First Baptist East Students

In James 5:7–12, James calls believers to patience in the middle of suffering, frustration, and uncertainty. This message reminds us that patience is not doing nothing—it is trusting God while He is still working. While we wait, we are called to strengthen our hearts, be careful who we become under pressure, stay faithful even when life is hard, and remain honest in every circumstance because God is not finished working.

Waiting has a way of revealing what we really trust. In James 5:1–6, James gives a strong warning about money, possessions, and living for the here and now like forever is not coming. This message reminds us that possessions do not last, everything we have belongs to God, and the way we use what we have reveals our hearts. While we wait for heaven, we are called to live today like we trust Jesus more than we trust this world.

What are you really building your life on?In this message from James 4:13–17, we take an honest look at ambition, success, and the plans we make for our future. The world tells us to chase status, security, and self-made success—but James challenges that mindset by reminding us how limited our control really is. Our lives are like a vapor, and when we build everything around ourselves, it ultimately leaves us empty.We unpack the difference between selfish ambition that ignores God and godly ambition that submits to Him and serves others. If you’ve ever felt pressure to have your future figured out or struggled to trust God with your plans, this message will challenge you to surrender control and pursue something that actually lasts.

Ever found yourself in an argument and later realized it wasn’t really about what you were arguing about? In this message from James 4:1–12, we uncover what’s really behind the conflict in our lives—and it’s deeper than we think. We talk about the war happening inside of us, how unchecked desires lead to broken relationships, and how slowly drifting toward the world can put us at odds with God. But this isn’t just about identifying the problem—James gives us a strategy. From submitting to God to resisting the enemy, we see how real change begins within. If you’ve been dealing with tension, frustration, or constant conflict, this message will challenge you to stop fighting everything around you—and start addressing what’s going on inside you.

Our words carry more weight than we often realize. In James 3:1–12, we see how something small like the tongue can direct our lives, destroy relationships, and reveal what’s really in our hearts. James challenges us to consider whether our words are building others up or tearing them down. When we surrender our hearts to God, He begins to transform our words — and our words can begin to point others to Him.

In this message from John 20:24–29, we looked at the story of Thomas and what it teaches us about doubt and faith. Many people know the facts about Jesus, but still wrestle with believing them personally. Thomas reminds us that doubt doesn’t have to be the end of faith—when brought to Jesus, it can actually become the place where faith grows deeper. Through Thomas’ story, we see three important truths: doubts don’t disqualify your faith, doubts can deepen your faith, and doubts don’t define your faith. Jesus didn’t push Thomas away in his struggle—He met him there, invited him to believe, and led him to one of the clearest confessions in Scripture: “My Lord and my God.” Doubt isn’t the problem—what we do with our doubt is. When we bring our questions to Jesus, He meets us in them and draws us closer to Himself. The question becomes: will our doubts push us away from Jesus, or lead us to deeper faith in Him?

When doubts arise, the resurrection of Jesus gives us a foundation for faith. In this message, we explore how the empty tomb demands a decision, deserves an examination, and ultimately changes everything.

In a world that never slows down, it’s easy to stay busy but miss what matters most. In this message, we look at two moments in Luke 10—the story of the Good Samaritan and the interaction between Mary and Martha—to see how busyness can cause us to overlook the very things God places in front of us.Sometimes our schedules keep us from noticing opportunities to love others. Other times our distractions keep us from spending time with Jesus Himself. Through these passages, we are challenged to slow down, recognize the moments God places in our path, and choose devotion over distraction.Spiritual growth doesn’t require more time—it requires better focus. The question is: will we keep walking past what matters, or will we choose what is better?

In Week 2 of our Influencer series, we talk about something every student has—even if they don’t realize it: influence. The question isn’t if you influence people… it’s what kind of influence you have.We dive into how the things that influence us—people, habits, and situations—shape the way we live and lead. Looking at passages like 1 Timothy 4:12 and Titus 2:7–8, we see that age isn’t a barrier to influence. God calls students right now to lead by example through their speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. We also explore how real influence doesn’t come from popularity or attention—it comes from character and integrity. When your life matches your words and the fruit of the Spirit is evident in your life, people begin to see Jesus through you.This challenges us to take an honest look at their lives and ask one powerful question:“Where is my life not matching my words?”If you want to influence others for Christ, it starts with who you are when no one is watching.

In this session, students will learn that real influence begins with understanding who they are. Whenyou belong to Jesus, you become a new person, and your past no longer defines your future. We were challenged to live from the truth that their identity is received (not earned) and to practice choosing“new life” daily.

