Eagle Brook Church Podcast
620 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 411 ratingsListen to the latest messages from Eagle Brook Church. Updated every Sunday. Eagle Brook is a multi-site church in Minnesota with locations in Anoka, Apple Valley, Blaine, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Maplewood, Minneapolis, Rochester, Spring Lake Park, Wayzata, White Bear Lake, and Woodbury.
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Episodes
Banquets and Excuses
August 27, 2017 14:08 - 66.6 MBThroughout biblical history, feasts have been a symbol of God’s grace and abundance. A relationship with Him is like being invited to a great feast that never ends—and it’s an invitation that’s open to everyone. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt challenges each of us to prioritize following Jesus, rather than making excuses, and embrace the abundant life that He offers.
Sons and Daughters
August 20, 2017 11:04 - 78.8 MBSo many of us feel like we’ve wandered too far or messed up too badly for God to ever forgive us. But in this message, Pastor Jason Strand unpacks how God not only forgives us without questions when we repent, but He runs to us, arms open and full of love. Because God wants every lost son and daughter would return to Him—and when they do, all of heaven celebrates.
Coins and Sheep
August 13, 2017 12:43 - 66.9 MBJesus cares about lost people more than anything else. He can’t stand the thought of any of us going through a single day feeling alone, which is why he invites each of us into a relationship with Him. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt illustrates what lengths God will go to reach those who are far from Him—and he challenges us to carry that same urgency into our relationships every day.
How God Works
August 06, 2017 12:22 - 64.1 MBHow does God work in our lives? How do we know that He’s listening? What does it mean to have God speak to you? We may not always understand how God works, but that doesn't mean He isn't working in our lives. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt explores what it means to be open to God, let His Spirit guide you, and leave your old life behind to follow Jesus.
What Happens After You Die
July 30, 2017 13:50 - 65 MBWhat happens after we die? It can be scary or confusing to think about. But it’s something we’ll all face, eventually. In this message, Pastor Jason Strand addresses some of the big questions surrounding what happens after we die and reminds us that we don’t need to fear death—because Jesus broke its power. Now, instead of fear, we can experience confidence and hope. Instead of judgment, transformation. Instead of death, new life.
The Return of Christ
July 23, 2017 13:48 - 72.7 MBJesus’ return is one of the more confusing topics in the Bible. When will it happen? What events or signs will surround it? And what will happen to us? In this message, Pastor Jason Strand demystifies some of the questions surrounding Jesus’ return and shows us how it has a personal impact on each of our lives.
God Is With You (Greg Speck)
July 16, 2017 22:34 - 71.2 MBGod is bursting with love for each and every one of us. And if we let him, God will work through us beyond anything we can ask or even imagine. In this message, guest speaker Greg Speck explores the depth of God’s love for us and the simple ways that we can see that love played out in our daily lives.
Worship
July 09, 2017 13:48 - 58.2 MBWorship can be difficult to understand. Why do we sing together every weekend? And why do some people close their eyes, raise their hands, or start crying? In this message, Pastor Jason Strand explains that worship is simply a way for us to surrender to God and remind ourselves of how great He really is. Because, when we give our whole hearts to worship, God will change our hearts and break every chain that binds us.
The Holy Spirit
July 02, 2017 12:53 - 66.9 MBThere are some aspects of Christianity that are difficult to grasp, even when explained—like the Holy Spirit. In this message, Pastor John Alexander helps us better understand who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in the lives of believers to guide, protect, and empower us.
Part 4: Finding Great Joy
June 25, 2017 11:44 - 66.7 MBSo many of us lack joy. We go through our days, entrenched in our routines, and feel so worn out that we wonder how we can keep going. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this message, Pastor Jason Strand outlines three ways that we can increase our joy and find our strength in the Lord.
Part 3: In the Face of Opposition
June 18, 2017 11:06 - 71.4 MBWhen God calls you to a task or purpose, and you start to take action, you’re bound to face opposition. People will criticize you. You’ll face obstacles. You may be tempted to quit. But in this message, Pastor Jason Strand shows us how Nehemiah kept rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem, despite opposition—and how God is calling us to faithfully do the same.
Part 2: Stepping Into The Unknown
June 11, 2017 13:02 - 60.4 MBThere are times in life when things you care about so deeply seem beyond repair. But when God breaks your heart over something and you begin to take action, he’ll put his hand on you and you’ll be able to accomplish things that are beyond your ability. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt explores the four steps that Nehemiah took to follow God’s leading and fix what was broken.
Part 1: A Broken Heart
June 04, 2017 12:39 - 62.2 MBGod loves to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. And that’s exactly what He did with Nehemiah, the man who He called to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt outlines how Nehemiah discovered his calling—and the steps we can take to identify where God is calling each of us.
