Eastview Students: High School

In the first week of our all-church study "All In," Zach dives into sharing your faith and how we are called to be witnesses in the different places that we find ourselves. Where are you uniquely located that you can help share the Gospel? Maybe it's your school, your club, or your sports team? This week, our hope is that you are better equipped and encouraged to go and show these people the love of Jesus (8/28/22).

This week, pastor Zach explores the difference between religion and relationship, and answers the question: "Isn't Christianity just another religion?" (6/19/22)

This week, four senior students answer questions about following Jesus in High School (5/22/22).

This Sunday, guest preacher Ben Miller (ISU Encounter) talks about faith, miracles & signs, and the importance of seeking God (5/15/22).

This week, Zach encourages us with a message about faith, belief, and wrestling with doubt.

This week, Zach delivers an encouraging message about maintaining faith, hope, and trust in Jesus, even when life is really difficult (5/1/22).

What does it look like to follow Jesus everyday? How many of us (wrongly) assume that we have to earn our salvation? This week, pastors Rich, Kim, and Cooper tackle these topics, as well as other questions regarding having a relationship with Jesus (4/24/22).

This Sunday, Zach delivers a powerful message about the crucifixion of Christ (4/3/22).

This week, Zach talks about the beating and mocking that Jesus endured before the cross. It is in this brutal punishment meant only for the worst of criminals that we find the incredible love of Jesus. That he would take our punishment so that we might walk in the freedom of life forever with Him. It’s the kind of love that changes everything for us (3/27/22).

This week, Regan preaches out of Mark 15 on the story of Jesus being handed over by Pilate to be crucified. In the midst of His trial, Jesus' shows His love, peace, and humility, especially when a murderer named Barabbas was released instead of Him. Jesus endured His torturous death out of his immense love for all sinners, and we can live with hope knowing that, no matter what we've done, His love covers all of our sins (3/20/22).

This week, Zach talks about the trial of Jesus before the Jewish council. This trial was unfair, full of insane accusations, and hard to read. And yet, we must come to understand that this should be our trial. And unlike Jesus, we are guilty. This week, Zach talks about how Jesus took our place and proved his love for us by defending us and forgiving us of our wrongs. (3/13/22)

In life, we go through hard and scary things. The truth is, this world is messed up, and we can sometimes feel betrayed, hurt, and overwhelmed. Jesus understands what this is like, because of what he went through when he was willingly arrested, as recorded in Mark 14. Zach encourages us this week to stick with Jesus in the midst of hard things, and that His power is with us as we walk through these difficult seasons in life. We have hope that when life is hard, Jesus wants us to stay close to Him. (3/6/22)

This week, Zach looks at Jesus’ prayer in the garden the night before he heads to the cross. This moment changes everything for us because it shows that Jesus went through the deepest emotions and pain we face today. We take comfort in knowing he understands how we feel, and we get to see just how much he loves us. He was willing to be in this much agony so that we wouldn’t have to. If you looking for some encouragement in your struggles, give this message a listen. (2/27/22)

This week, our friend Annie Brzezinski kicks off our new series "This Changes Everything." We'll be diving into the stories surrounding the cross and the resurrection, and how they drastically change our stories. In this week's sermon, Annie kicks off the series with an encouraging message about love, forgiveness, and the act of taking communion. (2/20/22)

This week, Zach unpacks the church-wide vision, called "Love McClean County." What does it look like to love every person, every business, and every school in McLean county? As High School students, we have the opportunity to love people in our schools, clubs, and sports teams, and Zach encourages us to follow the commandments found in Mark 12 (Love God, Love People).

We, like Peter, all have a tendency to deny Jesus. Whether with our silence or with our lifestyle. As those with the good news of Jesus, what does it look like to show others we follow Him? In this sermon, we will learn to show that we are followers of Jesus. But more important, know we can be because all of our failures are gone and done with. (2/6/22)

Join us for a special Counterculture episode where we sit down with Taylor Brown (CIY, Rough Terrain Studios) and talk about following Jesus.

This week, Zach talks about Peters response to Jesus being arrested. Instead of looking to Jesus and following his plan, he pulls out a sword and start swinging. In the moments where we feel prone to temptation/sin, instead of lashing out, we should look to Jesus. (1/30/22)

Life is hard. So many of us face really difficult challenges, and it can be easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed. This week, Matt encourages us to stop facing these things alone! God is ready to meet us in the midst of our hardships in life. As we navigate the hard things in life, let's turn to God in prayer. He's listening, and He loves us so much. (1/23/22)

This week, Zach talks about Peter’s failure to make a promise he can’t keep. So often we approach following Jesus with an “I got it” attitude. But, when we rely on ourselves, instead of Jesus, we get a greater failure because of myself. We need more of a “Jesus help me approach.” Zach talks about how we can do that and how we can also find hope that even when we do fail, Jesus is there to meet us on the other side. (1/16/22)

