JCC: Sermons and Teachings: Recent Episodes
Jamul Community Church
Pastor Byron Musser speaks on Exodus 15 and the song that Israel sang after the parting of the Red Sea, revealing that worship is a response to who God is and what He has done.
JCC Elder, Jim Barton, speaks on the miraculous parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:15-31.
Pastor Danny Long speaks on Exodus 13:17-14:14 and the journey of the Israelites as they leave Egypt, focusing on how God reveals Himself in three distinct ways: through his guidance, his faithfulness, and His presence.
Pastor Ryan Murphy speaks on Exodus 13:1-16 and explores the consecration of the firstborn as the third memorial God established to help Israel remember the Exodus.
Pastor Danny Long speaks on Exodus 12:21-51 when God's promises to Israel were fulfilled through the Passover.
Pastor Ryan Murphy speaks on Exodus 12:1-20 and explores the Passover celebration and its deep connections to Jesus Christ.
JCC Elder, Jim Barton, speaks on Exodus 11 and examines the particulars of the final plague and addresses difficult questions about God's justice, Pharaoh's hardened heart, and the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
Pastor Danny Long discusses the first nine plagues recorded in Exodus 7:14 through chapter 10, explaining how they were intentionally designed signs and wonders that displayed God's authority over the gods of Egypt. Through these plagues, God revealed His supreme power and demonstrated that He alone is sovereign over all creation.
Pastor Danny Long speaks on Exodus 6:28-7:13, exploring two contrasting responses to God: obedience and resistance.
Pastor Byron Musser speaks on Exodus 5:22-6:27 and walks through Moses' raw cry to God after things go from bad to worse in Egypt.
Pastor Danny Long speaks on Exodus 4:27-5:21 where Moses and Aaron first approach Pharaoh with God's demand to let His people go. Pharaoh responds with defiance, refusing to acknowledge God's authority and instead increasing the Israelites' workload.
Pastor Ryan Murphy speaks on Exodus 4:1-26, and explores Moses' continued resistance to God's call through three additional excuses.
Pastor Danny Long speaks on Exodus 3:13-22 where Moses asks God for His name and receives a detailed plan for delivering the Israelites from Egypt.
Pastor Danny Long speaks on Exodus 3:1-12, which reveals that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
Pastor Ryan Murphy speaks on Exodus 2:11-25 and how Moses' life reveals God's training process through three 40-year periods: learning something, learning to be nothing, and proving God is everything.
Pastor Ryan Murphy explores the lives of four heroic women in Bible history and how God used them to protect Moses, a savior who would foreshadow Jesus—our perfect and eternal Savior.
As we begin our study in Exodus, pastor Danny Long speaks on how the book of Exodus reveals how God works through both favorable and difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes.
Pastor Danny Long speaks on 2 Thessalonians 3 where Paul provides a spiritual blueprint for Christian living, teaching believers how to live purposefully while waiting for Christ's return.
Pastor Danny Long speaks on 2 Thessalonians 2 where Paul addressed the Thessalonians' confusion about Christ's return, clarifying that they hadn't missed the day of the Lord.
Pastor Ryan Murphy speaks on 2 Thessalonians 1 and explores the concept of divine judgment, addressing why Christians can find joy in God's judgment.
Pastor Danny Long speaks on Paul's final instructions to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, which provide essential guidelines for living a life that honors God while awaiting Jesus' return. He addresses three key relationships: spiritual leaders, each other, and God.
Pastor Byron Musser speaks on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, where Paul addresses Christian grief and hope, explaining that believers don't grieve without hope because of Christ's resurrection.
Pastor Danny Long speaks on 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 and how the Christian life is marked by two essential characteristics: holy living and holy loving.
Pastor Ryan Murphy speaks on 1 Thessalonians 2:13 - 3:13 where Paul reveals that true glory in God's kingdom isn't found in achievements or awards, but in people whose lives have been transformed by faith.
Pastor Danny Long examines the marks of genuine faith found in the church of Thessalonica from 1 Thessalonians 1.
Pastor Ryan speaks on the habit of prayer, specifically looking at Hezekiah's prayer in 2 Kings 18-19.
Pastor Jesse Nuñez speaks on examining our hearts and honestly assessing how we view and engage with Scripture.
JCC Elder, Jim Barton, speaks on the biblical foundation for serving in the church, emphasizing that service is not just needed but is part of God's design for believers.
Pastor Danny Long explores the Christmas story by focusing on the unexpected elements introduced into the lives of Joseph and Mary, and how each of them responded in faith.
Pastor Byron Musser speaks on Matthew 2:1-12 and explores the account of the Wise Men and King Herod to show how Jesus’ birth fulfills Old Testament prophecy and reveals three distinct responses to the arrival of the Messiah.
Pastor Ryan focuses on the story of Simeon and Anna from Luke 2:21-40, two elderly believers who had been waiting their entire lives to see the Messiah.
Pastor Danny Long gives and overview of the parables of Luke and how they guide us through three essential stops on our spiritual journey.
Pastor Danny Long focuses on Jesus' parable of the fig tree from Luke 21:29-36, which teaches about recognizing the signs of His return.
Pastor Ryan teaches on the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, where Jesus reveals humanity's pattern of rejecting God's messengers throughout history.
Pastor Danny speaks on Luke 19:11-27, where Jesus told the parable of the ten minas to address His disciples' confusion about God's timing and kingdom plans.
Pastor Gary Musser speaks on how prayer reveals the true condition of our hearts, as demonstrated through Jesus' parable of two men praying in the temple in Luke 18:9-14.
Pastor Danny Long speaks on Luke 18:1-8, where the parable of the persistent widow teaches us two essential practices while we wait: always pray and never give up.
Pastor Byron Speaks on Luke 17:20-37, where Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is both already here and not yet fully realized.
Pastor Danny teaches on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where Jesus contrasts two lives - one of luxury and self-focus, the other of suffering and dependence on God.
Pastor Ryan teaches on the parable of the shrewd manager, where Jesus teaches us that all our resources are gifts from God, not our own possessions.
