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 Real Thing (Sept 16)

Posted on September 16, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The real thing—the heart of the gospel—is Christ living in you and me. The key to living the Christian life is not trying hard to live by the rules in my own strength and power. It is all about a grace based relationship with the one who loves me most—Jesus. Continue reading →

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Stealing Freedom (Sept 15)

Posted on September 15, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Be careful of any system that adds requirements to the gospel. One common form of such a system is legalism. Legalism attempts to place people in bondage to a religious system of rules and to take away the freedom that flows from a relationship with Christ. Continue reading →

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Good News (Sept 14)

Posted on September 14, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The gospel is good news for all people. We should not do anything to confuse or pervert it. We should not add to it. We should not make it more difficult through adding rules or condemnation. We should not exclude those unlike us. In fact, we should go out of our way to eliminate the distractions and let the simple truth shine through. The gospel is meant to be good news for all people of all cultures. Continue reading →

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Passing the Test (Sept 13)

Posted on September 13, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Paul reminds us that we sometimes need to check our progress in the faith. Are we growing up in the faith? Are we becoming more and more like Jesus? Or are we just drifting along without any apparent progress, or worse, losing ground? Continue reading →

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The Big Picture (Sept 12)

Posted on September 12, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When what we see with our eyes doesn’t seem to make sense, it is time to look at the big picture—to get an eternal perspective. For Isaiah, that meant pointing to the hope of the coming Messiah. In earlier chapters he warned of judgment, but even in all that he points to the hope that one day the Messiah will come. Continue reading →

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He Will Reign (Sept 11)

Posted on September 11, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When everything else falls. . . The cross still stands. Continue reading →

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Holy Love (Sept 10)

Posted on September 10, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

To see and worship God in holiness brings to light our true condition. We become painfully aware of our weakness and sin. It leads us to confession and repentance that brings us to the joy of forgiveness and cleansing. Continue reading →

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Boasting in Weakness (Sept 9)

Posted on September 9, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

September 9 Boasting in Weakness  Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 102:18-28 | Isaiah 3:1-5:30 | 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 | Proverbs 22:28-29 Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 11 “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness” … Continue reading →

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Demolishing Strongholds

Posted on September 9, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

September 8 Demolishing Strongholds Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 102:12-17 | Isaiah 1:1-2:22 | 2 Corinthians 10:1-18 | Proverbs 22:26-27 Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 10:1-18 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, … Continue reading →

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Tired of Waiting (Sept 7)

Posted on September 7, 2020 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Can you relate to the Psalmist? Have you ever had a time when you grew tired of waiting for the answer to your prayer? Maybe you are like me and you feel that way most every day. Continue reading →

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