Erie Evangelical Free Church (Erie, IL)

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.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg continues to lead us through the Gospel of Matthew in our current series, "Wood and Stone." On the precipice of fulfilling His divine calling, Jesus leaves the last supper and steadies Himself for what the coming days would bring. As we study His final hours of freedom we are reminded of how our gracious Heavenly Father prepares us for the difficulties and challenges we face in faithful service to His Kingdom.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg takes us through the next message in our study of the final chapters of the Gospel of Matthew, "Wood and Stone." At the last meal of Jesus' earthly ministry, a passover celebration, He lays out very clearly what the events of the next hours would change everything. This applied not just to His followers present at the meal, but to every one of His followers for the rest of eternity. How so? In Matthew 26:26-30 we see the gift of newness in Jesus' redemption.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg walks into the next passage of our final study of the Gospel of Matthew, "Wood and Stone." Sometimes we find ourselves in situations we don't feel equipped to handle. But when we walk by faith, we find that God always gives us what we need. As Matthew leads us through Jesus' authoritative journey to the cross we see how the Lord is preparing the disciples for that moment and beyond. In Matthew 26:17-25 we are reminded that He is also at work preparing us to follow him in bold faithfulness.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg launches us into our final series in the Gospel of Matthew with a study of Matthew 26:1-16. As we move to these final chapters of the gospel of Matthew, we see Jesus' ministry accelerate into his intended purpose. Over the next few months we will read about his final steps in the journey to the cross and celebrate the empty tomb. As Jesus prepares for this, Matthew reminds us that this is possible and meaningful because Jesus is Lord.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg begins our new year with a special message from Luke 4:16-22 on the importance of being focused on our mission and how we go about remaining steadfast in our calling for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg concludes our study in Lamentations. As we close this book, we are presented with a poem that sums up the entire book. As one final lament is offered, we see how prayers of lament are crucial to our own experience of suffering. Lamentations 5 lays out the hope, peace, and rest that can be found in our surrender to the sovereign and loving will of our God.

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 Jonathan Eckberg leads us into a new series called, "How?!" as we study the book of lamentations. We know God is in control of all things. But, sometimes, we look around and we struggle to feel it. How can we faithfully follow Jesus when we are struggling to see through the difficulty of the circumstances of our lives? The answer is in the lost art of lament. The book of Lamentations teaches us to embrace our trials with the comforting instruction of truth.

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 Ron Eckberg begins begins a 2-week mini-series on our role as members of the body of Christ. As followers of Christ (and therefore members of the universal church ) we are called to submit to the authority of a local church. With that membership comes a calling to sacrifice and service. But if we come with the right understanding of the church’s mission and attitude about it’s importance, there is great blessing to be found.

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 teaches the next lesson in our study through the Gospel of Matthew. When a powerful force collides with something of greater strength, which one wins? In Matthew 22:23-46 we find another round of Jesus interacting with the religious leaders of Israel. Here Jesus shows His sovereignty over their self-centered interpretations of the law. In doing so, He explains three reasons why our trust in His authority can be so certain.

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 guides us in the second week of our Back-to-School series, "Detention." Life is full of struggles and trials. Sometimes these are the results of God's discipline, other times they come through the difficulty of a sin-filled world. Fortunately, for those who trust in Jesus, God's Word is clear that the trials of life do not defeat us. This week we discuss the great fruit that grows in the heart and life of those who faithfully endure.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg begins our 2025 Back-to-School series in which we discuss living the Christian life in the midst of trials. Many Christians find themselves perplexed at the struggles of life. If we follow Jesus in righteousness, should we be able to avoid suffering? But the reality is that we face suffering for different reasons and for differing purposes. There is great peace to be found when we look with discernment at the circumstances of both.

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.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg preaches the next message in our study in the Gospel of Matthew. Throughout Jesus' earthly ministry we see him addressing the physical needs of those who come to him. But in every situation He points them to a greater healing. This is the same healing needed in our world today. But how do we know what kind of healing we need to address in our own lives? Matthew 20:29-34 gives us three questions to restore our vision.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg brings us back into our study through the Gospel of Matthew. One of the common themes in the New Testament is the call to endurance and strength in the face of suffering. Why is this so common and how do we maintain a faithful pursuit of righteousness in the face of such trials? Jesus' interactions with his disciples in Matthew 20:17-28 gives us critical insight into this question.