Pastor Danny Long speaks on Luke 15, where the parable of the Prodigal Son presents one of Jesus' most powerful illustrations of God's character and our relationship with Him.
Pastor Danny teaches from Luke 15 where Jesus shares the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin to reveal God's heart for those separated from Him.
In this sermon on Luke 14:25-35, Pastor Danny explores what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus.
Pastor Ryan teaches on the parable of the Great Banquet where Jesus teaches us to embody three essential qualities: mercy, humility, and generosity.
In this sermon, Pastor Byron explores Luke 13:18-21, where Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed growing into a tree and yeast working through dough.
In this sermon, Pastor Danny explores three parables in Luke about waiting for Jesus' return.
Pastor Ryan teaches on Jesus' Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12 which challenges our relationship with money, revealing that the problem isn't wealth itself but our heart's attitude toward it.
Pastor Danny teaches on Jesus' miracle of casting out a demon in Luke 11:14-28 that provoked three responses: amazement, accusation, and testing—the same reactions people have today.
Pastor Danny teaches on prayer in Luke 11:1-13 revealing four essential truths that can transform our prayer lives.
Pastor Ryan teaches on the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 highlighting the Samaritan's empathy, humility, courage and generosity.
Pastor Gary explores the Parable of the Soils (or hearts) from Luke 8, examining how different heart conditions respond to God's Word.
Pastor Danny explores the concept of 'unexpected grace' through Jesus' interaction with a sinful woman at Simon the Pharisee's house in Luke 7:36-50.
As we begin our journey through the parables of Luke, Pastor Danny explores what parables are and why Jesus chose to teach using them.
Pastor Byron teaches from Proverbs 9 where two invitations are offered: Wisdom's feast of life or Folly's stolen pleasures.
JCC Elder, Jim Barton, focuses on Proverbs 3:5, exploring what it truly means to trust in the Lord with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding.
Pastor Danny teaches from Proverbs 4:23-27 where God provides four essential instructions for living well.
Pastor Ryan examines the wisdom in Proverbs 16 and how understanding God's will involves first aligning with His revealed directives: loving Him, loving others, and maintaining a pure heart.
On Mother's Day, Pastor Danny defines the eight key attributes in a godly woman with noble character as described in Proverbs 31.
Pastor Gary continues our study in Proverbs by looking at the cost of pride and how God specifically warns against pride throughout scripture.
The Book of Proverbs offers timeless wisdom for living a life that honors God. While many of us rely on motivational quotes or family sayings to guide us, Proverbs provides divine wisdom that goes far beyond simple inspiration.
Pastor Danny finishes the book of Titus by looking at Paul's final instructions which include things to avoid, things to caution, and things we should be doing.
Pastor Ryan teaches on good works described in Titus 3:1-8. Living a life of good works as a Christian involves three key spiritual movements: outward relations, inward revolution, and upward adoration.
Pastor Danny finishes Titus chapter 2 as we see how God's grace profoundly impacts every dimension of our lives through past salvation, present transformation, and future hope.
Pastor Ryan preaches on Titus 2:1-10 where we discover how true discipleship transforms lives across generations through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Danny warns against false teachers as described in Titus 1:10-16. This vital message explores the dangers of spiritual deception, the importance of sound doctrine, and how to maintain pure Biblical truth in your spiritual journey.
This sermon focuses on Titus 1:5-9, examining the biblical requirements and roles of church elders. Pastor Ryan explains how Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders in every town, emphasizing that elders must lead well at home, live with honor, and hold firmly to sound doctrine. The sermon clarifies that while elders are held to high standards, they aren't expected to be perfect, but rather exemplary in their faith and conduct.
Pastor Danny started us in a new book study - the book of Titus. Paul's letter to Titus offers essential guidance for building enduring faith and strong church communities.
Pastor Danny explains where JCC is headed though our core values: equipping, engaging, and expanding.
Pastor Danny defines who JCC is by explaining the mission statement, "Challenging people to know, love, serve God, our families, our community, our world" and also defining JCC's core values, "equipping, engaging, expanding".
This sermon marks a significant transition in the life of JCC as Danny Long is commissioned as the new senior pastor. Pastor Danny shares his personal journey, his commitments to the church, and his vision for the future.
Pastor Gary shares 10 truths he has learned in life. Understanding and embracing these fundamental truths can transform our approach to life, relationships, and spiritual growth. (Part 2)
Pastor Gary shares 10 truths he has learned in life. Understanding and embracing these fundamental truths can transform our approach to life, relationships, and spiritual growth. (Part 1)
Growing in love requires understanding that true love originates from God and flows through believers via the Holy Spirit. Through fellowship, service, and discipleship, we can actively grow in love within our church community, creating meaningful relationships that strengthen our faith journey.
Through Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 15, Pastor Byron shows how the gospel creates and sustains the church through eight key aspects. Additionally, he also shares a four step method to remembering and sharing the gospel.
Through the contrasting lives of Solomon and Paul, we discover profound truths about contentment. Despite having unlimited wealth, power, and wisdom, Solomon's pursuit of worldly pleasures left him empty and dissatisfied. Paul, however, found lasting contentment despite facing imprisonment, beatings, and constant hardship. His secret lay in anchoring his satisfaction not in circumstances but in his relationship with Christ. This profound difference reveals that true contentment comes not from having everything, but from having the right foundation.
This Christmas, reflect on the profound humility of Jesus' birth. Born in a manger and raised in the humble town of Nazareth, Jesus' life was marked by simplicity and sacrifice. His mission to serve and save humanity culminated in the ultimate act of humility—His death on the cross.
Pastor Byron teaches on another unique location where the Christmas story took place: the nations. When wise men from the East came to worship the newborn king of Israel, God reminded everyone of his love for the whole world and his plan to redeem all people through the Messiah Jesus Christ.
Pastor Ryan opens up our Christmas series on the places of Christmas with a focus on Jerusalem and the temple, where an angel spoke to Zechariah about his miraculous child who would make the way for the long-awaited Savior of the world. Is there room in your heart for Jesus? Luke 1:5-25, 67-68, 76-79
Pastor Gary concludes our study of Galatians with encouragement to boast in the all-sufficient cross of Christ and to celebrate the new creation that God has started when you were saved by grace alone.
