The Pastor's Corner - 03.10.2019

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

When we go through trials here on earth, our heads are bowed low, and it seems that life has indeed thrown us another curve. Problems come that we don't understand, and the night is dark. At times, it seems that all hell itself is arrayed against us, and friends are few. It is during these times that even small troubles seem looming huge. But remember this... your world may seem to be crashing around you now, but there is coming a day for the children of God. One day, sorrows will cease. One day, all will be peace.

Joy cometh in the morning.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 03.03.2019

Hebrews 12:1b "...let us lay aside every weight, ... and let us run with patience the race..."

What are the things which will weigh you down and hinder? In this passage, the Christian life is compared to a foot race. The runners have practiced running with various weights attached to themselves. On race day, they lay the weights aside, and uncumbered, they find themselves lighter and swifter.

We are in the race to win. Anything that will hold us back, or cause us to lose the race, must be laid aside. Some things, while they are not sin, may hinder the race. I think services are hindered on Sunday because we did too much and stayed up too late on Saturday, and enter the Lord's day exhausted and unable to focus on worship. Many have confessed across the years to staying up until 2 or 3 in the morning canning beans, painting the kitchen, fixing dinner for Sunday, and other things, which greatly hindered their worship on Sunday morning. We are not ignorant of Satan's devices.

Let us lay aside every weight that will hinder us.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 02.24.2019

Ecclesiastes 8:12b & 13a "...surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God.. . but it shall not be well with the wicked..."

From these verses, we see a clear separation, namely, well and not well; God-fearing, and wicked. What does wicked mean here? Morally wrong, actively bad, wrong doing, ungodly. The shadow of the wicked is going down-his days shorter. But the promise to those who obey and fear God is that they will do well, and end well. The wicked will end badly. There is a clear line of separation in these verses. No fence sitting is allowed at all. To be out of God's will is to be wicked.

It pays to serve Jesus.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 02.17.2019

Mark 5:28 "For she said, if I touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

She was just another person in the throng that followed Jesus. She had been ill for twelve long years, had suffered much, and had spent all she had, but she was not better - instead, was growing steadily worse. But she heard of Jesus. She came up in the crowd and touched His garment. She was immediately healed. Jesus, also, knew someone had touched Him with the touch of faith, because virtue had gone out of Him. Her faith had made her whole.

You may feel you are just "one in the crowd," but if you come in faith, your need will also be met. Reach out today. He is passing by this moment.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 02.10.2019

I Thess. 2:3b "...for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..."

We never saw it coming until it hit us - the great falling away. Across the board, in almost every place is fresh evidence of the great falling away - record numbers of churches closing in America and churches downsizing to stay open. The number of weekly services used to be three or more in almost all church circles. Prayer meeting died first, when it became apparent that most people didn't consider it important and dropped off attending. The Holiness crowd cried "shame, shame." Then the Sunday night service was deemed sparsely attended, and finally became "small groups," or was scrapped altogether. The Holiness crowd again cried "shame on them." But it has now come full circle, and many Holiness churches are on the fast track toward the same result. O that God could awaken us. Jesus is coming, and we are now in the great falling away. It's time to make a new resolve. It's time to have Revival so we are not swept along in the current.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 02.03.2019

Colossians 3:2 "Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth."

In this short verse is a command that will help us make it to Heaven. Some people are so overcharged with the grasp for this world's goods, and the affairs of this life, that they have little time to think of the next or lay up treasure in Heaven.

What are your affections set upon? What do you love most ? Where do your true interests lie? O that we may have our best foot toward the things that will truly matter. This old world will pass away. Only what is done for Christ will last.

What do you love?

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 01.27.2019

Rev. 3:12 "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto your prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."

Within this verse, there is hope, promise, and warning. The righteous are under His constant watchful care. The righteous also have the promise of 24 hours a day assurance that our prayers are being heard by the Lord. What assurance (!) to be under the kindly eye of the Lord. But with these assurances come the sad news also; “...the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” God cannot bless evil. He turns away from evildoers. To have the Almighty turn His back is a pitiful state to find oneself in.