Christians Are Intolerant
May 28, 2017 12:36 - 62.9 MBTolerance used to mean that you disagreed with a person but did so in a respectful way. Today? It means accepting the beliefs of anyone, without question. But as Christians, we believe in absolute truth, and that’s going to create some disagreements. In this message, Pastor Jason Strand outlines how, the key to disagreeing and sharing the truth is to do so with gentleness and respect, giving gracious reasoning to why you believe what you believe.
I'm Not Sure About the Bible
May 21, 2017 20:38 - 67.9 MBHow can we know that the Bible is trustworthy? Is it even still relevant to our lives today? Why is it so important to our faith? In this message, Pastor Jason Strand explores how, through archaeological support, accurate translations, and eyewitness accounts, we find a book that’s not only historically reliable but has the power to change our lives. Click here to access the Bible reading plan Jason mentioned in this message.
Not Absolute Truth
May 14, 2017 14:57 - 63.4 MBIn today’s culture, truth is viewed as relative—what’s true for you isn’t necessarily true for me; there is no absolute truth. And if there is no God, it really is all relative. There is no absolute authority, no standard for right or wrong. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt argues that, if you believe God is who he says he is—the Creator of all that exists, the Author of life, the One who created every living thing—then he is the source of all truth.
I Don't Need Church
May 07, 2017 02:43 - 66.6 MBThere are a lot of people out there who believe in God, but don’t want anything to do with the church. Maybe it’s caused them hurt and pain, they think it’s boring, or they believe they can worship just as well up in a deer stand, out on the golf course, or at the lake cabin with a hot cup of coffee. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt shows us that church isn’t just a ritual God wants us to participate in—it’s a place he created for us to find community, accountability, and restoration. And...
I Just Want To Have Fun
April 30, 2017 22:34 - 69.4 MBSome people say that sin isn’t fun. That’s not true. Sin is fun. That’s why people do it. But there’s a difference between fun and fulfilling. Sin feels good at first—but it isn’t fulfilling. Resisting sin and living out God’s purpose for your life is fulfilling. In this message, Pastor Jason Strand challenges us with the fact that life isn’t just about having fun. Because, in Christ, we can find purpose. Relationship. Joy. And in the long run, that's so much more fulfilling than a life full...
How Do I Know For Sure?
April 23, 2017 02:43 - 65 MBMost of the time, when people doubt their faith or wonder if they truly know God, it’s because they feel a certain way. But feelings come and go—sometimes you feel close to God, sometimes you don’t. In this message, Pastor Jason Strand teaches us that the sort of faith that saves isn’t based on how we feel. It’s based on belief—specifically, belief in Jesus. And when we truly experience Him, and the peace, joy, and purpose He brings, we can know for sure.
Easter 2017
April 16, 2017 14:47 - 73.5 MBOn Good Friday, the day that Jesus was crucified, all hope seemed to have been lost. Jesus’ followers were devastated—this man, who they believed was the One who would save them, had died. What hope was left in the wake of such tragedy? But on Easter morning, He rose from the grave. And suddenly, hope came flooding back. There is now hope for forgiveness, hope for a relationship with God, hope beyond the grave—because Jesus conquered sin and death, forgave our sins, and made us right before ...
Big Faith
April 09, 2017 02:43 - 65 MBIf Jesus looked at your faith, would he be amazed at how big, bold, and audacious it is? Or, would he be amazed by your lack of faith? Each of us has the opportunity to be filled with big faith—to become people who truly believe that God can do anything. People who don’t fear the future, who don’t miss out on miracles. In this message, Pastor Jason Strand shows us how we can grow into that big, bold faith—and how it transforms our lives.
Small Faith
April 02, 2017 02:43 - 63.9 MBWhen our lives are filled with setbacks, and the mountains just keep getting bigger, we may be tempted to throw our hands up and walk away. Why can’t life work out as planned? Doesn’t God hear our prayers? But Jesus says, with just a small amount of faith, no mountain can stand in our way. Watch this weekend's message as Pastor John Alexander unpacks what it looks like to have even the smallest bit of faith—and what a huge difference it can make in our lives.
More Than Conquerors
March 26, 2017 02:43 - 69.3 MBA lot of people go through life feeling badly about themselves and don’t even know why. Other people do know why, and they carry intense regret over choices they’ve made throughout their life. So, what will it take to be released from feelings of guilt and regret? In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt explains how, once you’ve put your trust in Jesus to forgive and save you, then God is in your corner—and no matter what life throws your way, you can rest assured that you have the ultimate vict...
