Eagle Brook Church Podcast

When someone says "I promise," what's your response? Maybe you believe it…or maybe you know better. How have broken promises impacted your faith? God promises to hear you when you pray—and truly trusting that could make all the difference.

Who are you, really? Not just your name, age, or what you do. Who are you at your core—and how do you discover that? It takes God's truth to answer this question with confidence and conviction. Everything changes when you discover your true identity in who he says you are.

For most of us, there's a bit of a gap between our intentions and our actions. You want to stop eating sugar...but then a coworker brings donuts. The same goes for living out our faith. You want to love your neighbor...but people can be frustrating. So, what's standing in the way of living out your faith—and what if you truly lived what you believed?

If you plant an apple tree in your backyard, it won't grow in your front yard instead. Trees bloom where they're planted. Same goes for life. The seeds you plant with your time and energy will ultimately be the ones to grow over time. Question is…are you putting your energy in the places God has for you?

When it comes to life's tough stuff, you have a choice. No, you can't choose the burdens you'll carry, but you  can  choose to help others carry theirs.

Imagine this: joy that isn’t tied to your circumstances, love that's deep and real, peace that surpasses all understanding. If that sounds too good to be true, it’s because it is—at least on your own. But with the Holy Spirit guiding your life, true transformation becomes a reality.

This Eagle Brook Church message is a sermon by Jason Strand. He'll talk about how to engage and interact with people you disagree with in a healthy, biblical way, what to do when you feel judged, and ways to handle anger with grace and humility. This message is out of the book of Galatians.

Maybe church for you has been all about dos, don’ts, consequences, and fear—far from anything you'd call "free." But hear this: it’s not meant to be that way. There is true freedom to be found in a relationship with Jesus.

Every parent knows that handing over the car keys for the first time is a significant (and nerve-wracking) milestone. Because it's true: the driver decides the destination—and the path taken to get there. So, who's in the driver’s seat of your life? Loosening your grip on the wheel can lead to more freedom than you think. 

There’s a time and place to push back and fight for what you think is right. But figuring that out can be tricky. Take Jesus, for example. He leaned in and pushed back on important things because some things are worth fighting for—but not everything. So, how do you prioritize your pushback? If you push back on everything, you lessen your influence on anything.

Seeking approval from others can feel satisfying, but what if it doesn't align with your true self? Besides, whose opinion truly matters in the end—others' or God's? The real question to ponder is: Whose approval shapes the way you live your life?

Relationships can leave scars deeper than physical wounds. Betrayal, misunderstanding, or abandonment can color every interaction with doubt. But, I'm learning that healing starts with acknowledging the hurt and finding courage to rebuild trust—with the love and grace of Jesus leading the way. 

Trauma isn't merely a memory—it's a heavy weight, shaping every aspect of my life. But I'm refusing to let it define me. Through reflection and courage, and guided by the love and compassion of Jesus, I can begin to loosen its grip. With each step toward healing, I find strength and hope.

Sexual sin can shatter self-worth and leave a trail of guilt and shame. It's a burden I once carried alone, believing I was unworthy of love and forgiveness. But through Jesus, I've discovered there's a path to redemption and purity where grace overcomes shame and healing begins.

Doubts can plague my every step, whispering inadequacy and unworthiness. Will I ever measure up? Insecurity grips me, leaving me feeling small and insignificant. Yet, in the uncertainty, I find acceptance and belonging in Jesus, who sees beyond my flaws, and offers unconditional love and purpose.

In the suffocating grip of depression, every day feels like an uphill battle. Darkness consumes most of my thoughts and emotions. Will this heaviness ever lift? Despite the isolation, I cling to the belief that Jesus, the light of the world, will pierce through the shadows, bringing relief and comfort.

On Easter, we celebrate that the stone has been rolled away, the tomb is empty, and Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. But the question is: Why? Why did God allow his son Jesus Christ to die a brutal death on the cross? What difference does Easter make?

Healthy people don’t visit a doctor; sick people do. That’s why waiting rooms are full of sick and messy people who need help. Jesus made it clear: He came for sick people. That’s why churches are also full of sick and messy people who need help. Let’s embrace the mess.  

Ever feel stuck? Easy to get stuck in the same habits, relationships, or even the past. Jesus often sought out people who seemed stuck, and then offered them a way forward. What if God wants you to watch for opportunities to reach people who need to be unstuck?

Every store has an “as-is” section. Items with a flaw, so you buy them “as-is.” People seem to carry an “as-is” label as well – a defect, weakness, or shortcoming. But what if you didn’t have to accept your fate? What if Jesus could help? Maybe a better question: What if God wants you to remove obstacles to get yourself or those you love to Jesus?

Parenting is easy—until you actually become a parent. In reality, there's nothing more difficult (and more important) than raising boys and girls to be godly men and women. But is that still possible in today's confusing world?

Ken: the dreamboat—fun, sporty, handsome. Barbie: perfection—smart, smiley, beautiful. So…are Ken and Barbie the ideal man and woman, the image we should all be pursuing? Um…let's hope not. Look to the Bible for something better.

The pursuit of beauty is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Makeup, diets, workouts, fashion, skincare—you get the picture. And no matter how hard we try (or how much we spend), that kind of beauty is only skin-deep…and inevitably fades. So, what is true beauty, and how should we pursue it?

Maybe you think you've done too much, that there's no turning back from the path and people you've chosen to follow. But not only are you NOT too far gone for God—God is actively pursuing you. He knows your name, and he is ready to breathe new life into your story.

You've been given one life. And you're wired to want to make a difference with it. But with all of the issues in our world—homelessness, food insecurity, mental health, wars, relief efforts, addiction, and more—it can feel easiest to opt out of making an impact. Don't lose hope. As long as you’ve got breath in your lungs, you can make a difference.