Let us live a life that will allow 24 hour watchful care, and 24 hour open prayer line from Heaven's King.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 01.20.2019

Matthew 26:41a "Watch and pray..."

These are the words of Jesus to the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. While the situation then was one of earnest appeal and desperation, it is important for us today.

What shall we watch for? We must watch those for whom we pray. We must watch as did Elijah on Mt. Carmel for clouds that signal God is moving. Watch for opportunity to pray for people and their needs. Watch for God to move in their lives. Watch for God to move in our own lives. We all have many things we cry out to God for. It is always encouraging to see a little cloud gathering.

We must pray until we see God come in answer. When God answers one prayer, it encourages us to trust him for other needs as well.

Watch and Pray.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 01.06.2019

Romans 8:12 "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors..."

As we begin this New Year, we are reminded that we are debtors. In other words, we owe a great debt.

This year, 2019, marks my 50th anniversary of being saved. The actual date is in late August. The year was 1969. What a great debt I owe. I am in debt to the old saints who built Franklin church. It was there our family started out. Those folks prayed a building to pass and created a spiritual atmosphere that brought my father to God. My sister was healed there. My father renewed his call to preach there. I learned the Bible stories I know best there. I stood in the shadow of greatness there.

I owe a great debt to the old saints who bought Camby Camp. Waves of glory and great joy and moves of God were the order of the day. I heard some of the greatest preachers in the great Holiness movement there. My heart was turned to missions there. I received my first preacher's license there. On and on goes the debt.

Your story is much the same. We are debtors.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 12.30.2018

Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

As we face the New Year, this verse is a fresh challenge to us all. God is ready to reveal wonderful things to us that we are completely unaware of presently. The only obligation to us is "call."

We are satisfied with ordinary things. We grow used to things staying like they are, and we become stagnant. God wants to awaken new realities to us. He challenges us to "call."

Let's do it!

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 12.16.2018

Hymn 179 v.2 "Why lies he in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?"

This verse tells us of the lowly beginning hours of the Savior's birth. I have visited the traditional birthplace of Jesus several times. In those days, it was an open-faced cave, near the inn in Bethlehem. Hundreds of years ago, a church was built over the top of the cave, to mark it and protect it. It is now in the basement to the Church of the Nativity. This is one of the few churches that have not been demolished by the Muslim hordes in past days of war. It is because in it is depicted the Wise Men in Eastern dress in a fresco of tiles. When the Muslims saw it, they felt it held some significance for them, and they spared it. The church is ancient and must be entered through a tiny door, hardly 4 feet high. Thus was done to keep heathen raiders from pompously riding their camels into the Sanctuary. It is one of the most verifiable sites in all Israel. Our knowledgeable guide told us this.

We are always blessed to visit Bethlehem. The poverty of the Christ Child's family is keenly seen in this song - "What Child is this?" His birth was announced to possibly the poorest of the poor... the Shepherds, then to the Wealthy... the Wise Men.

We stand in awe at the entire story. It never gets old, but becomes more precious as years roll by.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 12.09.2018

Hymn 168, verse three: "And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low, who toil along the climbing way with painful step and slow; Look up! For glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing. O rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing.

. This verse has always stood out to me at Christmas time. I know so many that are beneath a crushing load. For many, the crushing load is physical. For others it is financial. For yet others it is unsaved or wayward family. Perhaps you have a hard job, or co-workers who are troubling to work with. The list goes on... Whose forms are bending low—how many do you know who seem exhausted and bent low with burdens of various types, and loads that seem to hard and heavy to carry along the climbing way? With painful step and slow - in my youth, I didn't understand that phrase at all, but now I do. The painful and slow step of many a good Saint of God, I have lived long enough to witness. But the good news is look up...for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing. I rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 12.02.2018

Matthew 2:6 " And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah...Out of thee shall come a governor that shall rule my people Israel."

