Ultimately, it is a challenge—How can I give the gift of MY LIFE to the One who gave it all for me?

This song has been on my mind as I study John 12

So I’ll stand, with arms high and heart abandoned

In awe of the One who gave it all

I’ll stand, my soul Lord to You surrendered

All I have is Yours

—The Stand, by Joel Houston

Give it a listen and be blessed,

~Jeff

Most importantly, Jesus brings critical truth about life and death, offering hope and an eternal perspective desperately needed in our broken and suffering world.

I have 6 amazing takeaways to share that can transform your life in your next crisis or tragedy—giving that critical eternal perspective we all need.

3 ...and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

4 “When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.

5 “A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

Spending time with Jesus and learning to hear and follow His voice is the most important, yet most challenging job for the disciple. And just as important and challenging—learning NOT to listen to the voice of the “stranger!”

This Sunday we will compare and contrast the voice of the Good Shepherd and the Door of the Sheep, Jesus, to the thieves and robbers wanting to steal away His disciples—such as the Pharisees, Priests, and Rabbis.

Only Jesus could offer abundant and eternal life, found in Himself; the thieves could only steal, kill, and destroy, following their father the devil.

Let’s learn to discern the Voice of our Good Shepherd. And let’s follow where He leads—because He leads into the good pastures where we find a feast and rest for our souls.

Be blessed as you listen to your Shepherd’s voice this week,

The origins of this phrase is unknown—but the best theory is that it comes from this Sunday’s passage in John 9, as Jesus heals the blind man by putting mud in his eyes.

In our study this Sunday, we will see 4 major lessons from this chapter.

• The Gospel

• The nature of Jesus

• Standing strong in our faith

• Responding to Jesus

To ponder before Sunday—What were you doing in your life when Jesus saw you, stopped to apply some spitty–dirt in your eyes, and offer you true sight in Him? Did you at first resist going to “Siloam” to wash and receive this new sight? Or did you respond instantly to this offer?

Spend some time thanking God for your salvation today. And thank Him for whatever discomfort was necessary to get your attention and send you to Siloam.

Here’s mud in your eye!

The ongoing theme through this passage is trusting God when there seems to be limitations—when we’ve run out of options and provisions. So, through this passage we will highlight 10 powerful lessons for walking with Jesus when we are being tested.

Something to ponder as you prepare for Sunday’s study: When your resources run thin (time, treasure, talent), how do you typically react? Are you in the FLESH—Frustrated, Fearful, or Frantic? Or are you able to turn to God and look expectantly for His provisions, walking in the SPIRIT? Let’s do a heart–inventory and prepare to step into the sandals of a disciple this Sunday.

And then Jesus showed up.

We have all wasted time, energy, effort, emotions, and money to find solutions to what ails us—when we should have looked unto the True House of Mercy—Jesus Himself.

What are you looking unto in your life? Where are you searching for mercy and help? Is it Jesus alone? Or is it an empty substitute and an imitation of our True Merciful King?

Look unto Him alone!

Your fellow town-folk know of your sins. Word got out. And in your shame, and in their scorn, you become a social outcast. You’d rather not face the upturned noses, and the furrowed eyebrows. So, you draw your water in the heat of the day instead of the cool of the morning, when no one else would come to the well for water.

Like the town-folk, Jesus also knows everything about you. He knows your past sins. He knows your current sins. He even knows your future sins!

But with Jesus it is different. No upturned nose. No furrowed eyebrow. 

And He has met you where you are at—alone in the heat of day, hiding from awkward and painful interactions.

And Jesus doesn’t reject you, even though He knows everything about you. He has a conversation. He listens. He asks questions. He offers truth.

And instead of CONDEMNATION, you experience KINDNESS, maybe for the first time in many, many years—even with the shocking realization that He is Prophet and Messiah.

So, question: What do you do now?

(a) Run in terror?

Or (b) run into town to tell everyone about Jesus!?

The Samaritan woman chose rightly, becoming the first evangelist of the Gospel to the Samaritans and launching a city–wide revival that turned their world upside down.

“For” is a connecting word, so we must look back at the context to understand it.

And boy, is it a doozy! It speaks of Moses and a weird serpent in the wilderness. Check it out—

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 

What is the connection? How does John 3:16 relate to this obscure Old Testament account? Why Jesus even refer to it?

