Sermons by Pastor Matt Erickson
Tears of Mercy
This message will explore the first of two types of tears we see in Jesus as He enters Jerusalem, the tears of mercy. In these tears, we see our God moved by mercy over the plight of a world that needs God but often will not turn to God. Luke 19:28-42; Matthew 23:37-39 Sermon Outline “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.” (Luke 19:41) Three Reasons Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem Jesus weeps because God’s invitation…
Tears of Compassion
This message will explore the first of two types of tears we see in Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus, the tears of compassion. These tears reveal our God who is moved by compassion over human loss and grief. John 11:1-44 Sermon Outline “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) Introduction The journey of Lent “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) The variety of Jesus’ tears Seeing Jesus’ Tears through a Theology of the Incarnation Jesus as the revelation of God (Colossians 1:15) Jesus as…
Faith-Shaped Marriage
This message will specifically address marriage relationships from a biblical point of view. How does our faith work its way into our everyday decisions in marriage? Genesis 1:27-28; 2:20-25; Ephesians 5:21-33 Sermon Outline “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number.’” (Genesis 1:27-28a) The Genesis of Marriage God makes human beings (Genesis 1:27-28)…
Faith-Shaped Parenting
In connection with child dedication, we want to do some discussion of how our faith shapes our everyday parenting. We also want to address how this is important for the non-parents in the room as well (e.g., “it takes a village”). An opportunity to encourage others to pour into the next generation more broadly. Matthew 6:33; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21 Sermon Outline “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on…
Black + Evangelical
On Monday, January 26, 2026, Pastor Matt Erickson was joined by Dr. Vincent Bacote of Wheaton College at our quarterly Eastbrook Forum to discuss the intersection of faith and racial identity around his new documentary, Black + Evangelical. Black + Evangelical is a feature-length documentary that profiles the history, struggles, and contributions of African American evangelicals. Taking us to the crossroads of faith and racial identity, Black + Evangelical is filled with candid interviews and eye-opening portraits of the resilient…
Faith-Shaped Engagement
This message will explore how our commitment to the gospel and the kingdom leads us to engage with the world around us in a unique way as Christians. It will touch on themes like evangelism, influence, leadership, and engaging with the public square. Matthew 6:33; Acts 1:8; Jeremiah 29:4-7 Sermon Outline “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will…
Faith-Shaped Finances
This message will look specifically at our finances and how our faith shapes our financial lives. We will talk about tithing, saving, honoring God with our finances, and the place of faith and wisdom. Sermon Outline “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) A Faith-Shaped Perspective on Finances God owns everything (Psalm 24:1; 50:10-12) Our finance resources are a gift from…
Faith-Shaped Pursuits and Priorities
This message sets up the series by making a case for the fact that our faith in God should connect with our ordinary lives, then gives focus to it by drawing attention to our pursuits and priorities as we start the year. (Matthew 6:33 and Various Others) Sermon Outline “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) Introduction 2026 and new year’s resolutions This series on everyday…
Jesus, King of Love
This message focuses on Paul’s voyage toward Rome and his service in love of people along the way, during the shipwreck, and the resulting visit to Malta. Paul proclaims and embodies the Gospel. (Acts 27-28) Sermon Outline “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” (Acts 28:30-31) Love Under Arrest…
Jesus, King of Peace
This message focuses on Paul’s ministry in Athens, including his contextualized evangelism, his connection with philosophers and artists, and the peace brought by Christ into the God-shaped hole of the altar to an unknown God. (Acts 17:16-34) Sermon Outline “For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going…
Jesus, King of Hope
This message focuses on Paul and Silas’ ministry in Philippi, including God’s deliverance of them from prison and the hope that is brought to the Philippians jailer and his family through Christ. (Acts 16) Sermon Outline “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken.” (Acts 16:25-26a) Introduction Advent Our series, “Jesus, King of…
Barnabas: The Son of Encouragement
This message looks at Barnabas, the son of encouragement, giving particular attention to his ministry to the church in Jerusalem, his ministry to Saul who becomes the Apostle Paul, and his ministry in and from the church in Antioch. (Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-28; 11:22-30; 12:25-13:3) Sermon Outline “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:36-37) Who…