Bethlehem - land of antiquity, scene of many battles, the boyhood home if David, the quiet fields of Ruth's and Boaz's romance, the well where David's mighty men broke through the host to bring him a drink - most known as the humble birthplace of the long awaited Messiah. Even today, you can see remnants of those ancient happenings after thousands of years. The shepherds still take their sheep out to graze, and the streets are winding and narrow. It is picturesque beyond words. Tears fill my eyes every time I go to Bethlehem. The fields, where the shepherds were the first to hear of Jesus' birth, may still be seen. It now has a modern section and a Christian mayor. It was to this shepherds lair that Jesus was born of peasant parents.

Time has proven that every Scripture that predicted His coming were all fulfilled. He is the true Messiah, and we now await His second coming. We must be ready!

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 11.25.2018

Acts 18:10 "... I have much people in this city". These are the words of the Lord to the apostle Paul. It seemed that Paul was concerned about what might happen in the wake of the conversion of Crispus and his whole house, who was chief ruler of the synagogue. People has just earlier been stirred up against Paul and his preaching.

The Lord assures Paul in a vision, and says "Be not afraid, but speak,.... For I am with thee, and no man... Shall hurt thee, for I have much people in this city". Paul stayed on there six months. It is such a joy to realize the largeness of the family of God. Wherever we go, we find them. They are waiting to encourage, sustain, and protect if necessary. As time goes by, the church ( the people ) will be our greatest comfort and joy.

Hard times may be ahead, but we will always have the comfort of each other.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 11.18.2018

Psalm 100:4 "Enter into his gates with Thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

This week, we will celebrate American Thanksgiving. It will be a very short day; then it will be on to Christmas. We have almost begun to have two Christmases since the Christmas decorations are already up in many homes. Thanksgiving has become the forgotten holiday. We, the people of God, must remember to train our children that we are truly a thankful people - not just one day a year, but every day. We must beware, lest we raise a generation that takes everything for granted. We, as adults, can also feel entitled and forget to be thankful, as well.

Let this Thanksgiving be a new beginning as a thankful people.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 11.11.2018

Psalm 67:3 "Let the people praise thee, O God..."

Today, we honor our wonderful laymen and their families. You are truly a great crowd and so worthy of recognition. We are blessed to call you our flock, and there is not a runt in the bunch. You are solid and dependable, lovable, and gracious. You are forgiving and kind; patient and long suffering. Today, we begin our fifth year in Plainfield. It seems like only a few days. We have three more years on our five year recall. I will be 62 years old. God knows what the future holds. We know this... we have been in the midst of the best.

Thanks to all. We have seen the Lord in the sanctuary.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 11.04.2018

Psalm 63:2 "To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary."

This week, we have seen the Lord. His presence, the timely messages, excellent and blessed singing, the best crowds we have seen during any revival in my four years, victories won, questions settled, great giving - it has all been blessed of God.

We say thank you, our faithful crowd, that have shown yourselves faithful, even in the midst of weariness and sickness, heavy work schedules, and childcare - you have done well.

Thank you, Bub and Rose Lynn, for keeping and feeding the Tim Cole Jr. Family.

Thanks to all. We have seen the Lord in the sanctuary.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 10.28.2018

Hebrews 3:13b "...lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."

In this verse, and those that precede it, we are warned of the possibility of becoming hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Many today are trifling with this possibility. Messages and songs that used to stir them, now leave them unfazed. The longer they go on in this condition, the hardening continues, until they no longer hear the call of the Holy Ghost as they once did. This is so dangerous. Many must admit that the strong pull they once had to get right with God is now growing fainter - steadily fainter.

I urge you all to seek the Lord while He may be found. This Revival can be a turning point for someone. This is my prayer.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 10.21.2018

Psalm 67:4".... The rebellious dwell in a dry land."

Then the Psalmist declares that the rebellious dwell in a dry land. Water is necessary for life. The path of the rebellious will be a dry path. With dryness comes thirst and anguish.

Rebellious heart, turn from your ways and get out of the dry land. God is waiting to be gracious.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 10.14.2018

Psalm 100:2a "Serve the Lord with gladness…"

Service is joyful, and labor is easily given to those we love. This is also true when it comes to us and our service to God. He is worthy of our best and the yoke is easy. Our service is made light by His overwhelming love towards us. Our service is not heavy to our hearts, and we serve gladly, with hearts filled with praise.

