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.

Consider The Cost - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to consider the true cost of discipleship. Drawing from Luke 14:25-33, we're reminded that following Jesus isn't just about joining a group, but about radical transformation. The passage uses stark language about 'hating' family members, which we learn is actually about prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. This teaching invites us to examine our own lives and ask: Are we truly ready to put Christ first? The sermon cleverly parallels joining organizations with following Jesus, emphasizing that we must understand the full implications before committing. Just as we scrutinize membership fees and time commitments, we must carefully consider what it means to take up our cross daily. This message encourages us to approach our faith with eyes wide open, ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of authentic discipleship.

The Gold Standard Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to embrace the 'gold standard' of Christian behavior. Drawing from Luke 14:1, 7-14, we're reminded of Jesus' teachings on humility and true hospitality. The parable of choosing seats at a banquet isn't just about social etiquette; it's a profound lesson on spiritual posture. We're called to humble ourselves, knowing that in God's kingdom, those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and the humble will be exalted. This ties beautifully into the metaphor of gold being refined - just as gold goes through intense heat to remove impurities, we too go through life's trials to become more Christ-like. The message urges us to reflect: How do we help others? Where do we position ourselves in life and in our faith? Who do we include in our circle of care and hospitality? By inviting those who cannot repay us and helping without expectation of return, we align ourselves with Christ's selfless love. This challenges us to look beyond our comfort zones and embrace a faith that actively seeks to uplift the marginalized and forgotten.

Collision Course with Destiny - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of God's divine plan for each of our lives, as illustrated through the story of Jeremiah's calling. The scripture from Jeremiah 1:4-10 reveals how God knows us intimately, even before we're formed in the womb, and has a specific purpose for us. We're challenged to consider our own 'collision course with destiny' and how we might be resisting God's call. The message emphasizes that God doesn't necessarily call the qualified, but qualifies the called. This encourages us to step out in faith, even when we feel inadequate. The parallel drawn between Jeremiah's reluctance and our own hesitations in following God's will is both relatable and inspiring. We're urged to trust in God's protection and provision, just as He promised Jeremiah, 'Do not be afraid... for I am with you.' This timeless truth empowers us to face our fears and embrace our God-given destiny with confidence.