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.

Out of the Shadows

Jesus came as the Light of the world to bring us out of the darkness and into the light.  His signs showed forth the glorious light that we might believe. Yet people reacted in different ways to the light. Continue reading

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Extravagant Worship

Worship takes many forms. Continue reading

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Sometimes God Waits

Often God waits. Why? Continue reading

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Mercy Triumphs

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

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The Good Shepherd

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?

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

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

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

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!

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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