Sermons by Pastor Matt Erickson (Page 17)
Jesus the High Priest
The uniqueness of the high priest within the Jewish religious system is even more uniquely filled once for all by Jesus the High Priest, who both enters into human experience and draws us beyond that to God through His perfect obedience. Hebrews 4:14-5:10 SERMON OUTLINE “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” (Hebrews 4:14) What is a High Priest? for…
Soft Hearted
Disobedience hardens us to God, so we are called to obedience, turning from sin, and keeping our hearts soft toward God. SERMON OUTLINE “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12) Hearing God’s Word Today (Hebrews 3:7a) “as the Holy Spirit says” An Example Not to be Imitated (Hebrews 3:7b-11) Background: Psalm 95; Exodus 17; Numbers 14 Hardening of the heart An aside about…
God’s House
Jesus is a faithful Son of the Father within the Father’s household, now makes us the house of God. He dwells in us and we dwell in Him.Jesus is a faithful Son of the Father within the Father’s household, now makes us the house of God. He dwells in us and we dwell in Him. Hebrews 3:1-6 SERMON OUTLINE “Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our…
Jesus, King of Angels
Exploring the wonder that Jesus became a little lower than the angels to bring many to glory, while also now having greater glory than both the angels and humanity. Hebrews 1:5-14 SERMON OUTLINE “For to which of the angels did God ever say, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father’?” (Hebrews 1:5a) The Son, Greater than the Angels in Relationship to the Father (Hebrews 1:5-6) Psalm 2:7 – enthroned as Son 2 Samuel 7:14 – the promised…
Jesus, the Final Word
Hebrews 1:1-4. Considering the preeminence of Jesus compared to the earlier revelation of God SERMON OUTLINE “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Hebrews 1:1-2) Introducing Hebrews The God Who Speaks (Hebrews 1:1) To the ancestors/fathers Through the prophets At many times In various ways The Contrast (Hebrews 1:1-2) “at many times” – “in these last…
Malachi
Malachi addresses God’s people after the return from exile, calling them to right living, ending of easy divorce, justice in the public square, and a return to the covenant with God. Malachi points to an Elijah-like figure who will announce the day of the Lord, as God comes to bring forth His righteousness and justice upon the earth. Sermon OutlinE “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you…
Zechariah
Prophesying at the same time as Haggai, and during the return from exile recorded in the book of Ezra, Zechariah rebukes the people for breaking the covenant and calls them to repent and turn to God. There is a strong message about justice in the public square in Zechariah. There are also many references to the coming Messiah, one of which directly connects with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Scripture: Zechariah 1-14, with focus on 6:12; 9:9; 11:12; 12:10; 13:7…
Habakkuk
Habakkuk’s prophecy is framed as a series of dialogues between the prophet and God about the justice of God and the suffering to come. The final chapter is a beautiful psalm of trust to God in the midst of the ruins of a collapsing culture. Sermon OutlinE “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” (Habakkuk 3:2) Introducing…
Nahum
Nahum’s prophecy comes against Nineveh, shortly before it gives way to the rising empire of Babylon This prophetic book speaks of another nation, but is likely intended as encouragement for a people subjected to oppression and suffering. Nahum reminds his hearers that God holds human history. Sermon OutlinE “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7) Introducing Nahum and 7th BC Century Prophets God the Patient Judge…
Micah, Part 2
The final two chapters of Micah are bleak and challenging, as God directly addresses the failures of the northern kingdom of Israel shortly before their collapse before the Assyrians. In the midst of the misery, Micah calls the people to wait on God and watch for His deliverance. Sermon OutlinE “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your…
Micah, Part 1
Prophesying at the same time as the prophet Isaiah, Micah addresses the coming destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians, while also giving a challenge to the southern kingdom. In the midst of his rebuke against the rulers, Micah speaks of God teaching His people and a promised ruler arising from Bethlehem. Micah 1-5 Sermon OutlinE “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one…
Jonah
Jonah is unique among the minor prophets in that the entire book is an account of a resistant prophet sent to the capital city of the Assyrian kingdom, Nineveh, to proclaim God’s judgment. When the Ninevites respond with repentance and God gives them a second chance, the distance between Jonah’s heart and God’s heart is revealed in a way that implicates all of us. Jonah 1-4, with focus on 2:1-9 & 4:2, 10-11 Sermon OutlinE “In my distress I called…