Sermons from 2021 (Page 4)

Real Still

Holy Saturday is a day of reflection on a world without the hope of Christ’s resurrection. Sandwiched between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, this day represents the three days between Christ’s death on the Cross and saving resurrection. Historically, this day is a time for the church to reflect on death, dying, life, and living. Pastor Matt and our staff have prepared this short video reflection for you, your family, and your household to participate with from home. “Real Still”…

Real Servant

Before He went to the Cross, Jesus gathered with His disciples for one final Passover meal. Following this, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples in an extraordinary display of humility. He then commanded them to do the same for each other. Pastor Matt and our staff have prepared this short video reflection for you, your family, and your household to participate with from home. “Real Servant” is part 1 of a 4-part series for Holy Week at Eastbrook. Join…

Real Faith

Jesus’ words about worry, anxiety, and trust can sometimes seem out of reach. How do we live with real faith like this? Matthew 6:25-34 Sermon Outline “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) Why Worry? (6:25, 27, 28, 31, 34) What is worry? Why do we worry? What does worry accomplish? The difference between worry and work What Preoccupies Us? (6:25) Preoccupation with food and clothes…

Real Treasure

What does it mean to treasure something and how does that impact our life? How does this relate to the power of money in our life? Matthew 6:19-24 Sermon Outline “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20) Real Treasure (6:19-21) The reality and limits of earthly storing up The promise and possibility of heavenly storing up…

Real Spirituality

Beyond outward show, what is real spirituality and piety all about? Jesus’ addresses how visible actions often distract from the hidden life in almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. Matthew 6:1-18 Sermon Outline “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1) Jesus and fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets Who Are We Living For?: The Audience of Our…

Real Righteousness

Hearing Jesus’ words about real righteousness for the disciple-life and what it means that He came to fulfill, but not abolish, the law. Matthew 5:17-48 Sermon Outline “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17) Jesus’ Arrival and the Time of Fulfillment (5:17-19) Jesus and fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets The continuing value of the Law and the Prophets…

Real Identity

Looking at the disciple’s identity as salt and light in Christ for the sake of the world. Matthew 5:13-16 Sermon Outline “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…” (Matthew 5:13, 14) “You are…” The disciples The crowds Who is the “you”? The unexpected ones in God’s mission Metaphor and the Power of Mental Pictures Jesus’ use of metaphor in Matthew 5:13-16 Why mental pictures are invaluable for life “You are the salt of the…

Real Life

Exploring the beatitudes as being blessed with the good life with God accessible in Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:1-11 Sermon Outline “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.” (Matthew 5:1-2) Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount Matthew’s Gospel organized around 5 discourses 1. Matthew 5-7 2. Matthew 10 3. Matthew 13 4. Matthew 18 5. Matthew 24-25 The disciples as the…

The Call of Discipleship

Jesus calls the disciples and commissions them as apostles. He calls the least of these and brings hope and healing into their lives. Matthew 4:18-25 SERMON OUTLINE “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” (Matthew 4:23) Introducing the Next Section of Matthew’s Gospel The new geography: from Nazareth to Capernaum (4:13) The beginnings of the Messianic community: Peter, Andrew, James, John (4:18-22) The…

Jesus, Light to the Nations

The ministry of Jesus is the announcement of a new message rooted in the kingdom of heaven/God. It is a message from God for the nations as Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee of the Gentiles. Matthew 4:12-17 SERMON OUTLINE “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16) Jesus, light of the world to the nations Jesus is light to the…

The Way of the Wilderness

The wilderness temptation of Jesus is pivotal for defining his way of ministry as opposed to Satanic pathways. This also echoes the people of Israel’s wilderness wanderings and presents Jesus as a new sort of Israel. Matthew 4:1-11 SERMON OUTLINE “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1) The Wilderness: Where will my provision come from? The Wilderness: Where will my protection come from? The Wilderness: Where will my praise…