Eastside Church

Life is full of challenges, uncertainties, and struggles. But no matter what we face, in Christ, we have everything we need. Paul, writing from a Roman prison, knew this truth firsthand. Facing hardship, he remained steadfast in faith, encouraging Timothy—and us—to hold onto the hope, purpose, and strength found in Jesus alone.

Life is full of displays—whether in sports, art, or culture—but the greatest display is yet to come. The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:7 that those "in Christ" will one day be put on display as trophies of God’s grace.

Pastor John Hull continues the journey through Ephesians, asking the foundational question: "Who am I in Jesus Christ?" Building on the previous weeks, where we explored being chosen and redeemed (Ephesians 1) and reflected on our spiritual journey through the "three houses" of who we were, who we are, and who we will become, this sermon focuses on our transformation in Christ.

This message challenges us to confront our past identity honestly while marveling at the transformative power of being made alive "in Christ." It reminds us that apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead, but through His mercy, our story is rewritten.

In a world where identity is often shaped by accomplishments, appearances, or societal approval, the Bible offers a greater and unchanging truth: our identity is “in Christ.” Through Paul’s writings—where this phrase is used 169 times, including 15 times in Ephesians 1—we’re invited to ask the central question: “Who am I, in Christ?”

Pastor Trey highlights the extraordinary growth and transformation of Christianity, from a small movement in Judea to a global mission spreading across continents and cultures. He explores the shifting center of Christianity to the Global South, the transition of missions from "the West to the rest" to a global effort, and the challenges and opportunities presented in our digital age.

In a world where love is often reduced to fleeting emotions, Christ offers a countercultural truth: love is not merely a feeling; it is a deliberate decision. This profound message, drawn from John 15:12-17, invites us to reflect on the transformative power of agape love—the selfless, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ’s love for us.

In Part 2 of "Jesus: The Way in a Manger", Pastor Scott invites us to reflect on the profound difference between worldly hope and the eternal hope found in Christ. Drawing from Scripture and the Christmas story, he explains that while everyday hope is often mere wishful thinking, true hope is a confident assurance rooted in the promises of God.

Christmas reveals the ultimate gift of God’s grace: Jesus Christ, born to make a way for us to experience true, dynamic faith. This week, we explore James 2:14-26 and what it means to have a faith that lives, acts, and transforms. Faith without action is dead, but faith coupled with deeds is the evidence of a life surrendered to Christ.

In this powerful conclusion to the sermon series, Pastor Trey Sapp unpacks Jesus’ call to choose The Narrow Door as found in Matthew 7:13-14. Jesus, in the closing moments of the Sermon on the Mount, challenges listeners to make a life-altering decision: the wide, popular way that leads to destruction, or the narrow, difficult road that leads to life.