Pastor Gary describes the concepts of reaping and sowing in Scripture, as it applies to how we use the money God gives us as well as how we live holy lives by the Spirit instead of for our sinful nature. Are you living life for a harvest in heaven or a weed patch on earth? Galatians 6:5-10
Pastor Gary heeds Paul’s admonition to the Galatian church to spiritually examine themselves by checking their attitudes towards self and others. Are we carrying each other’s burdens and fulfilling the command of Christ to love one another?
Pastor Gary describes how Spirit-led people will be humble, willing to restore other believers gently, and ready to carry others’ burdens.
Pastor Gary wraps up our fruit of the Spirit study with self-control, explaining how the crucifixion of self is the path to a life of freedom.
Pastor Ryan delves into an underappreciated fruit of the Spirit—gentleness. When we know both the tenderness and toughness of God, it allows the Spirit to change us into gentle men and women.
Pastor Danny centers our hearts and minds on the faithfulness of God and how God Himself helps us to be faithful to Him and to those He has put into our lives.
Pastor Gary describes how the next two fruit of the Spirit reflect the characteristics of God—kindness and goodness.
Pastor Gary explains why peace is so hard to come by in our world today—we are a people at war with our Maker. But the cross of Christ is how God offered an olive branch to mankind. Receive his offer of forgiveness and peace today, while there is still time.
Pastor Danny plucks the second fruit of the Spirit by describing how having the “joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart” doesn’t always feel like we think it might. How can we have a joy-filled life, regardless of life’s circumstances?
Pastor Gary introduces the fruit of the Spirit as an important, necessary, and God-produced part of a Christian’s life and shows us how sacrificial love is the primary fruit of God.
Christians are told to “walk in the Spirit.” But what does that mean? What exactly does the Holy Spirit do? Pastor Gary gives 11 ways that the Holy Spirit transforms our lives.
Pastor Danny details the four ways to use our Christian freedom when we are walking by the Spirit of the Living God.
Pastor Ryan compares the works-based systems humans create with the grace-based system God welcomes us into when we put our faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul sternly warns them of the dangers trying to earn salvation, but sets a beautiful vision of Christian freedom bought by the blood of Christ.
Pastor Danny unpacks Paul’s most heart-wrenching appeal to the churches, founded in his desire for them to love truth and be safe in the knowledge of grace.
Pastor Gary explains Paul’s analogy of adoption in the Greco-Roman world with the adoption we receive when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, God’s Son. We leave behind the slavery to sin and death and receive the inheritance of the children of the King.
Pastor Byron adds to our understanding of two covenants, one seed, and zero inheritance earning.
Pastor Gary describes the problem with living under the law and the solution found in Jesus through four amazing Old Testament references.
Pastor Ryan moves us into the 2nd phase of Galatians as Paul reminds the churches that the Holy Spirit is a gift they received, not a wage they can earn. Is your identity rooted in the Father’s love for you or in some other thing or person whom you seek to make you acceptable?
Pastor Danny concludes Paul’s conversation with Peter over Jews who were making new Christians follow the Old Testament law. Paul points to faith alone in Jesus alone as the way to salvation, not reliance on our own efforts.
Pastor Gary describes "the clash of the titans" between Paul and Peter and what we can learn from Peter's failure.
In our final message from the year we spent studying Genesis, Pastor Gary reviews the key lessons from the book and explains how it's the durable and clear foundation for the rest of the Bible.
Pastor Gary reviews what we’ve learned about Jacob’s reunion with Joseph in Egypt and explains how Joseph’s leadership will save not just the Egyptian people during famine, but also the bloodline of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Ryan continues the story of Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers by looking at the third and final test of a changed heart. With forgiveness from God blessing our lives, we are able to give and receive forgiveness in our relationships.
Pastor Gary describes the second secret test by Joseph of his estranged brothers and shows us how Joseph points the way to Jesus through his suffering and forgiveness.
Pastor Danny continues the amazing story of Joseph’s rise from prison to Pharaoh’s top advisor, while encouraging us to trust that God‘s heart and plan is good for His glory and our well-being.
Pastor Gary explains God’s boot camp for Joseph in an Egyptian prison and gives two great questions to ask in any difficult circumstance: how is God shaping me through this? and how can God use me in this?
Pastor Danny sandwiches a tale of temptation and of victory between two beautiful assurances of God’s presence with Joseph in the midst of unjust suffering. How will you stand strong in your faith when you’re tempted?
Pastor Gary starts the last section of Genesis by introducing the life of Joseph. Joseph's story is a reminder that God works all things to the good of His glory.
Pastor Danny takes us through Esau’s genealogy and helps us reflect on what our legacy will be: one of faithfulness and blessing or unbelief and shame?
Pastor Gary explains how God redeems the past mistakes of Jacob and blesses his family.
Pastor Byron warns against living with compromise or vengeance as seen through Jacob and his sons' reaction to injustice.
Pastor Gary teaches us how Jacob’s plans and hopes for reconciliation paled in comparison to what God had in store for him. Genesis 33
Pastor Byron returns to Genesis and a real crisis in the life of Jacob: the reunion with his estranged brother Esau. God welcomes us as people who will wrestle with Him as Jacob did but invites us to rest in His finished work on the cross and in our new identity as believers. Genesis 32.
Pastor Byron discusses Jacob’s career as a shepherd and God’s goodness and trustworthiness to Him, even though his treacherous uncle continued to abuse Jacob.
Pastor Gary uncovers the fallout of Jacob and Rebecca’s deceptions of Isaac and Esau, but he shows that God is gracious to show the path, or stairway or ladder, to heaven for all who will believe like Jacob.
