Eastside Christian Church Weekly Message

This week we move through James 2 :11 – 3 :12, which highlights the inseparable connection between faith and works. James also confronts the power of our words, showing that what we say reveals what we truly believe. Faith and speech are woven together, each exposing the authenticity of the other. James 3 :8-9 "but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly pois...

In this week’s message, Jason teaches from James 2: 1–10, where believers are called to show no partiality, to remember their identity as God’s chosen people, and to love their neighbors as themselves. These truths challenge us to treat every person with the same love and respect, whether rich or poor. James 2: 1-4 "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Chris...

Week three of “Why Is Life So Hard?” takes us through James 1:12 –27, where we’re called to remain steadfast in Christ. James exposes how temptation grows into sin and death, urging us to stay watchful and live out God’s Word rather than merely hear it. Steadfast faith is essential not only in temptation but in seasons of suffering and loss. Pastor Dimma’s story from Ukraine shows what unwavering...

Week two of “Why Is Life So Hard?” takes us into James 1:1–11, where believers walking through intense suffering are told to “count it all joy.” James isn’t minimizing their pain—he’s revealing God’s purpose. Trials are unavoidable, but God uses them to mature our faith and deepen our dependence on Him. The real test is whether we stay anchored in God when life makes no sense. Our struggles may in...

Mike Havran kicks off a new seven-week series through the book of James titled “Why Is Life So Hard?” Suffering is an unavoidable part of living in a broken world, and following Jesus doesn't mean we will escape trials, pain, or hardship. But God doesn't waste our suffering. He can use it to transform us, make us more like Jesus, and accomplish His purposes through it. Our faith must be more than...

In this wrap up of the “What Is the Church?” series Jason discusses how the Church is meant to bring beauty into the world. Jesus paints a picture of His people as salt and light in Matthew 5:13–16—preserving what is good and shining hope into darkness. When we live this out, the beauty of Christ becomes visible through us. Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its t...

The Church provides three profound benefits: a people to belong to, a purpose to embrace, and a proclamation to carry into the world. In this message Mike Whittymore is joined by Matt Lee of the Psalm 82:3 Mission, encouraging us to renew our commitment to God, to Christ’s people, and to those who need His hope. Psalm 82:3 "Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the aff...

Scripture calls the Church the Bride of Christ, pointing to a covenant relationship between Jesus and His people. That covenant carries real responsibility—are we living it out faithfully? In today’s message, Jason speaks with Matt Hunnell of JUMPSTREET Ohio to share how the Church is fulfilling that calling through prison ministry. Revelations 19 verse 7 "Let us rejoice and be glad and give...

We often see ourselves as either very important or insignificant, but both extremes reflect self‑dependence instead of faith in God. Jason speaks with Mike Tabor of Happy Church in Jackson, Kentucky, about the ministry happening there. Together they remind us that every member of Christ’s body matters, and we find our calling by trusting God rather than ourselves. 1 Corinthians 12, V12-14 "Ju...

Jason Rehmel opens a new series titled “What Is the Church?” We often think of the Church as a building, but Scripture reminds us it’s a body of people. And these people are called to work together as the body of Christ—not only being kind and welcoming but living as salt and light and bringing God’s truth and hope into the world. 1 Corinthians 12:12 -14 "Just as a body, though one, has many...

Mike Whittymore wraps up the Reel Theology series by examining Self‑Centered Theology. Social media algorithms serve us content that reinforce our preferences, and over time those subtle nudges shape our beliefs. Without discernment, we drift into treating our feelings as truth and ultimately worshipping ourselves instead of submitting to God’s authority. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 "For the time is comi...

Elder Matt Strunk walks us through Paul’s charge to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1. Paul tells Timothy to stay in Ephesus and confront false teaching, urging him to guide people toward sound doctrine rooted in the true gospel of Jesus. Matt shows how Paul’s words to Timothy speak directly into the challenges we face in our own time. 1 Timothy 1:3-4 "As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay the...

