Sermons by Pastor Matt Erickson (Page 11)
“I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth”
This series walks through the Apostles Creed as a basic summary of our faith but also as a way to live our faith out with God in the world. Each weekend of this series will explore the biblical and theological roots of the Apostles Creed, while also providing specific spiritual practices and approaches to living out what we know as we ‘proclaim and embody’ the Creed in our daily lives. This week focuses on the phrase, “I Believe in God…
The Great Commission
This message will explore Jesus’ great commission for disciple-making. (Matthew 28:16-20) SERMON OUTLINE “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) A Return (28:16) 11 apostles (the 12 minus Judas) Leaving Jerusalem A return to where everything…
Keep Your Lamps Lit
This message will explore Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25:1-13. SERMON OUTLINE “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:13) “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like…” (25:1) That time and Jesus’ coming (parousia) The kingdom of heaven An Overview of the Parable (25:1-12) The setting of the wedding and anticipation of meeting the bridegroom (1-2) The two categories of young women: foolish without oil &…
The Unknown Hour
This message will focus on Jesus’ teaching about no one knowing the day and the hour of the end. (Matthew 24:36-51) SERMON OUTLINE “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42) The Unknown Hour of Jesus’ Coming (24:36-41) The nature of Jesus’“coming” (parousia) The timing is unknown It will catch people unaware: Like in Noah’s day Like those interrupted in their work Disciples Keep Watch and Are Ready (24:42-44) Like a…
Opening the Book on Prayer: Learning to Pray with the Psalms
The psalms are sometimes called the prayerbook of the Bible. As a vital part of God’s word, they teach us how to hear God and respond to God in prayer. The psalms bring together these two powerful resources—Scripture and prayer—that help us, like two wings moving together, to rise up in spiritual life. Join this Leadership Community gathering for an interactive exploration of learning to pray with the book of Psalms.
Signposts at the End
This message will focus on Jesus’ teaching about the signs of the end of the age. (Matthew 24:1-35) SERMON OUTLINE “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us…when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) Two Questions from Jesus’ Disciples (24:1-3) The situation Two questions: When will this [the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple] happen? What will…
The End is Beginning
An Easter Sunday message on the power of the resurrection. (Matthew 28:1-15) SERMON OUTLINE “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid.’” (Matthew 28:5) Don’t Be Afraid: the night is dark, but a new day has dawned (28:1-4) The dawn of the new sabbath The women walking The earth quaking The angel appearing Don’t Be Afraid: death is terrible, but Jesus is risen (28:5-7) Jesus was crucified Jesus was buried Jesus is risen Don’t Be Afraid: we may…
The Woes of the Religiously Misguided
We explore the seven woes that Jesus speaks against the religious establishment and Jerusalem itself. (Matthew 23:1-38) Sermon Outline “So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:3) Three Critiques of Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees (23:1-6) They are inconsistent (23:3) They burden people (23:4) They are concerned with appearances and reputation (23:5-6) A Contrast for Jesus’ Disciples (23:8-12)…
Questioning Jesus
The religious leaders ask Jesus three forceful questions, based on their own religious perspective. Jesus answers their questions and responds with another question. (Matthew 22:15-46) Sermon Outline “One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’” (Matthew 22:35-36) Questions and Jesus The context of the questions: “the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words” (Matthew 22:15) Question 1: Pharisees – “should we…
Pictures of the Kingdom
Jesus tells three parables that explain who He is and what He has come to do. In response, the religious leaders begin their focused effort to arrest and eliminate Jesus. (Matthew 21:28-22:14) Sermon Outline “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you….I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” (Matthew 21:31, 43) Introduction…
The Withering of the Old Ways
Jesus cleanses the temple and causes a fig tree to wither. Jesus’ authority is questioned by the religious leaders and he responds by stonewalling them. What does it mean that Jesus has come with authority? (Matthew 21:12-27) Sermon Outline “Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ Immediately the tree withered.” (Matthew 21:19) Jesus Overturning Tables (21:12-17) Jesus…
Unlikely King
Jesus predicts his death and then enters into Jerusalem with great acclamation. (Matthew 20:17-19; 21:1-11) Sermon Outline “Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death.’” (Matthew 20:17-18) Jesus’ Shocking Predictions of Messianic Suffering First prediction (Matthew 16:21) –…