Sermons by Pastor Matt Erickson (Page 3)
Barnabas: The Son of Encouragement
This message looks at Barnabas, the son of encouragement, giving particular attention to his ministry to the church in Jerusalem, his ministry to Saul who becomes the Apostle Paul, and his ministry in and from the church in Antioch. (Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-28; 11:22-30; 12:25-13:3) Sermon Outline “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:36-37) Who…
Peter: God’s Good News Vision
This message looks at Peter’s unique paradigm shift through a vision from God that leads toward the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s new community. His vision on the rooftop in Joppa, his visit to the centurion Cornelius, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, his explanation of his actions, and perhaps a reference to the Jerusalem Council. (Acts 10:1-11:18) Sermon Outline “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the…
Stephen: A Heart for God
This message looks at Stephen as an example of someone who has a unique heart or passion for God. His witness, his persecution and martyrdom, his vision of Jesus. (Acts 6:8-7:60; Psalm 139:13-14; Various) Sermon Outline “Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8) What’s Worth Dying For? The background of persecution for the early church (Acts 4:1-31) The situation confronting Stephen (Acts 6:8-15) The events that follow…
Raised and Released
This message will explore the selection of the deacons in response to the needs of the church in Jerusalem, enabling the apostles to stay focused on their ministry but also releasing others into ministry. (Acts 6:1-8) Sermon Outline “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” (Acts 6:1) Family Tensions (Acts 6:1) With all the good…
Radically Generous
This message will explore the life of the Jerusalem Church, whose generosity was shocking and surprising, even in the face of persecution. (Acts 4:32-5:16) Sermon Outline “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32) The Radical Generosity of the Early Jesus Movement (Acts 4:32-37) Generosity as the overflow of God’s radical generosity to us in Jesus A movement devoted to…
Living Family
This message will focus on the way God formed His life into the early Jerusalem church. (Acts 2:42-47) Sermon Outline “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” (Acts 2:46-47) The Rule and Reign of God in the Family of God God’s rule and reign in a renewed covenant, focused in Jesus, and…
Born by the Holy Spirit
A message about Pentecost, waiting, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and God’s beginnings of a Revelation 7 type of community. (Acts 1:1-2:41) Sermon Outline “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Introducing Acts What is Acts? Who wrote it and why? What does “Acts” mean? Why would we study it today?…
A Song to the God of My Life
Near the end of 2 Samuel, we come to the conclusion of David’s life. What does he sing to God and say to others as he concludes his life? (2 Samuel 22) Sermon Outline “Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.” (2 Samuel 22:50) The Focus of Worship (2 Samuel 22—first take) Appropriate perspective on God and us Paying attention to God Paying attention to God amidst our life circumstances…
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…