Planting Seeds for Growth - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we explore the parable of the sower from Mark 4:26-34, focusing on the theme of 'planting seeds for growth.' Just as a farmer scatters seeds without fully understanding how they grow, we're called to faithfully plant spiritual seeds in our lives and the lives of others. The kingdom of God is compared to this process, emphasizing that growth often happens in ways we can't see or control. We're reminded that our role is to plant and nurture, while trusting God with the results. This parable encourages us to persevere in our faith and service, even when we don't immediately see the fruits of our labor. It's a call to patience, hope, and trust in God's timing and power to bring about growth and transformation in unexpected ways.

Inside Out Jesus - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

This powerful message challenges us to embrace an 'inside out' faith that turns the world's values upside down. Just as Jesus defied social norms and expectations, we are called to live counter-culturally - loving our enemies, storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, and finding true family among fellow disciples. The story of Jesus healing on the Sabbath and facing accusations of being possessed by demons illustrates how walking in God's will often provokes resistance from those invested in the status quo. Yet Jesus responds with wisdom and authority, inviting us to a radical new understanding of God's Kingdom that cannot be divided or defeated. As we align our lives with Christ and his upside-down Kingdom, we experience transformation from the inside out.

Loving the New Normal - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

The key message is that our true worth comes from what's inside us - the grace of God - not external things like credentials, abilities or status. Just as clay jars held valuable contents despite plain exteriors, we have spiritual treasures within our earthly bodies. The apostle Paul faced criticism and hardships, but relied on God's power, not his own, to persevere. Troubles and afflictions in this life are temporary; by holding fast to our eternal hope in Christ, we can endure and move forward in faith. This inspiring message reminds us to focus on the eternal over the temporary, and find our identity in God's love for us.

Avoiding a False Front - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

This powerful message explores the struggle between living according to the flesh versus living by the Spirit. We are reminded that while the flesh is concerned with worldly success and keeping up appearances, this ultimately leads to burnout, anxiety and spiritual emptiness. The key is developing intimacy with God the Father and being led by the Holy Spirit. By investing time in our relationship with God and allowing Him to fill us, we gain access to an eternal inheritance as God's children. The passage from Romans 8 emphasizes that we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ when we are adopted into God's family. This gives us confidence and comfort, knowing we belong and have a close relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Ultimately, living by the Spirit frees us from putting on a false front, allowing us to experience real, fulfilling relationships with God and others in the family of faith.

How to Spell Church - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

This powerful message explores the birth of the church at Pentecost, reminding us that the essence of the church is not a building, but a community of believers called to love God and neighbor. Through the acronym C.H.U.R.C.H., we are encouraged to embody grace (charis), hope, health, unity, radical love, compassion, and hospitality. The sermon emphasizes that despite our differences and imperfections, we are united by the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to overcome challenges, heal relationships, and extend God's love to all. As we reflect on the transformative power of the Spirit in the life of Peter and the early disciples, we are inspired to allow the Spirit to work in and through us, enabling us to love, serve, and witness in ways we never thought possible.

A Mother's Orders - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

The wedding at Cana, as described in John 2:1-11, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and faith in our spiritual journey. Just as Mary instructed the servants to follow Jesus' orders, we too must heed His guidance in our lives. The transformation of water into wine symbolizes the miraculous power of God to bring about change and renewal, even in the most unexpected circumstances. This story encourages us to trust in God's plan and timing, knowing that He can take our humble offerings and transform them into something extraordinary. As we walk in obedience and faith, we open ourselves up to experiencing the glory of God in new and profound ways.

How to Conquer the World - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

My childhood dream of 'taking over the world' was more than just a lofty aspiration; it was a journey that uncovered the intricate dance between personal ambition and the nurturing power of community. Along the way, I became part of fraternities like Kappa Alpha Psi and the enigmatic world of Masonry, drawn to the influence of successful Black men I held in high esteem. In this heart-to-heart, we explore the idea that true success isn't just handed to you on a silver platter by association. Instead, it emerges from the symbiotic relationship between one's own determination and the bolstering force of a supportive network.

As we navigate life's unpredictable seas, faith often serves as our unseen compass, guiding us through more than just spiritual waters. It's present in the everyday leaps of trust we take, whether it's the medicine we ingest or the infrastructure we rely on. The stories shared in this conversation—of job uncertainties and social turbulence—underscore the resilience shaped by faith in the midst of life’s storms. They highlight how the bonds of community and the practice of love can anchor our spirits, giving us the strength to not only endure but also to innovate and thrive beyond what the eye can see.

Concluding our introspective voyage, we turn to the wisdom of scripture and the life of Jesus Christ, illustrating the transformative power of obedience to divine commandments. My time as a service engineer at Exxon showed me the parallels between professional success and life's broader playbook: understanding and working within the rules can lead to remarkable efficiency and victory. This reflection is an open invitation to walk in faith, love, and community, embracing them as the bedrock for overcoming the myriad challenges of life. Join us on this enlightening journey and share your own experiences as we continue to foster connection and growth together.