Sermons on Discipleship (Page 3)
The Nourished Life
This week explores the nourishment we receive through meditating on God’s word and letting the words of Jesus abide in us. (Psalm 1:2; John 15:3-7) Sermon Outline “. . . but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” (Psalm 1:2) Nourishment In Nature In Humans Nutrients Law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2) Words of Jesus (John 15:7) The Malnourished Life Convenience Disconnectedness The Nourished Life Delights Remains DISCUSSION QUESTIONS…
The Connected Life
This week introduces John 15, building upon Psalm 1, and talks about abiding life as connected to God. Specifically, this explores the love of God in which we are deeply connected. Sermon Outline The Role Jesus – The True Vine God – The Intimate Gardner Us – The connected Branches The Goal What is God really after? What does it mean to remain? What does God command? The Fruit Love Answers Lasting Impact DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Verse 2 tells us that…
The Planted Life
This week introduces the series and explores the imagery of Psalm 1 of being planted. We can plant in one way of living or another, but there is a choice before us. (Psalm 1:1-3) Sermon Outline “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water…” (Psalm 1:3a) Introducing this Series The journey of Lent The two passages: Psalm 1 and John 15 Seeing these passages through the lens of Jesus Christ The Happy Person is Not Like This…
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…
Growing and Growing
This week will explore examples of believers who move from initial steps of faith to a life of growing and deepening discipleship. We will look at the believers in Jerusalem (Acts 4:32-37) and Berean (Acts 17:10-15) as examples of growing faith exemplified in learning, praying, sharing, and growing. Then we will examine the life of Barnabas (4:36-37; 9:26-28; 11:22-23; 13:1-3) as an example of someone who centers their life in Christ, faithfully serving and investing in others. Sermon Outline “So…
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…
Building Upon God’s Word
One of the most striking episodes in Nehemiah is the reading of God’s law by Ezra to the people. We also see the people responding to the story of Scripture by living into it with the Feast of Booths. (Nehemiah 8:1-18) SERMON OUTLINE “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.” (Nehemiah 8:8) God’s Word (Book of the Law of God) the…
“Now Dismiss Your Servant in Peace” (Nunc Dimittis)
Simeon, old and worn but still buoyed by expectation, holds in his arms the Messiah he has been longing for. He cannot hold it in, speaking praise over all who can hear and offering a prophetic word over Jesus. Anna the prophetess stands nearby and speaks a word over this wonder-child as well. (Luke 2:22-38) Sermon Outline The First Habit of a Faithful Finisher: Seek the Holy Spirit’s presence and Obey His Leading Three times the Spirit mentioned with Simeon:…
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…