"discipleship" Tagged Sermons
The Hidden Power of Patience and Prayer
James’ final exhortations call the believers to deeper patience in suffering and persevering prayer amidst sickness. Why might these be the final words he wants to offer to them? (James 5:7-20) Sermon Outline “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” (James 5:13) Persevering with Patience (James 5:7-11) Patience with long-term perspective (5:7) Patience with the end in sight (5:8-9) Patience with good examples (5:10-11a) Patience with God’s character (5:11b)…
Following Jesus Means Taking Up Our Cross
Choosing to follow Jesus means we are often saying no to many things: no to the what the world calls success, no to what the world call pleasure, no to what the world calls popular. Are we consistently willing to pay the cost of standing apart of Jesus, no matter the cost? (Matthew 16:24-27) Sermon OutlinE The Definition: A disciple is someone who is following Jesus, is being transformed by the Holy Spirit and is committed to the Mission of God.…
Following Jesus Means Serving Others
Jesus says the truest sign others will have that we love Him is when we show love towards each other. One of the clearest ways to demonstrate this love is by serving each other! (John 13:12-17; 34-35) Sermon OutlinE “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:12-17, 34-35) The definition of a disciple of Jesus: A disciple is following Jesus, being changed by the Holy Spirit,…
Following Jesus Means We Have a Mission
Every disciple is called to make disciples. When we become followers of Jesus we are instantly tasked with helping others become fully devoted followers of Jesus. (Matthew 28:16-20) Sermon OutlinE “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make…
Following Jesus Means We Will Be Transformed
Jesus takes ordinary fishermen and tells them they will become something more. Being a follower of Jesus is different than following someone on X (twitter) it leads to a transformation of our heart, mind and character. (Matthew 4:19) Sermon OutlinE “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19) The definition of a disciple of Jesus: A disciple is following Jesus, being changed by the Holy Spirit, and committed to the mission…
Following Jesus Means Knowing the Truth
There are a lot of places people look to for “truth” – themselves, their heroes, their parents, their friends, famous philosophers. Jesus says He is the source of truth and that those who follow Him will not only walk in the truth but experience freedom because of it. Why does knowing the truth set us free?. (John 8:31-32) Sermon OutlinE Following: X/Instagram vs. Jesus “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew…
Marriage, Divorce, and Singleness (Part 2)
Continuing his exploration of relationships, Paul turns toward an exploration of singleness. (1 Corinthians 7:17-40) Sermon Outline “I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:35) When we remember that God is a partner with us in our singleness it changes everything. Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:1-2) The God-given boundary for sexual intimacy Invited into the mystery and holiness…
Marriage, Divorce, and Singleness (Part 1)
Paul explores how our relationships are part of our discipleship by exploring marriage and divorce. (1 Corinthians 7:1-16) Sermon Outline “Each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.” (1 Corinthians 7:17) When we have our eyes on Jesus’ self-giving love, it shapes our discipleship in our interpersonal relationships, right down into marriage. The Gospel and…
The Pruned Life
This week explores the pruning work of God necessary for fruitfulness in our lives. (John 15:2, 6; Psalm 1:4) Sermon Outline “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:2) Pruning as Cleansing for Fruitfulness The word means cut “clean” and implies healing Jesus’ word is the pruning tool that cuts clean What about the branches that don’t bear…
The Intersection of Diversity & Discipleship
On Monday, January 29, 2024, Pastor Matt Erickson led a discussion among leaders within our church community about Eastbrook as a multi-ethnic church, the intersectionality of diversity and discipleship, and how these lessons can shape our ministry at Eastbrook for the future.
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…
The Great Commission
This message will explore Jesus’ great commission for disciple-making. (Matthew 28:16-20) SERMON OUTLINE “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) A Return (28:16) 11 apostles (the 12 minus Judas) Leaving Jerusalem A return to where everything…