Sermons by Pastor Matt Erickson (Page 33)
Overcome
Jesus’ trials threaten to overcome Him, but they actually become a way of life and victory as Jesus overcomes death and sin. Jesus tells His followers that they will suffer like He suffered, but that He will turn their grief to joy and fill their trials with peace. What does it all mean? What are we to do with these particularly unpleasant – even painful – portions of Scripture? (John 15:18-25; 16:16-33) SERMON OUTLINE “In this world you will have…
Abide
Perhaps the most-quoted words from Jesus’ final teaching are found in John 15:1-17, this passage about abiding in the vine as branches that bear fruit. But what does that really mean? What was Jesus trying to tell us about our life hidden in God? SERMON OUTLINE “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Jesus as the…
The Spirit
In John 14:1-31 and John 15:26-16:15, Jesus comforts His disciples by providing them insight into His life with the Father and the promise of the Holy Spirit; highlighting the Trinity as a community of love that we are invited into. (John 14:1-31) 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 truth.” (John 14:16-17) Friend: The Holy Spirit as Continuing Presence (John 14:16-17) •…
Trouble
Jesus’ journey through trouble leads to salvation and a future place of peace for His followers. The disciples’ betrayal (Judas), forthcoming denials (Peter), and fear gather around them but Jesus offers hope. (John 13:18-14:4) SERMON OUTLINE “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1) The Trouble of Betrayal (John 13:18-30) Judas and divided loyalties Judas and spiritual conflict The Trouble of Failure (John 13:31-38) Peter and confusion Peter and brash declarations…
Servant
In John 13:1-17, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet as an example of servant love. Jesus says love serves and calls them to serve one another; Jesus calls His followers friends. SERMON OUTLINE “After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet.” (John 13:5) Servant Identity (John 13:1-3) Jesus knew the hour (13:1a) Jesus loved His own (13:1b) Jesus knew His power (13:3) Servant Action (John 13:4-11) Foot washing as a foretelling of the Cross (13:4-6)…
Free to Live
Does freedom mean we are careless about how we live with God? No, in fact Paul draws upon Old Testament teaching to say that our daily lives are to be a reflection of the grace of God that frees us from slavery to sin and into a new creation way of life. He boasts in the cross of Christ (6:14) and summarizes it all with the grace of Jesus (6:18). (Galatians 6:18) Sermon Outline “May I never boast except in…
Spiritual Freedom
What does it really look like to live with freedom? Paul describes the freedom in Christ that comes by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence. Here is the famous fruit of the Spirit discussion. (Galatians 5:1, 13) Sermon Outline “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13) Spiritual Freedom and Religious Slavery (Galatians 5:1, 13) “Do not let yourselves be…
Together in Christ: Race, the Gospel and God’s People
On Monday, January 26, 2015, Eastbrook Church was honored to host Bishop Walter Harvey of Parklawn Assembly of God for a conversation and time of prayer on the topic of race and the Gospel here in the city of Milwaukee. Four times a year we gather as a church to discuss key topics to help us move forward together. This year, we begin our Eastbrook Forum series with by addressing the challenging topic of how the gospel transforms racial divisions…
Receiving the Promise
Paul explores the relationship between the law and faith, righteousness and grace. Drawing upon the life of Abraham and the revelation of the Law to Moses after the Exodus, Paul makes a case that there is a justification before God that comes from faith apart from the law, and he begins to move into what life looks like under the grace of God. (Galatians 3:28) Sermon Outline “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there…
The Real Gospel
Paul continues to reflect on his own story and how the unique revelation of the Gospel came to him and what it meant within the early church and his authority. This is a key historical piece that gives us understanding of the ministry of Paul and why we should take him seriously as the ‘Apostle to the Gentiles’. He presents the basic issue at stake in Galatians: “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could…
All I Want for Christmas is Someone to Believe In
David wants to build a house for the Lord, but God promises that David’s descendants will sit on his throne forever (2 Samuel 7:1-16). What does this mean? How does this tap into our longing for a just, righteous ruler as revealed in Jesus? (2 SAMUEL 7:1-16) Sermon Outline “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16) David: a Picture of the One Worth Believing In Anointed by Samuel…
All I Want for Christmas is a New Beginning
The Prophet Isaiah speaks of a time of restoration that will come, both of the return from exile and the ultimate restoration through the Messiah yet to come (Isaiah 61:1-11). Jesus picks up these words and uses them as the outline of His ministry in Luke’s gospel. (Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 4:16-21) Sermon Outline “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news.” (Isaiah 61:1) The Chosen One Bringing New Beginnings…