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.

All Creatures

Posted on December 29, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It is good and right for us to praise the name of the Lord. “His name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” God reigns. Let the earth be glad. Let’s join the angels and worship God our King! Continue reading →

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King of Kings

Posted on December 28, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Since the fall of man in the garden, all of creation has been waiting in anxious anticipation of this day. The suffering and pain brought on by sin is not forgotten by God. It will be vindicated as Jesus comes in his glory. Those who have endured persecution look to this day of victory. Indeed, all of creation waits for his coming: the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Continue reading →

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The Good Shepherd

Posted on December 27, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Earthly leaders do often fail us. Yet God is with us to lead us and guide us (Psalm 23), and he has given us the good shepherd in Jesus to love and care for us. Follow his lead. Continue reading →

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Rejoice Greatly!

Posted on December 26, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In Jesus, the prophecies find fulfillment. He is the Messiah, gentle and riding on a donkey. Years before it comes to pass, Zechariah envisioned the gentle King and rejoiced. Indeed, the celebration of Christ’s coming to earth is a reason for all of us to rejoice. So rejoice, O daughter of Zion! As another great Christmas hymn says so well: “Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing!” Continue reading →

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Emmanuel: God with Us

Posted on December 25, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

To the one who receives Him, he gives the greatest gift of all, Eternal life. Joy to the world! Merry Christmas! Continue reading →

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Generous Hearts

Posted on December 24, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

This Christmas season is a powerful reminder of the generous heart of our God who gave his one and only son for us. Let your heart be a reflection of his. Continue reading →

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Not by Might

Posted on December 23, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God often delights in choosing and anointing the weak and the foolish so that through his power they can accomplish unexpected things. Then all the glory goes to him. Continue reading →

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Sing His Praise

Posted on December 22, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Praise can transform your life. It takes our eyes off of ourselves and our problems and turns them to see the greatness and glory of our God. As we see his glory, our perspective changes. Praise shakes off the gloom and brings deep joy. Continue reading →

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The Accuser

Posted on December 21, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

He’s a liar, a thief, a deceiver. He’s the accuser of our brothers and sisters in Christ. An enemy to God and all his ways, Satan steals, kills and destroys and tries desperately to cause as much damage and havoc as he can. But his days are numbered: “He is filled with fury, because he knows his time is short” (12:12) and he has been “hurled down” (12:10). Continue reading →

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Missing Out on the Blessing

Posted on December 20, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The people procrastinated their obedience. They told the Lord, “Yes we will build the temple someday, but not yet.” They became more concerned with their own personal pleasure and building their own houses, while they neglected their call to rebuild the temple. Delaying their obedience, they lost out on the blessing of God. Continue reading →

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