born and raised twice in the bay, I preach Jesus and him crucified
In 2025, the congregation at Eastside will explore the theme "Rooted: Growing Where You Are Planted," focusing on spiritual growth, resilience, and flourishing in faith. The year's teaching includes four core series: Rooted in Christ (Colossians and Philemon), highlighting maturity and living out the gospel; Rooted in Exile, drawing from Old Testament figures who thrived... Continue Reading →
Ever notice how easy it is to collect our old failures and disappointments, almost like trophies? I call it my "trophy case of shame." It's there in my mind, a case lined with memories and words I've heard over the years, each polished up and preserved. If you could see it, you'd find rows of... Continue Reading →
We stand on the wisdom of those who have gone before us, who faced pressures and powers that felt insurmountable. When Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), He was drawing a line—a reminder that, as citizens of His kingdom, our loyalties, our battles, and our victories are not found in... Continue Reading →
Peter’s story with Jesus begins with water. It all starts in Luke 5. Peter is just a fisherman out on the lake, cleaning his empty nets after a long night. Then Jesus steps into his boat, teaching the crowds from there, and afterward, He tells Peter to cast his nets again. Though he’s exhausted and skeptical,... Continue Reading →
Harrison, C. (n.d.). Visualizations of the Bible: Bible Cross-References. Chris Harrison. https://www.chrisharrison.net/index.php/Visualizations/BibleVizThis visualization highlights the interconnectedness of scripture, illustrating how the Old and New Testaments form a unified narrative, as demonstrated in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. 1. Scripture as a Unified Narrative When Jesus and the apostles refer to the Old Testament,... Continue Reading →
Phillip W. Martin 