Sermons by Pastor Matt Erickson (Page 20)

A Crash Course in Church Growth

Pivoting from theological discussion into life application, Paul urges the readers to “live a life worth of the calling you have received” (4:1). This section offers a theological framework for individual spiritual growth that fits within a framework for corporate spiritual growth. The individual parts of the body grow as the entire body grows through focused cultivation of unity, active use of spiritual graces, and formation by God toward maturity in Christ. Ephesians 4:1-16 SERMON OUTLINE “I urge you to…

A Crash Course in the Gospel

This week, Pastor Matt examines Ephesians 2:1-10. and contrasts receiving bad news with receiving the good news of the Gospel. Ephesians 2:1-10 SERMON OUTLINE “But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.” (Ephesians 2:4-5) Bad News: Walking Dead (Ephesians 2:1-3) “dead in your transgressions and sins” (v 1) “the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air”…

A Crash Course in Knowing Christ

Because of the overwhelming blessings of God in Christ, Paul shifts fully into prayer for the believers that they “may know him better” (1:17). This series of prayers flows steadily into a reflection on the glories of the exalted nature of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:15-23 SERMON OUTLINE “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (Ephesians 1:17) The…

Living Like Light in the World

This week will close out the series by inviting people to commit to neighboring and sharing the light of Christ with people immediately around them. Key Texts: John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16; 22:36-40 SERMON OUTLINE “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world.’” (John 8:12) “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16)…

When God Moves Into the Neighborhood

This week sets a foundation for our exploration of neighboring upon a theology of the incarnation, in which God Himself became our ‘neighbor’ through Jesus Christ. “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14, The Message). It will connect into the Great Commandment as our response based on God’s action. Key Texts: John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 22:36-40 SERMON OUTLINE “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” (John 1:14, The Message)…

The Good News of New Beginnings

After Jesus’ resurrection, John offer a series of encounters that Jesus has with real people. Each of these encounters sheds light on the way in which Jesus’ resurrection is good news: God’s presence in loss (Mary), God’s peace in fear (disciples in the upper room), God’s guidance in confusion (Thomas), and God’s restoration in failure (Peter). Key Passage: John 20:11-21:25 SERMON OUTLINE “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and…

Prayer as Soul-Shaping with God

This week we continue our series, “Power in Prayer,” by looking at Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-14. Prayer is essentially our link into the face-to-face relationship with the Living God, who is ultimate love. SERMON OUTLINE “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.” (Colossians 1:9) Shaped by Praying Regularly for Others (Colossians 1:9) Shaped by Praying for Knowledge of God’s Will (Colossians 1:9b) Shaped by Praying to Live Worthy of…

The Good News of the Resurrected One

The resurrection of Jesus from death brings good news into our lives. As we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, we will also explore three themes of how this is good news: light overwhelming darkness, freedom overcoming prisons, and life overpowering death. Key Texts: John 20:1-10, 30-31  

The Hunger to Leave a Legacy

We all hunger for success, in one form or another. A significant part of that is leaving an impact or legacy that will live beyond us. It is wonderful to leave a meaningful legacy in our lives. At the same time, that hunger for a legacy connects with our hunger for eternity. Key Passages: John 12:12-19; Psalm 78:4; Ecclesiastes 3:11 Sermon OutlinE “They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in…

The Hunger for Peace

No one wants to live feeling depleted and empty. We all want to live out of a place of abundance, satisfaction and peace. We hunger to feel like our lives are on the right track and that everything is ‘right’. The biblical word for this is peace, which Scripture tells us is ultimately found in God through Jesus Christ. Key passages: John 14:25-31; 16:33; 20:19-20; Luke 1:68-79; Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15; 12:18; Matthew 5:9; James 3:18 Sermon OutlinE “Peace I leave…