Sermons by Pastor Matt Erickson (Page 18)
Obadiah
Obadiah announces judgment on Edom, one of Israel’s neighbors (and relatives), for helping Babylon conquer Judah. Through Obadiah, God promises that judgment will come on all the nations, but that He will eventually establish His divine kingdom on earth. Sermon OutlinE “But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance.” (Obadiah 1:17) Introducing Obadiah Prophetic accusations against Edom (Obadiah 1:1-14) The Day of the Lord and the Nations (Obadiah 1:15-16) God’s Kingdom…
Amos
After searing prophecies against the surrounding nations, Amos turns his attention to God’s judgment on His own people in the northern kingdom of Israel. Of specific concern for God is a call to true justice within the public square as a reflection of His own justice in the covenant. Though judgment will come, God promises a remnant will be restored. Sermon OutlinE “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24) Introducing Amos Prophecies…
Joel
The prophet Joel is concerned with the coming of the day of the Lord, which is pictured like a plague of locusts descending upon the land. In the midst of this call to repentance, Joel simultaneously points to the outpouring of God’s Spirit upon His people. Joel 1-3, with focus on 2:12-14, 2:28-32 Sermon OutlinE “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young…
Hosea, Part 2
After the story of Hosea’s wife, the remaining portion of Hosea’s prophecy is an extended charge against Israel for failing the covenant, God’s just judgment against them, and God’s promise of restoration through His faithful love. Sermon OutlinE “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6) God’s Faithful Love for His People (Hosea 2:19-20) God’s Case Against His People (Hosea 4:1ff.) God’s Desire for His People (Hosea 6:4, 6) God’s Encouragement to…
Hosea, Part 1
God commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute named Gomer. Their three children and the resulting family difficulties become an enacted parable of God’s relationship with his straying people, specifically the northern kingdom of Israel. In the midst of this we see a picture of God’s unchanging love for His people. Hosea 1-3 Sermon OutlinE “I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.” (Hosea 2:19) Introducing Hosea Hosea’s Family as…
Practices for a New Year from the Psalms
A sermon for the end of the year, rooted in spiritual practices we find in the Psalms. SERMON OUTLINE Spiritual Practices for a New Year from the Psalms: Thanksgiving – Psalm 136 Lament – Psalm 13 Repentance (Confession & Turning Away) – Psalm 51 Focus on God – Psalm 63 An Undivided Heart – Psalm 86 Praise – Psalm 150 Looking Back: What am I most thankful for from the past year (5-10 items)? How have I most seen God…
The Perfect King
Psalm 72 brings us into direct address of God on behalf of the king, who is described both as powerful to rule the nations and to bring justice and mercy. The king is blessed in order to be a blessing to the nations and ultimately to bless God through his reign. SERMON OUTLINE “Then all the nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed.” (Psalm 72:17b) Praying for a Just and Right Ruler (Psalm 72:1-4, 12-14)…
The Eternal Priest
Psalm 110 offers one of the most unique descriptions of the Messiah who would come as both king and priest. Referencing the story of Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek, ruler of Salem (Genesis 14:18–20), this psalm tells us that the Messiah will be an eternal priestly king like this mysterious figure. SERMON OUTLINE “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’” (Psalm 110:4) An Oracle of God: The Victorious…
The Suffering Messiah
Psalm 22 is one of the most powerful descriptions of suffering in the entire psalter. It is often connected with Christ’s suffering upon the Cross. Taken on its own terms, this psalm speaks of praise to God amidst suffering. Within the context of Jesus’ life and crucifixion, the depth of this psalm only increases. SERMON OUTLINE “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1) Lamenting God’s Distance (Psalm 22:1-11) Lamenting Evil Opponents (Psalm 22:12-21) Praising God for…
Restoration and Embodied Sexuality
This message explores the fourth and final chapter of this series with restoration in Jesus Christ. Jesus the Messiah has brought redemption to us through His death, and now His resurrected body is ushering in a new “Now But Not-Yet” kingdom. Pastor Matt discusses how Christ’s resurrection has raised us with new resurrection bodies. In these bodies, we will see the ultimate restoration of all things by God at the end of human history, including in our love, sexuality, and…
Redemption and Embodied Sexuality
This message explores the third chapter with redemption in Jesus Christ. Jesus the eternal Son enters into the fallen cosmos in a real body as Messiah to redeem us, including our love, sexuality, and bodies. Encountering true love of God through Christ helps us find God’s presence, provision, truth, grace, acceptance, and freedom. When we see Jesus’ encounter with people throughout His ministry we see the dignity of redemption for real people with real challenges in real bodies. This redemption…
Fall and Embodied Sexuality
This message explores the ways in which all of creation has been impacted by the Fall into sin, including our bodies, love, the chance for a more-thoughtful engagement with the questions of singleness and what it means to live for God’s glory in the body as a single Christian. This message will address topics such as: do you need to be married to be fulfilled or ‘complete’?, how do you deal with singleness after divorce or the death of a…