Monday, September 9, 2024

Just YouTube It - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.


In this powerful message, we dive deep into the book of James, exploring what it truly means to live as a Christian in today's world. The central theme revolves around being 'doers of the word, not hearers only.' We're challenged to reflect on how our faith translates into action, particularly in how we treat others and care for the vulnerable. The scripture emphasizes that true religion isn't just about attending church or saying the right words, but about actively living out our faith through deeds of love and compassion. Just as an 8-year-old boy learned to drive perfectly by watching a tutorial and then putting it into practice, we're called to take the instructions given in God's word and apply them to our lives with equal dedication. This message reminds us that our faith should be visible in our actions, our speech, and our treatment of others, especially those who cannot care for themselves.

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Just Read It - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.


In this powerful message, we're reminded of the importance of truly engaging with God's Word. The central theme revolves around John 6:56-69, where Jesus teaches about abiding in Him and partaking of the bread of life. We're challenged to move beyond surface-level faith and truly 'read' the scriptures, not just rely on secondhand knowledge or traditions. The speaker emphasizes that while the instructions to abide in Christ are simple, they aren't always easy. This calls us to prioritize our relationship with God, even when it means stepping out of our comfort zones. We're encouraged to start small in our Bible reading habits and grow consistently, recognizing that spiritual growth is a journey, not an instant transformation.

Monday, August 26, 2024

Thanks For Everything - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.


In this powerful message, we're reminded of the transformative power of gratitude. The central theme revolves around Ephesians 5:20, urging us to give thanks to God for everything. We're challenged to be thankful not just in good times, but in all circumstances. The speaker draws parallels between the early Christian church in Ephesus and our modern context, emphasizing that gratitude is crucial even when facing adversity. We're encouraged to be wise in our interactions, both within the church and with outsiders, and to worship in community. The analogy of thoroughbreds versus donkeys beautifully illustrates the importance of unity in facing challenges. This message invites us to reflect on our own attitudes and to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, recognizing that gratitude opens doors for further blessings.

Monday, August 19, 2024

No Room For The Enemy - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.


In this powerful message, we delve into Ephesians 4:25-5:2, exploring how we can live as true followers of Christ. The central theme revolves around 'No Room for the Enemy,' emphasizing the importance of not giving Satan a foothold in our lives. We're challenged to change our minds, our mouths, and our moves. By renewing our thoughts, speaking truth and encouragement, and imitating God's actions, we can resist temptation and grow in our faith. The message reminds us that our journey in Christ is ongoing, likening sanctifying grace to doing laundry - a continuous process of growth and renewal. We're encouraged to forgive others as Christ forgave us, and to make sacrifices in love, just as Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for us.

Monday, August 12, 2024

Jesus' Miracle Diet - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.


In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the profound concept of Jesus as the 'Bread of Life'. The scripture from John 6:24-35 recounts Jesus' interaction with the crowd after the miraculous feeding of the 5,000. We're challenged to examine our motives in seeking Jesus - are we following Him for material gain or for spiritual nourishment? The sermon beautifully contrasts physical hunger with spiritual hunger, reminding us that while earthly food perishes, Jesus offers eternal sustenance for our souls. We're encouraged to believe in Him not just for what He can do for us, but for who He is. This message calls us to look beyond our immediate needs and trust in God's provision, both physical and spiritual, just as He provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness.

Monday, August 5, 2024

Thalassophobia - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.


In this powerful message, we explore the concept of thalassophobia - the fear of water - and how it relates to our spiritual journey. The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and walking on water from John 6:1-21 serves as a profound illustration of God's provision and power over our deepest fears. We're reminded that just as Jesus took a little boy's lunch and multiplied it to feed thousands, He can take our small offerings and turn them into something extraordinary. This encourages us to trust God with what little we have, allowing Him to work miracles in our lives.

Monday, July 29, 2024

Once, but Now - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.


In this powerful message, we explore the transformative journey from 'once' to 'now' in our spiritual lives. The passage from Ephesians 2:11-22 reminds us that we were once far from God, but through Christ's sacrifice, we've been brought near. This shift from alienation to inclusion is not just personal, but communal. We're called to remember our own 'once' state to cultivate empathy and unity, especially towards those we might consider 'strangers' or 'foreigners'. The message challenges us to examine how we treat immigrants, the marginalized, and those different from us, reminding us that we are all products of God's grace. It's a call to break down barriers, just as Christ broke the wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles, and to recognize our shared identity as God's people.