Faith with Mitch

Faith with Mitch updated their website address.

The fact that many would regard Jerry Falwell Jr. as the face of Evangelical Christianity is an embarrassment.

True Evangelicalism is rooted in the life and sacrificial death of Jesus the Messiah. A man so humble, that he washed the feet of his followers. A man so wise, that he dumbfounded and infuriated the religious and political elite. A man so counter-cultural, that he dared to eat with the outcasts. A man so filled with compassion, that he was willing to risk everything to heal those whom others left for dead. A man so poor that he had nowhere to lay his head. A man so devoted to loving his enemies, that he died for them.

While Evangelicals aren’t perfect, their lives must reflect the life of the one whom they purport to follow. Otherwise, they are mere wolves dancing around in sheep’s clothing, and defaming not only Evangelicalism but the very name of Jesus himself.

https://flip.it/aNuSUG

Sin and Scandal at Liberty University On May 27th, the second day of mounting national outrage over the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, the president of America’s largest evangelical university decided it was the perfect …

Ravi Zacharais was a hero of mine. He played a prominent role in me pursuing my M.Div. and Christian ministry. I am as devastated as just about anyone regarding the sexual misconduct claims that he faces, even after he has passed away. While it seems RZIM will investigate the claims for itself, you can read the Christianity Today article below. My prayer is that Christian leaders everywhere would realize that they represent more than themselves, they represent the name of the one whom they purport to follow, namely Jesus Christ. How we act speaks volumes about what we believe. May we endeavor to live in such a way that it glorifies Christ and draws people to him, rather than in a way that defames his name and brings into question nothing less than the truth of the Gospel.

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/september/ravi-zacharias-sexual-harassment-rzim-spa-massage-investiga.html

Ravi Zacharias’s Ministry Investigates Claims of Sexual Misconduct at Spas Three women have come forward with additional allegations against the late Christian apologist.

Faith must inform all of life, even what we post, how often we post, what we view, and how much time we spend online. Follow me for faith based content geared toward helping you grow in your understanding of the practical implications of your faith.

Often we succumb to the notion that another hoodie, another purse, a new iPhone, a new job, a new SOMETHING will satisfy the inner longings of our heart, only to be disappointed. In the words of Ernest Becker, “We want redemption and nothing less.” While things and people disappoint, Jesus offers us true satisfaction in him (John 4:14). For more faith related content, follow me at mitch4_thepracticaltheologian and visit my FB Page, Real Practical Faith. Thank you!!

When we believe the Good News about Jesus, it changes everything. From how we spend our money to how we spend our time, becoming a Christian changes EVERYTHING. To learn more, follow me and visit my FB Page, Real Practical Faith. Thank you!!

“God is love” (1 John 4:8). God demonstrated his love on the cross by allowing us to take advantage of his vulnerability. In His death, Jesus showed us the true cost of love, which is death to oneself. If we purport to follow Jesus, then we must model his vulnerable and sacrificial love for others. For more faith related content, follow me and visit my FB Page, Real Practical Faith. Thank you!!

But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). As Timothy Keller states, at the cross we see God’s love and God’s justice supremely expressed. As Christians then, we must be compelled by God’s love to love others and seek justice in the world around us, anticipating the day when God will make all things new (Rev. 21:5).

A puppy is like a constant reminder of God’s grace. While we erect barriers to keep him at bay, He is always present and constantly shows us grace.

Jesus said, “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:4). Children do not know that they are humble. They simply trust their parents because they are the ones who protect, feed, shelter, and care for them. The more we trust in God, the richer our experience will be of “eternal life” in the present. While things don’t always go our way, child-like trust enables us to see and experience things more from God’s perspective. A perspective that can even see the meaning, or at least be comforted, in times of great trial and even suffering because we know that ultimately God suffered with us and for us on the cross. If interested in more faith related content, follow me and visit my FB Page, Real Practical Faith. Thank you!!

Getting outside during the pandemic is not only refreshing physically, and emotionally but also spiritually. John Calvin understood creation as “The theater of God’s glory” (David Taylor). Thus spending time outside, especially during times like these, can help us grow closer to God, and consequently, closer to one another. For more faith related content, follow me and visit my FB Page, Real Practical Faith. Thank you!!

