Erie Evangelical Free Church (Erie, IL)

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg leads us back into our study on the life of Joseph, "Peaks and Valleys." We know that there are many lessons we draw from our defeats. But it's still fun to win, isn't it? But it's what we learn from defeat that helps us to respond with humility and grace in victory. Joseph shows us how righteousness in our valleys can lead to greater joy when we reach the peaks.

Pastor Ron Eckberg shares a special Father's Day message.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg teaches the next lesson in our series, "Peaks and Valleys." To this point, Joseph's story seems to be a series of successive valleys, each feeling deeper and darker than the last. But in Genesis 41 we see how his faithfulness puts him right where God wants him when divine opportunity arises. This week we discuss how we imitate Joseph to be ready for the work God has in store for us. 

Pastor Ron Eckberg brings a special message for memorial day weekend from John 21. Over the 250 year course of our nation’s history 42 million Americans have answered the call to serve in our military. 1.3 million died answering that call. As we reflect on their sacrifice this Memorial Day we should also reflect on an even greater calling—the call to a complete devotion and service to our Lord Jesus.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg walks us into week 2 of our study of the life of Joseph. Life is full of ups and downs. The highs are great, but the question is: Are we ready for the lows? They are always on the horizon so we don't need to be caught off-guard. In Genesis 37:12-36, Joseph and his brothers show us how we can build a resilient faith to carry us through both the highs and lows alike.

Ron Huisman (EEFC Elder) teaches from Psalm 23. There are plenty of times in our lives when we feel a disconnect between what we believe about our God and what we experience as we make our way through a broken world. It is important for us to understand how to bridge that gap in our hearts and minds in order that we might walk with increasing faith in God's love, grace, and mercy.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg concludes our study through the Gospel of Matthew. Last week we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is alive! But... now what? As we close our study in the gospel of Matthew, we see the call to action that results from the incredible nature of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Jesus has won, now we advance the Kingdom in light of His victory!

Christ is Risen! Pastor Jonathan Eckberg preaches on the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Emptiness is something most of us try to avoid: empty stomachs, empty gas tanks, empty bank accounts, empty relationships. Empty is bad. But the greatest outlier in the history of mankind is the empty tomb which leads us to the fullness of joy, hope, peace, and life. We can't wait to celebrate with you this resurrection Sunday!

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg preaches on Christ's surrender of His life as we prepare for next week's Easter message. It is often in the darkest moments of life that the light is most powerfully evident. Nowhere in Scripture is that clearer than at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 27:45-61 we see Jesus finish the work of the cross and offer us the blessing of the greatest light in the darkest moment.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg leads us in the next passage of our study in the Gospel of Matthew, "Wood and Stone." After a pair of unjust trials, Jesus is marched to the crucifixion. In this movement of death, betrayal, abuse, and rejection, we learn three valuable lessons in surrender and living in faithful pursuit of God's purposes. 

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg continues to teach through Matthew 27. Contrary to cultural opinion, truth is a constant standard of reality. But what happens when the world seems to operate contrary to that constant standard of reality? In Jesus' trial before Pilate, we are taught three principles that strengthen and encourage us when truth is put on trial.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg leads us through the next message of our study through the gospel of Matthew. Like a dog chasing its tail, we can get sidetracked by things that look appealing but will fail to satisfy. When that happens we end up more empty and miserable than before. So how does our faith in Jesus and the true nature of the Gospel keep us on track? We find the answer in Matthew 27:1-10.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg concludes Matthew 26 in our study of Matthew's gospel account. After Jesus' arrest, we walk into the early morning hours of Good Friday. There are two deeply disturbing events that feel heavier and heavier the deeper we examine them. And yet, as with most of life's calamities, if our eyes are open, we can spot the glory of God shining through our pain. This is abundantly clear in the tale of two tragedies.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg teaches the next passage in our study of the Gospel of Matthew. We all encounter varying degrees of difficulty on a regular basis. So how do we manage the circumstances of life with joy and purpose? So often it comes down not to the details of the situation at hand, but our response to the situation. It's a matter of how we will choose to respond to God's plan, God's will, and God's goodness.