Erie Evangelical Free Church (Erie, IL)

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg teaches the 4th week of our current series in the book of Lamentations, "How?!" While the poems in the book of Lamentation are dark and painful, we saw last week how they hinge on the hope of the goodness of our God. But our hope can take a hit in our suffering. So how do we develop and rest in a hope that will sustain us even in our trials and difficult experiences? Lamentations 4 gives us a great answer!

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg leads into the third week of our study in the book of Lamentations. Lamentations 1 and 2 are dark chapters of pain and suffering. But the third chapter rejoices that, even in the midst of deep struggles, there is hope that rests in the goodness of God. This poem reminds us of three important lessons to help maintain our focus on God's goodness in every situation we encounter.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg continues our study in the book of Lamentations. Lamentations 1 presented the foundational realities that we must accept in regards to our suffering in this life. In chapter 2 Jeremiah expands on the trials of the people in Jerusalem, but we begin to see the glimmers of hope in how God deals with His people. In this we see for ourselves the joy of the promise of God's work in and through our own suffering.

Pastor Ron Eckberg concludes a mini-series on church membership. Being a member of a church means far more than waiving a membership card or pledging our allegiance to a flag. It means living a life of sacrifice and service for the purpose of furthering the Kingdom of God and His church.  “The Kingdom of God”, Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Is not a matter of talk but of power”. Are we demonstrating that power? 

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg finishes our series in the current section of the gospel of Matthew with a message titled, "The King is Coming!" In Matthew 24 Jesus called on his followers to be wise about his return but to not be deceived by the evil that exists in the meantime. He concluded this lesson by telling us to be prepared. But what does preparation for the coming of our King look like? Jesus gives us the answer in Matthew 25.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg teaches from Matthew 23 in our current series, "All Hail the King." The more regular a task becomes, the easier it is to do it without thought or intention. As we live out our faith, we ought never to practice thoughtless religion. But how do we protect our minds and hearts? We find the answer in Jesus' confrontation of the religious leaders in Matthew 23.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg continues to lead us through the book of Matthew in our series, "All Hail the King." Most of us would, in at least one situation in life, to know the future. But we never really know what's going to happen next. In Matthew 24 Jesus reminds us of a long-term promise, but gives us some short-term instructions in how to live in the midst of the unknown. 

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg brings us back into our study through the Gospel of Matthew. The appearance and existence of power are often two different things. What appears to be strong may, in fact, lack any power at all. In Matthew 22:15-22, Jesus shows us the nature of true power as He rejects the appearance of the religious leaders' authority.

EEFC Elder, Jon Brands, brings our weekly message. For the past few weeks we've talked about living faithfully in the face of lifes trials and struggles. We do by seeking to live righteously before the Lord. But what, exactly, does that look like. In Psalm 1 we get a beautiful picture of the life of the righteous person and instructions on how to live such a life.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg continues to take us through the gospel of Matthew in our series, "All Hail the King." Jesus entered into the darkness of humanity not to make us happy in the dark, but to call us out of darkness and into His light. In Matthew 22:1-14 Jesus' explains how, through His authority, we are welcomed into the joy and blessing of Kingdom living. The question is: will we accept the invitation?

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg leads us in the next message in our study through the gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 21:18-46, we find Jesus' divinely appointed authority, once again, brought into question. Through this confrontation we see the true and glorious power of His sovereign reign not just over situations and circumstances, but over our entire lives.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg leads us back into our study of the Gospel of Matthew. Most of us want to grow and mature in our faith. But we all know that that task is easier said than done. While our rebellious hearts create barriers between us and the Lord we are blessed to remember how Jesus' victory conquers every hindrance that wars against the faithful heart.

Pastor Ron Eckberg brings a special Father's Day message. No father is perfect. Try as one might, every earthly father falls short. Rather than see this as a picture of failure, we see it as a revelation of God's grace. And as fathers, mothers, leaders, and every other position the Lord puts us in, we see that we can always grow more faithful in living out that grace.