Pastor Danny explains a tragic scene of family drama in Isaac and Rebecca’s story but reminds us that even while we suffer the consequences of our actions, God still can achieve his plans for our good and His glory. Genesis 27-28:9
Pastor Ryan focuses on the one chapter solely dedicated to Isaac and traces the good and bad ways that he followed in Abraham’s footsteps. Also, the issue of “the promised land” and the name of the people opposed to God’s chosen ones—the “pelesheth” in Hebrew—appear to have amazing parallels with the events surrounding the October 7th attack on Israel.
Pastor Gary preaches on the death and legacy of Abraham, the father of our faith, and on the troubled brotherhood between his grandsons Jacob and Esau.
Pastor Byron explains how Abraham’s burial of his wife Sarah—the mother of the faith—displays his ongoing trust in God’s covenant with him, a covenant that promises him a people, a land, and a worldwide blessing.
Pastor Gary outlines Lot’s dilemma as the destroying angels come to Sodom, bringing judgment for evil but grace and mercy for those made righteous through faith in God. Genesis 19
Pastor Ryan teaches on the Abrahamic Covenant, meditating on verse 6’s implications for believers in every age and uncovering a prediction of Christ’s sacrificial death in the ancient covenant ceremony.
Pastor Gary connects the call of Abraham with both the trustworthy promises of God and the obedient faith of Abraham.
Pastor Gary takes us through the table of nations which began with Noah’s sons and through the sin of humanity at the Tower of Babel.
Pastor Gary takes us through the account of the subsiding flood waters and the disembarking of Noah, his family, and the creatures from the ark, celebrating the liberating truth that God has never forgotten us in our troubles or trials and that God will never again destroy mankind or the earth.
Pastor Ryan explains how the real history of Noah’s ark showed God’s justice and goodness then, and how it points to the justice and goodness we experience today through faith in Jesus Christ.
Jim Barton, one of the church elders, walks us through some fascinating genealogies from the time of Adam to the time of Noah. We marvel at the unparalleled longevity of early humans, the unimaginable depravity of the human heart, and the unfathomable grace of God who longs to restore us to our original goodness.
Pastor Gary demonstrates what the story of Cain and Abel teaches us about hypocritical worship and the destructive path of sin. Genesis 4
Pastor Danny explains how Genesis 3 defines sin, lays out the consequences, but still delivers hope through the grace of God displayed in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Ryan delves into the painful origin story of mankind. The evil seed of doubt was planted in Adam and Eve, but God promised to show us by sending us Jesus on the cross that He is forever good and gracious to us.
Pastor Byron helps us understand God’s goodness in creation, His covenants with mankind, and community described in Genesis 2.
Pastor Gary covers the seventh day of creation and discusses what the Sabbath means for us today.
Pastor Gary kicks off our new study in Genesis, the Bible’s opening book. What do the opening verses tell us about the nature and character of God, and what does that mean for me today?
The Priesthood of All Believers
Pastor Byron puts a bow on our “Finding Your Place in the Family of God” series with an overview of the priesthood of all believers, from Old Testament times to today. Our ministry fair followed the service as we encouraged each other with the many ways spiritual gifts are and can be used at JCC. 1 Peter 2:5, 9
Pastor Ryan combs through 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4 to understand what the Bible says about spiritual gifts and to figure out what gifts God has given me to build and strengthen His church worldwide.
Pastor Danny Long reminds us that church is not meant to be about us and that its purpose is to foster evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, and worship. Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 22:36-40
Pastor Gary launches a new series on the power God gives us when we join His family through faith. What do children in this family look like? Gary shares 7 identifying marks.
Pastor Gary discusses the various kinds of hope but emphasizes that the only hope that will never fail us is our hope in salvation through faith in Christ. Part 1 in the Advent Series “The Heart of Christmas.”
Pastor Ryan Murphy wraps up the trial of Jesus as the Jewish leaders finalize their rejection of Jesus as their king and Messiah, with a challenge to us to choose God over self every day, and in every way.
Pastor Byron continues our study of Christ’s trial before Pilate by looking at the plans of God, the kingdom of God, and the truth from God.
Pastor Gary details the many ways that Jesus’s trial was illegal and warns against the dangers of hatred in our souls. The love of Christ is magnified greater when we realize how he endured such injustice despite his complete innocence.
Pastor Gary examined Peter's courage, love and devotion during Jesus' trial in John 18:12-27.
Pastor Danny explains how even Christ’s arrest displays the characteristics of his perfect life and how those qualities should be our desire as we follow Jesus.
Pastor Gary wraps up our study of the high priestly prayer in John 17 by sharing how the power of God’s Word and Spirit grants His love and glory to us, uniting us together as His people.
Pastor Danny Long continues teaching on the high priestly prayer of Jesus, as the Lord asks for His followers to have joy, protection, sanctification, and a focused mission.
Pastor Gary shares how Jesus revealed God through His life and His teaching and how the apostles (and eventually we) glorified God through our obedience and unity.
Pastor Gary introduces the high priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17 by explaining that Jesus is both the one offering sacrifices to God and the perfect sacrifice that forgives our sins and grants eternal life to all who believe.
Pastor Gary wraps up chapter 16 with Jesus again predicting His death but also pointing a clear arrow to the “mega” joy that will follow for both Jesus and for us when He overcomes the grave and makes a way to heaven for us.
Pastor Gary explains how Jesus takes on different roles in the court of law over our souls and salvation.
Pastor Gary dispels the myth of the “prosperity gospel” by studying Jesus’s words about the normal persecution and suffering that come to Christ followers in a hate-filled world.
Pastor Danny describes discipleship by using the vine and gardener metaphor employed by Jesus in John 15:1-8. How do we remain in Christ and what is the fruit that our lives produce?
Pastor Byron covers the gladness at going, the reasons to believe, and the Prince of this World mentioned by Jesus in John 14:28-31.
Pastor Byron opens God’s Word for us, where Jesus prepares His disciples for His absence by discussing the gifts of prayer, of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, and of communion.
Pastor Danny takes us through Christ’s response to the curious disciples’ questions about His identity and purpose, ultimately revealing that Jesus is the full revelation of God and is all we need for salvation.
Pastor Ryan Murphy describes how Christ’s glory on earth was His obedient sacrifice on our behalf and how our dependence on His Spirit daily makes our lives and our church glorious for God.
