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.

Revival: Do We Really Want It?

Posted on July 23, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

In the abstract, everyone seems to want revival. Who wouldn’t want the church to be growing, exciting and alive? Who doesn’t want to see lives transformed by powerful encounters with the manifest presence of God? But when you get specific, few seem willing to pay the price. Revival would be wonderful, but it is costly. Continue reading →

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No Condemnation

Posted on July 22, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

“No Condemnation” (8:1)! Yet many of us carry around a load of shame, guilt and condemnation. Continue reading →

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Hide and Seek

Posted on July 21, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

We all have times when we wonder if God is hiding. We have times when we don’t feel the sense of his presence. But know that he is there, hoping that you will remember the childhood delight of seeking him diligently—hoping that you will not give up the search before the laughter and joy of “finding.” Continue reading →

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A Heart of Wisdom

Posted on July 20, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

God is always pleased when we ask for wisdom. His word makes it clear that it is ours for the asking. He delights in giving it to us, whenever we need it. Continue reading →

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Be Strong and Courageous

Posted on July 19, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

It’s a debilitating disease. A disease of the heart—a heart attack indeed. It eats away at the heart and causes it to wither. In its final stages it combines with hopelessness and fear to completely debilitate the victim. It makes them unable to accomplish any task. It tempts the victim to give up. It is contagious—highly contagious. What is this terrible disease? Discouragement. Continue reading →

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A Hope that Will Not Disappoint

Posted on July 18, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

His situation was absolutely hopeless.  How could Abram and Sara—well past child bearing years—become the father of many nations? The facts: “his body was as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old and Sara’s womb was also dead.” Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. Continue reading →

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A Heart that Trusts

Posted on July 17, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

What was the secret of this man who knew how to trust God?  What was the key to his faith: “He considered Him faithful who made the promise” (Hebrews 11:11).  He knew God personally and knew that he could be trusted. He knew that God was always faithful to his promises. Continue reading →

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Cleaning Up the Mess

Posted on July 16, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Sin is messy. It messes up our lives and those around us. More importantly it messes up our relationship with God. It is a poison that does incredible damage and ruin. “Ruin and misery mark their ways.” Continue reading →

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God is the Strength of My Heart

Posted on July 15, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

Some questions just can’t be answered to the heart’s satisfaction. Questions like: “Why do the wicked prosper?” As Asaph begins this Psalm he pours out his heart to God. He is in a place of suffering while the wicked only seem to prosper. How can this be? Somehow life just doesn’t seem fair. Why am I the one suffering, and not the wicked? Continue reading →

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An Honest Heart

Posted on July 14, 2024 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

the one who is quick to point the finger—whose heart is filled with self-righteous pride, needs the good news just as much or more than the one they are so quick to condemn. Continue reading →

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