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.

Devoted to Good Works

Posted on October 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

While good works are never the way to salvation, good works are the natural result of it. In fact, we are saved to do good works. Therefore Paul says, “those who have believed in God” should “be careful to devote themselves to good works.” They should “learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruitful.” Continue reading →

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It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Posted on October 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Truly his grace is amazing. Everything we need for salvation, to say no to sin, to live upright and godly lives, and even the desire to do what is right and good.  It’s not just for breakfast anymore . . . not just for getting started in the Christian life, but for all of life. Continue reading →

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Looking For Leaders

Posted on October 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

A grace-filled way to look at the list is to realize that these are qualities God wants to build into your life so that you can be used in greater measure for him. They are a measure of the life we should pursue. Continue reading →

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Itchy Ears

Posted on October 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

I an age of misinformation and disinformation it is easy to be misled. Fueled by social media algorithms it is easy to live in a bubble which give us talking points that reinforce our biases. Bombarded by partisan voices which fuel outrage and fear, we lose our perspective and our hope.    Over and against all this, we must prioritize the meat of the scriptures and time spent in the presence of the one who holds our future. Continue reading →

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Don’t Forget the “So That”

Posted on October 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

If we are not being equipped for service and using what we know in ministry, then we have missed the point of Bible Study. We have forgotten the “so that” of this passage. Continue reading →

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Purity

Posted on October 23, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When we realize that the principles of the Word have been given to us by a loving and gracious God who only desires the best for us, we will delight in the Word and rejoice in our obedience to it. Our motivation for obedience moves from “have to” to “want to,” and that is a much more powerful motivation that can indeed enable us to walk in purity. Continue reading →

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Replacing Fear with Boldness

Posted on October 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Standing in the victory of Christ, we can resist the spirit of fear. Empowered by the Spirit we can find boldness in our walk with Christ, and in our witness. Continue reading →

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Money Matters

Posted on October 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

October 21 Money Matters Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 118:22-29; Jeremiah 37:1-38:28; 1 Timothy 6:1-21; Proverbs 25:28 Today’s Scripture Focus: 1 Timothy 6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take … Continue reading →

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My Strength and My Song

Posted on October 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What is your situation today? Remember that the LORD with you. He is your helper. He is your strength. He is your song. He has become your salvation! Continue reading →

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Set an Example

Posted on October 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We live in a day looking for people of integrity—examples we can follow. Take Paul’s advice to heart:

“Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Continue reading →

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