Pastor Byron Musser discusses God’s sovereignty over even Judas’s betrayal of Christ, as he connects a Psalm 41 prophecy to Jesus’s last night but also to Christ’s eventual resurrection and victory over Satan.
Pastor Byron explains how Jesus washing his disciples’ feet shows His love for them, their need to be cleansed, and the attitude that we should have towards others.
Pastor Ryan concludes the first half of the book of John by looking at Jesus’s final warning to the public before His crucifixion and resurrection, where He again states that He is God in the flesh and that our obedience to His Words will be the determining factor in our doom or salvation.
Pastor Ryan details Jesus’s last public address before his crucifixion and John’s reflection on the hardness of hearts within the Jewish leadership. Do we have ears to hear of and hearts to trust in God’s forgiveness for our sins?
Pastor Danny teaches on Jesus’s painful announcement of His impending crucifixion but how that death would lead to new life for all who believe in Christ.
Pastor Danny reviews the different characters seen in this passage while highlighting how to follow the example of Martha, Lazarus, and Mary.
Pastor Danny continues studying the seventh and final miracle of Jesus recorded in the book of John with the raising of Lazarus. He takes us through the waiting, the weeping, the walking, and the watching experienced by both Jesus and the crowd, and invites us to come alive spiritually like Lazarus came alive physically by answering Christ’s call.
Pastor Gary begins the study of Lazarus's death and resuscitation by reflecting on the silence and mysterious ways of God. Although God's timing might not look like ours, we can always trust in His good plan.
Pastor Gary takes us through Jesus’s winter conversation with the Pharisees, where he assures them of his power to hold those who trust in Him forever. He is both the Good Shepherd and the Lamb who was slain to bring us to God.
Pastor Byron describes Jesus’s ongoing rebuke of the Pharisees who had poorly shepherded God’s people and had rejected Christ as the true Good Shepherd. Are you listening to the Good Shepherd’s voice today?
Pastor Gary takes us through John 9, where a blind man is healed by Jesus on the Sabbath. Our humility allows God to work in our lives, while pride and arrogance quenches the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Gary explains what 1st century Jews were expecting when Jesus rode into Jerusalem before a palm-waving crowd and what it means for us to welcome Christ as King of our lives.
Pastor Gary explains the two different deaths people can experience and describes how Jesus’s perfect sacrifice on the cross can give us eternal life.
Pastor Danny examines the lineage of the Pharisees from a physical and spiritual standpoint and gives us three crucial tests to be sure that our Father is truly God: Do we love Jesus? Do we obey his Word? Does our life look like Christ’s life?
Pastor Gary describes how Jesus Christ is the truth and how He sets us free from sin and death when we look to Him.
Pastor Ryan illuminates the context of Jesus’s confrontation with the Pharisees over his statement: “I am the light of the world.” Jesus identified himself as God with these words, and when we contemplate what that means for our lives, we realize that confessing our dark secrets and forsaking our hidden idols are the only way to walk in the light of the Lord fully and freely.
Pastor Gary preaches on the story of Jesus’s restoration of a woman caught in adultery. While the Pharisees sought to trap him, Christ showed a way to set people free from both their besetting sins and their deserved condemnation.
Pastor Gary finishes the story of Jesus and the crowd at the Feast of Tabernacles. The crowd was divided over what they believed about Jesus’s identity, and today we still need to answer the essential question: “Who is God?”
Pastor Gary takes us through a difficult passage where Jesus dialogues and debates with a crowd about his identity and purpose, yet ultimately welcomes them to taste the living water which faith in Him provides.
Pastor Gary examines an interchange between Jesus and his brothers to show how God’s view of timing and of popularity is different from our worldly standards. God speaks to confront us about our sin, so that we’ll turn from our own ways and surrender to His Son and His perfect way.
On this week's episode, Cole and Danny talk about their favorite places to get a soft serve ice cream cone. We also take a look at days 27-33 of the One Minute Bible.
Pastor Gary continues our study in John 6 with a study of the concepts of assurance, irresistible grace, and secure salvation, as found in Jesus’s words to Peter and the disciples.
This week, Cole and Danny talk about the two mainstream flavors of Doritos, as well as share their favorite flavors. We also look at days 20-26 of the One Minute Bible. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with all of our podcast related content, and much more.
Pastor Gary Musser further explains how Jesus is the bread of life and what it means when we put our full faith in His provision for our lives.
This week, Cole and Danny talk about the four "OG" flavors of Starburst. Thrive Student leaders, Grace De Mars and Micah Murphy, join Cole to talk about this week's reading in the One Minute Bible. Be sure to follow us on social media to get involved with our podcast in a different ways!
Pastor Gary continues the story of the feeding of the 5,000 with an examination of the self-centered crowds who followed after Jesus because of the miracle and not because of their worship of God Almighty.
In this week's episode of The Abundant Life Podcast, Danny and Cole talk about their favorite light sodas. We also happily welcome Ally Stinnett and Erin Pretty, two of our Thrive Student Leaders, to talk about this week's reading in the One Minute Bible.
Pastor Gary retells the story of Jesus calming the storm, and considers what storms face us and how God can lead us through.
Start 2022 off with a bang as Cole and Danny sit down to talk about the brand new podcast, what dark soda is the best, and recap the first week of the One Minute Bible.
Pastor Gary is teaching us about the most unlikely but most needed gift we ever needed.
The Abundant Life Podcast is a show for our youth here at Jamul Community Church. Join host Cole Loftis as he sits down to chat with Danny Long, as well as select students in our Thrive student leader program.
How do we survive a war against God? Our human tendency is to fight Him and His ways. Pastor Gary continues our advent series by studying what it means when Jesus comes into our lives and hearts as the prince of peace.
Where does the Christian joy come from? How is it connected to Jesus and how is it affecting our lives? Pastor Gary Musser reminds us of one of the key elements in the Christian life.
Associate Pastor Byron Musser discovers the significance of Jesus’s feeding of the 5,000 for his hearers then and for our hearts now. God desires to feed His people with abundant life through faith in His Son and fellowship in His church.
