The Pastor's Corner - 04.01.2017

Luke 24:5 & 6 "...why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but risen..."

This is my 58th Resurrection Sunday. Many of the earliest memories of those days center around the church and the joyful times celebrated there. As a child, I could always count on having a new suit to wear on Easter Sunday, and usually there were photos taken. Back then, pictures were a rarity and reserved for special occasions. Then, on to the church, where everyone was in their Easter best. Hats for women were popular in those days, and there would be a variety. The crowds then were large, and at times, a record would be set. We always had a special treat basket made by Mom, and it was always a day to remember.

As time went on, I began to realize the full impact of the resurrection. The merits of Calvary, the Empty Tomb, and the promised return eclipsed all of the other parts of the day and left me in awe of God's great love for us. As a child, when we played church, we would often play "Easter Sunday" - for that was a highlight in our minds of the greatest day at church.

I hope we never grow tired of or let the Resurrection message become common. It is the message that changed the world forever.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 03.18.2017

Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a merchant seeking goodly pearls. No doubt he had purchased many pearls in his tenure as a merchant. But one day he is amazed to find the greatest pearl he had ever seen. In order to acquire it, he would have to sell everything he owned. It would have to be a complete sell out to get what his heart longed for. All other treasure before now seems like nothing compared to this pearl of great price. He does not hesitate. He quickly sells all to acquire the great pearl. To him, it is worth it. He now is the owner of the fabulous pearl!

O the message in this little story. Many are happy with lesser pearls or paste look-a-likes. Not this merchant! He has found what his heart longed for.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 03.11.2017

Hosea 10:1 "Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself..."

In this verse, God tells Israel they are producing self fruits, that have led them to build altars, and set up images to false gods. Their vine is empty of Godly fruit. One bumper sticker I saw said "It's all about me". That sums up the lives of so many today. They are loaded down with fruit they have produced for themselves; worshipping at the false altars of pride and entertainment. And yet nothing for Jesus. Later, they will sacrifice the souls of their children, and their hope of heaven on these same self made altars. They die with an empty spiritual vine, and leave no heritage of Godliness, no bread trail for their children to follow to heaven. Just as God judged Israel, we too will also stand in his presence undone if our vine is empty. Too much is at stake.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 03.04.2017

Ezekiel 18:2 "...The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge"

It is a known fact that parents, by their wrong influence and bitterness often sentence their children to great harm and many times set the stage for them to be critical and tainted against God and the church. I have witnessed the same on many occasions. Those who question God and live loose and immoral lifestyles produce children of like nature. Then again, those who live Godly and carefully many times produce children who are gentle, God loving Christians. Children will reap what parents sow, whether good or bad. Nothing will replace Godly influence in the home.

Let us as adults strive to live so that our children have the best to model after.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 02.25.2017

Psalm 46:10a "Be still, and know that I am God..."

Everywhere we go, something is happening. Music, talk radio, ear buds, video clips, Facebook, News, cell phone... If the Psalmist felt that life was hectic and had little down time or still time, how much more today. Some people are bombarded with 24/7 music. Something must be going on all the time. We have become a nation of continual and constant jabber.

God is calling us to be still and listen to Him for a change - to know that He is God. Be still and know. That gives us the idea that some things can only come in the stillness. There are revelations that we will never get in the 24/7 music.

Be still.....see what you learn.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 02.18.2017

Psalm 66:8 - "O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard."

IIn another place we read: "He inhabits the praise of his people." So we are encouraged to make our praises heard.

Why are we sometimes so hesitant to praise Him? Why are we so shy about exalting Him? He is so worthy of our praises. And we also enjoy it when others praise Him; and it encourages us to do so, as well. We all enjoy the services when God comes and takes charge. We leave feeling so blessed.

We also draw strength from the praises that others make known. Why can't someone always be in the frame of mind to bless the Lord? Surely we aren't all down. Surely someone has something to praise the Lord for. Lively meetings are a drawing card to Saint and sinner alike. Even the children are blessed.