A Greater Hope
March 19, 2017 02:43 - 65.7 MBWe all have plans for our lives—for where we’d like to live, what we’d like to do for work, when we’d like to get married, and how many kids we want to have. But, oftentimes, our plans don’t line up with God’s purposes. When difficult, painful situations occur, we can’t understand how God could bring good from it. In this message, Pastor Jason Strand emphasizes that we don’t have to understand why something is happening to be able to trust God with the outcome.
Choices
March 12, 2017 13:23 - 68.5 MBWhat is your mind set on? What dominates your thoughts? Because, according to Romans 8, whatever dominates your thoughts will determine where you go, what you do, and how you live. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt digs into the battle of control of our minds and thoughts—a battle between sinful desires and the Holy Spirit. The outcome leads to life and peace or sin and death. And the good news is, we get to choose who wins.
No Condemnation
March 05, 2017 02:43 - 66.4 MBIf you’re in Christ, you’re no longer defined by what you’ve done wrong—you’re defined by what Jesus Christ did right. Because, on the cross, Jesus died to pay the penalty for sin so you don’t have to live in shame and condemnation anymore. In this message, Pastor Jason Strand unpacks how forgiveness is immediate and complete for those who choose to follow Christ and confess their sins.
The Struggle Is Real
February 26, 2017 06:18 - 61.8 MBWe all have areas in our lives that we struggle with again and again—anger, fear of the future, losing control of our words, addiction. We recognize the problem and how it’s hurting us, yet we can't seem to fix it. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt explores what it takes to defeat the sins that control us.
Set Free
February 19, 2017 02:43 - 61.8 MBWhen we make the decision to follow Christ, that’s just the beginning of learning how to live a new life. We’ve been set free from sin, but we still face the tension between the old life and new life. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt discusses how, through obedience to Christ, we can weaken the grip sin holds on our lives—but we must daily decide if we’re going to pursue that life of obedience or a life of sin.
Raised To Life
February 12, 2017 02:43 - 47.3 MBFrom the moment we accept Christ, our old life is gone and our new life begins. When we’re baptized, we symbolically and publicly identify with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection—and celebrate that we have been raised to life with Jesus! In this message, Pastor Jason Strand teaches about what baptism is and why it’s such a significant step in our walk with Christ.
Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
February 05, 2017 01:36 - 64.4 MBWhen we put our faith in Christ, we are made new and are freed from the power of sin. But if the old life is gone, why do we still struggle with sin? What does it look like to live like a new person? In the message, Pastor John Alexander wrestles with these questions and unpacks what it takes to live as a new you—dead to sin, and alive in Christ.
Unhooked
January 29, 2017 06:20 - 57.6 MBThere is no quick fix to redeem a relationship. But God can do some of his best work in a struggling marriage. In this message, Pastor Jason Strand discusses what it takes to prioritize your marriage, fix what’s broken, and find healing if you've experienced the pain of separation or divorce.
Not Biting
January 22, 2017 06:20 - 73.4 MBSexual intimacy in marriage is directly correlated with relational intimacy. And that relational intimacy stems from the little exchanges that occur every day—a smile, a nod, a touch, a kiss, or simply turning toward each other when you speak. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt unpacks the small relational changes that can have a huge impact on the intimacy and overall health of your marriage.
Keeper
January 15, 2017 06:20 - 64.1 MBMen and woman are different. But here’s the good news: God made our differences for a reason. In fact, it’s those differences that God will use to complement and help you through life and marriage. But great marriages don't just happen—they require time and intentionality. In this message, Pastor Jason Strand will show us that, ultimately, a healthy marriage requires a foundation of two people who are willing to put God first and look to him to meet their needs and change their hearts.
Catch & Release
January 08, 2017 06:20 - 67.8 MBGod created us for relationships, with him and with others. Choosing the right person to date and marry is one of the most important decisions you (or your kids) will make—because relationships can either be the greatest source of joy in life or the greatest source of pain. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt explores the challenges of dating and finding the right person, and crucial tips to keep in mind in the process.
Christmas 2016
December 24, 2016 05:36 - 68 MBWhat do you do when you get news that drains the color out of your face—when you get a notice of betrayal from a spouse or friend, or a medical report that turns your life upside down? Most of us think the worst and lose all hope. But in this message, Pastor Bob Merritt takes a look at how Joseph reacted quite differently when he received unthinkable news.
Too Much To Do
December 18, 2016 06:17 - 77.4 MBBetween work, kids, after-school activities, social events, and making dinner, most of us feel like we have way too much to do. Add the chaos of the holidays and it's over. But in this message, Pastor Jason Strand looks at what it means to slow down our pace and turn to God for guidance. Because, when we take time to sit at the feet of Jesus, he will restore our souls and give us peace beyond measure.