If your service is cumbersome to your heart and the yoke galding, you have forgotten your place in life. You need a fresh glimpse of all He has done for you. Many become like spoiled children, and whine about how hard it is to obey and serve the Lord. But to those who hold Him most dear, our service is with gladness.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 10.07.2018

Psalm 94:3 "...how long shall the wicked triumph…”

"In this Psalm, the writer finds himself dismayed at the advances being made by wicked people. It seems that the godly are the losers over and over again, and he grows weary with watching it happen, seemingly without end. But in verse 23, he answers his own question. "He shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off.."

We, too, grow weary with the advancing forces of evil, and the flood tide of wickedness that flaunts itself against God and His word, that make fun of the church, God's people. We know that sometime soon, Justice will prevail, and God and His people vindicated.

Hold on a little longer.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 09.30.2018

Romans 8:17 "...Joint heirs with Christ..."

The thought of an inheritance is exciting and fills the mind with wonder. The story is told of a lady, who received notice from an attorney that a great Aunt had passed away, and she had been named to receive from her Mother's aunt, an undisclosed inheritance. She had only met this lady on two occasions, both in her childhood days. When full disclosure was made, she found that she had inherited a large historic mansion filled top to bottom with valuable and beautiful antiques, and a summer home in a pleasant river town, equally as lovely, albeit smaller, and also filled with lovely things from four generations. There were also cars and a large sum of money. How excited she was, as she told friends the wonderful news.

Dear reader, has it occurred to you how exciting it is that we have been named as joint heirs with Christ? All the glories and wonders of Heaven to share with Christ during the ceaseless ages of all eternity.. What Glory awaits us! How we will explore it forever with friends and family, who have entered in. It will make everything here seem so cheap in comparison. We must make it!

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 09.23.2018

John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled...."

What things are troubling your heart? There are so many things today that can cause a troubled heart...the political climate and the hate that fills the airwaves, wayward loved ones, health issues that seem to drag on, financial concerns, and the list can grow large. But Jesus is very clear here. "Let not your heart be troubled, believe..." We must place our troubled thoughts under His mighty care and realize that the day is coming for us when everything will be only a forgotten memory when we make it to "my Father's house." At Father's house, all is well, nothing alarms, all is tranquil. No nagging troubles to haunt the soul. We must first make the journey. Just the thought of Father's house can lighten the load and take the pain of a troubled heart.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 09.16.2018

Psalm 84:7a "They go from strength to strength..."

Today, we honor Daniel Jr and Kristen Cantlebarry. When thinking of a verse that reminded me of them and their untiring efforts for our Bus Ministry, the Youth, VBS, and Christmas Program, this verse seemed to encompass them - "Strength to Strength." They are always at their best. They are reliable, ready, and able.

We will be taking an altar offering for them in both Morning and Evening services. Our goal is at least $1,000.00. We urge you to give. They are truly worthy of our love and blessing. It would take the entire bulletin to tell everything that they do.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 09.09.2018

John 1:29b "...Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!"

In this verse is the hope of the sinner and the assurance of the saved. If Jesus could not take away sin, He would not have been the long awaited Messiah. He didn't come to leave men wretchedly in their sin but to be delivered from sin. When something is taken away, it doesn't stay - it is gone. Our sins are gone! This verse deals a blow to a sinning religion. He came to take away the sin of the world. We rejoice in this glorious possibility. The sinner comes to the fountain - fully expecting to be delivered, and all sins placed in the sea of God's forgetfulness - not to continue to wallow in sin any longer. This is the hope sinners have.

We rejoice in sins forgiven.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 09.02.2018

Psalm 23 "... He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.."

This portion of Psalm 23 is very interesting, and filled with blessing. The thought that our shepherd knows that we are in need a safe resting place is proof of his care for us. There are times that we need to stop the journey, and take much needed rest. Here we find "green pastures". Not only is there rest, but green pastures indicate that the area is well watered. Much of Israel is desert. So, green pastures promise a less acrid, lovely place of respite. We all are in need of rest times. Time to stop the race of life and experience a refreshing time in the green pastures. He has led us here, and it will be just what we need..

