Sermons by Pastor Matt Erickson (Page 7)
The State of Discipleship at Eastbrook
This mission to grow disciples is too important for us to simply guess at how we’re doing or hope we’re being effective. To help bring clarity to our current state of disciple-making and to identify where we can improve in our efforts, in the fall of 2023, we asked the entire Eastbrook congregation to take an anonymous assessment. On Monday, October 30, 2023, Pastors Matt Erickson and Jim Caler presented the survey results and key takeaways to a group of…
God’s Great and Precious Promises
The author reminds his readers of the power of God available to them. Through faith in Jesus Christ we have access to God’s “very great and precious promises” so that we have “everything we need for a godly life.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 SERMON OUTLINE “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3) God’s Power (2 Peter 1:3a) Divine…
Grace and Peace in Jesus
This first week of the series will enable us to introduce the series and the book of 2 Peter. It will focus on the simple phrase opening the letter: “grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord”(2 Peter 1:2). SERMON OUTLINE “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:2) The Story Behind 2 Peter The story of Peter The…
Beginnings of Transformation
When Peter preaches sermon to a crowd of Jews and God-fearing Gentiles gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, there is a dramatic response. We are told that about three thousand became disciples of Jesus that very day. Perhaps the story of Cornelius (Acts 10) could be referenced as well. This week we explore the beginnings of life change that leads us into the pathway of discipleship to Jesus. (Acts 2:1-47) Sermon Outline “When the people heard this, they were cut to…
Seeking Understanding
When Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch who is seeking to understand the words of the prophet Isaiah. The eunuch actively asks questions and seeks answers, and that becomes an opportunity for transformation. Philip is present with him to ask questions, guide him into understanding about the Messiah, and lead him to a next step of faith. Philip exemplifies how disciples of Jesus can be present and ready to explain to those seeking understanding. (Acts 8:26-40) Sermon Outline “Philip ran up…
Prison Walls Falling
We explore the ministry of Paul and Silas in the Macedonian city of Philippi, particularly their interactions with the jailer where they are imprisoned. When an earthquake strikes, the jailer’s traumatic experience captures his attention and leads him to become a Jesus follower. Paul and Silas were present in his life, ready to respond as “God opens a door.” (Acts 16:11-40) Sermon Outline “The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought…
Praying Inward
This week we will explore the second movement of prayer: praying inward. We will search out what it means to connect with ourselves and God. We will develop what it means to pray “in” in terms of praying from our need (“help!”), praying about our sin (“I’m sorry!”), and praying out of gratitude (“thank You!”). (1 Kings 19:1-15a) Sermon Outline “There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: ‘What…
Jesus Rebuilds and Repairs
A message at our annual Eastbrook Outdoors service on how Jesus is the ultimate rebuilder and repairer of all that is broken in our selves, our city, and our world. (Luke 4:1-21) SERMON OUTLINE “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year…
From Exiles to Residents
There are many listings of names in Nehemiah, but it is particularly important to see the transformation that begins to happen amidst repair and rebuilding. Exiles and outcasts become residents with a place. This should give some attention to God’s covenant promises about the land. (Nehemiah 6:15-7:73; 11:1-12:47) SERMON OUTLINE “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13) From Exiles to Wanderers to Slaves to Residents…
Facing Opposition in a Good Work
There are opponents from the very beginning and all throughout Nehemiah’s efforts. It shouldn’t be surprising when troubles arise as we pursue the work of repair and rebuilding. (Nehemiah 2:10, 19-20; 4:1-23; 5:1-19; 6:1-14) SERMON OUTLINE “But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. ‘What is this you are doing?’ they asked. ‘Are you rebelling against the king?’” (Nehemiah 2:19) The Reality of Opposition There will be…
Approaching Authority with Need
Nehemiah has to approach King Artaxerxes about the need and his own sense of calling to help with the repair. (Nehemiah 2:1-10) SERMON OUTLINE “I said to the king, ‘May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?’” (Nehemiah 2:3) Living at the Intersection of Prayer and Action (Nehemiah 2:1) Time delay between the report and Nehemiah’s action…
Praying with a Broken Heart
Nehemiah’s response to the brokenness of Jerusalem is a deep prayer. (Nehemiah 1:5-11) SERMON OUTLINE “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night.” (Nehemiah 1:5-6) Beginning with the Greatness of God (Nehemiah 1:5-6a) The greatness of God’s being The greatness of…