Sermons by Pastor Matt Erickson (Page 9)

A Garden and a Gardener, Four Rivers and Two Trees

This message will pick up the exploration of the nature of creation with attention to the smaller picture focus of chapter 2. Why they are there and what the priestly writers are trying to tell us about the significance of creation. This will also touch on the debates about creation and evolution. Address the two trees of Genesis 2 and verse 25 about shame and vulnerability before God. (Genesis 2:4-15) Sermon Outline “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and…

The Genesis 1 Account of Creation

This week will provide an overview of the two creation accounts, with particular attention to the Genesis 1 account. This week will make a case for the big-picture, cosmological perspective of Genesis 1, exploring the parallels between the days of creation and some attention to the creation of humanity. There will also be some attention to sabbath. (Genesis 1:1-2:3) Sermon Outline “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3) Approaching Genesis 1:1-2:3 The relationship between…

Before Anything, There is God the Creator

An exploration of the being of God, including attention to the Trinity. This week will also set up the series and perhaps frame out why Genesis is so important, why Genesis 1-11 is so challenging, and how we will approach the series theologically, biblically, and spiritual formationally. (Genesis 1:1-2) Sermon Outline “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) An Introduction to Genesis The name of the book of Genesis The structure of Genesis Questions raised…

“Glory to God in the Highest” (Gloria)

Jesus is born to Mary and Joseph and the angels erupt in praise. The shepherds don’t linger long after this nighttime divine interruption. They high-tail it to Bethlehem to see what God has done. (Luke 2:8-20) SERMON OUTLINE “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) God’s Glory Arrives to Ordinary People (Luke 2:8-9) The angelic appearance and God’s glory The ordinary shepherds and their appropriate awe The…

“Praise Be to the Lord” (Benedictus)

Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, finds release from his punishment of muteness with a splendid song of praise to God. Within this beautiful song of praise, Zechariah unfolds the story of salvation, reflecting John the Baptist’s unique role within it. (Luke 1:67-79) SERMON OUTLINE “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.” (Luke 1:68) The Gift of Appropriate Humbling (Luke 1:5-22) The gift of discipline and silence…

Living Hope

Along with some final greetings, Paul’s last segment of this letter gives us some basic exhortations to living our hope out in everyday life as God’s new community, the church. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28) SERMON OUTLINE “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Living as the Good Community of God (1 Thessalonians 5:12-15) Acknowledge those who serve Warn those who are idle Encourage those who are…

Future Hope

At the heart of this epistle is Paul’s unpacking of the return of Christ. More than almost any other letter of Paul, 1 Thessalonians reveals what our future hope is all about. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11) SERMON OUTLINE “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13) Grieving, but with Future Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13)…

Holy Hope

Hope may seem abstract, but it lives in our daily words and actions. Paul urges the believers to let their hope shape the way they live now and we can learn how that is true for us as well. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12) SERMON OUTLINE “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified” (1 Thessalonians 4:3a) Living with Holy Hope – Aiming to Please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2) Paul’s overriding concern is that the Thessalonians live to please God (4:1a)…

Beginning with Hope

This first messages sets up the series, describing the founding of the church and looking at why Paul is so grateful for this group of believers and the way they live their faith out. (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10) SERMON OUTLINE “Paul, Silas and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1) An Introduction to 1 Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 1:1) Timing, authorship, and provenance of the…

A Reset in Light of the Future

This week we want to talk about the importance of encouraging one another until Christ returns. This is a long haul and keeps us looking forward together as a community. We have so many examples of this in the ‘hall of faith’ of Hebrews 11. SERMON OUTLINE “Let us consider how we may spur one another on… and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) The Challenge of Time in Our Day The challenge of coming…

A Reset on Service

We are called toward love and good deeds. We are a body and a team. We want to help everyone find avenues for serving within the church and beyond the church. SERMON OUTLINE “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” (Hebrews 10:24) A Reset on Our Concept of the Church The church as an event or a consumer activity Last week: the church as a family who loves one another This week…