Sermons by Pastor Matt Erickson (Page 9)

The Need for Cleansing: The Flood, Part 1

This message will explore God’s need to cleanse the earth and the importance of Noah and his family for this work. The story of the building of the ark, the gathering of the animals, and the downpour upon the earth will receive focus here. How do we still need cleansing? (Genesis 6:9-8:1) Sermon Outline “Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on…

The Expansion of Evil: Before the Flood

This passage is one we might be apt to skip over because we’re not sure what to say about these stories of people. But there’s a reminder here that over time humanity expands, grows, and spreads to different places. This message will bring focus to the curious text about the Nephilim and the continual expansion of evil over this time which troubles God’s heart (6:6). (Genesis 4:17-6:8) Sermon Outline “The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race…

The Power of Anger: Cain & Abel

This message will explore the human tendency toward jealousy and anger. Working in Jesus’ teaching on the Sermon on the Mount about anger and murder will help us from seeing Cain and Abel as an episode of terror removed from us. (Genesis 4:1-17; Matthew 5:21-26) Sermon Outline “Now Cain said to his brother Abel, ‘Let’s go out to the field.’ While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.” (Genesis 4:8) The Turn Toward the…

The Fall, Part 2

This week will explore the series of “curses” placed upon humanity and creation as a result of the Fall into sin. The nature of sin, separation from God, judgment, and death are vital here. This message should also explore the Christological implications of the curse and the future looking nature of this portion of Genesis. (Genesis 3:14-24) Sermon Outline “So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.”…

The Fall, Part 1

This week will turn the corner into chapter 3 with attention to the story of the Fall, original innocence and the entrance of sin, the nature of evil and where it came from, shame and guilt, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Connect with the discussion of the two trees of Genesis 2 and verse 25 about shame and vulnerability before God. (Genesis 3:1-13) Sermon Outline “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the…

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…