EastLake Church Chula Vista

A New Power | James Grogan

What if the Christian life was never meant to be lived in your own strength? In week 7 of our Brand New series, Pastor James Grogan walks through the powerful truths of Romans 8—one of the most hope-filled and life-changing chapters in all of Scripture. Often called “The Everest of the New Testament,” Romans 8 reminds us what is now true because of Jesus and what it means to live with the power of the Holy Spirit. Pastor James revisits the journey through Romans and shows how Paul has been building toward this incredible reality: Because of Jesus, we are no longer condemned, controlled by sin, or separated from God—we are brand new. This message unpacks four life-changing truths for every follower of Jesus: • I have a new verdict because I’m in Christ. “There is now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Through Jesus, our guilty verdict has been removed and replaced with grace, freedom, and forgiveness. • I have a new mindset because the Spirit is changing me. Paul contrasts the mindset of the flesh—self-will, self-glory, self-gratification—with the mindset of the Spirit, which leads to life, peace, humility, and transformation. • I have a new power because the Spirit is in me. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in every believer. We are no longer powerless against sin or temptation because God’s Spirit empowers us to live differently. • I have a new identity because I’m adopted into God’s family. God didn’t reluctantly accept us—He chose us, adopted us, and made us His children. Our identity is now rooted in His love, grace, and presence. Pastor James reminds us that the Christian life is not about trying harder—it’s about surrendering more fully to the Holy Spirit. If you’ve ever struggled with shame, insecurity, temptation, or feeling spiritually stuck, this message is a reminder: You are not condemned. You are not alone. And you are not powerless. ––––– If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and freedom today. ––––– ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

A New Freedom | James Grogan & Chris Muller-Tabanera

What if following Jesus was never meant to feel like an exhausting checklist? In week 5 of our Brand New series, Pastors James Grogan and Chris Muller-Tabanera walk through Romans 7 and unpack the freedom we have because of Jesus. Through powerful stories, practical illustrations, and Paul’s teaching, this message reminds us that we are no longer bound to a system of rules—we are invited into a relationship of grace. Pastor James opens with the incredible true story of two East German families who risked everything to escape to freedom in a homemade hot air balloon. In the same way, Paul explains that through Jesus we’ve been transferred into a completely new reality: no longer living under the weight of the law, but under grace. Together, James and Chris explore what it means to live with a brand new freedom: • I’m no longer bound to a system; I am joined to a Savior. Jesus didn’t come to create another religious checklist. He came to invite us into a relationship. • I’m no longer bound to sin; I have a new Spirit that produces better fruit. Real transformation doesn’t happen by trying harder—it happens by surrendering more and allowing the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out. • I’m no longer bound to the measuring stick of the law; Jesus fulfilled it. The law was never meant to prove we were good enough. It was meant to show us how much we need Jesus. This message is a reminder for anyone tired of striving, performing, or feeling like they never measure up. Because of Jesus, you don’t have to earn God’s love, prove your worth, or carry the pressure of perfection anymore. You can stop trying harder. You can surrender more. And you can live truly free. ––––– If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to hear about the freedom and grace of Jesus. ––––– ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

A New Battle | Hosanna Wong

Why do we still struggle with sin even after putting our faith in Jesus? In week 6 of our Brand New series, Pastor Hosanna Wong walks through Romans 7 and 8 and reminds us that the struggle within us is not proof that we are failing—it’s often proof that God’s Spirit is actively working in us. Using honest stories, practical encouragement, and powerful truth from Scripture, Hosanna unpacks the reality of the Christian life: following Jesus does not remove every battle overnight, but it does mean we no longer fight alone. Romans 7 captures the tension so many of us feel: “I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” If you’ve ever wrestled with shame, temptation, discouragement, or the fear that you’ll never change, this message is for you. In this message, we discover: • The struggle is not a sign of failure. The struggle is often a sign of spiritual growth. Before Jesus, many of us didn’t even battle sin—we simply lived in it. Now the Holy Spirit is transforming us from the inside out. • The journey is not a sprint. The Christian life is a Spirit-led walk. God invites us to continuously walk with Him, confess honestly, receive grace, and keep growing step by step. • Loving you is not God’s great burden. Loving you is God’s great joy. God is not exhausted by your weakness or frustrated by your process. He delights in walking with you and helping you become who He created you to be. Hosanna also contrasts two powerful realities: A cycle of shame, hiding, performance, and self-reliance… versus a Spirit-led life marked by honesty, forgiveness, healing, and grace. This message is a reminder that because of Jesus: • You are not condemned. • You are not stuck forever. • You are not fighting alone. • You belong to Jesus. ––––– If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope and freedom today. ––––– ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Mother's Day 2026 | Karla Sanchez-Renfro

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A New Allegiance | James Grogan

Who’s really in charge of your life? In week four of our Brand New series, Pastor James Grogan walks through Romans 6 and shows that following Jesus isn’t just about forgiveness—it’s about a transfer of allegiance. We all serve something or someone. The question is: who are you giving your life to? Romans 6:14 reminds us of this powerful truth: sin is no longer your master… you are under grace. This message unpacks what it looks like to live under a new allegiance: • From Rules to Relationship The law demands obedience through rules, but grace invites allegiance through relationship with Jesus. • Everyone Serves Something Whether we realize it or not, we all surrender to something—sin, success, approval, control, or Christ. • What You Obey Gains Momentum The habits and choices you say “yes” to will shape the direction of your life. • Freedom Isn’t Neutral Jesus didn’t just set you free from sin—He set you free for a new life of righteousness. • Your Choices Have Outcomes Sin leads to death. Obedience leads to life, growth, and ultimately eternal life in Christ. Pastor James challenges us with a clear picture: You’re not drifting through life—you’re following something. And the good news is this: You don’t have to live under your old master anymore. In Jesus, you’ve been set free to live a brand new life with a brand new allegiance. ––––– If this message challenged you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ––––– ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.