How often do we make assumptions about Jesus that aren't true? How often do we follow man-made ideas of Jesus, instead of following who Jesus actually is? As we kick off the new year, we also are kicking off a new series called "Failing Fearlessly," where we'll dive into the different redemptive failures of the apostle Peter. This week, Zach tackles these questions above, while encouraging us that Jesus is EVERYTHING that we want Him to be, and so much more. What does it look like to follow Jesus this year as we start 2022? (1/2/22)

This week, Matt preaches from the perspective of the paralyzed man in Mark 2:1-12. Do you feel stuck in your sin? This is a story of redemption, restoration, and forgiveness, and we hope that it is encouraging for you this week! (12/12/21)

Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe that miracles still happen? This week, to kick off our new “Christmas Miracles” series, Zach preaches from Mark 6 about the miraculous feeding of the 5,000. In our lives, we often think that miracles like this don’t happen anymore, but what if they did? What if God could work miraculously in your life during this Christmas season? This week, Zach challenges us to ask God for a miracle that we need in our life, and to have faith that our God is a miraculous God. (12/5/21)

This week, Zach talks about the good news of Jesus. In just 2 simple verses, Jesus reveals his character and his mission. To fulfill a promise, to bring God close, to defeat sin, and to believe in him. When you think about your life up until this point, who is Jesus to you? That’s the question to ponder this week… (11/28/21)

Temptation is all around us and is something that we all experience. This week, guest preacher Joy Thompson talks about the temptation of Jesus in Mark chapter 1, and how Jesus withstood against Satan's futile attempts against Him. In our lives, we also encounter temptation, yet we can have hope and strength in the midst of it! (11/21/21)

Do you struggle with anxiety? Have you had a tough time adjusting back to normal life after the pandemic? Are you oftentimes stressed and anxious, and aren't sure how to deal with it? Maybe you're depressed, and perhaps even struggle with suicidal thoughts? If you resonate with any of those questions, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Zach and Cooper sit down with former counselor and current pastor Sara Thompson and talk all about anxiety, why we're facing it, and how to deal with it. This conversation will give you practical advice on how to battle anxiety and depression, insight into anxiety/depression from a professional, as well as just a chance to feel seen & heard if you struggle with these feelings.

Why should we get baptized? What is baptism? Why did Jesus get baptized? This Sunday, guest preacher Connor Wood talks about baptism, and encourages us about why it's important to take that step. Considering baptism? If so, reach out to our staff, or DM us on Instagram if you want to learn more about baptism! (11/14/21)

When you wake up, is your goal to make your name great, or to make Jesus' name great? Are our lives focused on building our own kingdoms, or the Kingdom of God? This week, Zach dives into the story of John the Baptist, and how we can learn from His example of proclaiming Jesus. Jesus has rescued us, and He has set the ultimate example of love and humility found in Philippians 2. As His children, how can we respond to that example? By making ourselves less, and making Jesus's name greater. (11/7/21)

How often do we hesitate to follow Jesus? What would it look like to respond immediately to Jesus, instead of telling Him "I'll get to that in a little bit?" This week, Zach preaches about how Jesus is always worth it, and how following Him means responding "at once." A relationship with Jesus is wonderful, but this world is also full of people that need to know the Gospel. We are called to say "yes" to Jesus and "fish for people." (10/31/21)

The world desperately needs to know about Jesus. How can God use us to tell the world about Him? What God might be calling us to do in order to help more people hear the good news? Why should we care about missions? In Episode 15 of Counterculture, Zach and Cooper talk to Tommy Nika and Paul Beeghly, two pastors of Eastview Global, about what "Missons" is, and how High School students can live more missional-focused lives. Tune in to this conversation to hear ultra-convicting stats, as well as encouragement on how to become more like Jesus in area of global missions.

This week, we're starting a NEW SERIES called "Beginnings," where we'll be diving into the New Testament stories of Peter and Mark. This week, Matt takes us through the life of Mark in the scriptures, and shows how we can be encouraged by looking at his story. Mark's journey was full of ups and downs, yet God still used him for His kingdom. In the same way, we can be encouraged that our journey is important, and that God wants to use us too. (10.24.21)

God has a purpose for each of us. Wrapping up our study from Exodus, Zach challenges us to identify our purpose, while also encouraging us that we can have peace knowing God is on our side. Instead of going through the motions, what would happen if we chased after the purpose God has given us, while trusting that He is with us every step of the way? (10/17/21).

This week, Zach talks about the importance of doing life TOGETHER. As we follow Jesus, we need to be evaluating the people that we are influenced by. Similarly to how God sent Moses a helper in Aaron (Exodus 3), God gives us a Christian community to surround and support each other as we live on purpose. May we be encouraged to lean into our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as we seek after Jesus every day. (10/10/21)

Are you tired? Are you feeling the stress of a new school year? Is your schedule so full that you don't have room to breathe? We think this is a problem that spans across all ages, but is very prevalent in the lives of high school students. So, we brought in former Eastview High School pastor Matt Fogle to discuss what it looks like to practice margin in our everyday lives. After working at Eastview for 5 years, Matt is working as a pastor in Arizona, and we really think you'll be encouraged by our conversation with him as we dive into the topic of margin!

