Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell issued an urgent warning to Christians, declaring that humanity is moving closer to the return of Jesus Christ with every passing day.
“The person that they reject now will become their ultimate judge,” Mitchell told Josh Howerton during a recent interview.
Mitchell said Christ placed humanity on a countdown when He promised His disciples that He would return. Although Scripture says no one knows the day or hour, Mitchell emphasized that the approaching return of Christ should transform how we preach, pray and reach the lost.
“I preach like a man running out of time. I pray like a man running out of time. I lead our staff like a man running out of time. I engage the unbeliever like a man running out of time,” Mitchell said.
He described several global developments as warning signs, including the rise of Islam, the decline of cash, discussions surrounding a common currency, international alliances and identity-chip technology that could potentially regulate commerce.
Mitchell compared these developments to leaves falling from trees before a brutal New York winter.
“When I look at the news in the United States, and when I look at the global headlines, to me, these are like leaves falling off the tree,” he said. “The winter is coming.”
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Mitchell then challenged the body of Christ to consider whether we are recognizing the season and preparing others for what lies ahead.
“Are we prepared for the winter? And are we preparing people for what is coming?” he asked.
His strongest warning was not directed solely toward atheists or unbelievers. Mitchell expressed deep concern for people sitting in church services with “a false insecurity,” mistakenly believing they have a genuine relationship with God.
He pointed to Christ’s warning that many who call Him “Lord” and cite their religious works will ultimately hear, “Depart from me. You workers of iniquity. I never knew you.”
Mitchell compared the present age to the days of Noah. People continued with their daily lives and mocked Noah’s warnings until the ark door closed and the rain began. By then, it was too late.
“People will scorn and they will mock until the snow start falling and they’re not prepared,” Mitchell said.
He called upon Christians to reject apathy, lethargy, indifference and compromise. Instead of remaining on the sidelines, we must faithfully proclaim biblical truth and exalt Jesus Christ, even when doing so brings ridicule or persecution.
“Somebody got to take a stand. Somebody got to contend. Somebody got to stand up and lift up their voice,” Mitchell said.
For Mitchell, silence is not an option while eternity hangs in the balance.
“You know, the only blood I want on my hands is the one that came from the cross,” he said, “but not the one that comes from being a coward.”
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
