Pillar of Faith - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the fundamental pillars of our faith, centered on Deuteronomy 6:1-9. The core teaching is beautifully simple yet profoundly challenging: love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and pass this love down to future generations. This 'Shema' is not just a commandment, but a way of life that should permeate every aspect of our being. We're called to make God's word a constant presence in our lives - from the moment we wake up to when we go to sleep. This message challenges us to reflect: Is our faith visible in our daily actions? Are we actively sharing our beliefs with those around us? By making God the central pillar of our lives, we build a strong foundation that can withstand life's challenges. Let's embrace this calling to love God wholeheartedly and pass down this legacy of faith, ensuring that our spiritual bridge remains unshakeable.

A Full-Service Jesus - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful exploration of Mark 10:35-45, we're challenged to reexamine our understanding of greatness in God's kingdom. The story of James and John requesting seats of honor beside Jesus serves as a stark reminder that our human desires often clash with God's divine plan. Jesus' response teaches us that true greatness comes through service and humility, not through seeking status or recognition. We're called to reflect on our own motivations: Are we following Christ for personal gain, or are we willing to drink from His cup of sacrifice? This message encourages us to embrace a 'full service' life, modeling ourselves after Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve. It's a profound invitation to shift our perspective from worldly ambition to Kingdom-minded servanthood, reminding us that in God's economy, the first shall be last and the last shall be first.

Names, Image and Likeness - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful exploration of Hebrews 1:1-4 and 2:5-12, we're reminded of the profound truth that Jesus is the exact representation of God's being. Just as children often bear a striking resemblance to their parents, Jesus perfectly reflects the Father's nature. This passage challenges us to see God's character through Christ's actions and teachings. The concept of 'name, image, and likeness' isn't just about college athletes; it's about our spiritual identity. As adopted children of God, we're not just beneficiaries but heirs - fully entitled to the inheritance of God's kingdom. This truth should revolutionize how we see ourselves and live our faith. Are we reflecting God's image in our daily lives? Are we living as true heirs of His promises?

Just Say A Prayer - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful exploration of James 5:13-20, we're reminded of the transformative power of prayer in our lives. The central message urges us to pray often, pray with others, and pray in all circumstances. We learn that prayer isn't just a ritual but a serious conversation with God - an oath we make to Him. The text draws parallels between our prayers and Elijah's, showing that even in our human frailty, our prayers can be powerful and effective. This message challenges us to view prayer not as a last resort but as our first and constant response to life's joys and challenges. It encourages us to be patient in our prayers, understanding that God's timing may not align with our expectations. The lesson also emphasizes the importance of community in our faith journey, reminding us that we're strengthened when we pray together and support one another. As we reflect on this, we're called to examine our own prayer lives and consider how we can deepen our connection with God and our faith community.

Just Use Wisdom - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're called to explore the profound difference between being smart and being wise. Drawing from James 3:13-4:8, we're reminded that true wisdom comes from above and is reflected in our actions, not just our knowledge. The scripture challenges us to examine our lives: Are we gentle, humble, and peace-loving? Do our deeds match our professed wisdom? This isn't about working for salvation but allowing our faith to bear fruit in our daily interactions. The message beautifully connects to Jesus' teaching of being 'wise as serpents and innocent as doves,' emphasizing that godly wisdom is discerning and pure. As we navigate life's challenges, we're encouraged to seek this heavenly wisdom, which can transform our relationships and inner battles. Let's reflect on how we can cultivate this wisdom in our lives, drawing nearer to God, who always draws near to us.

Just Watch Your Mouth - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we delve into the profound wisdom of James 3:1-12, exploring the immense power of our words. The central theme revolves around 'watching our mouth' - a simple yet transformative concept that can reshape our relationships and our very lives. We're reminded that our tongue, though small, can ignite great fires of both destruction and inspiration. As believers, we're called to recognize the dual nature of our speech: its capacity to praise God and its potential to harm others. This message challenges us to align our words with our faith, urging us to be mindful of the impact our speech has on others and ourselves. It's a call to maturity in our faith journey, emphasizing that true spiritual growth is reflected in how we communicate. As we reflect on this teaching, we're encouraged to use our words to build up, inspire, and spread love, mirroring the grace we've received from God.

Just Don't Play Favorites - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to confront our biases and examine how we treat others based on their perceived wealth or status. The book of James, particularly chapter 2, serves as our guide, reminding us that showing favoritism is incompatible with true faith. We're called to reflect on the danger of judging others by their appearance or possessions, recognizing that rich and poor are relative terms. The sermon encourages us to treat everyone as a child of God, made in His image, regardless of their economic standing. This message is deeply relevant in our modern world, where we often unconsciously prioritize the wealthy and influential. It pushes us to consider: Are we truly loving our neighbors as ourselves, or are we guilty of the very discrimination James warns against? Let's take this opportunity to examine our hearts and actions, striving to embody the 'royal law' of love in all our interactions.