It's A God Thing - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In the brief but powerful book of Joel, we discover a message that speaks directly to our moments of deepest struggle and shame. This prophetic text addresses a community devastated by locusts—whether literal insects or invading armies—and facing complete economic collapse. But the real devastation isn't just material; it's the crushing weight of shame that whispers we've been abandoned by God. Joel's message cuts through this despair with a radical promise: God will restore what the locusts have eaten. This isn't just about getting back what we lost—it's about transformation. The text reveals that while we wait for God's timing (which operates on a divine schedule, not our microwave-society expectations), God is actively working. The promise culminates in one of Scripture's most revolutionary declarations: God will pour out His Spirit on all people—sons, daughters, young, old, servants, men, and women. This democratization of the Spirit means God empowers the powerless and gives voice to the voiceless. When we face both acute crises and chronic struggles simultaneously, we can either focus on the locusts or focus on the promise. The ultimate assurance remains: everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. This isn't about deserving rescue; it's about God's faithfulness to restore, redeem, and pour out His Spirit on all flesh.

Focus on the Basics - Pastor Johnnie Simpson Jr.

In 2 Timothy chapter 2, we encounter a powerful message about returning to the fundamentals of our faith when life becomes overwhelming. The passage reminds us that even when our spiritual mentors face trials, when our churches become distracted by petty arguments, and when our own zeal begins to flicker, we must focus on three essential basics: remember Jesus Christ raised from the dead, study the Word of God with precision and care, and stay faithful even when circumstances suggest otherwise. What makes this message particularly profound is the assurance that even when we are faithless, God remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself. This isn't about our strength or our ability to hold everything together—it's about anchoring ourselves to the unchanging truth of the gospel. Like professional athletes who master free throws before attempting half-court shots, we must master the basics of our faith: knowing Jesus, knowing His Word, and trusting His faithfulness. The question we face isn't whether we'll encounter discouragement or confusion, but whether we'll return to these foundational truths when we do. When we stop arguing about things that won't matter in 500 years and instead invest our energy in what eternally matters, we discover that the basics are more than enough to sustain us through any season.

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.