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?

The Path to Love - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful exploration of Luke 1:39-55, we delve into the profound story of Mary's visit to Elizabeth and the Magnificat. This passage illuminates the incredible faith and humility of these two women chosen by God for extraordinary purposes. We're reminded that God can use anyone, regardless of age or status, to accomplish His will. Mary's song of praise teaches us the importance of recognizing God's blessings and responding with heartfelt worship. As we reflect on Mary's words, we're challenged to examine our own response to God's favor in our lives. Are we, like Mary, praising God for His observation, holiness, mercy, power, and faithfulness? This message encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and humility, recognizing that our availability to God can set miraculous events in motion. As we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, let's embrace Mary's example of trust and surrender, ready to say 'Let it be according to your word' when God calls us.

The Path to Joy - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the true nature of joy and its importance in our spiritual lives. The central scripture comes from Luke 3, where John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus. John's call to repentance isn't just about feeling sorry, but about transforming our lives and actions. We're challenged to find joy in three key areas: helping others, doing the right thing, and most importantly, in Jesus Christ. This joy isn't dependent on circumstances like happiness, but is a deeper, internal state that connects us to God's love and purpose. As we approach the Advent season, we're encouraged to look beyond superficial happiness and seek the lasting joy that comes from living out our faith in practical ways. How can we share what we have with those in need? How can we resist corruption and greed in our daily lives? These actions not only benefit others but also bring us closer to the true joy found in Christ.

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.