This Advent meditation invites us into a profound exploration of why the incarnation matters so deeply. Drawing from Colossians 1:15-23, we encounter Jesus not merely as a historical figure, but as the image of the invisible God—the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together. The passage reveals that Jesus isn't just a part of creation; he is the architect and sustainer of everything we see and don't see. What makes this particularly powerful is the reminder that if Christ sustains the entire universe, keeping Earth perfectly balanced on its axis year after year, then he certainly sustains us in our daily struggles. The text challenges us to examine where we've placed our anchors—are we looking to retail therapy, possessions, or even family traditions to sustain us this season? Or are we truly anchored in Christ alone? Like a photographer who must choose between focusing on a beautiful apple tree or the child in the frame, we're called to make Christ our singular focus, cropping out whatever distracts from him. This Advent, we're invited to prepare our hearts by recognizing that the one who came to dwell with us is the preeminent Lord of all creation, worthy of our complete devotion and trust. This sermon was first preached November 30, 2025 by Pastor Jason Mitchell at Springfield Church of God.

This powerful message takes us deep into Luke 17:11-19, where we encounter ten lepers who cry out to Jesus for mercy—but only one returns to give thanks. What unfolds is more than a story about physical healing; it's a profound exploration of the relationship between faith and gratitude. We're challenged to examine where we look for mercy in our own lives and whether we truly recognize Jesus as the source of all restoration. The shocking twist that the one grateful leper was a Samaritan—someone the Jews despised—reminds us that God's mercy transcends our cultural prejudices and expectations. This narrative invites us to consider how we respond when Jesus moves in our lives. Do we continue on our way, or do we turn back with loud voices of praise? The text reveals that true healing involves more than just physical restoration—it encompasses the salvation of our souls. We're reminded that we all suffer from spiritual leprosy, unclean and unable to save ourselves, yet Jesus offers complete healing to those who fall at His feet in faith and gratitude. This Thanksgiving season, we're called to live with postures of continuous thanksgiving, recognizing that everything we have flows from God's goodness and mercy. This sermon was first preached at Springfield Church of God by Pastor Jason Mitchell on November 23, 2025.

This powerful exploration of Psalm 136 invites us into a transformative understanding of gratitude that transcends our circumstances. We discover that thanksgiving isn't merely a response to favorable situations, but a theological foundation rooted in who God is and what He has done throughout history. The psalm's repeated refrain—'His steadfast love endures forever'—echoes twenty-six times, creating a rhythm that should pulse through our daily lives. The Hebrew word 'chesed' captures something profound: God's promise-keeping loyalty motivated by deep personal care. This isn't just divine obligation; it's relational devotion. As we journey from creation's majesty to Israel's deliverance from Egypt, from the parting of the Red Sea to victories over impossible enemies, we see a pattern emerge. God sustains those who call upon Him. The story of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, who spent decades feeding seagulls in gratitude for the one bird that saved his life at sea, illustrates how true gratitude should change us permanently. When we truly grasp what God has rescued us from—our low estate, our sin, our spiritual death—our response cannot be casual. The ultimate expression of God's steadfast love arrives in Jesus Christ, where divine faithfulness meets human need at the cross. This Thanksgiving season, we're challenged to move beyond cultural expressions of gratitude to lives fundamentally transformed by understanding God's unchanging character and His personal investment in our stories. This sermon was first preached by Pastor Jason Mitchell at Springfield Church of God on November 16, 2025.

This powerful message challenges us to reconsider what it truly means to be the church in a rapidly changing world. Drawing from Ephesians 4, we're reminded that God has given each of us specific gifts—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—not to sit idle, but to actively participate in building up the body of Christ. The core issue confronting modern Christianity isn't a lack of belief, but rather our behavior and our tendency to place all ministry responsibilities on the pastor's shoulders. We've become a church of spectators rather than participants, tippers rather than tithers, consumers rather than contributors. The tongue-twister story about Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody perfectly captures our predicament: we all assume someone else will do the work of ministry. But Paul's vision in Ephesians is radically different—he calls us to maturity, unity, and active engagement. Whether we're retired seniors who can teach children to read, natural conversationalists who can evangelize, or caregivers who can shepherd others, we each have a role that cannot be delegated. The church across from the elementary school discovered this truth when they stopped waiting for young families to arrive and instead started serving the children already in their neighborhood. The question isn't whether we have a gift, but whether we're using it. Until we all step into our calling, the body remains incomplete, immature, and unable to reach a world desperately searching for authentic Christianity. This sermon was first preached on November 9th, 2025 at Springfield Church of God by Fred Douglas.

This powerful message invites us into a paradox that defies worldly logic: true victory comes through surrender. We journey through three compelling biblical narratives that illuminate this counterintuitive truth. First, we witness Abraham's extraordinary faith as he prepares to sacrifice Isaac, the son he waited decades to receive. His willingness to surrender what he treasured most reveals a trust so deep that it foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice God would make. Then we encounter Gideon, whose army is reduced from 32,000 to just 300 men—not because God lacks resources, but because He wants us to recognize that victory belongs to Him alone. When we surrender our illusions of self-sufficiency, we make space for God's true power to manifest. Finally, we kneel with Jesus in Gethsemane, where even the Son of God models surrender, praying 'not my will, but yours be done.' His submission to the Father's will leads to the cross, and through that apparent defeat comes the ultimate victory over sin and death. These stories challenge us to examine our own lives: What are we clutching too tightly? Where are we relying on our own strength rather than God's? The invitation is clear—when we release control and surrender fully to God, we discover that His ways are higher, His power is greater, and His victory is assured. This sermon was first preached November 2nd, 2025 by Pastor Jason Mitchell at Springfield Church of God.