We are going to have a wild ride together this Sunday through this amazing and well known passage.

Buckle up!

We often think of the spiritual discipline of “waiting” upon the Lord (as servants), but there is also “waiting” upon the Lord for His perfecting timing in our lives. “Waiting” is often our experience with God, but in our story this Sunday, we will see there are times that God works immediately! Maybe even before we know there was a problem, God has already stepped in to fix it for us. And we are unaware of it—like the wedding party and the headwaiter in this story.

So—let me urge you to GIVE THANKS  For the many answers to prayers that were never even prayed! God providing and protecting and working on your behalf without you even realizing there was a problem.

This is just one of many lessons to be “gleaned” from the story of water to wine. Another lesson: Jesus takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. This is my prayer for you this week—that as you walk in His Spirit, the ordinary things would be extraordinary.

1 • A short introduction to the book of John

2 • A study on vs 35–51, the invitation to “come and see” Jesus

The book of John is all about how Jesus is God-in-the-flesh and how we are saved by faith in Him. John focuses on particular signs and sayings of Jesus to lead us to belief in Him.

But, for God to become flesh, He had to humble Himself—and He didn’t stop halfway—he took the lowest place among us.

Consider Nathanael’s words—Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?

To this we’d say, Absolutely! 100% yes.

Jesus, God-with-us, chose to be born to a poor Galilean couple, laid in a manger at His birth, escape to Egypt in his childhood (living in exile), and then grow up as a young man in a small, rejected, despised burg called “Nazareth”—which would never appear in a first–century “Places to Visit While You Visit Israel” guidebook. 

And yet, of all the cities in Israel, Nazareth is probably the third most recognizable, after Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Why? Because Jesus came forth from there at the age of 30, after living His life in near obscurity, to reveal God to the world.

I want to be a “Nazareth”—no matter how much I am despised by the world, the only thing that matters is that Jesus is in my life, and people can see Him in me.

But the story is long, and after Joseph ascends to the Pharaoh’s right hand to take over management of Egypt and save the world from starvation from the famine, I suspect many readers tune out, thinking the “good stuff” is over. One might look at chapters 42 to 50 as the “after thought”—just a long account of Joseph settling his family in Egypt.

The term we use now is “TLDR”—“too long, didn’t read.” We prefer the short memes and sound bites, and a long read just doesn’t hold our attention. Blame social media and Twitter. 

May I urge you—don’t tune out quite yet! How Joseph deals with his brothers from chapter 42 and on might just be the whole point God was driving at since they threw him in the pit in chapter 37!

Because here we learn that God is the God of second chances. Because who doesn’t need a do–over from time to time? This is a lesson of God’s grace we all need to hear.

And we learn that you can forgive someone who has totally messed your life up—because God’s plan is greater. Once again, a lesson we all need to hear.

So, don’t tune out yet. Joseph still has a lot more still to teach us!

Treated unfairly.

In a dead–end job.

Doors slammed in the face.

Forgotten by family.

Making no progress.

Going from bad to worse.

Life in the pits.

No end in sight.

But in hindsight, looking back over his journey, Joseph wouldn’t have changed a thing!

This Sunday’s lesson: God’s presence in our circumstances changes everything!

Luke 6

22   “Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. 

23   “Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.

Joseph and Jesus’ stories both speak of going from PIT to PALACE—from the lowest place to the highest place, in order to achieve God’s BIG PLAN. 

You, too, will find yourself in the PITS, where everyone and everything seems to have turned against you—unfairly. It might not make sense. It will certainly be heartbreaking in that season of tribulation. But Jesus’ promise is that the final reward will bring unspeakable JOY! 

So, let’s not be too attached to this world. Like Joseph and Jesus, we might have to let it all go and find ourselves with nothing in this world, even cast into a pit, in order to take hold of all that GOD has for us.

Hang in there. Don’t give up hope. The day of your salvation approaches.

Isaiah 25:9 • And it will be said in that day, “Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”

Genesis 29:16-31 • The Bride

The tale of Jacob and Rachel is one of the most romantic love stories in scripture. Jacob goes on a long journey to find his bride, and when he meets Rachel, they quickly fall in love and Jacob offers seven years of hard labor to win her hand from his uncle, Laban.

