Winning a Real Prize - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr

In this powerful exploration of Isaiah 55:1-9, we're invited to consider the incredible prize God offers us - one that surpasses any earthly reward. The passage calls us to 'come' to the Lord, reminding us that God's invitation is open to all, regardless of our circumstances or past. We're encouraged to 'listen' to God's wisdom, recognizing that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. This message challenges us to shift our focus from worldly pursuits to the eternal covenant God offers. By accepting this divine invitation, we gain access to spiritual nourishment that satisfies our deepest thirsts and hungers. The parallels drawn between game shows and God's grace highlight the unearned nature of this gift, emphasizing that salvation is freely given, not a reward we can earn. As we reflect on this, we're prompted to examine our own lives and consider: Are we truly listening to God's voice amidst the noise of the world? How can we more fully embrace the abundant life He offers?

Intuitive Christianity - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to embrace 'intuitive Christianity' - a faith that's as natural and effortless as using our smartphones. The central scripture, Philippians 3:17-4:1, calls us to imitate those who follow Christ and to remember our true citizenship is in heaven. This passage reminds us that our faith shouldn't be complicated; it should be as intuitive as a child's trust in a loving parent. We're encouraged to observe and follow good Christian examples, becoming living definitions of what it means to be a follower of Christ. The message also warns us about the 'enemies of the cross' - those who live only for earthly pleasures. As believers, we're called to stand firm in our faith, even when it feels uncomfortable or out of place in this world. This teaching invites us to reflect on how we can make our faith more accessible and 'user-friendly' to others, while staying true to our heavenly citizenship.

Give, Don't Give In - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful exploration of Deuteronomy 26:1-11, we're reminded of the profound importance of giving and gratitude in our spiritual lives. The passage speaks to the Israelites entering the Promised Land, instructing them to offer their first fruits to God. This act of giving isn't just about supporting the church; it's a spiritual discipline that shapes our hearts and minds. We're challenged to consider the cost of our faith journey, recognizing that growth often requires sacrifice. The sermon beautifully connects this ancient practice to our modern lives, encouraging us to give not just our treasure, but also our time and talents. As we reflect on our own journeys, we're invited to 'cry out' and remember God's faithfulness, just as the Israelites recounted their history. This practice of remembrance strengthens our faith and reminds us of God's constant presence in our lives, from our lowest moments to our greatest triumphs.

Listening to Jesus - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the profound importance of listening, especially to Jesus. The sermon takes us through Luke 9:28-36, where Jesus is transfigured on the mountaintop. This extraordinary event teaches us that sometimes, we need to step away from the crowds and seek intimate moments with God. Just as Jesus took only Peter, James, and John with him, we too should cultivate a close circle for deeper spiritual growth. The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus emphasizes the continuity of God's plan and Jesus' pivotal role in fulfilling it. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to consider: Are we truly listening to Jesus in our daily lives? Are we attuned to His voice in our prayers, in Scripture, and even in our pain? This message encourages us to 'put in a call to the manufacturer' - to seek God's guidance when our own understanding falls short. It's a stirring reminder that in our spiritual journey, listening to Jesus is not just beneficial, it's essential for our growth and transformation.

People, People, and People - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to confront one of the most difficult aspects of our faith journey: dealing with people, especially those we might consider our enemies. The central scripture, Luke 6:27-38, presents us with Jesus' radical teachings on love, forgiveness, and non-retaliation. We're called to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and bless those who curse us. This isn't a sentimental love, but an active choice - 'agapeo' in Greek - to care for others more than ourselves. The familiar phrase 'turn the other cheek' is beautifully reinterpreted as a way to assert our dignity and equality, rather than passive acceptance of abuse. As we navigate our relationships, we're reminded that how we treat others will be reflected back to us. Just as God's grace and mercy overflow in our lives, we're challenged to extend that same abundance to others, even when it's difficult.

The Deceptive Heart - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine where we place our trust. The book of Jeremiah reminds us that putting our faith in people or worldly systems is ultimately fruitless. Instead, we're called to root ourselves in God, like a tree planted by water. This imagery beautifully illustrates how connecting to our divine source sustains us through all seasons, even in times of drought. The sermon draws fascinating parallels between ancient Israel's struggles and our modern temptations to seek quick fixes or easy solutions. It reminds us that true growth and healing often require hard work and genuine repentance. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to consider: Are we truly rooted in God's unchanging truth, or are we swayed by fleeting promises and temporary comforts? This message invites us to deepen our faith and find lasting peace in God's unwavering love and guidance.

