Sermons by Pastor Matt Erickson (Page 3)
Cracks in the Legacy
This message explores the complicated final episode of David’s life, which includes sin within his children that David fails to deal with adequately, betrayal by his son, flight from the kingdom, accusations from those who do not like him, and the eventual restoration to power. What can we learn from David’s complicated legacy? (2 Samuel 13-20) Sermon Outline “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” (Psalm 107:2) Tracing the Cracks…
Broken and Broken
This message explores Nathan the prophet’s rebuke of David and David’s response to Nathan’s rebuke. At first, David’s sinful brokenness is exposed and then David lets himself become broken in repentance before God. David could have chosen other responses, such as denial of his wrong, silencing his confronter, or something else altogether. What can we learn from David here? (2 Samuel 12 & Psalm 51) Sermon Outline “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to…
Invited to the Table
David extends mercy to the household of Saul through Saul’s grandson (and Jonathan’s son), Mephibosheth. Why does David do this and what does it mean to show mercy to the undeserving? (2 Samuel 9) Sermon Outline “David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” (2 Samuel 9:1) Remembered Promises David seeks to be faithful to his friendship to Jonathan David seeks to show lovingkindness to Jonathan’s descendants…
Wait For It
This week explores the ways Saul pursues David but also how David chooses to spare Saul’s life when the opportunity for revenge arises. This message also will put this into the context of the end of Saul’s life. (1 Samuel 24, 26, 31) Sermon Outline “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1) David’s Mercy Over King Saul’s Life David spares Saul’s life when Saul is relieving himself in a cave; David…
Worshiping God in the Wilderness
This message explores David’s wanderings while running away from Saul and also how he expresses a heart of trust and worship even in challenging times in caves and the wilderness spaces. (1 Samuel 21-23; Psalm 63) Sermon Outline “David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.” (1 Samuel 23:14) David’s Flight to Elude King Saul David’s flight…
Faith to Face the Giant
This week we explore the work of God in David’s encounter with Goliath. Sermon Outline “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” (1 Samuel 17:45) The Structure of the Story From anointing to service of Saul to battle (16:14-23) Conflict in the Valley of Elah (17:1-11) David’s Arrival at…
The Pursuit of God
With the beginning of this series, we set the tone for who David is, introducing his life, and exploring the beginnings of his calling from God. Sermon Outline “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.” (1 Samuel 16:13) Why David? The pursuit of God The ideal of David The challenges of David The opportunity with David King…
Seeing Jesus Ascended
The Gospel account of Luke concludes with Jesus’ ascension to the Father. What happened here and what does it mean for us to know and see that Jesus ascended to the Father’s right hand? (Luke 24:50-53 & Acts 1:1-12) Sermon Outline “While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.” (Luke 24:51) What Happened at the Ascension? (Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:1-12) The accounts in Luke and Acts The action of Jesus The biblical background on…
Seeing Jesus Here
The story of the disciples encountering the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus and sharing a meal with them is one of the most insightful glimpses into the presence of Jesus with His people, while also emphasizing the power of the eucharistic meal. (Luke 24:13-35) Sermon Outline “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” (Luke…
Seeing Jesus as the Fulfillment
The story of the disciples encountering the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus begins with a powerful exploration by Jesus of the ways He fulfills all the Scriptures. (Luke 24:13-35) Sermon Outline “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:26) Seeing But Not Seeing: a report about these days (Luke 24:13-18) The two disciples on the road to Emmaus Their perception of “these days”…
Seeing Jesus Resurrected
Luke’s accounts of Jesus’ resurrection with reflections on whether resurrection is possible and what it means if it is. (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) The Women at the Tomb: The Closed Door of Death Is Open Dark dawn, moving toward the tomb for anointing Jesus’ body The tomb’s stone is rolled away Jesus has opened death’s door; His body is not in…
Jesus, the Jubilee
In Leviticus 25, God speaks about the sabbath year and the Jubilee. These rhythms of freedom and liberation reflect who God is and are intended to mark the life of God’s people. When Jesus began His public ministry, He spoke of the freedom that had come through Him, referencing Isaiah 61, which is a Jubilee sort of proclamation. What does it mean that Jesus has come to bring freedom? (Leviticus 25, 27; Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21) Sermon Outline “Consecrate the…