This story has an amazing start, but it quickly goes downhill. Laban sneaks Rachel’s elder sister Leah into Jacob’s tent on his wedding night and he unknowingly marries the wrong sister. He is shocked when he wakes up with the wrong woman by his side.

Jacob the scheming deceiver was duped by the master of manipulation: Laban, as Jacob learns the hard lesson: you reap what you sow.

So—what does Jacob do at this point? A major decision must be made.

Here are some possible options—

He could simply stay married to Leah and leave Laban’s family, not wasting another day suffering under his treachery.

Or, he could give another seven years to Laban so he can marry Rachel, the true love of his life. Of course, he would have to tolerate the polygamy in order to meet his heart’s desire.

Tough choice.

Jacob follows his heart—he can’t walk away from Rachel. So he waits a week to complete his honeymoon with Leah, and then he marries his true love.

Now we get to the BIG LESSON: What about Leah?!? Jacob is technically married to her, and they even have children together. What does their marriage teach us? And, especially, how does their marriage reflect the Gospel message of Jesus?

To prepare for Sunday’s message, please ponder Ephesians 5:25–33.

We will be looking repentance as we consider the tragic tale of Esau on Sunday, from Genesis 25 & 27. The interpretation of Esau’s story is described best in Hebrews 12—

Hebrews 12

15       See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

16       that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 

17       For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

Tears don’t prove repentance. Regret doesn’t prove repentance.

Repentance is marked by one thing: a change of direction. Turning away from a wrong action, a wrong mindset, a wrong habit, and returning to God.

Repentance should see a change of mind; a change of heart; a change of character.

May God grant us hearts that know how to repent: how to be broken and contrite when we’ve done wrong, and how to find restoration in the Gospel!

Psalm 51:17 • The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

As the angels are urging Lot and his family to escape the city, we read—

Genesis 19:16 • But he hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the Lord was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city.

Some of us were dragged kicking and screaming out of this dark world and into the light of salvation in God’s kingdom. We know that we had nothing to do with it—that our salvation was all about God having compassion on us and overcoming our resistance. That we were lost but now we are found, we were blind, but now we see.

How does God seize us by the hand? How does He drag us into new life? Scripture says this is by the GOSPEL and GOD’S WORD—the life–giving message of God’s Love demonstrated in Jesus’ death on the Cross and His resurrection. This message is the “power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16) and it is the “imperishable seed” that makes us born again (1 Peter 1:23).

As we share God’s word and the message of Jesus with our not–yet–saved friends, family, and neighbors, we are like these Angels in Sodom, sharing a message with “hand–seizing, compassionate dragging” power behind it! Let’s never be ashamed of the Gospel!

HE IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN, INDEED!

I’ve been listening to Tim Hughes’ great song, “Happy Day.” Give it a listen. Here are the words—

The greatest day in history

Death is beaten, You have rescued me

Sing it out Jesus is alive

The empty cross, the empty grave

Life eternal You have won the day

Shout it out, Jesus is alive

He's alive

And oh happy day, happy day

You washed my sin away

Oh happy day, happy day

I'll never be the same

Forever I am changed

I hope you can join us this Sunday as we rejoice together in the reality of Jesus’ victory over the grave, through which our faith was unshakably anchored and His triumph over our enemy has been eternally secured.

Blessings,

~Jeff

This Sunday we are going to look at the greatest love story in all of history: God’s Gracious Love toward in sending His Son Jesus for us.

But we are going to consider this cosmic love story through the lens of Joseph and Mary’s betrothal and marriage.

Which is the greatest love story in all of literature or media?

Romeo & Juliet?

Rose & Jack?

Scarlett O’Hara & Rhett Butler?

Ross & Rachel?

Han & Leia?

Kermit & Ms. Piggy?

None of these! The Christmas story hinges on one incredible act of love—Joseph’s grace and mercy toward his betrothed fiancée Mary.

And because of Joseph’s gracious love in the Christmas Story, God can tell the magnificent story of His gracious love: the Gospel Story!

Blessings and Merry Christmas to all,

David certainly felt this way at times—

Psalm 13

1   How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? 

2   How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? 

3   Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, 

4   And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. 

But as David always does in his most desperate and darkest hours, he turns his mind back to God’s goodness and his joy returns—

5   But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. 

6   I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

The Christmas story is about God shining His light and glory into a DARK world. It is also about God SPEAKING, or even “shouting!” into a time of spiritual silence.