We need to be more aware of our praises to God.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 02.11.2017

Psalm 32:7a "Thou art my hiding place..."

I think everyone needs a hideout. From my earliest memories, I have always desired a hideout. Many childhood hideouts were made - one in particular. It was the attic of our coal house at a parsonage where we lived. I built a ladder, trap door and other amenities like carpet. It was the scene of childhood trades, plans and fun. Only the most trusted and best friends were allowed. Many times it was just me. Later, it was a secret room in a barn Loft. In recent years, it has been my old house at Carthage.

But in this scripture, the Psalmist refers to the Lord as his hiding place. We go to Him with broken dreams, broken hearts, and our weariness, and we find solace and comfort in our hour of trouble. We must retreat from the crowd and have our hide out time. It is there we find comfort, and as the songwriter said, "there I am blessed."

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 01.28.2017

Psalm 32:10 "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about."

In this verse are two truths that cannot be overlooked. We are told without a doubt that many sorrows will come to the wicked. In another scripture, we are told that "the way of transgressors is hard." So we are forewarned - the path to hell is going to be a sorrowful, hard way. It will be that way because God says it will. While the soul seemingly goes on unhindered, yet this verse must be fulfilled in their lifetime. God is not mocked.

Yet, on the other hand, to those who trust in the Lord, it has been promised that they will be surrounded by mercy. Trials, yes. Sickness, yes. Reverses, yes. Yet in all, surrounded by mercy. His mercies are renewed every morning. Fresh mercies for a new day to surround us with. I, for one, take the way of the Lord's anointed few.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 01.21.2017

Psalm 30:5b ".... Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

The shadows of nightfall bring with them foreboding and uncertainty. What seemed settled in daylight now is fraught with mystery and question. Things that were small now tower in the darkness like huge specters. Tears flow, and a yearning for companionship and hand to hold; someone to tell you everything will be ok; a shoulder to cry on.

But alas! There is no one. It is night, the cry of your heart comes to your lips; O that it were morning! Then the shadows would flee away. The curtains would be billowed with the morning breeze. Sunshine will play upon the walls. The patter of children upon the stairs and the crow of the rooster signal a new day - a new perspective! The things that only hours ago were so torturous, so agonizing, now seem faraway - not as threatening; far removed.

What has happened? It's morning; and morning has brought joy.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 01.14.2017

Jeremiah 37:21b "Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison."

In this verse, we find God's prophet in the prison. In some places, Angels delivered God's men; but, here sits Jeremiah. We must realize that being in God's will may involve persecution. Even now, in many countries saints are suffering for Jesus' name. We must count ourselves fortunate that we have been spared those heartaches.

But at times, we may be in a prison of sorts... sometimes of our own making - at other times seemingly for no reason. Some are in the prison of sickness, others depression, others loneliness.

Even though Jeremiah was in prison, he was still God's man. He was given bread out of baker's street (v.21). Later he was rescued from the dry well. Even later, he preaches in Egypt. (Ch. 44). Still later, he has God's Word to other kings and Promises to the Jews.

What is your prison? When will you be set free? God is still God... He will not fail.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 01.07.2017

Psalm 119:89 "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."

Things are constantly changing all around us. In cities where we haven't been for a while, buildings have disappeared. Street names have been changed. Many of the former stores we used to shop at are out of business. The familiar way we have done business for years is changing before our eyes. Change is all around us.

Old names that have been in the holiness movement for years are disappearing or being swept in to other movements. People are suddenly changing what they believed. What their families have stood for and what took generations to build has been changed overnight. The holiness movement is again in a phase of transition and change. One more time, many of us will see great shifts in the days to come.

But amidst all this change, we can rely on one thing; The word of God will always be the word of God. His word is forever settled.

I for one choose the holy joys that always last. I challenge you and your family to do the same.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 12.31.2017

2017 is almost history. Another year has come and gone. As I was thinking about that, it dawned on me that, if I live to be 80, I will only see 22 more New Years. My time here is winding down. What can I do to make these final years count for the Lord?