Pastor Ron Eckberg offers a special message entitled, "On-target Worship". Every person worships something or someone—but who or what is it? In Psalm 63, even during a tough time in his life, David’s devotion to the one true God remains strong. This Memorial Day Sunday, we’ll reflect on the first four verses of this psalm and examine the focus of our own worship.

A special message from EEFC Elder, Ron Huisman. Knowing what to do and actually acting on that knowledge can be two wildly different things. But in the book of James we are urged to go beyond merely hearing God’s Word and commanded to do what it says.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg continues our series in the Gospel of Matthew. We often operate as if we have certainties about life. But what happens when we encounter the unexpected? In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus teaches us how to live in the peace of God's promises even when things do not work out according to our plans.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg teaches the next message in our series, "All Hail the King." To live in faithful obedience to Jesus Christ is a difficult charge. Part of the difficulty is that we are all drawn to things that compete for our spiritual affections. In Matthew 19:13-29, we learn how to recognize and reject that competition as we cling to Jesus.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg leads us into our next series in the Gospel of Matthew, "All Hail the King," with a message from Matthew 19:1-12. God has established His created order in our world. Unfortunately, whether by rebellion or by ignorance, we too often choose our own design over His. this week, Jesus reminds us of and challenges us with the beauty and power of God's design for our faith, our lives, and our eternity.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg brings a special Easter Sunday message. In Acts 2 Peter and the disciples, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, present the first Christian sermon ever preached. In it they tell us not just about who Jesus is, but about the power and purpose of His resurrection. This truth changes every life on earth. So how will we respond to it?

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg completes our series on the fourth main section of Matthew's gospel. Over the past few months we have seen how Jesus revealed His messianic identity. In doing so, He kicked off the events that would lead to His betrayal, death, and resurrection. He also began preparing the disciples for their calling to build His church. But HOW should they go about that mission? This week Jesus gives the blueprint for carrying out their divinely appointed work.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg preaches the next message in our current series, "The Spark". The disciple of Jesus Christ is called to follow Him into kingdom work. But this is a difficult task in which we face many obstacles and challenges. Fortunately, God promises to give us everything we need to walk confidently in our divinely appointed purpose.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg takes us back into our study of the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew has shown us in several passages that our spiritual need is not one of mere information. We need information, but it is only useful when it empowers our call to action. In this week's passage we see how the knowledge of who Jesus is should lead our hearts into a passionate pursuit of God's Kingdom.

Guest preacher Aaron Thede brings a special message to our church family. As we follow Jesus we will all endure various trials and suffering. It's an unavoidable condition of the human experience. Much of our response to such difficulty comes down to the foundation of our trust in these times. Will we trust in the flesh (our own nature, wisdom, strength)? Or will we trust in the eternal truths of Jesus?

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg continues to lead us through our study in the Gospel of Matthew. Do we ever call 2nd place the "winner"? Of course not. It might be a very good result, but it's not the winner - at least not by the world's standards. In Matthew 16:21-28, we find an interaction between Jesus and Peter that shows how, in God's kingdom, we only win when we come in second.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg leads us through the next message in our study of the gospel of Matthew. It's great to know who we are and what we are supposed to do. What's difficult is maintaining the motivation and courage to act on what we know. But God calls us to action for a purpose and He gives us everything we need to keep going. In Matthew 16:13-20 he shows us the source of that power.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg continues to lead us through our study in the book of Matthew. While we (should) want to live faithfully in response to God's salvation, when we're honest, we all too often find ourselves wandering or drifting from the way of Jesus. What is it that pulls on our faithfulness and how can we get back on track? We find our answers in Matthew 16:1-12.

Pastor Ron Eckberg teaches a special message from Philippians 3. Among the Apostle Paul’s many great character strengths was the ability to understand the balances of life. He could be content in his circumstances but never content in his spiritual journey. He was always seeking to “press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:14). Can we say the same? Here we examine Paul’s example of persistent commitment to spiritual growth.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg leads us through the next message in our series, "The Spark". We can easily lose ourselves in the day-to-day routine of life. We can work so hard to accomplish the next task, make the next appointment, or take the next step that we forget the reason we do what we do. In this week's passage Jesus reminds us of the purpose of His mission and the magnitude of the kingdom we are called to serve.

Pastor Jonathan Eckberg continues to teach through our series in the gospel of Matthew. Nobody likes to waste their time. We want the things we do to be valuable and worth our effort. After Jesus called his disciples to action (14:13-36), He showed them the dangers of going through the motions. In this lesson we see the deception of pointless activity and how we can move forward in our divinely appointed purpose.