“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer. 29:7). Babylon was not the ultimate home for the Israelites and yet, God called them to be faithful even in the context of exile in Babylon. While we may look forward to heaven, God implores us to be faithful while we’re here. Thus we must pray for the welfare of our cities and neighborhoods and actively seek to make them prosper. For more faith related content, follow me and visit my FB Page, Real Practical Faith. Thank you!!

I believe in Christianity like I believe in the sun, not because I see it but because by it I see EVERYTHING (C.S. Lewis). Our faith ought to inform our thoughts, words, and actions. It out to be the driving force behind everything that we do and don’t do. Indeed, we ought to see everything through the lens of our faith because being a Christian is not just making a profession of faith, but a way of life.

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Hudson Taylor says, “I have never seen a man pray without working.” If we took our faith seriously, we’d recognize that work is essential to the life that God calls us to. Genesis 1:26-28 stresses the calling of humanity to engage in work. Work is not only necessary but a means by which we participate in God’s care for and renewal of creation. However, work is also tainted by the fall, and thus often laborious, cumbersome, and even counter-productive. Our hope as Christians then is to engage in work in such a way that it points to Jesus, the one who gives us rest and promises to one day make all things new.

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How Do I Discern God’s Calling For My Life?

Growing up I always had an interest in God. My family went to church multiple times a week, which provided a firm foundation in the Christian faith. Coming to faith at a young age led me to believe the assumption that all Christians should become professional missionaries. This assumption lingered with me until I went to Wheaton College. At Wheaton, I was presented with a theology of work that highlighted how I could enter any legitimate career field and serve God faithfully.

This newfound knowledge opened me up to a world of career possibilities and so I decided to pursue what I was interested in, which was international relations and political science. While I didn’t quite know how a major in political science would translate into a career, I nevertheless stayed the course and enjoyed my studies throughout college. Upon graduation, I soon received a calling to attend seminary. While I knew I didn’t want to be a pastor, I also knew God called me to seminary and so I eventually decided to apply to Fuller Theological Seminary and attend their Houston and Seattle campuses.

Once I completed seminary, I almost immediately got a job offer teaching civics and bible, the two topics I cared about most and the two that I spent the last seven years of my life studying. I couldn’t believe it, God blessed my academic pursuits that were mainly motivated by my strengths and interests. Why share all this? It is because I have learned and experienced how God discloses our calling to us and that is in large part revealed in how God has made us.

I. How Has God Made Me?

God made us with our own set of strengths and interests and it is these strengths and interests that I believe we should cultivate to engage in work that glorifies God. God not only gave us specific strengths and interests but God also gave us our own unique personality. As for me, I am relational but I am also an introvert and a bit bookish. These traits have served me well in ministry and I believe you too can discern your calling by asking these four questions:

1) What am I interested in?
2) What am I good at?
3) What am I passionate about?
4) And what are my weaknesses?

Honest answers to these questions can help guide you in your pursuit of discovering your God-given calling but they are insufficient on their own. You also need to consult those who know you best.

II. Who Knows Me Best?

People who know us have some knowledge about us that we might not even know about ourselves. They interact with us and can be keen to highlight character traits or strengths and weaknesses that we may not even be aware of. For these reasons it is important to consult people who know us best such as our best friends, family members, and our church community. God often uses people we know to speak truth into our lives and so we must remember to consult those who know us well, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, to help us discern God’s calling.

Before going to seminary I consulted my local pastor and received encouragement regarding seminary. I heard from former professors who spoke truth into my life and saw potential in me that I was reluctant to see for myself. I consulted the pastor who married my wife Karlin and I, and he validated my calling and told me never to discount pastoral ministry. I heard from a professor that had a particular impact on me and he pointed me in the direction of an M.Div. All of these people had a direct impact on my decision.

It is worth noting however, not everyone was supportive of my major life decisions like attending Wheaton, going to seminary, joining the Army, or even marrying my spouse. Due to a variety of reasons, it is inevitable that you will receive conflicting feedback from even those who know you well. This is why discerning your calling doesn’t start or end here. You also must also engage in prayer.