They’re back—and in today’s message, Mike and Mike unpack therapeutic theology: what it is and how it can shape our thinking through social media. Is the main goal of life to be happy and feel good? Does personal happiness take priority over following Jesus? Today’s message challenges these assumptions and calls us to anchor our identity in Christ rather than cultural comfort. Philippians 4: 6-7 &...

In today’s message, Mike Whittymore and Mike Havren tag‑team to address the rapid spread of Artificial Intelligence in our daily lives. AI may offer quick answers, but it has real limitations—and it cannot replace the wisdom God gives through Scripture, nor the irreplaceable touch of human relationships. As believers, we’re invited to use these tools with discernment and keep God’s Word as our fin...

Reels—short, rapid‑fire video clips—are everywhere in today’s social media. They tap into our instinct for instant gratification, but could they also be feeding us false information or distorted theology? This week, Jason launches a new series exploring how modern technology can quietly shape our beliefs and how we may be taking in lies without even realizing it. 1 Peter 3:15 "but in your hea...

On this Father’s Day, Jason challenges men to lead, to love and to last faithfully. Lasting means being dependable — showing up, putting your family first, and staying steady through every season. Jason reflects on the example of his grandfather, whose life modeled these virtues in powerful ways. Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another. We'd love to connect with you today,...

In today’s message, Jason reveals a consistent pattern in how truth gets twisted—beginning with the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The enemy seeks to distort and destroy in any way possible, and today we examine one of those distortions: the modern idea that identity is fluid. Genesis 3: 1-5 - Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to...

In today’s message, Jason addresses the common cultural claim that abortion is simply reproductive healthcare. He takes an honest look at what is truly happening beneath that language and reminds us that remaining silent on this issue can be interpreted as agreement. Jesus calls us to speak the truth in love.  Psalm 139: 13-16 - "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother...

This week we honor our 2026 graduates! And in today's message, Jason challenges the cultural mindset of “What’s mine is mine.” Jesus teaches a radically different way—one marked by humility and generosity. Jason explores how the way we use our money reveals where we place our faith and trust. The Scripture focus for today’s message is John 6 and the feeding of the five thousand. In this famili...

In today’s message, Mike Whittymore addresses the common belief that there are many paths to heaven. Was Jesus’ message meant to be exclusive? How would Jesus respond to the wide range of viewpoints in today's culture? Mike explores these questions in light of scripture and highlights the singular path to heaven that Jesus offers to all. John 14:6 "Jesus said… I am the way, and the truth,...

Today we launch a new series centered on truth vs lies. Is truth absolute or subjective? Is it a vague concept understood only by the highly intelligent? In this opening message, Mike Havren challenges us to see that the deepest battle in every human heart is the fight between truth and deception.  John 14:6 "Jesus said… I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except...

Today we celebrate and honor our mothers — for every meal prepared, every tear wiped away, and every prayer whispered. These small, faithful acts become the bricks of a foundation her family can stand on for years to come. This morning we’ll look at how Paul’s young protégé, Timothy, was shaped by the sincere and well-known faith of his mother and grandmother.  2 Timothy 1:5 "I am reminded of...

This week we wrap up our "What's Our Purpose" series to discuss our mission as a Church and as individual Christians. When Jesus appeared to the disciples after his crucifixion He gave them this directive: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.&...

This week is a continuation in the series, "What Is Our Purpose." We talk through the power and purpose behind the call we all have to Make A Difference. This is the natural result of a life of love for God and others, and from the relationships we pursue. Listen to the end for a simple, yet life-changing challenge. Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world... In the same way,...

Do you desire to be a friend, do you have margin for that? How important are relationships? Having relationships is an important aspect of God's design as reflected in the ministry of Jesus. Not only did He come to die for our sins, but for several years He built relationships with those around Him. In this message Jason discusses the fundamental purpose of the Church to build relationships. N...