Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

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About pastorjeffsneighborhood

Born and raised in Minnesota, I have served in churches in Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon and California. I am a graduate of Crown College (MN) and George Fox Evangelical Seminary (OR). I have also done additional graduate studies in New Testament Studies at the Center for Advanced Theological Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary (CA). I am also a graduate of the College of Prayer. Having served as the Academic Dean and Program Director at Horizon Institute of Los Angeles for several years, I have returned to the pastorate and serve as Pastor of Big Trees Community Bible Church in Arnold, CA.

The Accuser

Posted on December 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Don’t allow the accuser to keep you in defeat. Live in the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus. The accuser may try to remind you of your past, but pay no attention–you know his future. He’s only desperate because his time is short. Continue reading →

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Missing Out on the Blessing

Posted on December 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The people procrastinated their obedience. They told the Lord, “Yes we will build the temple someday, but not yet.” They became more concerned with their own personal pleasure and building their own houses, while they neglected their call to rebuild the temple. Delaying their obedience, they lost out on the blessing of God. Continue reading →

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Making God Sing

Posted on December 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Zephaniah reminds us that those who are faithful to seek the Lord humbly are a source of great delight to the Lord. He takes great delight in them, he quiets them with his love and (my favorite part) he rejoices of over them with singing. Continue reading →

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From Questions to Praise

Posted on December 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Habakkuk was a prophet who asked a lot of questions. Tough questions. The big questions we would all like to ask God, even if we wouldn’t have the boldness to ask them. “How long, O Lord?” “Why don’t you answer my prayers?” “Are you ignoring me, Lord?” “Could you please explain why you are doing this Lord? It doesn’t make sense.” These are the kinds of questions Habakkuk raises to God. Continue reading →

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Never Alone

Posted on December 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Often in our desperate cries for help when we are just about to give up, hope mysteriously appears. Our eyes turn from our problems and ourselves to the one who is our hope. Continue reading →

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O Little Town of Bethlehem

Posted on December 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The gospel writers repeatedly stress that the story of Christmas—the birth of Jesus–was foretold in numerous passages by several Old Testament prophets. One of the most famous is the prophecy of Micah Continue reading →

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The Worthy Lamb

Posted on December 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sin must be judged, and the worthy lamb that died that we might have life, was the perfect one to mete out the judgment and justice of God in the end times. God is incredibly patient and compassionate. He brings mercy to those who will humble themselves and receive it. But one day, sin and its horrific consequences must be dealt with. Every victim of sin looks to the worthy Lamb, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to conquer and bring justice once for all. Continue reading →

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Running from God

Posted on December 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Jonah’s story reminds us that God uses imperfect people to accomplish his purposes. In the process, he is shaping and forming our character. Continue reading →

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Holy! Worthy!

Posted on December 13, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Imagine that you are standing before the throne of God in heaven! That is what John is describing here: his vision of heaven. The scripture often suggests that we set our mind on heavenly things. Perhaps we need to return to these verses again and again. Continue reading →

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Lukewarm

Posted on December 12, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As with any relationship, our relationship with the Lord can over time become “lukewarm.” In such times, we lack the passion, the desire, the zeal we once had. We get sloppy about our obedience. We often think we “have it together,” but it’s clear that something is just not right. Continue reading →

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