In this powerful exploration of spiritual warfare, we discover that the battles we face aren't merely physical or emotional—they're deeply spiritual. Drawing from Ephesians 6:10-20, we're confronted with a profound truth: our strength alone will never be sufficient. Like New Year's resolutions that crumble or addictions we can't shake through willpower, our human efforts fall short when facing spiritual opposition. The passage reveals that Satan's schemes are real, active, and designed to pull us away from God's righteousness. Yet here's the beautiful paradox—while we're called to fight, we're simultaneously called to rely entirely on God's strength, not our own. The armor of God isn't optional equipment for the spiritually elite; it's essential protection for every believer. Each piece—the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit—serves a specific purpose in protecting us from the ruler of darkness. What makes this armor extraordinary is that unlike physical body armor that cracks and fails, God's armor never grows old or ineffective. We're reminded that prayer isn't passive but an active weapon in this battle, demonstrated powerfully through Paul's request for prayer while imprisoned for the very gospel he refused to stop proclaiming. This message calls us to wake up to the reality of spiritual warfare and arm ourselves daily, recognizing that victory comes not through our might, but through standing firm in the Lord's strength. This sermon was first preached October 26, 2025 by Pastor Jason at Springfield Church of God. (We lost power at one point during which we lost 5 minutes of the sermon)

In this powerful exploration of Daniel 6, we're challenged to examine our response to adversity through the lens of unwavering faith. The story of Daniel in the lions' den isn't just a tale of miraculous deliverance; it's a testament to the transformative power of steadfast prayer and trust in God. We're reminded that even in the face of unjust laws and life-threatening situations, our first response should be to turn to God in prayer. Daniel's example of praying three times daily, regardless of consequences, inspires us to deepen our own prayer lives and depend more fully on God. The parallels drawn between Daniel's experience and Christ's resurrection highlight the theme of divine deliverance, emphasizing that it is God alone who saves. This message challenges us to examine our own lives – are we living in a way that our faith is our defining characteristic? Are we willing to stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with opposition? As we reflect on Daniel's story, we're encouraged to cultivate a faith that not only withstands trials but also points others to the living God. The sermon was first preached October 19, 2025 by Pastor Jason Mitchell at Springfield Church of God.

In this powerful exploration of Daniel 3, we're challenged to confront the idols in our modern lives. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego standing firm against King Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue reminds us that idolatry isn't just about physical objects, but anything that takes priority over God in our hearts. We're called to recognize and resist the subtle idols of our time - be it sports, fashion, wealth, or even our own desires. Their unwavering faith in the face of a fiery furnace teaches us the importance of standing apart from the crowd, even when it's difficult or costly. As we seek victory over darkness in our lives, we're encouraged to trust in God's deliverance, whether it comes through miraculous intervention or the ultimate rescue of eternal life with Him. This message invites us to examine our own lives and ask: What are we prioritizing above God, and are we prepared to stand firm in our faith when challenged? This sermon was first preached October 12, 2025 at Springfield Church of God by Pastor Jason Mitchell.

In this powerful exploration of the Book of Ruth, we delve into the profound themes of redemption, faithfulness, and God's sovereign plan. This Old Testament narrative serves as a beautiful illustration of how God works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. We witness the transformation of Naomi from bitterness to joy, and Ruth's unwavering loyalty leading to an unexpected place in Israel's history. The story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is weaving a tapestry of redemption. Just as Boaz became Ruth's kinsman-redeemer, we see a foreshadowing of Christ as our ultimate Redeemer. This message challenges us to trust in God's provision and timing, even when we can't see the full picture. It encourages us to live with integrity and faithfulness, knowing that our actions can have far-reaching impacts beyond what we can imagine. As we reflect on Ruth's story, we're invited to consider how God might be using our own ordinary lives for His extraordinary purposes. This sermon was first preached at Springfield Church of God on October 5, 2025 by Pastor Jason Mitchell

In this exploration of Ruth chapter 3, we delve into the powerful themes of hope, integrity, and divine timing. The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz beautifully illustrates how hope can lead to action, even in the darkest times. We're reminded that maintaining hope, rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ, can spur us to move forward rather than remain stagnant. The narrative also challenges us to choose integrity at all times, even when no one is watching. Just as Ruth and Boaz demonstrated honorable behavior in a potentially compromising situation, we too are called to uphold God's values in both light and darkness. This story serves as a poignant reminder that fulfillment of God's promises often takes time, requiring patience and trust in His sovereign plan. As we reflect on this chapter, we're encouraged to see how our own stories of redemption mirror the greater narrative of Christ's redemptive work in our lives. This sermon was first preached at Springfield Church of God on September 28th, 2025 by Pastor Jason Mitchell.