“Cut It Off”: Jesus’ Radical Call to Holiness
When Mitchell reached Jesus’ command to “cut off” a hand or “pluck out” an eye, he explained that Jesus was not calling for self-harm but for decisive spiritual action — eliminating behaviors and environments that lead to sin.
“It’s better to suffer in discipline than end up in hell without repentance,” he said.
He challenged the idea that grace permits ongoing disobedience. “Those who endure to the end shall be saved,” he reminded the room.
Then came a moment of frankness that drew nervous laughter:
“Ain’t nobody’s pipe game worth going to hell over.”
A Pastor Who Preaches With Urgency — And Vulnerability
Mitchell often says he preaches with such intensity because eternity is at stake. He has also spoken openly about his past — dealing drugs, paying for abortions, attempting suicide, and battling depression.
“I shed a lot of tears because I feel often ill-equipped, undeserving,” he said. “God used failure to transform my life.”
It’s a vulnerability that resonates deeply with his congregation.
A Call to Repentance and Hope
As the sermon closed, many wept, knelt, or sat quietly before God. Mitchell invited them to confess hidden sins, not to shame them but to free them.
“Ring out your heart,” he said. “Tell Him what’s there. He already knows.”
He ended with two practical steps:
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Increase your love for Jesus.
“The more you love Him, the harder it becomes to sin against Him.” -
Ask God for a hatred of sin.
“You cannot tolerate what God calls poison.”
Before dismissing the congregation, he gave one final reminder:
“You can do this. Christ has given you the power to live holy.”
