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.

JRMITCH85 Character, Decisions, Faith, Hope, Ramblings

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.

JRMITCH85 advent, Faith

A Fulfilling Love

Embracing God’s love as the foundation for our relationships and mission is like anchoring our lives in an unshakable truth. The divine source empowers us to extend love to others, mirroring the boundless love God has shown us. In the intricate tapestry of faith, Mary’s acceptance of God’s plan becomes a profound example of surrendering to divine will, illustrating that we can align our lives with God’s purpose through faith and trust.

The angelic message to Mary echoes through time, resonating with the overarching theme of divine intervention and the miraculous unfolding of God’s plan. It symbolizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in bringing forth something extraordinary from the ordinary, highlighting that God’s love is not bound by the limitations of the natural world. Mary’s acceptance becomes a beacon, urging us to embrace the unexpected with faith and humility.

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 He came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 

Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)

God’s call to manifest His love in the world is a grand invitation to participate in the redemption of humanity. The promise to mend the brokenness caused by sin underscores the magnitude of God’s love, which goes beyond forgiveness to restoring our relationship with Him. This divine mission is a testament to love’s profound impact on healing and reconciling a fractured world.

In our human journey, self-doubt often becomes a stumbling block, hindering us from fully realizing our purpose. Yet, the call to carry out God’s love is a powerful antidote to such doubts. It encourages us to transcend our insecurities, trusting that God’s love working through us is greater than any perceived inadequacy. This empowerment enables us to step boldly into our calling, knowing that God equips those He calls.

The timeless directive to love one another, even those with whom we may not see eye to eye, is a clarion call to transcend differences. This commandment invites us to extend God’s love unconditionally, recognizing that His love weaves us together in the tapestry of diversity. It’s a reminder that our ability to love is not contingent on our feelings but rooted in our response to God’s love.

The reassurance that all things are possible with God is an anchor when facing challenges in the journey of love. It prompts us to turn to God for guidance, acknowledging His love is a constant source of strength and wisdom. Living out His teachings becomes a tangible expression of this love, turning the abstract concept of divine love into a lived reality in our daily interactions.

The narrative of Joseph and Mary, intertwined with the proclamation of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, becomes a poignant symbol of God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Seeking God’s love and honoring His promises in our lives becomes a testament to the enduring nature of divine love, echoing through the ages as a source of hope and inspiration. The shepherds’ proclamation signifies the joyous announcement of God’s love breaking into the world, inviting us to share in celebrating this transformative love story.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. The Shepherds and the Angels 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 

Luke 2:1-21 (ESV)
JRMITCH85 Decisions, Hope, Ramblings

So Many Things To Do, So Little Time (Christmas Eve Edition)

It is here.

It has come like the kid playing hide-and-seek who has just finished counting, and has begun the search for those hiding, proclaiming, “ready or not, here I come!”

“Oh no, I never finished putting the decorations up!”

“I’ve got to get to the mall and finish my Christmas shopping.”

“This house is a mess, I have to get it clean!”

“Those presents aren’t going to wrap themselves.”

“There is so much to do, and I have so little time to accomplish it!”

These thoughts are the thoughts of a frantic person that has probably procrastinated on getting their Christmas tasks completed, and is now stressing out over their inability to complete the task list. This person is me. Maybe I am continuing the procrastination by taking time to write this blog, since I have not written any since the month began. (Another thing on the list that got pushed to the side.)

This stress level is proof positive that I have failed to keep perspective on the season. A season that started so promising, as we got the tree up the week after Thanksgiving. My son’s help was fantastic, as he made sure the candy canes were placed perfectly, and all of his favorite ornaments were in the same place. This was fun and helped me focus on the fact that I have been blessed with a marvelous 3-year-old, and watching the Christmas excitement in his eyes has been marvelous.

However, that was where the peace and time to just be in the season started to fade, as one thing led to another, and stress and to do lists began to take over. I don’t think it is unique to the time around Christmas, but it seems to be amplified by the fact that there is one day where everything happens, and judging by the way stores look the week after x-mas, the season ends, off to the next holiday.

Well here I am, trying to gain more perspective. This season is about the eager anticipation of the coming of the savior of the world: A savior who has come to us first as a vulnerable baby, a savior that remains with us to guide us through the Holy Spirit, and a savior who promised to come again! It isn’t about lists or calendars, it is about breathing in deep the breath of God, and allowing our hearts to let go of hustle and bustle, and rest in the fact that the Creator of the Universe loves you, and provides more joys, more presents, and more love than any man in a Red Suit.

So I wish you all a Merry Christmas, let us celebrate, and I encourage you to take a deep breath today!