glory of God’s kingdom. Let us embrace this mission with open hearts and minds, working together to build a better, more compassionate world.

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We Serve Without Judgment

Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder for many, not merely as a day off from work, but as a sacred moment to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for freedom. In the Christian faith, this concept of sacrifice is deeply entwined with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who called His followers to live lives marked by love, service, and the absence of judgment.

In reflecting on the essence of Memorial Day, we recognize that it is not just about a pause from the everyday, but a profound commemoration of those who gave everything to ensure others could live freely. This principle resonates deeply within Christianity, where service and sacrifice are central themes.

The call to serve without judgment is particularly significant. Reflecting on personal experiences within the church, it becomes clear how easily judgment can infiltrate even the most sacred spaces—like around the church table, where community should flourish. As a child, the delight in receiving sweets from church elders was a simple joy. However, looking back, it is evident that these gestures were about more than just distributing treats; they were acts of kindness meant to foster community, even if the adults were also conveniently not taking leftover sweets home.

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 14:13-19.

Paul the Apostle’s teachings emphasize the importance of unity and non-judgment at the communion table. He points out that no one is worthy on their own—all are made worthy through the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This message is crucial in understanding how we should approach our own interactions within the church and beyond.

Our Christian faith implores us to be agents of love, peace, joy, and hope. In a world rife with division, whether due to political, racial, or economic differences, the church is called to be a beacon of unity and reconciliation. Through service, we are challenged to not only preach the Gospel but to embody it, ensuring that our actions always point others to Jesus.

This notion of service is beautifully illustrated by the impact of figures like Bono and his band U2, who use their platform to break down barriers and address global injustices, reminding us that our influence can and should extend beyond church walls. The majesty of natural wonders like Joshua Tree National Park offers a parallel to our spiritual pursuits. Just as the vast beauty of the park invites exploration and awe, our spiritual journey should be one of constant seeking, welcoming, and companionship. The church’s role is pivotal in this process, not just as a physical space but as a community of believers sharing a journey toward God.

In essence, embracing others without judgment and embodying the peace and hope of Jesus is fundamental to the Christian calling. As we remember those who’ve sacrificed on Memorial Day, let us also commit to being sources of God’s love, channels of His peace, and ambassadors of the joy and hope found in Christ. This commitment to serve, love, and unify is not just our duty but our privilege as followers of Jesus.

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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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Stop Straining

Among some of the most challenging adventures and races I have ever competed in would have to be the Mammoth Trailfest 50K. Right in the middle of this race is the grueling Dragon’s Back Ascent up Mammoth Mountain, where you spend about two horizontal miles climbing over 2000 feet vertically. The climb required equal amounts of physical push with mental fortitude to keep moving forward. This adventure is a metaphor for many things in life because the journey up the mountain requires hard work and perseverance. At some point in life, dedication and an industrious attitude become necessary to find ourselves in the dream job or complete the degree. However, there are also times when our lives are plagued with the loss of a loved one, or we are plagued by illness and disease, and the work takes on a different nature but remains something we strive to push through.

Far too often, however, we set aside following the example of Christ during these moments to push through, to say I will come back after I have achieved the goal. Paul sets out in the passage below from Romans 9, the understanding that God alone has the ability to bless. Although we may find success in other avenues, without following God in our hearts and deeds, those successes ring hollow. Sometimes, we will work hard and strain after fortune, and it simply will not work out for us, and we want to throw our hands in the air and claim it isn’t fair. Many times, it may not be fair, but God strives to walk with us on the journey, whether good or bad, and we cannot simply cast aside that relationship to pursue something of our selfish and carnal desires. God’s justice and blessing are ultimately of divine providence, and God calls us to listen closely and follow even closer.

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 9:14–18.

Despite our struggles, the Gospel and the Bible are meant to draw us nearer to God in relationship and never to be used as a weapon to attack our opponents. The Word of God serves as the trekking poles to help propel us over our obstacles instead of the dynamite to knock the mountain down. For the same God that made us and sent Jesus to die for us also created those opposing us and desires for their lives to be transformed by the Gospel. If we were to presume that God was on our side just because things went our way, we may surmise that the Bible was full of magic spells and we could force God to our will, but Paul urgently reminds us that God’s will override any human effort. Therefore, we must humbly devote ourselves to God no matter what and cannot use scripture to prop ourselves up. The scriptures are a tool for life; the Gospel leads to hope and not despair.

From an early age, we are taught that success results from pushing and straining to get yourself to the top of the heap. From the perspective of competition, there can only be one winner, and you must vanquish your opponents. These people are mere obstacles in our path that we must overcome. However, this type of success is the most fleeting since it is often short-lived without constant straining to stay on top. However, God implores us to unclench our fists and look to the life of Jesus, as He did not reach the mountaintop by putting others down, but rather, He turned this pattern upside down because we have all been lifted up, through Jesus allowing himself to get knocked down. God did this to help us value our relationship with God over victories, and by aligning ourselves with God, we also value sharing the Gospel over dominating others.

Apologetics often ends with an intellectual defense of the Gospel against the world’s philosophies. Followers of Christ take up the mantle of apologetics to defend God against the world. Still, as we hear Paul in Romans, God doesn’t need us to come to the aid of the Creator in this manner when God would rather we show off the transformed life within our hearts so that the world may know God through the behavior and actions of Christians. The Sword of the Spirit penetrates the hardness of hearts, bringing life out of darkness. The Holy Spirit ultimately accomplishes the work of transformation, and we are merely invited to share God’s hope and love with our community. Rather than spending the bulk of our time convincing people they are wrong, God calls us to devote our lives to living Gospel lives and loving one another.

Mountains teach God’s people to make themselves vulnerable to the movement of God. While climbing the mountain will undoubtedly exhaust us, the mountain will guide us into beautiful scenery and places where God wants to lead us to experience God’s joy from a fresh and new perspective. To achieve these experiences, we will encounter difficulties, and amid those difficulties, we will not have guaranteed success, so we have to strive after God and not strain to succeed. In our actions, we seek to bring God’s glory. As we remember that God made the mountain and the person climbing, we learn to thank God for the mountain and lean into God’s understanding to strive after the Lord’s purpose for our lives.

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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.