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 Worthy Lamb

Posted on December 15, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The wrongs must be righted. Justice must be brought for the sin of man. But who is worthy to open the scroll? Continue reading →

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Running from God (Dec 14)

Posted on December 14, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Have you ever run from God or from a mission to which he has called you? I think most of us have. I think that the book of Jonah is popular because we all can relate to the reluctant prophet. I’m always amazed that God chose Jonah instead of a more willing prophet. Continue reading →

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Holy! Worthy!

Posted on December 13, 2020 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. Continue reading →

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Lukewarm (Dec 12)

Posted on December 12, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

December 12 Lukewarm  Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 139:13-18 | Amos 7:1-9:15 | Rev. 3:7-22 | Proverbs 29:23 Today’s Scripture Focus: Revelation 3 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or … Continue reading →

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Where Can I Go? (Dec 11)

Posted on December 11, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sometimes we think God is hiding from us. Depending on our feelings to guide our perception, we forget the objective reality spoken of by the psalmist. Wherever we go, he is there. There is no place where God is not present. There is no circumstance we encounter where he is not near. “If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me.” Continue reading →

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Your First Love (Dec 10)

Posted on December 10, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

There was one glaring fault in the Ephesian church. They had lost their first love. Continue reading →

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The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Dec 9)

Posted on December 9, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Try reading Revelation as a book of worship. Stand in awe of the revelation of Christ in his glory. Stand in awe of the wisdom of God as we get glimpses of Christ’s rule and reign. Long for more of a revelation of His presence here even as we wait for his coming in great glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Learn of Him. And worship and adore Him. Continue reading →

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Grumblers and Faultfinders (Dec 8)

Posted on December 8, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Do “grumbling” and “faultfinding” really demand such stark warnings? Boasting and flattery? We often tolerate the “sins of the tongue” and treat them as “not as big of a deal” as other sins. But they have devastating effects on people and in the life of the church. Perhaps that is why Jude includes them on his list of serious offenses. Continue reading →

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Forever (Dec 7)

Posted on December 7, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Repetition can be a powerful liturgical device. It helps us slow down and focus on a key theme long enough to let it sink in. It gives time for the truth to engage not only the mind, but the heart. Continue reading →

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Love and Obedience (Dec 6)

Posted on December 6, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

John makes several connections repeatedly throughout his letters. He repeatedly connects love for God to our obedience—especially obedience to the two great commandments (to love God and to love our neighbor). “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome” 1 John 5:3. Continue reading →

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