EastLake Church Chula Vista

Do you know what you really have in Christ?In week three of our Brand New series, Pastor James Grogan teaches from Romans 6 and reminds us that many followers of Jesus live unaware of the power, freedom, and identity they already have through Him. Like a family who used a gold nugget as a doorstop without realizing its value, we can know about Jesus—but miss the life-changing reality of being made brand new.Romans 6 answers a big question: If God’s grace is so great, should we just keep sinning? Paul’s answer is clear—By no means. Why? Because grace doesn’t just forgive us. Grace transforms us.This message unpacks what it means to have a new identity in Christ:• We Died to SinSin is no longer your master. It no longer has authority over your life.• We Were Raised with ChristWhen you put your faith in Jesus, your old life was buried and you were raised into something new.• We Are Freed from Sin’s PowerThe struggle may still be real, but sin does not have the final say.• We Have New Life Now and ForeverBecause Jesus defeated death, you can experience spiritual life today and eternal life forever.Pastor James also shares how to live out this new identity:Stop treating grace casuallyStay in the fight against sinDon’t let old patterns take over againDedicate every part of your life to GodRemember who you are in ChristYou are not who you used to be.You are not defined by your old self.You are not powerless.In Jesus, you are dead to sin and alive to God.––––– If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs this reminder today. –––––

What have you inherited—and what can Jesus make brand new?In week two of our Brand New series, Hosanna Wong teaches from Romans 5 and reveals the contrast between two legacies: what we inherit in Adam, and what we receive in Jesus. Some patterns may have been passed down to us through family, culture, or pain—but they do not have to define our future. This message explores the powerful truth that in Adam we inherit:• SinAnything less than God’s best for our lives.• SeparationBrokenness between us and God, and between us and others.• ShameThe pressure to hide, pretend, or perform.• DeathThe spiritual and physical consequences of sin.But in Jesus, we receive a brand new inheritance:• Salvation from SinGrace is greater than our failures.• Close Relationship with GodWe are welcomed into the family of God.• Freedom from ShameWe no longer have to hide—we can be healed.• Brand New LifeThe same power that raised Jesus can transform us today.Hosanna also shares practical ways to break free from patterns that have held us back:Bring shame into the lightSpeak truth louder than liesLet God transform your hurt so you don’t transfer itMake peace where it is within your powerKeep praying bold prayers in the name of JesusNo matter what has been handed down to you, the power of Jesus is greater.You are not stuck.You are not your past.You are not limited to old patterns.In Christ, you belong to a new family and a new future.––––– If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today. –––––

In week one of our Brand New series, Pastor James Grogan walks through Romans 5 and shows how the death and resurrection of Jesus didn’t just inspire a movement—they made a whole new way of life possible. Because of Jesus, we are not just improved… we are made brand new. This message unpacks powerful truths like:• Justified Through FaithWe are made right with God not by performance, religion, or trying harder—but by trusting in Jesus.• Peace With GodBecause of Christ, we move from outsiders to family, from enemies to reconciliation, from guilt to peace.• Standing in GraceGod’s love is not something we earn. In Jesus, we now live in His favor, acceptance, and unshakable grace.• Hope for Today and TomorrowBiblical hope is more than wishful thinking. It is confident assurance that God is with us now and has a future for us.• A New Perspective in SufferingPain doesn’t have to harden us. God can use even our hardest seasons to form perseverance, character, and deeper hope.At the center of it all is this life-changing truth:While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.This is the unconditional, proactive love of God. Jesus went first, and He went all the way so we could have new life.If you’ve ever wondered where you stand with God, this message is for you.––––– If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today. –––––#BrandNew #Romans5 #NewStanding #Grace #Hope #EastLakeChurch