In this week we answered students questions! Listen in!

In this week’s message, we walked through Colossians 3 and talked honestly about dating, desire, and identity. Paul reminds us that if we’ve been raised with Christ, what we seek—and what we set our minds on—must change.Dating isn’t the problem. Misplaced desire is. When Jesus isn’t first, relationships begin to carry a weight they were never meant to bear. But when Christ is first, dating becomes clear, boundaries make sense, and purpose replaces pressure.We talked about how desires can quietly become idols, why identity comes before relationships, and what redemption looks like when you feel like you’ve already messed up. Colossians 3 wasn’t written to perfect people—it was written to redeemed people.Big Idea:What you seek determines who you become—and how you date.Reflection Question:Who are you seeking?

Who is shaping your life right now — and where are they leading you?In Week 1 of our Relationships: Making Much of Him series, we talk about friendships and why they matter more than we often realize. Scripture reminds us that friendships don’t just affect our social lives — they shape our faith.In this message, we explore three key truths:Stand Out — Following God, not the world (Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:14–16)Stand Firm — Anchored in God’s Word, not the opinions of others (Psalm 119:9, 11)Stand Strong — Loving like Jesus in a culture of “me first” (Philippians 2:3–4; John 15:12–13)We’re reminded that biblical friendship isn’t about what we get, but how we love — and that Jesus is the greatest friend we could ever have, laying down His life for us. The message ends with a practical framework (FRIEND) to help students both be and look for friendships that honor God, followed by a clear invitation to respond to the gospel.Whether you’re a student, parent, or leader, this message challenges us to ask:Are our friendships helping us make much of Jesus — or blending us into the world?

We spent some time going looking back at what God taught us through James 2.

This week we closed out James 2 looking at two Biblical examples of how our faith is proven through Obedience. Abraham and Rahab are two totally different people that God used to show us our obedience is a sign of our faith.

Breakout from United Weekend 2026 from Sam Buzzard on dating and relationships

Breakout from United Weekend 2026 from Jordan Sheehy on Peer pressure and accountability in relationships.

Breakout from United Weekend 2026 from Sean Morales on Discipleship

We have all said we were going to do something and never did it. We looked at James 2:14-17 where James talks about our actions backing up what we say. While our faith doesn't need works to have a relationship with God, our works prove our faith. Listen in to this weeks message!

Final week of our Christmas series “Why Jesus?” The quesiton isn't Why Jesus but What will you do with Him?

Week 2 of our Christmas series “Why Jesus?” Have you ever received something and you thought you knew what it was only to realize it is better than you could have dreamed. This week we talked about the story of the women at the well and how Jesus gives us more than we are even looking for.

Week 1 of our Christmas series “Why Jesus?”In this message we look at Genesis 12 and ask: Why follow Him at all?Following Jesus isn’t a transaction—it’s a covenant built on trust and obedience.

In this message, we look at the story of Samson—a man called by God but trapped by pride and poor choices. Even after his greatest failures, God wasn’t finished with him. We unpack how Samson’s final prayer, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again,” reminds us that no matter how far we’ve fallen, God still hears us, His grace restores our purpose, and He can still use us to make a difference.

Have you ever felt like you’re not ready for what God’s asking you to do—or that someone else would be better for the job? In Week 3 of our U-Turn series, we dive into the story of Gideon, a man who doubted himself long before God ever called him “mighty hero.” Even when Gideon hid in fear, God saw courage. Even when he felt weak, God showed strength. And even when he wrestled with doubt, God still used him to lead an incredible victory.If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re enough or wondered if God could really use you, this message will remind you: your fear doesn’t disqualify you—God’s strength shines through it.

What if the thing that makes you feel overlooked is actually the very thing God wants to use to make an impact?In Week 2 of our U-Turn series, we look at three unexpected heroes—Ehud, Deborah, and Jael—ordinary people God used in extraordinary ways. Their stories from the book of Judges show us that God sees what others miss, works in unpredictable ways, and moves through those who trust Him. If you’ve ever felt unnoticed, unqualified, or uncertain about your purpose, this message is for you.

Have you ever done something you knew was wrong? In our new series we are going to look at the choices we make and how to break out of this cycle of sin! Thanks for listening (or watching)!

As we wrapped up our series on James 1—The Dual Life—we heard from students sharing what God has been teaching them and offering encouragement to their peers. Huge thanks to Connor Claborn, Natalie Miller, Julianne Evans, and Emma Kirby for leading us in such an impactful way. Thanks for listening (or watching)!

