The Path to Hope - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the 'path to hope' through the lens of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. The central scripture, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, reveals a church grappling with uncertainty and the delay of Christ's return. This resonates deeply with our own experiences of waiting and uncertainty in our faith journeys. The sermon draws a fascinating parallel between physical 'desire paths' and our spiritual paths, reminding us that sometimes the most meaningful routes aren't the ones initially designed but those worn by persistent faith and hope. We're encouraged to start our journey before everything is perfect, to persevere through challenges, and to draw strength from our past victories and the legacy of those who came before us. This message challenges us to actively participate in our faith, planning for the future while we wait, much like the Thessalonian church and our own Advent preparations. It's a call to constant growth and improvement in our spiritual lives, reminding us that our path of faith is not a destination but a journey of continual transformation.

A Proper Introduction - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful exploration of Revelation 1:4-8, we're invited to see the book of Revelation in a new light. Rather than a frightening prophecy of the world's end, it's unveiled as an introduction to Jesus Christ Himself. We learn that Revelation is actually a pastoral letter written to encourage churches facing oppression under Roman rule. The message reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, Jesus is the ultimate victor. We're challenged to recognize the danger of 'politician worship' and to place our faith in Christ alone. This fresh perspective on Revelation encourages us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that our current struggles are temporary and that Jesus - who was, who is, and who is to come - will ultimately triumph over all adversity.

De-Churching - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the enduring nature of God's word amidst a changing world. Drawing from Mark 13:1-8, we explore Jesus' 'Little Apocalypse' and its relevance in our post-Christian society. The central theme revolves around how we, as believers, should respond to challenging times. We're called to 'watch' - to be discerning of false prophets and maintain our spiritual vigilance. We're encouraged to 'wait' - understanding that difficult periods are not necessarily the end times, but opportunities for growth. Finally, we're urged to 'worship' - keeping our focus on the Creator rather than the creation. This message beautifully illustrates how our faith can anchor us during turbulent times, much like a child trusting their father to fix a broken device. It's a call for us to deepen our relationship with God and find peace in His unchanging nature, even as the world around us shifts.

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.