The spiritual health of America is in rapid decline, especially among younger Americans, based on research done by George Barna, Lifeway, and others.  Can we do anything about it?  Absolutely.  Jude has the answers for us in his wonderful letter.

Standing in the Storm

2021-07-18_Faith Worth Fighting For--Jude 3-7

What is the role of confession of sin supposed to look like in the life of a Christian?  Does it matter?  What happens if we ignore sin in our lives?  John answers these critically-important questions in 1 John 1:5-10.  Our closeness with God can be restored--that is the good news.  We never have to be afraid to come to God, even after we have had a major failure.

Rock Solid

2022-07-31_The Costly Cover-Up_1 John 1:5-10

This is the first in a series of messages giving the Biblical foundation for the Christian life.  It is also intended to provide an explanation of the Statement of Faith (2008 version) of the Evangelical Free Church of America.

Does it Really Matter What I Believe?__Faith Foundations # 1

How can we prepare for Jesus' Second Coming?  Or the Rapture of the Church?  Will there be any signs we can look for?  What things will specifically occur?

Sings of the Times

2024-06-02_Knowing When to Run_Matthew 24_15-28

As I was cleaning out my study in preparation for my retirement in April, 2025, I came across an audio cassette tape of the worship service in which Debbi and I officially responded to the call by The Evangelical Free Church of Des Plaines to be their Sr. Pastor.  This was in late April or early May, 1991.

1991-May_Steven_and_Debbi_Hjelle_Response_to_EFCDP_Call

Pursuing true spirituality is the way to have real revival.

2025-03-23_True_Spirituality--Acts 2:1-21, 41-47

You can experience God's greatest miracle today.

2025-03-30__God_in_You--Luke 1:26-45

God is in front of you to guide you and behind you, to protect you.

2025-04-06__Daily_Deliverance--Exodus14

If you kinow Jesus is in your boat, you can weather any storm.

2025-04-13_Who's_in_Your_Boat?--Luke 8:22-25

Because we are all sinners, we could have been crucified alonside Jesus as another thief, but Jesus offers us forgiveness and eternal life.

2025-04-18_Good Friday--The Third Thief--dramatic monologue

The scandal of the cross is that it exposes our desperate need of forgiveness and the power of Jesus' sacrifice.

2025-04-18_The_Scandal_of_the_Cross--Good Friday

God has given you everything you need to live for Jesus.

2025-04-20_FREE_Romans 8:1-11_and_Baptism_testimony

God wants to pour blessings on us if we are willing to receive them.

2025-04-27_Expecting_the_Unexpected--Genesis_17

This is the complete funeral service for Amparo Nararez.  It took place on November 22, 2025 at the Lakewood Funeral Home in Hughson, California.  Rev. Steven Hjelle officiated.

2025-11-22_Funeral--Navarez

Conducted December 18, 2025 at Lakewood Memorial Park, Hughson, California, USA.

2025-12-18_Diana_Norman_Funeral

When you sin, do you stop and consider the consequences of your sinful act?  Probably not.  This is how temptation works.  When temptation comes, our focus is on the perceived benefits we will receive from engaging in whatever the sin is.  We usually don't stop to consider the consequences of that one sinful act.  We see this pattern throughout the Bible, but it is especially clear in the account of King David's sin with Bathsheba.  This tragic account shows us how one act of sin often results in a chain reaction of more sin and more consequences, often impacting many other people.   God chose to include this sad episode in David's life for our benefit--we ignore the realities of this watershed event to our own peril.

New Heart--New Life

2017-02-05_The_Domino_Effect-- 2 Samuel 11

Christians believe there is an all-powerful God whose very nature is love (1 John 4:8).  If that is true, why is there so much evil, pain, and suffering in the world?  This is a very important question we must be able to answer for both Christians and seekers.  The book of Job provides important perspective for this crucial question.

The 7 Big Questions

2019-01-27_Why_Does_God_Allow_Suffering?

Vocals and piano by Steven Hjelle.  Streaming lic. # 366482.

Precious Lord, Take Me Home

What is the driving force of your life?  Is it fulfilling or discouraging?  There is only one magnificent obsession that will not ultimately disappoint you, and that is knowing Jesus.  Every earth-bound obsession will ultimately disappoint us, simply because it is part of this fallen world.  The Apostle Paul describes how he found freedom from his past so that he could focus on his glorious future in Jesus.  This is life-changing.

Joy for the Journey

2020-07-19_Magnificent Obsession_Philippians 3:12-16

Steven served as a Senior Pastor in suburban Chicago, Illinois, for 34 years.  He is a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Steven Hjelle

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