Are you passing the test—or just pretending? In James 1:26–27, we’re given three clear ways to see if our faith is genuine: the way we talk, the way we treat people, and the way we live set apart. In this message, we unpack the test of the tongue, the test of compassion, and the test of separation. From controlling our words, to showing real love to the overlooked, to staying unstained from the world, James reminds us that true religion isn’t about appearances—it’s about transformation.

We all know what it's like to look in a mirror - it shows the truth about us. James says God's Word works the same way. It reflects who we really are, not who we pretend to be. The challenge is whether we will walk away unchanged or let God transform us.Real faith is more than hearing; it's living. It listens before reacting, clears out sin, puts God's Word into practice and discovers real freedom in obedience. A divided faith leaves us stuck, but a reflected faith shows the world Jesus is at work in us.The question is: When you look into the mirror of God's Word will you just glance and walk away, or will you let it change you?

Temptation whispers "just once." But one step can set off the whole trap. Want to break free? Listen in and find out.

This Wednesday night live we kicked off our new series The Dual Life in the book of James. Pressure from school, friends, sports, and life can expose what’s really inside us—our trials, our doubts, and our perspective. In James 1:1–12, we see that trials reveal the dual life, doubt exposes it, and God reshapes our perspective so we can live with real faith under pressure.

Have you ever walked into a room full of people and still felt unseen? We dive into Luke 19:1–10 and the story of Zacchaeus to discover three powerful truths: we’re all searching for something, Jesus sees us and knows our name, and only He can truly change our lives. If you’ve ever wondered whether you matter or if God notices you—this message is for you.

It’s our first night back for the new school year, and we kicked things off with a big question: What’s my purpose?Justin walks us through our church’s mission statement—Connecting people to Jesus, His community, and His mission—and our student ministry values: Go, Grow, Build.We talked about:Why connecting to Jesus is the foundation of everythingThe importance of community and choosing the right friendsHow God calls us to live on mission every day at schoolWhat it looks like to Go, Grow, and Build this yearThis message reminds us that we were made on purpose, for a purpose.

Final WNL at the Pavilion Shaun, Julianne, David, Aivan, Jackson, Danika and Ava share their testimony!

Makenna Puccini and Brenna Boyle share their testimony!

Ryan Mitchell shares his testimony and what God has put on his heart.

Andrea and Olivia share their testimony

Listen to Thursday night at Falls Creek In-Cabin!

Listen to Tuesday night at Falls Creek In-Cabin!

Listen to Wednesday night at Falls Creek In-Cabin!

Listen to Monday night at Falls Creek In-Cabin!

Ethan gives his testimony and we look at the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15.

Sara Robinson gives her testimony and we look at the parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18.

Have you ever felt like someone was out to get you? We are in a battle and sometimes we don't even realize it. This week we talk about the armor of God and where we might be lacking. Join us in listening to this weeks message!You can follow along with the notes through the link here: https://www.bible.com/events/49441295

Have you ever felt like someone was out to get you? We are in a battle and sometimes we don't even realize it. This week we talk about who are enemy is, what he wants, how he attacks, but ultimately why he loses. Join us in listening to this weeks message!You can follow along with the notes through the link here: https://www.bible.com/events/49437995

This week we dive into Ephesians 5:1–21 and unpack what it means to live fully committed to Jesus. From reflecting Christ in our actions, to living set apart, walking in the light, and making wise moves—faith isn’t just what we believe, it’s how we live. Are you all in, or just blending in?

If you missed listen in as Tucker shares a message on the many different relationships we have in our lives!

All In (Week 1) – All In Faith, All In CharacterIn this powerful kickoff to our All In series, we dive into Ephesians 4:30–32 to explore what it really means to be all in with your faith—not just in belief, but in your words, your attitude, and your character.Using a story of courage from Jackie Robinson’s life and a visual of your life as a target, this message challenges students to ask: “Has the arrow of Jesus gone all the way through my life?”We talk about:Watching our words and how they reflect our heartsLetting go of bitterness and angerForgiving like we’ve been forgivenAnd what happens when we grieve the Holy Spirit living inside usThis isn’t just behavior modification—it’s heart transformation. Are you ready to go all in?🎧 Tune in, reflect, and ask yourself: What’s one area I’m still holding back from God?For notes to follow along click the link below:http://bible.com/events/49424868