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.

Oh Be Careful Little Eyes

Posted on September 6, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Images are powerful. One ancient tradition says that a picture is worth a thousand words. Indeed, we know it is true. Television is a powerful medium. So are movies. So is the Internet. Each is powerful for good or for evil. Continue reading →

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Shout for Joy

Posted on September 5, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In light of the greatness of our God, in light of what Christ has done for us, should there not be a little shouting when we get together to celebrate his greatness and declare his worth? Of course, worship incorporates a variety of forms and encompasses a whole variety of responses—still I wonder where is the joy? Continue reading →

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The Right Response

Posted on September 4, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Worship doesn’t happen by just sitting in a pew; it doesn’t happen only through the singing. An important and often neglected part of the worship service takes place as we hear and respond to the Word of God as it is read and expounded. Continue reading →

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Good Friends

Posted on September 3, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It’s a dangerous thing to try to live the Christian life on your own. You really do need some friends for the journey; Friends who will be there to encourage you when you get down; Friends who will keep you accountable and speak the truth in love when you are tempted to fall; Friends who will be faithful even when you do fall; Friends who will accept you and love you through it all. Continue reading →

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I’m Bored

Posted on September 2, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The Teacher is bored. “Everything is meaningless” “All things are wearisome.” He has tried stimulating every one of his senses with the best life could offer. Where did it take him? Nowhere. He was bored. Continue reading →

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When God Asks the Questions

Posted on September 1, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

The answer to God’s questions is not found in words, but in falling on our faces in humility, repentance and worship before the awesome creator of all things. The questions call for a response: surrendering all that we are to Him; becoming a living sacrifice. Continue reading →

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Eternal Glory

Posted on August 31, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We tend to magnify the troubles down here and lose sight of the glory that is to come. It seems the natural tendency. Paul did the opposite. He focused more on the glory that was to be revealed. From that perspective, even the most devastating events were viewed as “light and momentary troubles.” Continue reading →

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Sing a New Song

Posted on August 30, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

just as God desires a fresh intimate walk with me each and every day, so there will be new expressions of praise. A daily, fresh encounter with Jesus is likely to lead to new songs of praise. Continue reading →

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Glowing with Glory

Posted on August 29, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

I’m encouraged to know that as I spend time with Jesus daily, he begins to rub off on me. Continue reading →

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What is that Fragrance You Are Wearing?

Posted on August 28, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

As we know and walk in the fullness of Christ, we begin to take on an aroma–-the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. Wherever we go, that pleasant aroma follows us. Just by being around us, people sense Christ’s joy, or his love, or his kindness, or one of his other winsome character qualities. As Christ lives out his life in us, we become more and more like him, and people begin to notice the difference. Continue reading →

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