Sermons from 2018
Friend of Sinners
This weekend we will explore what it means that Jesus was described as “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 7:34). SERMON OUTLINE “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’” (Luke 7:34) Jesus as a Cause of Stumbling (Luke 7:18-23) Jesus and a New Kind of Greatness (Luke 7:24-30) Jesus and the Abundance of God (Luke…
Light of the World
The prophet Isaiah spoke of the Messiah bringing light into the midst of darkness of this earth. Jesus described Himself in that way as well, saying, “I am the light of the world.” We explore this title in our Christmas Eve services to begin this new series.
Faith at the End of All Things
The last chapter of Daniel looks toward the ultimate end of all things. The final words of Daniel speak of the ultimate end, peace, and one of the only glimpses on the Old Testament of the hope of the resurrection. Sermon OutlinE “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” (Daniel 12:13) Faith in Difficult Times (Daniel 12:5-7) Faith Until…
Faith and the Final Vision
The last two chapters of Daniel look toward the ultimate end of all things. There are king and kingdoms, difficulties and challenges that come, in Daniel’s vision. In light of the New Testament teaching, we have a hope that endures through the end to a better future. How does Daniel’s teaching enliven our faith? Sermon OutlinE “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and…
Exile Faith at Prayer
Daniel’s prayer in chapter 9 is one of the most heart-felt and powerful prayers of Scripture. It is part of Daniel’s hope-filled pleading with God to bring an end to the exile. In the midst of this, Daniel again encounter Gabriel the angelic messenger who instructs him about the end of the exile and future hope. Sermon OutlinE “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.”…
Faith Looking Forward
This chapter takes us deeper into the apocalyptic visions with a Ram and a Goat appearing in a vision to Daniel. Gabriel, the angelic messenger, appears to Daniel to help him understand it and becomes a helpful instructor of us as well through this passage. What is the significance of this vision that “concerns the distant future” (8:26)? Sermon OutlinE “The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for…
Continue in Thanksgiving
Thankfulness is not something that we only practice on Thanksgiving, it is something that we are called to do at all times. This standalone message focuses on Colossians 3:15-17 and how thankfulness comes by letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, by letting the word of Christ dwell among us, and comes when we honor Christ in our lives. SERMON OUTLINE 1. Thankfulness Comes by Letting the Peace of Christ Rule in Our Hearts (Colossians 3:15; John 14:1-3,…
Faith in God Amidst the Beasts
The first step in Daniel’s apocalyptic vision (Daniel 7) takes him into the midst of four beasts and an encounter with the Ancient of Days and one like a Son of Man. How does our faith shape the way we relate to the raging of the nations and God’s sovereignty? Sermon Outline “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. I approached one of those standing there and asked him the meaning…
Anticipatory Faith
This week takes a pause halfway through the book of Daniel, addressing the change of genres, language, and themes. The second half of Daniel exposes us to different aspects of the Bible and is an opportunity for a discipleship moment in this series. Sermon Outline Nature of Apocalyptic Literature Style of literature found in ancient Jewish and Christian literature Greek word apocalypsis means revelation Literature is not just found in the Bible Literature is filled with puzzling encounters Kinds of…
Faith that Doesn’t Flinch
Who hasn’t heard the story of Daniel in the lions’ den in Daniel 6:1-28? Moving beyond the children’s rendition of this story, we see Daniel facing death without flinching. What does it look like to hold onto God even when powerful forces are coming against us? Sermon Outline “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.” Daniel 6:26b Faith in God will not flinch if we cherish…
Faith When the Writing is on the Wall
In the well-known story of Belshazzar’s feast from Daniel 5:1-31, a mysterious hand appears with writing on the wall. No one can discern the message, until Daniel is brought forth with a response from God. Daniel lives out his faith even when he has been largely forgotten, and the one moment his message is heard is now one of judgment. Sermon Outline “Daniel answered the king, ‘You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless,…
Multiply: The ‘Factors’ of the ‘Product’
The closing weekend of MissionsFest with a message from Senior Pastor Matt Erickson SERMON OUTLINE “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14) The ‘Product’ earth filled knowledge of God’s glory An Aside on Being “Witnesses” Three Key ‘Factors’ of the ‘Product’ ____________________________ to Christ (Seed) One-time Daily ____________________________ like Christ (Roots) Christ’s character in us Christ’s character from us ____________________________ with Christ (Fruits) Proclaiming…