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.

Growing Up or Growing Old?

Posted on November 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

“Growth and maturity require more than years of ‘pew time,” they require years of diligent learning, application and obedience.” Continue reading →

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Where are the Watchmen?

Posted on November 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Israel needed a watchman in Ezekiel’s day. We need them today—men and women called to watch and pray—and boldly speak when God give us the words to say. Continue reading →

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Encouragement

Posted on November 1, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The ministry of encouragement is powerful, and it is one that we are all called to. Some may be especially gifted by God at it–someone like Barnabas in the New Testament–but we are all invited to join the ministry of encouragement: “Encourage one another daily.” Let me encourage you to be an encourager today. Continue reading →

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Drifting

Posted on October 31, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Drifting comes easily and is deadly. Be on your guard. Watch and pray. Don’t allow small compromises to eat away at and eventually steal your spiritual fervor and vitality. Continue reading →

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Great is Thy Faithfulness

Posted on October 30, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Often life doesn’t make sense. It can be hard. In those times we can always come to God with our laments. But don’t get stuck in the pit of self-pity and despair: look up with eyes of faith to the one whose love never ceases, whose mercies are new every morning, and sing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness!” Continue reading →

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Tears

Posted on October 29, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

When confronted by things we can’t understand we must do the same. Laments and tears are a means of healing for our wounded hearts. They are also a powerful means of intercession as we look to God to bring beauty from the ashes. Continue reading →

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Devoted to Good Works

Posted on October 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

While good works are never the way to salvation, good works are the natural result of it. In fact, we are saved to do good works. Therefore Paul says, “those who have believed in God” should “be careful to devote themselves to good works.” They should “learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruitful.” Continue reading →

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It’s Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Posted on October 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Truly his grace is amazing. Everything we need for salvation, to say no to sin, to live upright and godly lives, and even the desire to do what is right and good.  It’s not just for breakfast anymore . . . not just for getting started in the Christian life, but for all of life. Continue reading →

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Looking For Leaders

Posted on October 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

A grace-filled way to look at the list is to realize that these are qualities God wants to build into your life so that you can be used in greater measure for him. They are a measure of the life we should pursue. Continue reading →

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Itchy Ears

Posted on October 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

I an age of misinformation and disinformation it is easy to be misled. Fueled by social media algorithms it is easy to live in a bubble which give us talking points that reinforce our biases. Bombarded by partisan voices which fuel outrage and fear, we lose our perspective and our hope.    Over and against all this, we must prioritize the meat of the scriptures and time spent in the presence of the one who holds our future. Continue reading →

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