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.بقلم Jason Strand

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.بقلم John Alexander

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.بقلم Jason Strand

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.بقلم Ted Cunningham

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 …

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?بقلم Jason Strand

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.بقلم John Alexander

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.بقلم Jason Strand

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.بقلم Jason Strand

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.بقلم John Alexander

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?بقلم Jason Strand

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.بقلم Ted Cunningham

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?بقلم Guest Speaker Bob Merritt

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?بقلم Jason Strand

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.بقلم Jason Strand

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?بقلم Ryan Leak

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.بقلم Jason Strand

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.…

Today's world and the culture we live in can be complicated. How do you engage with it in a healthy way without being caught up in it? We're convinced that God's plan for you is far better than what society has to offer—but it might require a shift in your priorities.بقلم Jason Strand

We all have things from our past that negatively affect our future—that's just life. And when some of those things were decisions made by family members before us, it can feel impossible to break free. But the choices you make now can start to undo those generational cycles and move your family toward a healthier future.…

Marriage is amazing. And fun. And...really tough. That's all true. But over time, things can start to get a little more tough and a little less lovely. It's possible to build a marriage that lasts (and is fun!) no matter how long you've been together.بقلم Ted Cunningham

If we're honest, we don't know how to manage the ever-changing influence of technology in our own lives, much less the lives of our family members. Privacy, what? Influencers, who? Harmful content…seriously? If you’re ready to take back your family from the grips of technology, godly wisdom is the name of the game.…

On the road or in your living room, let's ring in the new year together with this online-only church experience. We'll worship with Eagle Brook Music and hear a message from Jason Strand challenging us in the power of prayer as we head into the new year. Invite friends and family to tune in with you from wherever they are!…

You probably know what Christmas is about. You've heard about the angels, shepherds, Mary, and Joseph…but do you know the “why” behind it? Why did Jesus come to earth as a baby—and how does that impact your life now? It's not just a celebration of what happened once upon a time—it's an invitation into new life today and every day because of Jesus.…

We've all heard about the importance of forgiveness. But to forgive and forget? Sometimes, that just feels impossible. You might be surprised at what the Bible has to say about it—and at how freeing forgiveness can truly be.بقلم Ryan Leak

Sometimes, holding onto the things you knew can hold you back from something even better. Sure, what’s tried and true feels comfortable and safe, but the hope of the future God has for you? That's worth letting go for.بقلم John Alexander

So you're a people-pleaser. And while your intentions are good, you probably agree—it's holding you back. Don't miss out on the life God has for you by prioritizing other people's opinions. God values you deeply—imperfections and all.بقلم Jason Strand

Your past mistakes are not your forever future—even if it feels that way sometimes. Maybe it's cliché, but no regret is too big for God's grace. So that thing hanging over you? It's time to leave it behind.بقلم Jason Strand

Bad decisions and you? Never! Kidding, we've all made decisions and lived in ways we wish we could take back. But since you can't go back in time, maybe the best way forward is letting go of the things you used to do and the way you used to be.بقلم Ryan Leak

God continues to stir our hearts to go; to keep reaching more people for Christ. Vision Weekend 2023 is all about celebrating where we’ve been and sharing where we feel God is leading us next—and how you can be part of it.بقلم Jason Strand

There's no cure-all for anxiety, but you do have a fighting chance. Don't sit back and let anxiety rule your world. Go on the offensive—anchor into biblical principles and fight back.بقلم Ryan Leak

You know what's not working for you? Your anxiety. Actually, it's more than likely working against you. But with God’s help, you have the power to flip the script and ease the grip of anxiety in your life.بقلم John Alexander

When life gets tough and God feels far away, it can be really hard to praise him for his goodness. But what if your joy wasn't dependent on your circumstances...but on your focus? Keep your eyes on Jesus, and joy and peace can be found—even when life feels empty.بقلم Jason Strand

Patience is a virtue, they say. Good things come to those who wait. But what if waiting feels almost unbearable? God's timing is best, just ask Habakkuk. But it's up to us how we wait in the meantime.بقلم Jason Strand

Why does a good God let bad things happen? It's a question that's been around forever, and even the Old Testament Prophet Habakkuk wrestled with it. But here's the deal: nobody gets to opt out of tough times. So, how do we keep our hope alive when things get difficult?بقلم John Alexander

When you were a kid, you couldn't wait to become an adult. But when adulthood hit, you found out—it's not a piece of cake. And let's be real, handling money is the heavyweight champion of tough tasks. What could godly wisdom do for you and your finances? It might just be the "miracle" you need.بقلم Jason Strand

Maybe the greatest miracle you could ever ask for is to get your faith back. You've been around too long, seen too much—and yet, God's still tugging on your heart. Don't ignore him. Come and see what finding faith could look like.بقلم Ryan Leak

You ever been through something that hurts so bad you're like, "I need a miracle to fix this"? You keep pushing through, but there's not much that can heal that kind of pain. Even if you don't know how to deal with it yourself, miracles happen—whether it's emotional, relational, or even spiritual—and even that hurt can heal with God’s help.…

If you've ever wondered: "Why am I here?"—you're definitely not alone. The search for purpose is universal, and it can feel like it would take a miracle to find yours. But God created you for a reason—you are the only person who can step into the calling that's meant for you.بقلم Jason Strand

This one's about money. "Of course, a big church wants to talk about money," right? But you can't deny the relevance. Money is a major part of all of our lives—how we make it, how we save it, how we spend it. It's a sensitive topic, but the Bible talks a lot about money, so we're talking about it, too.…

When it comes to reaching people for Jesus, there's no finish line. There's no point where our church will say "we've made it" or "we're too big." Because there will always be one more person, and that person matters to God—so they matter to us.بقلم Jason Strand

Our mission? We are empowered by God to reach others for Christ. And we take that seriously. So when you wonder…is this church all about the show? Of course not. But the "show" can be an incredible tool to make new people feel comfortable enough to engage with God.بقلم Jason Strand

Did you know your mind has needs? And more than just an occasional brain-break. It also needs ongoing support, attention, and intention. And if your mind is weary and your thoughts feel out of control—we can bet your soul is weary, too.بقلم Ryan Leak

In the world today, what feels good has become a god. And the immediate access to global, national, and personal news doesn’t do anyone’s soul any favors. So, what’s stealing God’s peace from your life, and how can you get it back?بقلم Jason Strand

Lots of things can be considered "tempting," from fast food to sleeping in to sleeping around. It's a universal human condition: We're weak to our desires. And the truth is, none of us are strong enough to resist strong temptation—that is, without God's help. **This message was given and recorded at Faribault Prison in Faribault, MN.…

Is Satan real? And how can we possibly stand against him?! A lot of times, the world can feel like a constant struggle against other people and tough circumstances—when, in reality, what you're struggling against is a bit less visible (and definitely more tricky).بقلم Jason Strand