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 08.19.2018

Psalm 3:5b "....for the Lord sustained me."

Many of us understand this portion of Psalm 3:5. There are times when we know we wouldn't have made it without His help. We look back a little later and realize we didn't make it on our own - we were sustained by the God of Heaven. Suddenly, we received strength that we did not have just seconds before.

In this Psalm, David is on the run from Absalom. He fears for his very life, has laid down for rest, and God kept him as he slept. He doesn't know what the next hours hold, but he has been sustained and he knows who did it.

We often sense God's Presence and Help that we knew were not from within ourselves...we know where it came from.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 08.12.2018

Lamentations 3:26 "It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."

In this verse, we are told that is good to do two things that most people find very hard - hope and wait. Many feel that they can not get a grip on hope. They have seen their hopes dashed and are not convinced that it does any good to keep hoping when nothing is forthcoming. Then also, for many, hope comes easily, but it's the waiting that has them troubled. We live in the "get it now" age. We rarely have to wait for anything. It seems that someone has figured out a way to hurry almost everything up nowadays. But those of us that know the Lord, know that one of God's favorite methods to teach his people is waiting. Abraham waited 100 years for Isaac, and Moses waited 40 years in the desert before he saw the burning bush. God wanted Joseph on the throne of Egypt, but he must needs first be sold into slavery, lied on, sent to prison, and forgotten. All this took 17 years.

Let us obey this verse, and learn to hope and wait.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 08.05.2018

Psalm 56:3 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."

David was a King; he had power, an army, the throne. He had faced the Giant, yet he admits he has fears. Many things bring fear to our hearts - a new job, a report from the doctor, news from Washington, growing older, lack of finances, problems with vehicles, worries over lost loved ones... the list goes on.

Each of us has our own fears. But the Psalmist also tells us where he goes in time of fear. "I will trust in the Lord." He is the Bulwark never failing, our Help in time of trouble. To Him should we run in our times when fear grips our hearts. Our trust is in Him.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 07.29.2018

Psalm 134:1B "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord."

One of the marks of the Holiness people through the years has been their freedom in worship. Often through the years, services have been crowned with the glory, and the saints took their liberty and gave God the praise He deserves.

The modern praise movement is a cheap imitation, where worldly, sinful people take a few minutes a week to give God token acknowledgement. This they will do, then go out to restaurants, shopping, and ball games. But the genuine shouts of the Godly saints, whose lives mirror the word and will of God, is a blessing to witness. The Lord inhabits the praises of His people.

We must not allow the devil to steal our shouts and praises. Start today.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 07.22.2018

Psalm 34:16 "The face of the LORD is against them that do evil..."

What would it be to have the God of the universe against you? His face is against all evil doers. You cannot have the blessing of the LORD, and be an evildoer. It's sad when people pretend to be in the good graces of God, and yet their lives spell out the fact that they are evildoers.

We understand what it is like when we have offended someone, and their countenance has changed against us. You feel the coolness, you sense that the air is heavy with the controversy. The only way to clear the air is to ask forgiveness - then immediately peace ensues.

It's time to clear the air with the LORD. We need His face to shine upon us. Do it today.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 07.15.2018

Psalm 127:3 "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord..."

This Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Debora and myself will host the ICHA Kid's Camp for the 24th time. Children 3-12 will gather from across the USA. ICHA Kid's Camp is the Oldest and Largest Kid's Camp in the Conservative Holiness Movement, with over 170 registered last year. Over 300 were being fed every meal in the dining hall. It is a gargantuan task.

This year, our theme is: "It happened on the farm." So many things happened on the farm in the Bible. We covet your prayers for the camp and its many helpers. We want this week to be a life changer for the children.

A large group will be going from here at Calvary Church. We are still over $300 short of our goal of $1,000. What can you give? Mark your gift for Kid's Camp.