We likely all feel insecure and inadequate at some level when it comes to serving Jesus. We feel like we’re not popular enough, not smart enough, not athletic enough, etc. This week, Zach reminds us from Exodus 3 that God is not limited by our own limitations, and that He desires for us to say “yes” to serving Him. We can serve Christ because, even in the midst of our own insecurities, sins, and doubts, we are not alone. God loves us, and He is with us. (10/3/21)

We are loved, accepted, and cared for. We are children of God. This week, Matt talks about how God gives us purpose, identity, and calling. God offers us a love and confidence that is much GREATER than the insecurities, troubles, hurtful opinions, and other difficult things that we face. We hope you are encouraged by this week's message! (9/26/21)

This week, Zach talks about the importance distinction between knowing God, and simply knowing about Him. In our second week of our ON PURPOSE series, we talk all about who God is, and how he wants to have a personal, intimate relationship with us. This is such an encouraging truth, and we hope you are reminded and encouraged to pursue your relationship with Jesus everyday. (9/19/21)

Welcome to the Week 1 of our all-church study "ON PURPOSE!" Are you looking for purpose in your life? Are you tired of going through the motions and living life without meaning or direction? This week, Zach preaches about how God is present with us everyday, and how He can speak to us when we seek Him. He is present and with us, and He gives us purpose. Everywhere we go is holy ground, because God is always present. (9/12/21)

Are you thirsty? Are you in need of living water? This week, Junior High small groups pastor (and Young Adult pastor) Josh Jacobs preaches from John 7 about how Jesus satisfies us with living water. We have a God-shaped hole in our hearts that can only be filled by Jesus, and Josh encourages us how to find this living water in Jesus. (9/5/21)

You DON'T want to miss this week's sermon! This Sunday, Zach outlined his vision for the High School ministry at Eastview, and about the importance of following Jesus EVERY DAY. If you're apart of our Eastview Students: High School family, make sure to check this out to see what God is doing! (8/29/21)

This week, Zach talks about peace. In this world, peace is often hard to come by, and Zach encourages us to look to Jesus in order to find peace. In the midst of a pandemic, mental health crisis, and intense global situations, Jesus provides the peace that we seek. (8/22/21)

This week, Zach talks about the seriousness of our sin. Everyone sins, it affects everyone, it hurts our influence, and it hurts me. Yet, there is hope because God offers forgiveness when we bring our sins before him and confess. Even in our sin, there is hope and salvation because of Jesus. (8/15/21)

We're back with an AWESOME conversation with Sports Outreach Pastor, ESPN commentator, and Zach's fiancé Ratasha Garbes about what it looks like to share your faith with non-believers! Join us as we discuss how to pour into relationships with non-believers, how to approach having faith conversations, and how to live in the world as a follower of Christ. And, of course, stick with us to the end for some laughs!

How do we share the Good News? This week, Zach dives into Acts 2 and talks about how to "Show and Tell" about Jesus. We don't want to keep this amazing truth to ourselves, and we've been pushing this idea called "Choose Your One," where you choose one person that you want to witness to. We hope you're encouraged to take the next step with your "one" and to spread the Good News about Jesus! (7/11/21)

In the first week of our "Show and Tell" series, Zach starts unpacking what it looks like to share our faith! He reminds us that Jesus has defeated the darkness in our lives, and that we are now the light of the world because of Jesus' victory. We're excited to journey through this series together as we discuss what it looks like to know and love Jesus more, which then leads to us telling others about Him (7/4/21). **Disclaimer** (Recording starts several minutes into sermon).

Join us for Part 2 of our conversation on how social media! In this episode, we offer some challenging questions about our social media use. We specifically talk about how to keep social media from dominating our lives, and how to post and consume social media in a positive way. And, as always, we talk about the funniest thing that happened to us this week.

For the sermon this week, we answer YOUR questions about faith! Join Zach, Kim, Rich, and Aleska as they answer the questions that were given to us by students last week in our 11:00a service. (6/27/21) **Disclaimer** - (The recording starts about 12 minutes into the interview).

This week, Eastview's associate global pastor Paul Beeghly talks all about following Jesus. If you're looking for a challenging, detailed, and entertaining breakdown about following Jesus, look no further. Paul drops some truth on us, and we hope you're challenged and encouraged by his words! (6/20/21)

Social media is such a crucial aspect of our culture. Join Zach and Cooper in part one of a TWO PART episode on social media! We talk about the positives and dangers of social media, our thoughts on each social media platform, and how to respond to the overall influence that social media has in our culture. Join us for part two coming up on July 1st!

This week, Zach talks about the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus every day. This is such an important part of our faith, and Zach dives into what it looks like to focus on Jesus' resurrection and promise of eternal life in the midst of everything else the world tries to offer. Check out this encouraging message to learn more! (6/13/21)