Sermons by Pastor Matt Erickson (Page 26)
God the Holy Spirit
The Father’s story and the Son’s love is not the end. By the grace of God found in Christ we can access the presence of God in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit fills us with God’s power (gifts), releases in us God’s character (fruit), and disperses us into God’s world as His tangible presence. SERMON OUTLINE “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of…
God the Son
God’s promise-infused story echoes with the love of God – His grace and truth – from start to finish. But that echo comes to startling clarity in the melodious strain of Jesus of Nazareth, God’s Messiah and One and Only Son. Jesus’ revelation of God’s love – His grace and truth- is what we most long for and most need, and He shapes and molds us with His love for the world around us. SERMON OUTLINE “My Father, who has…
God the Father
Before earth’s creation the Father formed a story built around His plan and promise to show forth Himself to humanity. We know and learn that there is something behind all that we are doing…not just something, but someone. SERMON OUTLINE “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth….and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light.’” (Genesis 1:1-3) Beginning with a Vision of God To seek and know God God…
Bread for the Journey
Jesus ate with His disciples in the upper room, offering a new Passover meal reflective of His sacrifice in His body and blood. The early Christian community continued to celebrate that meal, remembering the gift of Christ, encountering the Risen Lord in the meal, celebrating the new community formed, and looking forward to the final day. Key passages: Matthew 26:17-30; 1 Corinthians 10:14-22; 11:23-32 SERMON OUTLINE “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never…
Washed with Water
Jesus went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John, His cousin, as a sign of obedience and purification before God. His disciples repeated that, both during His ministry and after His ascension. Baptism initiates us into the new community as we step forward by faith in response to God’s gracious gift of new life and forgiveness in Christ. Key passages: Matthew 3:13-17; Romans 6:1-14; 1 Peter 3:20-21 SERMON OUTLINE “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death…
Show Whose You Are
Pastor Matt returns from a 3-month sabbatical to bring a message from Luke 18:9-14 on the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.Maurice Ross brings a message from Luke 16:1-15 as we continue our “Stories Worth Living” sermon series on the parables of Luke’s Gospel. SERMON OUTLINE “So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’” (Luke 19:13) The Situation (Luke 19:11-14) The real-life situation…
Proper Confidence
Pastor Matt returns from a 3-month sabbatical to bring a message from Luke 18:9-14 on the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.Maurice Ross brings a message from Luke 16:1-15 as we continue our “Stories Worth Living” sermon series on the parables of Luke’s Gospel. SERMON OUTLINE “All those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14) The Situation (Luke 18:9-10) The real-life situation for Jesus’ teaching The story’s situation for…
Worry and Faith
What?! Me, worry?! Sure we do. Jesus gives us a picture of the kingdom life in relation to worry. The resurrection changes the meaning of this earlier teaching of Jesus. Pastor Matt Erickson delivers a message from Luke 12:22-34. SERMON OUTLINE “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (Luke 12:31) Don’t Worry (Luke 12:22-31) Food & clothes The ravens The flowers Pagans versus disciples The Father and His Kingdom Don’t Fear (Luke 12:32-34) The…
The Cost of Discipleship
In light of the resurrection, there is greater meaning to the pathway of discipleship and its cost for us. We look at two passages from earlier in Luke’s Gospel to get a sense of the life of discipleship: 13:22-30 (teaching on the narrow door) and 14:25-35 (teaching on the cost of being a disciple). SERMON OUTLINE “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” (Luke 14:33) The Costly Doorway…
Confusion to Understanding
Two disciples encounter Jesus on the road to Emmaus and their lives are turned upside down. That is what the kingdom does to us, after all. Pastor Matt brings a message from Luke 24:13-35. SERMON OUTLINE “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” (Luke 24:31) Jesus’ Questions (Luke 24:13-24) Jesus’ Explanation (Luke 24:25-27) Recognition (Luke 24:28-35) Living with Burning Hearts DISCUSSION QUESTIONS When did you have a spiritual breakthrough in your life of…
A King and His Kingdom
Resurrection is here! On Easter Sunday, Pastor Matt kicks off our new series, “The Kingdom Life,” with a message from Luke 24:1-12. SERMON OUTLINE “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6) Four Views of the Empty Tomb The women The angels The disciples Peter Three Stage of Faith From grief to belief: “it has happened!” [the women] From no hope to nonsense: “it can’t happen.” [the disciples] From doubt…
The Final Move
The triumphal entry actually speaks to the end of all things that is to come. We are drawn into the end game with Jesus as Pastor Matt brings the message from Luke 12:54-59; 21:5-38. SERMON OUTLINE “Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:31) The Time and the End (Luke 21:5-11) The time of destruction The end of all things Persecution and Perseverance (Luke 21:12-19) Persecution Testimony Perseverance Two…