Pastor Gary describes the significance of the five witnesses which testify to Jesus’s divinity in John 5:31-47. Will the evidence convince you to surrender your heart to Christ?
Pastor Gary reveals the importance of Christ’s claim of unity with God the Father. Putting our faith in God the Son’s death and resurrection brings us into a saving relationship with God forever. John 5:16-30
Pastor Gary continues the story of a paralytic’s healing by examining the legalistic responses of the religious leaders. Making secondary things the primary things means we miss out on the heart of God, a heart filled with mercy and grace towards broken people. John 5:8-16
Pastor Gary teaches on the healing at the pool of Bethesda and compares it with the spiritual path to healing Christ offers each of us. John 5:1-15
Pastor Gary traces the steps each of us must make towards faith by examining the royal official’s request for his dying son’s healing to Jesus. John 4:45-54
Pastor Danny Long shares many things we can learn from Jesus’s loving and challenging encounter with the woman at the well. John 4:1-42
Pastor Gary describes the difference between having a positive self image by the world‘s standards and having a God-given self image by examining the perspective of John the Baptist as Christ’s ministry grew. John 3:22-36
Pastor Gary reveals how John 3:16 is "the Gospel in miniature" by laying out 6 truths to be found in this key verse.
Pastor Gary uncovers the details of a secret night meeting between Jesus and a religious leader named Nicodemus. We don’t need to be a little better or change a few things about ourselves; we need to be completely born again by faith to enter God’s family. John 3:1-15.
Pastor Gary draws parallels between Jesus cleansing the temple and the changes God wants to make inside each Christian, we who are living temples of the Spirit of God. John 2:13-25
Pastor Ryan Murphy asks two questions about Jesus’s first public sign—why did he choose a wedding for the setting and why was wine his first miraculous transformation? God uses the marriage metaphor to communicate his love and blessing to his wayward people. John 2:1-11
Pastor Gary tells of Jesus’s growing band of disciples in John 1:35-51 and explains how we simply tell others to “come and see” the Lord and God does the rest. He is the stairway to heaven for people to return to God.
Pastor Gary unveils the forerunner to Jesus, John the Baptist. As the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, John pointed the world to Christ, while surrendering his own pride and admitting his need for a Savior. John 1:15-34
Pastor Gary delves deeply into verse 14 of John chapter 1, marveling at the mystery of God becoming a man. Jesus was fully man and fully God, and that gives people like us hope to live holy and righteously by the Holy Spirit. John 1:14
Pastor Gary continues through the first thirteen verses of John’s gospel, marveling in the universe’s creation and sustenance by God the Father through God the Son. Yet, for all the scientific complexity of the world He has created, the biggest marvel is that he came to die for your sins and to know you intimately as His child.
To start off our new sermon series in the Gospel of John, Pastor Gary Musser gives insight to the need and purpose of the four Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John.
Pastor Gary lays out the different reminders for the believer, such as reminders to pray, encourage, support, to be responsible, and to hold leadership accountable within the church.
Pastor Gary sprints through both 2 John and 3 John, highlighting how we are to walk in truth and love together in our Christian community.
Pastor Danny Long brings our study in 1 John to an end by explaining, defining and identifying idols in our lives. Danny describes how we can remove idols and how to keep God as our main focus.
Concluding Remarks
Pastor Danny Long delves further into the topic of prayer, considering how we should pray for each other and how we can live lives of freedom as children of God. 1 John 5:16-20
Pastor Ryan continues in 1 John 5:13-15 by wrestling with the promise that God will always welcome us, hear us, and answer us. But how do we pray the right prayers? And how do we become the right kind of people? Two encounters with Jesus in Mark 10:35-52 help us answer those questions.
Pastor Gary discusses how moral lies, doctrinal lies, and social lies can keep us from more intimate fellowship with God. Meanwhile, obedience to God, trust in His Word, and love for others ground us in the truth. 1 John 4:20-5:13
Pastor Gary shows us how God’s love results in comfort from the Holy Spirit, forgiveness from sin, and confidence on the day of judgment. 1 John 4:13-19
Rick Eisemann spoke to us about the past and present of the missionary career of him and wife Brenda. He then shared seven stories of God's heart for all nations out of the Old Testament.
Pastor Gary lays out how the Holy Spirit grounds us in the truth through the Word of God and sound doctrine. False prophets and shallow miracle seekers hold no sway over us when we're walking in the Spirit and rooted in Scripture. 1 John 3:24-4:6
Craig Breuninger returns to JCC to describe how Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount creates a new pattern of living for believers. Matthew 5-7
Pastor Gary lays out the difference between a condemning heart with it's implications, and an un-condemning heart that leads to confidence before God and answered prayers. 1 John 3:19-24
Pastor Gary Musser outlines how our faith in Christ and love for Christ must be evidenced in our love for others. 1 John 3:11-18
Pastor Gary takes time to recapitulate what sin actually is and what Jesus has actually done to defeat it. Our culture may attempt to redefine what’s been biblically taught for thousands of years, but God’s Word is our infallible standard for living. 1 John 3:4-10
Pastor Gary unveils the "otherworldly" love described in 1 John 3. God delights in turning sinners into sons, derelicts into daughters, and enemies into heirs. 1 John 3:1-3
Pastor Gary delivers the Easter story on the Jamul Little League field. With guest speaker Lisa King.
Pastor Danny Long reflects on the crossroads that two crowds came upon on Palm Sunday and on Good Friday. He challenges us with key questions which will help us find out which crowd we’re a part of...and how to join the right crowd when facing our own crossroads.
Pastor Gary explains how the church must continue to fight for the truth about Jesus. Following Jesus is the key factor in remaining a member of His church until the end. 1 John 18-25
Pastor Gary focuses on the first verse of 1 John 2:18-25 where we are warned about the antichrist who will come in the last days. Not only is our awareness of these signs important, but our living holy lives with urgency for Gospel proclamation is crucial as well.
