Author Archives: JRMITCH85

“Be Prepared.” The Boy Scout Motto is lived out by walking with Jesus. Even when we lack the ability or materials as followers of Christ, everything must begin with an acknowledgment that Jesus is enough to carry out the mission of the church. As we look at the stories of Jesus and how He caredContinue reading “Jesus Is Enough”

“I belong” Many people worry about belonging. It doesn’t just have to be Middle School kids seeking approval from their peers. Everyone wants to have a place where they feel safe and free from the fear of social awkwardness and trouble that inevitably arises in our society. Too many in my generation eschewed social normsContinue reading “What It Means To Be Justified”

6  Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. 7  Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. LetContinue reading “There Is No Equal”

Greatness often leads to or comes from might and power. Often military might define the great Empires of the World. As empires spread through the world, conquering peoples and nations, they did it through the strength of their armies and intimidated the nations that dared to stand up to them. This past week we celebratedContinue reading “The Unprecedented”

As we approach Independence Day in the United States, we hear the word “FREEDOM” in the songs we sing, written on clothing and bumper stickers, but as we look at freedom, God reminds us that we are called to proclaim that our true freedom doesn’t come from the Declaration of Independence or The Constitution ofContinue reading “Free From Judgment”

A plethora of voices surrounds us. Our companions and loved ones communicate with us while our employers provide instructions on performing our tasks. We receive their distinct viewpoints on the events unfolding in the world through various media outlets, such as news sources, social media, and podcasts. Additionally, figures in positions of authority articulate expectationsContinue reading “The Gospel Proclaimed”

In our relationships, especially those with our parents or other adults that helped raise us, time changes how we see those relationships and how they manifest in our lives. We rely on our parents to provide for us when we are young. As we get older, our parents become our peers. If we are luckyContinue reading “Connected By Covenant”

“Are you in, or are you out?” The famous question from reality television often gets asked of people in the church. From the church’s beginning, there have been questions and debates about which people belong in our worship services and fellowship. The debates have ravaged the church about the requirements for the Kingdom of God,Continue reading “Following Jesus”

Our world is defined by division. We have opponents at every turn, and we amplify our differences in ideology, culture, and politics by creating and growing echo chambers that do not engage in conversation but rather strike a wedge between us. The church is not immune to this divisiveness; it has never been immune toContinue reading “United”

Approaching Pentecost, a festival day that celebrates God by setting aside the first fruits and the beginning of the harvest, and commemorating the giving of the Torah, or Law, to the World, finds us in a particular circumstance where we as the church also celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. Throughout time, God hasContinue reading “Now What”