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.

No Easy Answers

Posted on August 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As our faith is stretched, as our character is developed, as we search for deeper answers, and as we just stand in awe of the God whose mind and purposes are beyond our understanding we come to know Him in a deeper way. As we learn to trust him even when the answers don’t come and when we don’t sense his presence, we learn the fellowship of sharing in Christ’s sufferings. These are lessons of trust we could learn no other way. Continue reading →

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Under His Wings

Posted on August 22, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is when life becomes dangerous and hard when protection is needed. It is then that the mother hen gathers her chicks and covers them with her wings. So in our lives, it is in the midst of the trials that God gathers us close and protects us in the refuge of “his wings”. Continue reading →

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Hard Times

Posted on August 21, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

How do we handle unimaginable tragedy? What do we do when our worst nightmares come true? This is the stuff that Job had to deal with. This is the stuff that this book deals with. Continue reading →

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If. . .

Posted on August 20, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Love enables us to work together and learn from each other. Some in the body bring discernment to extremes; others help bring openness to the true working of God. As we love each other, we learn from each other. Gifts are given to build up the body, not to tear it apart. As we serve in love, that is exactly what happens. Continue reading →

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Finding Your Place

Posted on August 19, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God has a place of service for you. A place where your passion, experience, and giftedness comes together to meet a need. You are a unique but important piece of the puzzle that will not be complete until you find your place. Continue reading →

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Behind the Scenes

Posted on August 18, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is at work behind the scenes using people like you and me to accomplish his purposes. He has placed us where we are “for such a time as this.” We may live in a land of compromise, but we do not have to compromise. God will use us “in such a time as this” as we stand strong with a willingness to risk it all for the sake of the Gospel. Continue reading →

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Time to Celebrate

Posted on August 17, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God made a way for the impossible to be done. He had shown himself faithful again and again. As they remembered his goodness, they were filled with joy. Continue reading →

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I Could Sing of Your Love Forever

Posted on August 16, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God’s love for us is a truth that provides a firm foundation. There are many things in this world that we do not understand, or cannot understand. God’s love and faithfulness is the foundational truth through which we filter the questions in our attempts to make sense of the tough times. Continue reading →

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All Things To All People

Posted on August 15, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We have a message for all ages, for all peoples, for all languages and cultures. Let us seek to understand those we are communicating with, so we can better relate the gospel to them in ways that best communicate the truth. Continue reading →

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Strengthened by Joy

Posted on August 14, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Each day is an opportunity for celebration as we hear and understand God’s word. Understanding it brings joy, and that “joy of the Lord is our strength” (8:12). God teaches us principles that enable us to live “life to the full.” His promises give us hope that strengthens us through the most difficult of times. Continue reading →

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