Sermons on Church
Black + Evangelical
On Monday, January 26, 2026, Pastor Matt Erickson was joined by Dr. Vincent Bacote of Wheaton College at our quarterly Eastbrook Forum to discuss the intersection of faith and racial identity around his new documentary, Black + Evangelical. Black + Evangelical is a feature-length documentary that profiles the history, struggles, and contributions of African American evangelicals. Taking us to the crossroads of faith and racial identity, Black + Evangelical is filled with candid interviews and eye-opening portraits of the resilient…
Raised and Released
This message will explore the selection of the deacons in response to the needs of the church in Jerusalem, enabling the apostles to stay focused on their ministry but also releasing others into ministry. (Acts 6:1-8) Sermon Outline “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” (Acts 6:1) Family Tensions (Acts 6:1) With all the good…
Radically Generous
This message will explore the life of the Jerusalem Church, whose generosity was shocking and surprising, even in the face of persecution. (Acts 4:32-5:16) Sermon Outline “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32) The Radical Generosity of the Early Jesus Movement (Acts 4:32-37) Generosity as the overflow of God’s radical generosity to us in Jesus A movement devoted to…
A Message on the Move
This message will focus on the Gospel proclamation and healing by Peter and John at the beautiful gate in Jerusalem, and the resulting pressure that came on the early Christians. This reflects our mission to “proclaim and embody the love of Jesus Christ.” (Acts 3:1-4:31) Sermon Outline Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When…
Living Family
This message will focus on the way God formed His life into the early Jerusalem church. (Acts 2:42-47) Sermon Outline “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” (Acts 2:46-47) The Rule and Reign of God in the Family of God God’s rule and reign in a renewed covenant, focused in Jesus, and…
Born by the Holy Spirit
A message about Pentecost, waiting, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and God’s beginnings of a Revelation 7 type of community. (Acts 1:1-2:41) Sermon Outline “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Introducing Acts What is Acts? Who wrote it and why? What does “Acts” mean? Why would we study it today?…
When the Respected Fall
This message explores the failure of David and Bathsheba, evaluating what happens and what could have gone differently. This will explore the nature of sin and temptation but also grapple with the apparent failures of those we might respect. This message is paired with the following week. (2 Samuel 11) Sermon Outline “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the…
Jesus, the Perfect High Priest
Leviticus in many ways is an instruction book for the priests in how to maintain right relationship between God and God’s. There are instructions about how they should administer their priesthood and how they should be ordained. Jesus is not just a great teacher but, as the writer of Hebrews instructs, “has become a high priest forever” (Hebrews 6:20). Even now, Paul tells us, Jesus “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).…
I am a Part of the Body of Christ
The body of Christ can be a remarkable thing when it works well together. A variety of giftings and resources coming together to see God’s Kingdom built. But just like when part of our physical body isn’t accomplishing it’s role – if we’re not contributing our part to the body, the whole thing suffers. (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) Sermon Outline “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 has four parts. Part 1: The Body and Water (vs. 12-13) The Body: Christianity…
We Need Each Other
Paul concludes this letter with a wonderful look at the interrelationships that exist between him, various people, and the Corinthians believers. (1 Corinthians 16:1-24) Sermon Outline We give to tangible support each other Paul’s description of the relief offering for Jerusalem believers Trust is part of the foundation of community, and stewardship We all have a part to play While we think Paul was a solitary letter writer, in reality his letters were a team effort, as was his ministry…
Worship that Makes Sense
Paul spends a lot of time bringing together threads from chapter 12 and chapter 13 to explore how we worship in a way that glorifies God and also makes sense. (1 Corinthians 14:1-39) Sermon Outline “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” (1 Corinthians 14:26)…
The Way of Love
The most beloved chapter in 1 Corinthians applies to more than weddings. How do we learn to love together? (1 Corinthians 13:1-13) Sermon Outline “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) Spirit-Gifts and the Greater Way of Love (13:1-3) The value of Spirit-gifts: tongues, prophecy, knowledge, faith, service The value of Spirit-gifts becomes valueless without love The Corinthian confusion about what it means to be ‘spiritual’ and Paul’s…