Gary Musser explains how the three principles of the world—our evil fleshly desires, our selfish desires for possessions, and our prideful desire for self-worship—will tempt us to go down the wrong road. God invites us to follow Him into the joys of His presence on the road to eternal life. 1 John 2:15-17
Pastor Gary shares essential truths that can help us through three stages of Christian growth. 1 John 2:12-14.
Gary Musser emphasizes a need to love God deeply to fuel our service and love towards other believers. Our love for others is our "birthmark" as born again believers in Christ. 1 John 2:7-11
Pastor Gary lays out four truths for our quest to follow Christ: know who we were, know who we are, know who Christ is, and know how to respond. As we walk as Jesus did, we rest in the truth that we aren’t saved by obeying; we obey because we are saved. 1 John 2:1-6
Pastor Gary sets the context of the first letter of John by explaining the Gnostic teachings in the early church. God’s light illuminates the false claims that some people make about human nature, the reality of sin, and the divinity of Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:5-10.
Pastor Gary begins our study in the letters of John with an examination of the unlikely fellowship of Christ’s disciples and the wonderful blessing of unity among the various parts of God’s church. The grace and adventure set before us as Christ followers is similar to but even greater than that of Tolkien’s characters in “The Fellowship of the Ring” book. 1 John 1:1-4.
Pastor Danny poses a series of questions for us about how the church launches us. Who are we sharing the Gospel with? How has God made us with a unique S.H.A.P.E.? How can we use our gifts to serve God?
Pastor Gary shares the various ways that the church offers vital encouragement to believers in all phases of life and ministry.
Pastor Vic Murphy re-centers our hearts on the mission and the message of Jesus. It's God’s purpose for the church that define how we should live here in this broken nation.
Pastor Ryan Murphy describes how the church is the soil in which believers grow. The church grows us by shaping us in a loving commitment among family members in Christ (through discipleship, membership, and fellowship).
In this short series Pastor Gary lays out in his first sermon how the Church is united, and the ties that bind it together.
Pastor Gary tells of the simply spectacular and miraculously mundane birth of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Gary leads our yearly family service with the identifying aspects of God's love to us shown at Christmas.
Pastor Gary delves into the mysterious "magi" of the Christmas story to find what was so wise about their search for the Messiah and how their response differed from that of King Herod. Who do you more closely resemble this Christmas season?
Pastor Gary is wrapping up our series by reminding us that we are called to be doers not just hearers. He encourages us to stand firm, to keep growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ while continuously praising our Lord and Savior.
Danny Long explains what right living looks like, why we should pursuit it, and what we call our home. Also, why do we need to be at peace with God? 2 Peter 3:11-16
The Bible speaks of a final judgement day. This coming day is a warning invitation to the world and an orienting alert for believers. 2 Peter 3:1-10
Pastor Gary walks us through 2 Peter 2:10-22 to illuminate positive lessons we can learn from the negative teachings and examples from false teachers.
Second Peter chapter 2 is not a call to pursue punishment for false teachers or society, it’s a call to trust God and a reminder of God’s coming judgment. 2 Peter 2:4-10.
Pastor Gary gives insight into how false teachers secretly introduce destructive heresies, and how we recognize them. 2 Peter2:1-3
Pastor Gary uncovers both the importance of Peter’s experience at the Transfiguration and the preeminence of scriptural truths over our individual thoughts and feelings. The prophecies in God’s Word always come true, as explained in 2 Peter 1:16-21.
Pastor Ryan mediates on Peter's emotional reflection towards the end of his life--a message on the importance of remembering what God has done, who God is, and what God has promised to do. 2 Peter 1:12-15.
Pastor Gary outlines the seven characteristics of spiritual growth set forth in 2 Peter 1:5-11. Children of God the Father must be growing in various areas if they are His true children.
Pastor Gary begins our journey through the book of 2nd Peter with a call to the power and identity given to all believers through faith in Christ's righteousness alone. This sermon covers 2 Peter 1:1-4.
Pastor Gary Musser is finishing up the first letter of Peter, giving insight into what the heart of a shepherd should look like. 1 Peter 5:5-14
Pastor Gary takes us through 1 Peter 5 and discusses an elder's role in church and the guidance and care Jesus gives us all as the Good Shepherd.
Pastor Danny speaks from 1 Peter 4:12-19 about the roles, responsibilities, and rejoicings that come from the trials in our lives. When we respond in faith to our struggles, the world notices the Spirit of God at work in our lives more than in any other way.
Evacuated from his home due to the Valley Fire, Pastor Byron delivers a sermon on 1 Peter 4:7-11. The free gift of grace through faith in Christ Jesus empowers us to share our various gifts with others.
Pastor Gary uncovers what Peter means when he writes "the end is near." Are we living in the last days? Does it matter if we pray and love others, if the world is coming to an end anyways? 1 Peter 4:7-8 give us answers from the Lord.
Pastor Gary begins the 4th chapter of Peter's 1st letter. How does being a Christian change our approach to sin? What surprises can we expect when following Jesus?
Pastor Gary teaches from 1 Peter 3:13-22 on the paradoxical path of Christ. We experience triumph through and from our sufferings, even as we show the world the supreme value and greatness of our God who saves us.
Pastor Gary delves into 1 Peter 3:8-12 to discuss how to have harmony in a world rife with discord.
Pastor Gary teaches on 1 Peter 3:1-7 on the challenging topic of husbands and wives in regards to submission and service within the marriage relationship.
Pastor Ryan teaches on 1 Peter 2:18-25 on the call to follow Christ’s example when suffering unjustly. What does the Bible say about slavery?
Pastor Gary teaches through 1 Peter 2 on what it means to submit to our government and what that tells the world about Jesus. 1 Peter 2:13-17
Pastor Byron preaches from 1 Peter 2:11-12 on how to live as strangers and exiles here while still striving to bring the kingdom of God to earth.
Pastor Gary preaches from 1 Peter 2:4-10 on Christ’s being the firm foundation for those who trust in Him...or else the rock which will judge us.
Pastor Danny preaches from 1 Peter 2:1-3 on how ridding ourselves of selfish tendencies goes hand in hand with desiring God more.