It’s possible to say all the right things about Jesus… and still miss what it actually means to follow Him.In Week 4 of our series Questions Jesus Asked, Hosanna Wong unpacks one of Jesus’ most direct and challenging questions from :“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?” (Luke 6:46)This isn’t a question about what we say we believe. It’s a question about how we live.In this message, we explore:The Gap Between Words and ActionsIt’s easy to claim faith—but Jesus is after something deeper than outward expression.What It Really Means for Jesus to Be LordIf Jesus is truly Lord, it doesn’t just change what we say—it transforms how we live.Why Obedience Is an Expression of LoveJesus makes it clear: loving Him isn’t just about devotion—it’s about following His ways.How to Recognize Real Faith by Its FruitOur lives produce something. The question is—does it reflect the character of Jesus?Building a Life That Withstands StormsA life rooted in hearing and doing Jesus’ words creates a foundation that holds when life gets hard.This message is an invitation to move beyond surface-level faith into a real, lived-out relationship with Jesus—one that is visible, transformative, and rooted deep.Because when Jesus is truly Lord…it changes how you live, what your life produces, and how you stand when storms come.––––– If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with someone who’s exploring what it really means to follow Jesus. –––––– To support this ministry and help us continue reaching people everywhere, click here: https://eastlake.church/give Subscribe for more messages of faith, growth, and everyday discipleship.

Following Jesus isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes His words are hard to hear.In Week 3 of our series Questions Jesus Asked, Pastor James Grogan unpacks a powerful and personal question from Jesus in :“You do not want to leave too, do you?” (John 6:67)After a crowd of followers walked away from Jesus because His teaching felt too difficult, too offensive, or too demanding, Jesus turns to His closest disciples and asks them to decide: Are you staying… or leaving too?In this message, we explore:Why People Walk Away from JesusNot because His teaching is confusing—but because it challenges our expectations, control, and comfort.Four “Hard Truths” That Still Push People Away TodayJesus won’t be used for our personal or political agendasHe offers more than temporary, physical solutions—He meets deeper spiritual needsHe is bigger than our limited understandingHe calls for full surrender, not partial commitmentThe Danger of Shallow FaithLike the parable of the seed, faith without roots can’t last when life gets hard.The Invitation to StayWhen everything feels uncertain, Peter responds with clarity:“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”This message is a call to examine your faith—not just whether you believe in Jesus, but whether you’re truly following Him.Because at some point, we all have to answer the question:Will I keep walking with Jesus… even when it’s hard?––––– If this message encouraged you, share it with someone navigating faith or wrestling with doubt. –––––– To support this ministry and help us continue reaching people everywhere, click here: https://eastlake.church/give Subscribe for more messages of faith, hope, and real life with Jesus.#QuestionsJesusAsked #FollowJesus #FaithJourney #Surrender #EastLakeChurch

Everyone has opinions about Jesus. But at some point, the question becomes personal.In Week 2 of our series Questions Jesus Asked, Mike Meeks explores one of the most important questions Jesus ever asked His disciples: “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15). Surrounded by competing voices, beliefs, and identities in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus challenged His followers to move beyond public opinion and answer for themselves.That question still confronts us today.In this message, we unpack:Why Everyone Has an Opinion About JesusCulture often reduces Jesus to a teacher, philosopher, or moral example—but the Gospel claims something far greater.When the Question Becomes PersonalJesus moves the conversation from what others think to what you believe.Peter’s Defining Moment of Faith“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Recognizing who Jesus is changes everything.Why Surrender Is So HardFollowing Jesus means letting Him define truth, identity, and direction in our lives.How Our Identity Is Found in ChristWhen we settle the question of who Jesus is, we begin to discover who we are—loved, known, and created with purpose.Faith isn’t just agreeing with facts about Jesus. It’s responding to His invitation to follow Him.Because the way you answer Jesus’ question—“Who do you say I am?”—shapes your identity, your purpose, and your future.––––– If this message encouraged you, share it with someone exploring faith or asking big questions about Jesus. –––––– To support this ministry and help us continue reaching people everywhere, click here: https://eastlake.church/give Subscribe for more messages of faith, hope, and love for your everyday life.

