Author Archives: pastorjeffsneighborhood

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.

Sometimes God Waits

Posted on May 20, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Often God waits. Why? Continue reading →

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Mercy Triumphs

Posted on May 19, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Instead of taking things into his own hands, David leaves judgment to the Lord. Continue reading →

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The Good Shepherd

Posted on May 18, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Welcome to the sheep pen. You have heard the voice of the Shepherd and have entered through the gate to life lived to the full. Continue reading →

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Speculation or Expectation?

Posted on May 17, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The disciples saw an opportunity for speculation. Jesus saw an opportunity for expectation.
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Disciples Find Freedom

Posted on May 16, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What is a disciple? Elsewhere Jesus tells us that a disciple is a student who becomes like his or her teacher. His teaching here amplifies that by suggesting a disciple is one who becomes like Christ by the discipline of hearing and obeying his commands. He further shows that the disciple, who is a “son” by rights and relationship, is able to find freedom from sin. Continue reading →

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Big Problems

Posted on May 15, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Problems come in all sizes. David had faced some big ones already—lions and bears, for example. But this problem was “Super-sized”—bigger than big. He stood nearly 10 feet tall and he had a mouth to match. Continue reading →

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Fear of God vs. Fear of Man

Posted on May 14, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Saul admitted that he had disobeyed out of fear of his men (24). This is a common problem and it keeps many leaders from greatness.  When we fear man more than we fear God—when we give in to the whims of the people instead of holding true to what we know God has called us to do—we give in to a spirit of fear and intimidation and God’s will is abandoned for something more to the people’s liking. Continue reading →

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Come Now, Let Us Go!

Posted on May 13, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Are you a risk taker? God often calls his people to move beyond their comfort zones to a place of risky faith. Continue reading →

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He Remains Faithful

Posted on May 12, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God’s faithfulness is rooted in the glory of his name. He had by his own good pleasure chosen these people and made them his own.  For the sake of his glorious name, he would not abandon them or forsake them. He would show them and all the world the greatness and glory of his name (and the character it reveals) as one who is loving, good and faithful even to those who prove unfaithful. Continue reading →

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He Bears Our Burdens

Posted on May 11, 2022 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We do not carry our burdens alone. We have a God and Savior who is there to help us bear our burdens daily. We have someone to turn to each and every day. Continue reading →

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