Just A Glimpse - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

This powerful exploration of Luke 19:1-10 invites us into one of Scripture's most transformative encounters—the story of Zacchaeus, the despised tax collector who climbed a tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus. What makes this passage so compelling is how it strips away our pretenses and asks a penetrating question: How desperate are we to encounter Christ? Zacchaeus was wealthy, powerful, and hated by his community for collaborating with Roman oppressors and exploiting his own people. Yet something stirred in his heart when he heard Jesus was passing through. Despite his status, despite the crowd blocking his view, despite the humiliation of a grown man scrambling up a tree like a child, Zacchaeus was willing to look foolish for just one glimpse of the Savior. The beauty of this story lies in its reversal: Zacchaeus went seeking Jesus, but it was Jesus who sought him. Grace doesn't wait for us to clean up our lives or earn our worthiness—it meets us in our mess, calls us by name, and invites itself into our homes. When Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus's house, He wasn't just forgiving a tax collector; He was restoring a son of Abraham to his rightful place in the family of God. This narrative challenges us to examine our own willingness to do something radical, something undignified, something that others might mock, just to get closer to Christ. Are we content to observe Jesus from a safe distance in the crowd, or are we willing to climb our own trees—whatever that means in our unique circumstances? The transformation that follows genuine encounter with Jesus is undeniable: Zacchaeus immediately committed to giving half his possessions to the poor and repaying those he cheated fourfold, going beyond what the law required. When grace shows up, transformation happens. This story reminds us that no one is too far gone, too broken, or too unworthy for Jesus to reach. If the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost, then our past mistakes, our reputations, our shame—none of it can separate us from the love of Christ when we reach out in desperate faith.

It's A God Thing - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In the brief but powerful book of Joel, we discover a message that speaks directly to our moments of deepest struggle and shame. This prophetic text addresses a community devastated by locusts—whether literal insects or invading armies—and facing complete economic collapse. But the real devastation isn't just material; it's the crushing weight of shame that whispers we've been abandoned by God. Joel's message cuts through this despair with a radical promise: God will restore what the locusts have eaten. This isn't just about getting back what we lost—it's about transformation. The text reveals that while we wait for God's timing (which operates on a divine schedule, not our microwave-society expectations), God is actively working. The promise culminates in one of Scripture's most revolutionary declarations: God will pour out His Spirit on all people—sons, daughters, young, old, servants, men, and women. This democratization of the Spirit means God empowers the powerless and gives voice to the voiceless. When we face both acute crises and chronic struggles simultaneously, we can either focus on the locusts or focus on the promise. The ultimate assurance remains: everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. This isn't about deserving rescue; it's about God's faithfulness to restore, redeem, and pour out His Spirit on all flesh.

Focus on the Basics - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In 2 Timothy chapter 2, we encounter a powerful message about returning to the fundamentals of our faith when life becomes overwhelming. The passage reminds us that even when our spiritual mentors face trials, when our churches become distracted by petty arguments, and when our own zeal begins to flicker, we must focus on three essential basics: remember Jesus Christ raised from the dead, study the Word of God with precision and care, and stay faithful even when circumstances suggest otherwise. What makes this message particularly profound is the assurance that even when we are faithless, God remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself. This isn't about our strength or our ability to hold everything together—it's about anchoring ourselves to the unchanging truth of the gospel. Like professional athletes who master free throws before attempting half-court shots, we must master the basics of our faith: knowing Jesus, knowing His Word, and trusting His faithfulness. The question we face isn't whether we'll encounter discouragement or confusion, but whether we'll return to these foundational truths when we do. When we stop arguing about things that won't matter in 500 years and instead invest our energy in what eternally matters, we discover that the basics are more than enough to sustain us through any season.

Dealing with Surprise Attacks - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of how to face life's unexpected challenges through the lens of the prophet Habakkuk. The central scripture, Habakkuk 1:1-4 and 2:1-4, reveals a prophet grappling with injustice and God's seeming silence. Yet, we learn that even in our darkest moments, it's okay to question God while maintaining our faith. The key lesson is the importance of patience and perseverance in our spiritual journey. Just as Habakkuk stood as a watchman, we too are called to 'write the vision and make it plain,' preparing ourselves for God's timing, not our own. This message encourages us to hold onto hope, reminding us that God's promises will come to fruition, even if they seem delayed. It's a call to deepen our faith, to see the 'rabbit' for ourselves, and to trust in God's plan even when the world around us seems chaotic.

The Enemy at the Gate - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In the face of adversity, our faith can lead us to make bold moves that may seem foolish to others. The story of Jeremiah buying land while Jerusalem was under siege teaches us a powerful lesson about trusting God's promises, even when circumstances appear dire. Just as Jeremiah invested in a future he couldn't see, we too are called to act on faith when God directs us, regardless of how illogical it may seem. This message challenges us to listen to God's voice amidst chaos, to plan for a future beyond our current trials, and to preserve the evidence of God's promises in our lives. It reminds us that rejection cannot block God's plan and that our present struggles do not define our destiny. As we face our own 'enemies at the gate,' whether they be personal challenges, societal issues, or spiritual battles, we can draw strength from knowing that God's word is preserved and His promises are sure.

Making Sense of the Shrewd Manager - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to reconsider our understanding of good and bad, perfection and imperfection in both the Bible and our daily lives. The parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16:1-13 serves as a springboard for a deeper exploration of how we navigate complex moral landscapes. We're reminded that even biblical figures were flawed, encouraging us to look for 'friends' rather than 'heroes' in scripture. This perspective shift invites us to embrace our own imperfections and recognize God's grace in our lives. The sermon beautifully connects the manager's debt cancellation to Jesus' ultimate cancellation of our spiritual debt, emphasizing God's boundless mercy and forgiveness. As we reflect on this, we're called to extend similar grace to others, challenging us to reconsider our attitudes towards modern debt forgiveness and social justice issues.

Excess Grace - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the transformative power of God's grace through the story of Paul in 1 Timothy 1:12-17. Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul became a champion of faith, demonstrating that no one is beyond redemption. This narrative challenges us to reflect on our own lives and the areas where we need God's grace to overflow. The sermon draws a striking parallel between our culture of excess consumption and the abundance of God's grace - the one thing we can never have too much of. It encourages us to abandon our old ways, just as Paul did, and become living examples of Christ's love. We're called to recognize that we're always setting an example, whether we intend to or not, and to live lives worthy of the incredible gift of grace we've received.