III. What Do I Desire and What Does God Desire For Me?

“Prayer is to faith what breath is to the body” (J.C. Ryle). This quote epitomizes the need for prayer in our daily walk with God. If we honestly intend to embody God’s will in our lives then we must engage in prayer. Prayer offers believers not only a chance to discern God’s will but to express one’s own will as well.

We often pray for things we want and there is nothing wrong with this. This is what I did when discerning whether or not to attend seminary. As I completed my application I forgot to mail my transcripts so they arrived past the already extended deadline. In light of this, I prayed that if my transcripts were accepted that I would view that as confirmation from God to attend Fuller. Fuller not only accepted my transcripts but they soon gave me a generous scholarship. The fact that Fuller accepted me despite passing the deadline and that they offered me a scholarship helped validate the calling to seminary I had discerned leading up to that point. While prayer does offer us an opportunity to relay the desires of our heart, it also helps us conform our will to God’s.

While in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus petitioned God the Father to let his suffering pass but he ultimately expressed his willingness to do God’s will (Matt. 26:39). His prayer acts as a model for those discerning God’s calling. We should petition God for the desires of our heart but we should ultimately be receptive to what God would have us do, even if we disagree with it.

If it is clear that God desires you to pursue something that might be uncomfortable or something you are initially opposed to, don’t be afraid to take that leap of faith. If God truly called you to something, God will be faithful to help you every step of the way. So that raises the last question, what need can I meet?

IV. What Need Can I Meet?

As Christians, we are all called to go out into the brokenness and engage in work that helps make the world a better place, and brings it into better conformity with the will of God. In a world as broken and as fragmented as ours is today, there are endless problems that need addressing: Global hunger, abject poverty, human trafficking, domestic violence, homelessness, sickness, etc. Of the many issues facing our world today, which one are you most passionate about?

If you enjoy helping the sick, consider becoming a doctor or a nurse. If you enjoy taking care of animals, consider working at a wild life refugee center. If you are passionate about ending homelessness, consider working at a shelter or even getting involved in passing new legislation. The possibilities are endless but you need to start somewhere, which brings me to my last encouragement, which is to do something.

V. Do Something

It is possible to spend all our time discerning to the point where we never end up doing anything. While it is helpful and necessary to discern the calling that God has for you, discernment can turn counter-productive when we engage in “analysis paralysis.” This is a term used in the military and it occurs when you overthink something.

So, my final encouragement to you would be to take the time to honestly reflect on how God has made you. Ask yourself honest questions like what am I good at? What am I passionate about? What am I interested in? And what are my weaknesses? Consult who knows you best both inside and outside of your faith community. Reflect on what you desire to do and discern through prayer what God might desire for you. Do research about the needs present in the world and ask yourself which one you are most passionate about meeting. Lastly, in light of all your praying, discerning, researching, and consulting, go out and do something. In taking a leap of faith, God will bless your work and it may even be yet another avenue whereby God continues to reveal His will for your life.

Blessings,

-Mitch4

The passing of Chadwick Boseman (aka Black Panther) reminds me of the conversations I had about Marvel movies with locals in South Africa on a mission trip last year. These people were incredibly poor but found hope in their faith and hope in films that helped them cope with their present circumstances. Those conversations helped me realize that Black Panther was way more than just a fictional superhero to them but a symbol of both hope and strength. It is here that I’m reminded of the Dark Knight who says that while a person may die, a symbol lives forever. May the legacy of Chadwick Boseman live forever.

“An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge” (John Wesley). As a seminary student, it was easy to become so enthralled with reading about God that I’d fail to actually love my neighbor (or my wife for that matter!). Wesley’s words of wisdom caution those of us who’d rather simply learn more about our faith than actively seek to follow Christ faithfully in our day to day lives. Taking theology seriously means actively seeking to embody our faith, which is supremely expressed in our love for others.

"If anything matters, then everything matters" (Paul Young). Nothing in this life is mundane, so (even in quarantine) live as if every moment were a gift.

“Don’t waist your suffering” (John Paul II). Desert times, such as in quarantine, can provide space to think, reflect, and ultimately grow in our faith. While I’m challenged by social distancing, I know these things won’t last forever. And so I encourage each of us to see how we might apply what we have learned from this season to our daily lives.