Kids
December 11, 2016 06:53 - 64.8 MBMost of us have lost sleep over our kids—sometimes literally, when you have a baby that wakes up every two hours or a toddler who jumps in your bed at 3 am, and sometimes simply from worrying over when your teenager will come home or about the decisions your adult child is making. There’s so much to worry about as a parent. But Jesus tells us not to worry—not because he’s minimizing the weight of parenting and how out-of-control it can make you feel, but because he knows that worrying cannot...
Fear
December 04, 2016 07:47 - 67.2 MBWhat would life be like if we were no longer afraid—afraid of the future, of being alone, of not having enough money? So often, we let our fears overtake us, forgetting that God is bigger than any fear and offers peace beyond measure. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt talks about how we will certainly face difficulties in this life, but that God will go with us and he is worthy of our trust—so we no longer need to fear what we can’t control.
Criticism & Conflict
November 27, 2016 09:47 - 70.8 MBHave you ever lost sleep over a heated disagreement or harsh words? Most of us have. Because criticism and conflict are never comfortable—and often we don’t know how to deal with them. But in this message, Pastor Jason Strand teaches about what it truly means to handle conflict in a godly manner and what it looks like to live at peace with others.
One World
November 20, 2016 09:02 - 71.6 MBTechnology now allows us to reach not only the people who come to church every weekend, but reach people across the country and around the world. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt introduces Online Church and how it will allow us to reach even more people for Christ.
One Person
November 13, 2016 09:43 - 76.4 MBJesus came to earth with a singular mission: to seek and save the lost. And He gave us that same mission. We each have specific circles of friends, neighbors, and co-workers, along with unique abilities to connect with others. In this message, Pastor Jason Strand reminds us that God has strategically placed us around lost people so that we can speak his love and saving grace to those around us—one person at a time.
One Tenth
November 06, 2016 09:47 - 74.1 MBTithing can be difficult to wrap our minds around. What does God need with our money anyway? But what it comes down to is that it’s much more of a heart issue than a money issue. Do we really trust God to provide? Are we truly putting Him first in our lives? In this message, Pastor Jason Strand looks at the heart behind tithing and how it can help us experience God in a new way.
1 Church
October 30, 2016 02:43 - 70.4 MB"In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!" [Luke 15:7] No matter who you are or what you’ve done, God will do anything to find you and save you. And when one person is found and returns to God, all of heaven erupts with joy. In this message, Pastor Bob explains how this passage from Luke applies to Eagle Brook Church, and why our mission is to reach people for Ch...
Send Me
October 23, 2016 02:43 - 64.7 MBWhen we offer up a dangerous prayer like, “Send me,” we’re taking a risk—because God may send us out of our comfort zones, to a situation we never would have gone on our own. But it’s worth the risk. In this message, Pastor John Alexander explores what it means make ourselves available to God and his plan. Scripture Card
Change Me
October 16, 2016 02:43 - 72.4 MBChange is hard. We often need it, but we also don’t really want it. We’re comfortable in our own mess; we like things the way they are. But God wants to change us—he wants to give us a new life. In this message, Pastor Jason Strand challenges us to ask God to change us, and put in the hard work to make that change happen.
Search Me
October 09, 2016 02:43 - 52.4 MBWhat would happen if we started praying more boldly, asking God to search our hearts and minds? It’s dangerous, because God might show us some things that are really difficult and painful to look at; it takes courage to pray that prayer. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt focuses on David’s dangerous prayer in Psalm 139, and challenges us to ask God to reveal our sins to us and lead us to a better way.
Who's At Your Door?
October 02, 2016 02:43 - 67.3 MBWho are the great people in your life—the people who have offered wisdom and helped you become who you are today? When we have great people in our lives, they help us to make great decisions. And we can be the person of wisdom and sound judgement in someone else’s life, too. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt teaches us about the importance of surrounding ourselves with great people and how Jesus desires to be the central part of your inner circle.
Forbidden Doors
September 25, 2016 02:43 - 73.9 MBAre there doors in your life that you sense are a trap? From a distance, they look sort of fun and exciting, but when you get closer you realize they're a trap. In this message, Pastor Jason teaches us three specific ways to stay away from forbidden doors.
Closed Doors
September 18, 2016 02:43 - 58 MBWhy does God close doors? Even when we believe that He has a plan for our lives, it can be hard to accept when He tells us no. But sometimes there's a very good reason why. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt explores how to trust what God is doing in our lives.
Door 1 & 2
September 11, 2016 02:43 - 69 MBLife is the sum of all our decisions. So how do we make sure the choices we make are good ones? Well, when God’s Word and wisdom seep down into our hearts, they become part of who we are—so, when faced with a tough decision, we’ll better know what to do. In this message, Pastor Bob Merritt discusses what values we can set up in our lives to make God-honoring decisions.