Pastor Gary preaches from 1 Peter 1:18-25 on God’s plan to show us love and how that shows us HOW to love others.
Pastor Gary preaches from 1 Peter 1:13-17 on how to prepare our minds for holy and service-centered living, as we obey our loving Father.
Pastor Gary preaches from 1 Peter 1:8-12 on God’s one and only plan for salvation for the whole world—the church that testifies to faith in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Gary opens up 1 Peter 1:1-4 to reveal how God chose us to be his people living in foreign lands.
Pastor Gary begins our new study with a look at the life of the apostle and the author Peter.
Pastor Gary concludes the life of Saul with two more pitfalls for us to avoid. Meanwhile, King David’s life—while not perfect—points us to our perfect King, Jesus Christ. The final sermon in a four-part series.
Pastor Gary Musser maps out the first two pitfalls to avoid from the tragic life of Israel’s first king, King Saul.
Pastor Gary Musser uncovers the five keys to victorious living from the life of King David.
Pastor Gary begins our series on Israel’s first two kings, illuminating what they did right in their relationships with God and what they did wrong, as they direct our gaze to the future and perfect King who would come from David’s lineage.
What will you do with the empty tomb? Nothing can stop the Easter message from going forward!
Pastor Gary Musser concludes our study of James with a message of conviction for those who have wandered from the truth and of encouragement for those who can lovingly confront them. Passage: James 5:19-20.
Senior Pastor Gary Musser outlines a rich section on prayer towards the end of the book of James. When should we pray? Who should pray? How necessary is confession in the life of a believer? All questions answered here. Passage: James 5:13-18.
In the midst of a crisis of truth, God gives a radical call to radical truthfulness! Passage James 5:12.
Senior Pastor Gary Musser delivers a special sermon on the peace and faith that Christians cling to in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Matthew 8:23-27 explains how Jesus calmed the disciples' fears through His power, presence, and perspective.
Pastor Gary Musser gives insight in how to see four truths that lead to patience. Passage: James 5:7-11.
Pastor Gary dissects a hard-hitting passage on the dangers of wealth. We struggle with five pitfalls which ensnare us when we love money more than God. Passage: James 5:1-6.
Pastor Gary challenges our presumptions when it comes to our life-our powerlessness, our temporality, and our pride. Life may be short and frail, but receiving Christ's forgiveness for eternity is a truth we can rest on.
Pastor Gary confronts the difficult subject of judgment in our world today. As believers, we are called to judge those inside the church—not those outside the church—but we must take care to always be humble and gentle with others while seeking to be non-hypocritical in our own conduct. Passage: James 4:11-12.
Pastor Gary gives us six steps for drawing near to God. Submit to God, resist the devil, purify your heart, grieve over your sin, humble yourself, and receive God's gracious love. Passage: James 4:7-10.
Pastor Gary Musser uncovers why we have such turmoil within us and so much turmoil among us. Although pleasure is a gift from God, it can become a god in our lives when it is centered in worldly pursuits and selfishness. Passage: James 4:1-6
Pastor Gary explores how the wisdom of the world is different from godly wisdom. True wisdom comes from a right understanding and saving relationship with God, which develops into a lifestyle of scripture study and prayer. Passage: James 3:13-18
Senior Pastor Gary Musser unpacks the wonderful metaphors of James 3 to show both the tongue's capacity to help and hurt. Ultimately, only a transformed heart with the Spirit's help has the power to control the tongue. Passage: James 3:1-12
Pastor Gary Musser tackles the controversial and sometimes confusing verse "faith without works is dead." While faith alone saves a person, true faith will produce good deeds. The works are the outcome of saving faith, not the means of salvation. Passage: James 2:14-26.
Pastor Gary explains how the early church struggled with showing partiality and how we still struggle with it today. God's non-preferential and inclusive love for each and every sinner means that we need to love each other without favoritism. Passage: James 2:1-11
Worship pastor Ryan Murphy addresses the anxieties that we feel when considering conversations with God, using Jesus' parable of the unjust judge and the widow. Passage: Luke 18:1-8
Pastor Gary explains how Christ brings us peace through his birth, life, death, and resurrection.
Senior Pastor Gary Musser explains how the root of all joy began at Christmas. From there, so many other joys trickle down to our lives by God's grace. But we must be active in the experience of joy, as the Bible commands us to "Rejoice always!"
Senior Pastor Gary Musser lists the many ways that God loves us, all flowing from the gift of love in Christ's Incarnation. Matthew 1:18-25, John 3:16
Pastor Byron Musser examines the final book and final chapter of the Old Testament (Malachi) to find what exactly God's people were longing for as they awaited their coming Messiah. Their hopes were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and we as Christians look forward to the "Day of the Lord" when everything is at last made right. Malachi 4:1-6. First of a 4-part Christmas series.
Pastor Gary Musser continues our series in the book of James (Faith in Action). The three signs of a transformed heart are control of the tongue, looking after widows and orphans, and keeping oneself from being polluted. Passage: James 1:26-27.
Pastor Gary Musser preaches on the path that God's Word takes in the transformed life--from the mind to the affections and finally to our lifestyle. Our identity in Christ reminds us who we are and also sets a path for the Christlike-ness ahead of us. Passage: James 1:22-25.
Pastor Vic Murphy expounds how faith in God's Word brings the dead to life, gives us power to speak life and not death, and changes our entire lifestyle. Passage: James 1:19-22
Pastor Ryan Murphy describes how the characteristic of God's goodness permeates all the good in our world, shines through even when we suffer, and led Him to redeem us through Jesus Christ, the Savior of all. Passage: James 1:16-18
Passage: James 1:13-15 Danny Long explains the differences between temptation, trials, and testing, and how to recognize and resist temptation.
Passage: James 1:5-8 Rest in God's Sovereignty, Pray for Wisdom, Be Undivided in Faith.
Beautiful Worship begins with God’s children living intentional lives of justice, following the Holy Spirit towards righteousness and obedience, and trusting in Christ with all our hearts. Passage: Amos 5:21-24