Fighting Misinformation - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In a world filled with misinformation, we're reminded of the importance of focusing on the foundational truths of our faith. The sermon delves into 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, emphasizing the core message of Christianity: Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again. This passage, interestingly, contains the earliest written account of the resurrection. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, we're encouraged to return to these basics, allowing them to anchor our faith and guide our actions. The message challenges us to prioritize the essential truths of the Gospel over trivial disagreements within the church. It's a powerful reminder that our trust in Jesus and His resurrection is not based on speculation, but on the testimony of hundreds of eyewitnesses and the transformative power of God's grace in our lives.

We Got That at Home - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful exploration of Luke 4:14-21, we're reminded that Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, bringing hope and liberation to all. The central message revolves around the idea that everything we need, we've 'got that at home' in Christ. This sermon challenges us to recognize the spiritual abundance we already possess through our faith. It emphasizes the importance of regular worship, preparation through prayer and fasting, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The parallels drawn between debt forgiveness in the Year of Jubilee and our own spiritual debt being wiped clean by Christ's sacrifice are particularly striking. This message encourages us to embrace gratitude for our own salvation and extend that same grace to others, reminding us that our faith is fundamentally built on the concept of debts being paid by another.

Will Wonders Never Cease? - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we delve into the profound story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. This miracle, found in John 2:1-11, serves as the first 'sign' in John's Gospel, revealing Christ's glory and inspiring faith in His disciples. As we explore this narrative, we're reminded that God often works in unexpected ways, using ordinary things for extraordinary purposes. The empty ceremonial washing jars, once used for purification, become vessels for Christ's miraculous provision. This transformation speaks to how God can take what seems empty or discarded in our lives and fill it with His grace and purpose. The message challenges us to be obedient to God's instructions, even when they seem simple or unclear. Just as the servants filled the jars with water, we're called to faithfully follow God's leading, trusting that He can turn our small acts of obedience into miracles that glorify Him and bless others.

God Guiding Through the Water - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of God's unwavering presence through life's turbulent waters. Drawing from Isaiah 43:1-7, we explore how God guides us through challenging times, just as He led the Israelites through their exile. The recurring theme of 'But now' serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that our current circumstances don't define our future. We're encouraged to embrace our identity as God's chosen people, understanding that we're both 'Jacob' and 'Israel' - works in progress, constantly growing in our faith. This message beautifully illustrates how God protects, prefers, and procures us, even in our darkest moments. It's a call to hold onto God's unchanging hand, trusting in His promise to bring us home, both spiritually and literally. As we navigate our own 'waters' and 'fires', we're invited to remember our preferred status in God's eyes and the unearned grace He extends to us.

A Reason to Get Out of Bed - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of our divine purpose and the incredible gift of God's grace. Focusing on Ephesians 1:3-14, we explore the concept of being 'in Christ' and what that means for our identity and mission. We learn that we are chosen, adopted, and redeemed - all part of God's grand plan that was set in motion before the world began. This isn't just about personal salvation; it's about being part of a larger community, the body of Christ, that transcends cultural and religious backgrounds. The message challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones, to get out of our 'beds' both literally and figuratively, and to live out our calling as worshippers and disciples. It's a stirring reminder that our lives have profound meaning and that we're called to reflect God's love in a world that desperately needs it.

Church Clothes - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine the 'clothes' we wear as Christians. The apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians reminds us to 'take off' our old nature and 'put on' the character of Christ. Just as we change our physical clothes, we're called to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These aren't just outward actions but inward transformations that should reflect Christ's love. The beauty of this metaphor is that even if these traits don't come naturally, we can learn to 'put them on' through practice and persistence. As we strive to embody these qualities, we're reminded of Christ's forgiveness towards us, inspiring us to extend the same grace to others. This message challenges us to consider: What 'uniform' are we wearing in our daily lives, and does it truly reflect our identity in Christ?