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 Praise of All Peoples

Posted on October 18, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

All the cultures of the world with their own languages, music, arts and craftsmanship have a unique beauty. Each in a unique way shows us a glimpse of what it means to be created in God’s image. Continue reading →

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Devoted to Closeness

Posted on October 17, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What is God looking for in his people? He is looking for people who are devoted to be close to Him. What is God looking for, especially in leaders? He is looking for leaders who are devoted to be close to Him. Continue reading →

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How Could We Ever Repay the Lord for His Goodness?

Posted on October 16, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When he shows his goodness and answers our prayers, often in ways more gracious and wonderful than we have asked or imagined, we ask (like the psalmist) “what can I do to repay you?” Continue reading →

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Open Doors and Open Hearts

Posted on October 15, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Prayer lays the foundation for effective sharing. Prayer opens doors and opens hearts. Continue reading →

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Eternal Encouragement

Posted on October 14, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

bruised by the circumstances of life. They hoped that Jesus would return quickly, but were beginning to wonder if they had missed out somehow. Continue reading →

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Beyond Good Intentions (Oct 13)

Posted on October 13, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In our own strength, we have many good purposes and many good intentions, but little follow through. Paul is praying for the strength to follow through and accomplish all the good things we intend to do for the Lord. Paul is praying for these Christians to not only be people of good intentions, but people who follow through to finish all that God has called them to do–and to finish well. Continue reading →

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Always

Posted on October 12, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

we all have times where we are joyful, times when we pray, and  times when we are thankful. But are we always joyful? Do we pray continually (without ceasing)? Are we truly thankful in all circumstances? Words like all and always make these verses difficult. Yet, this is God’s will for you.   Continue reading →

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Clay in the Hands of the Potter

Posted on October 11, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In the hands of the master potter, our heavenly Father, we are shaped and formed. We start out as marred vessels–marred by our own sin, beaten up by the sins of others. Then the potter goes to work. Continue reading →

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What a Blessing! (Oct 10)

Posted on October 10, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He blesses them by asking God to fill them with love for each other. He has already commended them for their love, but here he prays for even more of it. “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other.” There is always need to pray for God to give us increasing and overflowing love for each other.  Continue reading →

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Real Faith Means Hard Work (Oct 9)

Posted on October 9, 2021 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul thanks God continually for the Thessalonian church. They are a church that is evidencing the supreme Christian virtues of “faith, hope and love.” Interestingly, they evidence those virtues through their work, labor and endurance. Continue reading →

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