Thanks for all you do for Jesus.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 07.08.2018

John 15:5 "Without me, ye can do nothing."

Did it ever occur to you that those who do not know or claim Jesus are really doing nothing? Without him, nothing is done. So people can go though an entire life, and have done nothing that registers in Heaven. It is amazing to think of the millions in this world that are doing nothing every day, every week, every year. People who build great things, have talents in many areas, sing like song birds, or stir crowds with their oratory have all done nothing without Christ. In Heaven, an empty account shows they have done nothing worthy of Heaven's notice. There are people who have millions of dollars in their earthly accounts but are bankrupt in Heaven. Our works are worthless when Jesus is left out. A great host of people will wake up in eternity and will be shocked at judgement to learn they spent an entire lifetime doing nothing, and teaching others, including their own children and grandchildren, to do nothing as well. It will be a catastrophe of untold dimension.

What have you done this week?

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 07.01.2018

James 4:7 "Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you."

This verse is very strong. To get rid of the Devil and all his suggestions and ugly insinuations, we must just resist him. The best way is to starve him out. Do nothing that will cause him to linger. Resisting is proactive. Feast on God's Word and good wholesome books. Set yourself against him - your face like a flint. Don't get used to him being near. Make him unwelcome, run him off, give him no quarter, spare him no time, fight against him with all your being. Have a good season of prayer, involve yourself in God's work. Remove all temptation. Seek Godly counsel. Whatever you have to do... Resist. The promise is...He will flee.

Stand firm on this promise.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 06.24.2018

Psalm 74:17 "...Thou hast made summer and winter."

Here we are in the midst of summer. It seems only yesterday we were longing for warm weather. Now, we are overwhelmed with yard work, weeds in the garden, summer camps, picnics, fishing, and everything that accompanies the summer season.

God was very wise to have changing seasons to awaken new hopes and fresh zeal into our lives. We are better off for having change forced upon us. At times, seasons seem to drag on forever - but not so with summer. It is everyone's time for growing. The children have a break from school and outgrow their clothes. The garden produces great bounty to be stored away for cold nights ahead.

The camp meeting season is a growing time for us spiritually. New voices open the Word to us, and we are given new chances to gain spiritual ground. Devotions on the porch bring life to our hearts - time with children and grandchildren brings us closer to one another. Summer is God's growing season.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 06.17.2018

Proverbs 13:20 "A wise son heareth his father's instruction ...."

Today, we celebrate Fathers who are living and remember those who have passed on into eternity. We must remember that not every father mirrors the love and faithfulness of the Heavenly Father. Many have no recollection of their father being a Christian or spiritual leader in the home; yet, they had much to learn from him, and possibly have inherited many of his personality traits, both good and bad. Some fathers were absent and played no role at all in the lives of their children. Other fathers have done wickedly, and have done personal harm and hurt to their children that only eternity will reveal. God intended that every home should have a father and mother present - showing the children the right way to live. Children who had a great dad often find it easier to understand a loving Heavenly Father. Those who have not experienced a dad's love and care suffer from the lack of a father image that shows the love of God. Whatever has been your experience, you can break the cycle.

Guys, you can be a mirror image of God's love and show a generation what a good father is.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 05.27.2018

Joshua 4:7b ".....these stones shall be for a memorial....."

This weekend, and on Monday, we celebrate Memorial Day. The day started out as Decoration Day and began after the Civil War to commemorate the Civil War dead. The day continued to be Decoration Day until 1967, when it became Memorial Day.

Although it was begun to remember the various War heroes, it finally became a day to remember everyone who has passed away. I have memories of taking live flowers in fruit jars to the various graves as a child.

Memorial Day has now evolved into a day for cookouts and family gatherings and has lost much of it's original intent. However, we need to pause to remember all those who have given so much for our freedoms and rights. Also those who have given us our great spiritual heritage.

God bless their memory.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 05.20.2018

Acts 2:1 "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place."