What are you really looking for in life?In Week 1 of our new series Questions Jesus Asked, Pastor James Grogan explores one of the very first questions Jesus asked His followers: “What are you seeking?” (John 1:38). Throughout the Gospels, Jesus asked powerful questions—not because He didn’t know the answers, but because His questions reveal what’s happening in our hearts.In this message, we discover how the questions Jesus asked help us reflect on our desires, identity, decisions, obedience, surrender, and hope. These questions invite us to move beyond surface-level faith and examine what we truly want and where we’re searching for it.In this message, we explore:The Different Types of Questions Jesus AskedFactual questions, interpretive questions, and deeper evaluative questions that reveal the condition of our hearts.The Question That Starts It All: “What Are You Seeking?”Jesus invites us to identify the desires that are shaping our lives.How to Recognize What You’re Really PursuingYour time, money, conversations, and attention often reveal what your heart is seeking.Why What You’re Searching For Is Actually Searching For YouJesus invites us not just to answers, but into relationship.The Invitation of Jesus: “Come and See”Jesus doesn’t just give explanations—He gives invitations to experience life with Him.Like the treasure hidden in a field or a pearl of great value, the kingdom of God is worth everything. When we discover Jesus for who He truly is, it reshapes what we seek and what we value most.––––– If this message encouraged you, share it with someone searching for purpose or direction. –––––– To support this ministry and help us continue reaching people everywhere, click here: https://eastlake.church/give Subscribe for more messages of faith, hope, and love for your everyday life.

Have you ever felt like God was silent? Like your prayers were one-sided or you couldn’t figure out His direction for your life?In Week 5 of Uncomplicate It, Pastor James Grogan tackles one of the most discouraging spiritual roadblocks: the silence of God. Many people assume something is wrong with their faith when they can’t clearly “hear” God—but Jesus actually taught that His followers can know His voice and walk with Him.This message helps us move from frustration and confusion to confidence in how God leads us.In this message, we unpack:What God’s Voice Is NOTIt’s not just a feeling, not random mystical signs, and not a rigid blueprint for your life.What God’s Voice ISA relationship of staying close to Jesus—like sheep following a shepherd or branches abiding in a vine.Why God’s Will Is More Like a Game Plan Than a BlueprintGod often gives freedom to choose within His boundaries, guiding us through relationship rather than fear of “missing it.”Practical Ways to Discern God’s DirectionFollow what God has already made clear in Scripture.Listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.Ask: Does this sound like Jesus?Seek wise counsel from trusted believers.The Shortcut Through SilenceInstead of constantly trying to hear God, arrange your life to regularly be with God—through His Word, prayer, and community. Clarity grows out of closeness.When we focus on being with God, we begin to recognize His voice, trust His leadership, and walk forward with peace.––––– If this message encouraged you, share it with someone navigating uncertainty or waiting on God’s direction. –––––– To support this ministry and help us continue reaching people everywhere, click here: https://eastlake.church/give Subscribe for more messages of faith, hope, and love for your everyday life.

Why does spending time with God feel so hard when we want it to feel natural?In Week 4 of Uncomplicate It, Hosanna Wong addresses one of the most common roadblocks to faith: distraction. Many of us sit down to pray only to find our minds racing, our phones buzzing, and our attention pulled in a dozen directions. But what if distraction isn’t the end of connection with God… what if it’s an invitation?In this message, we discover how Jesus’ words in John 15 call us to abide—to remain connected to Him in a relationship that is intimate, organic, and lived out in real life, not in a perfectly quiet moment.In this message, we unpack:Why Distraction Doesn’t Disqualify You (God meets you right where your mind wanders.)How to Invite God Into Your Real Life, Not Escape It (You don’t have to start over—start from where you are.)The Role of Structure (Like a trellis supports a vine, simple rhythms can help support your connection to Jesus.)The Freedom of Searching and Surrendering (Some seasons need consistency, others flexibility—but both can lead to flourishing.)Letting Go of What Weighs Us Down (Pruning isn’t about producing more fruit, but better fruit.)You don’t need the perfect plan, the perfect focus, or the perfect schedule to be close to God. You just need to stay connected to the Source.––––– If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who feels distracted or disconnected in their faith. –––––– To support this ministry and help us continue reaching people everywhere, click here: https://eastlake.church/give Subscribe for more messages of faith, hope, and love for your everyday life.