Your projected time may be even less than mine. But, what if we neither one reach 80? We have no assurance of even one more new year. Do you want to meet the Lord with what you have done for the kingdom as it stands now? Are you really proud of the fact that you rarely need the Sunday night service, and never the Mid-week Prayer Service ? Are you a good example for the new converts to follow after? Do your testimonies ring clear? Is your devotional life what is pleasing and nourishing to your soul? Are all your tithes in? This is a good year end checkup for us all.

Let's take stock now and press ahead to do more for Jesus in 2018.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 12.24.2017

Luke 2:8 "And there were in the same country, shepherds in the field, keeping watch o'er their flocks by night.

It was just an ordinary night in the stony fields near Bethlehem. Peasant shepherds were watching their sheep, when suddenly the night became a night to remember - a night they would never forget. The next verses tell us that "The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them." A terrific glow of unearthly light, and Heaven's messenger angel appeared. No wonder they were frightened. The shepherds received a heavenly entourage. "And suddenly, there was with the Angel a heavenly host..." Whatever it was like, it made believers out of the shepherds. "And they came with haste..."

It was a night to remember - and we celebrate it to this day.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 12.17.2017

Luke 2:4 "And Joseph also went up from Galilee... unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem."

Bethlehem, today, is a city of modern business, yet its streets are still narrow and crooked. The quiet, stony fields are still much the same as they were 2,000 years ago. As we walk the narrow streets, many little shops spread their merchandise out their front doors and onto the sidewalks on both sides. The shopkeepers are watching for customers. Many of these families have been selling on the street for generations.

We make our way uphill and arrive at the Church of the Nativity. It is an ancient structure, having survived the many wars. Beneath this church is the cave they believe Jesus was born in. At that time, it was on the hillside with its face open toward the valley below. Hundreds of years ago, they built the church over the top and it is now in a basement setting. Whether this is the correct spot or not, we do not know for sure. One thing we do know; Jesus was born very close to the spot. Bethlehem was a tiny village in those days. It was thrilling to visit the farm of Ruth and Boaz - and later, the family home of Jesse, the father of King David. These are the hills where the shepherds were watching their sheep on the first Christmas night.

I count it a great privilege to have seen this place. It was altogether different the night that Mary and Joseph were there and the Savior of the world was born. I'm so glad He came.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 12.10.2017

Luke 1:79 "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

These words are the words of the priest Zacharias, concerning his son, John the Baptist. He would blaze the trail for Jesus. He would decrease, while Christ's kingdom would endure forever.

In many ways, we too are like John. We work, we strive, we blaze a trail of sorts for those who will follow after us, then we enter the realm of those that decrease. We pass from the scene, but those that follow behind us take up the task that they too will one day turn over to someone else. But all the while, the thing we work for will last forever.

We are working for an everlasting cause.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 12.03.2017

Malachi 4:2 "But unto you that fear my name shall the son of righteousness arise with healing in his wings..."

The last book of the Old Testament is about to close; and as it does a promise comes forth from the pen of the prophet. When he lays down his pen, there will be 400 years of silence. Not a scrap of scripture, not an angelic visit, not a prophecy. 400 years of darkness. But Malachi receives this promise before the silence comes. The Son of righteousness will come up, and dispel the darkness, and arise with healing in His wings.

We now live in the brightest age ever known. There is healing available for all your hurts, all your emotions, all your heartaches.

Let this Christmas be your time.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 11.26.2017

Isaiah 9:6a "For unto us a child is born..."

Friday began the Frenzy of American Christmas, known as Black Friday since 1933. However, anyone who has lived 50 years or more will tell you that the Frenzy is now so much more than our childhood days.

We must now try to focus on what Christmas Is about; namely, the birth of the Saviour of the world. I hope each of us will be able to observe the day and season by celebrating Him. It is a season of good cheer. It is a season of hope. It is a season to reflect on the revelation of His coming. What a miracle, His birth!

Let's keep it in focus, let us set the pace, not the pace set us.

- Rollin Mitchell