Today, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, 50 days after resurrection. Ten days after Jesus went back to Heaven, Pentecost happened. It was the promised enduement Jesus told his disciples to wait for. Many believers today do not tarry for the promised power, that sanctifies the soul, and makes it possible to live holy and Godly lives. We claim Holiness as our watchword, but few are willing to die out to self, and allow the Holy Ghost to take complete charge - burning out all inbred sin in sanctifying power.

It is still the need of our generation. Make the consecration, trust in God, and then let the Holy Ghost come in.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 05.13.2018

Proverbs 31:28a .."Her children rise up and call her blessed."

Today, all thoughts turn toward Mother. For many of us, it's a day to remember, because our mothers have gone into eternity. They will never be forgotten. All their hard work, all their love, all their wisdom, and all their patience will forever be a memorial to them. For those that still have their mother, it's a great day to celebrate all the love and understanding that mother gives throughout the year. Many young ladies will be celebrating their first Mother's Day this year, because of a new baby that has come since last Mother's Day.

Let every mother strive to be a praying mother.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 05.06.2018

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

We all know that God's Word will never be found wanting. So we can be sure the sinner will be plagued with sorrows of all kinds. It is God's Word. It is established. The way to hell will have a ditch filled with sorrows on both sides. We see this working to so many people, and sadly, their lives reflect one heartache and struggle after another, with various afflictions and troubles abounding.

So different is the path of the Christian. Completely surrounding is His mercy - trials, yet mercy; struggles, yet mercy surrounds. We are the island, and the waters of mercy are lapping on the shores of our lives every day. We can look back and see the part mercy has played in all our situations.

It isn't too hard to see the difference in the two situations. The murky stench of sorrow in the ditches of the life of the sinner are alarming and dreadful.

God's ways are past finding out. His way is best.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 04.29.2018

John 12:43 "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."

In this verse, we are told why the Pharisees did not confess Christ; they feared their positions in the synagogue. The praise of their fellows meant more than a profession of faith in Christ. In the Pharisees, we see a type of many people today. They see the works of God and have some desire to know him. They are persuaded that this way has merit and represents truth. They have a longing to throw themselves into the way of Holiness, and have known those who professed this way, and believed in them. But, there is one problem - what others will think of them, what going this way will cost them in terms of their loved ones, social standing, and work partners. When they weigh the cost, they feel it is too great, and they remain out of God's grace and are eternally lost when they die...all for social standing. This world is no friend of grace, and never has been. There is always a cost. The Pharisees counted it, and they found themselves unwilling to make the break with their love of position.

What will you do?

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 04.22.2018

Matthew 6:4 "That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father that seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. V.6 " But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father, which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

In these two verses, we are advised to do two things in secret, both of which have open rewards; one is giving. Our giving is not done for show, or for praise of men. Whether to the poor, or the widow, or the Lord's tithes and offerings, we are to do our giving for the glory of God. And our Father in heaven, who sees all things, shall grant us openly our rewards, as only Heaven can. God does nothing in a small way, but always largely. Then, again, our praying is best done in the secret closet, where we are not heard or seen of men. Our secret prayers are not secret when they can be heard a half mile away. When we pour out our prayers from an humble heart, our Father in Heaven rewards our prayers with answers such as heaven affords.

May God help us to be believers and show great faith.Let us be diligent in both areas, and watch for the answer back from Heaven.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 04.15.2018

Matthew 15:28 "Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."

In the New Testament, Jesus was always looking for faith; and when He saw it, it was rewarded. How are we doing when it comes to faith? Are we too self-sufficient to exercise faith? Is our faith so weak it is like a low battery in a flashlight, barely giving a dim light? If a meter was made to register faith, and 100 was "great faith," what do you think your score would be? Jesus said "ye have not because ye ask not."

In recent days, we have seen things that were impossible come to pass. These things are boosters to our faith.

May God help us to be believers and show great faith.

- Rollin Mitchell

The Pastor's Corner - 04.01.2018

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 - 03.18.2018

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 - 03.11.2018

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 - 03.04.2018

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 - 02.25.2018

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 - 02.18.2018

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 - 02.11.2018

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 - 01.28.2018

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 - 01.21.2018

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 - 01.14.2018

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 - 01.07.2018

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