As the Angel declares to the shepherds: "BEHOLD! I bring you good news of great joy!”

May God's joy be upon you richly this Christmas season.

We also continue our Advent focus, as we prepare our hearts for Christ. In Advent we put ourselves in the sandals of those faithful believers in the Old Testament, looking forward in anticipation of God’s promised Messiah. This Sunday we’ll be lighting the “Peace” candle, as God promised to send the Prince of Peace, that the “government” of our lives would rest on His shoulders.

My challenge to you in this season of Christmas—don’t miss Jesus! If we go through the motions of the Christmas traditions and busy holiday events, but miss Jesus—did we actually celebrate Christmas?

Let’s never neglect the Reason for this season. Instead, let’s take time to come on bended knee and lay our gifts before Him.

October 5, 2025

Communion Sunday

Scott Cory, MLCC Elder

“Shut out every other consideration and keep yourself before God for

this one thing only – My Utmost for His Highest. I am determined to be

absolutely and entirely for Him and for Him alone.”

~Oswald Chambers~

"Tears & Triumph at the Tomb" — A Message from Pastor Jeff Atchison

This Easter, we invite you to experience the beauty and depth of the Resurrection story in a message from Pastor Jeff Atchison entitled “Tears & Triumph at the Tomb.”

Come and reflect on a moment that changed history—and discover what it means for your story today. Whether you’re celebrating, searching, or simply curious, there’s a place for you here.

Sunday, April 20th | Mt. Lassen Community Church

We’d be honored to have you with us.

Mt. Lassen Community Church invites you to a special Sunday as Pastor Jeff Atchison brings his second sermon as our Senior Pastor.

In A Sacred Charge, Part 2, we continue exploring the weighty yet incredible calling of a pastor through the words of the Apostle Paul in Acts 20:24–35. What does it mean to lead with courage, guard the flock, and remain faithful to God’s Word? How do we, as a church, stay rooted in truth as we walk this journey together?

This is more than a message—it’s a continued call to vision, unity, and encouragement for our church family. Don’t miss it on March 23, 2025. See you there!

Mt. Lassen Community Church invites you to a special Sunday as we welcome Pastor Jeff Atchison for his first sermon as senior pastor.

In A Sacred Charge, Part 1, we’ll explore the weighty yet incredible calling of a pastor through the words of the Apostle Paul in Acts 20:17–24. What does it mean to shepherd God’s flock? How do we, as a church, come alongside our leaders in faith and truth?

This isn’t just another sermon—it’s a moment of vision, challenge, and encouragement for our church family. Don’t miss this foundational message on March 16, 2025. See you there!

After the message, stick around for an engaging time of Q&A with Pastor Jeff, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with him, ask questions, and learn more about Jeff and his family.

BY LIFE OR BY DEATH

Philippians 1:8–20

Mt. Lassen Community Church • April 6, 2025

What is the boldest thing you’ve ever done for Christ? What big thing do you still hope to do for the Gospel? This Sunday, Pastor Jeff Atchison challenges us to embrace a faith that is bold, enduring, and Christ-exalting—whether in life or in death.

Through Philippians 1:8–20, we’ll explore four powerful truths:

🔹 Real love produces—How do we correct and guide each other in Christ-like love?

🔹 Persecution produces—How can trials advance the Gospel rather than hinder it?

🔹 Strive for the Gospel—Why does the message of Christ matter more than the motives of its messengers?

🔹 Strive to exalt Christ—What does it mean to live with a life-or-death urgency for the Kingdom?

Join us as we wrestle with these questions and discover how to live a faith that truly counts—by life or by death.

Join us this Sunday, May 4th, as Pastor Jeff Atchison shares a deeply personal and powerful message from Philippians 2 titled “The Mind of Christ.”

Discover how unity, humility, and selfless love are not only central to the Gospel—but essential for joy, healing, and transformation in our lives and our church family. With real-life stories and timeless truth, Pastor Jeff will reveal how fixing our eyes on Jesus reshapes how we think, live, and love.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit… but in humility, value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

Come early, bring a friend, and prepare to be challenged and encouraged!