Eastbrook Church Sermons

Texts: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 September 22/23, 2012 Pastor Matt Erickson "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12) Something God IS doing with the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-18) Something God IS NOT doing with the church (1 Corinthians 12:14-26) Pave the Way for People to Connect with God and Community – three next steps Discussion Questions: When was a time that you had a serious physical ailment or injury? How did that ailment or injury affect your daily life and activity? This week at Eastbrook Church, we continue our series, Pave the Way , with a look at the way God is putting the church together. Whether you are on your own or with a group, read 1 Corinthians 12 out loud as this Scripture will shape most of this study. In 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, who is the central figure in the gifts and abilities that are given to the church? What does this figure do? Why are these gifts and abilities given to the church? The Apostle Paul compares the church to the human body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Why do you think this is a fitting analogy? One problem that arises in the body is described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:15-16. What is that problem, and what does Paul say about it? A second problem that arises in the body is described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:21. What is that problem, and what does Paul say about it? Paul echoes a central theme of God’s plans and power in the church in 1 Corinthians 12:18, 24-25. This is true of the Corinthian church and it is true of Eastbrook Church. It is true of individual Corinthian believers and individual Eastbrook Church believers. What do you think is your unique contribution to the church? This week, Pastor Matt mentioned three specific ways we can participate in the Pave the Way project for this fall. Pray on your own or with your group about how you will actively participate in the project. Identify one or two specific things. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another. Close in prayer. Next week we will continue the “Pave the Way” series by looking at the role of hospitality in the ministry of the church. To prepare, you could look at Matthew 25:35; Exodus 22:21; Hebrews 13:2; and Romans 15:7.

“On the Road Again: Being the Church, Not Going to Church” [Pave the Way] Texts: Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 6:19 September 15/16, 2012 Pastor Matt Erickson "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." (Matthew 28:19-20) The Church is a Community Created by Jesus (Matthew 28:18-19; 16:18) Jesus’ plan Jesus’ authority Jesus’ people The Primary Mission of the Church is Making Disciples (Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 6:19) Jesus’ mission Our mission Disciples have: o New beginning o New identity o New way of life o New community Pave the Way for People to Connect with God and Community Personally:______________ Together: _______________ Discussion Questions: This week at Eastbrook Church, we began our new series, “Pave the Way,” with a look at the difference between going to church and being the church. Whether you are on your own or with a group, read Matthew 28:16-20 out loud as this Scripture will shape most of this study. In Matthew 16, Jesus and Peter have an interesting conversation about Jesus’ identity and mission. Read Matthew 16:13-20. From this passage, what would you say is most important to understand about Jesus’ identity and mission? Now look again at Matthew 28:18-20. What do you think is the central command in Jesus’ words to His disciples here? Building off of your answer to the previous question, what would you say are the basic elements of the mission Jesus gives to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20? When was the last time that you talked about Jesus with someone who was not already a Christian? What was that experience like? As we launch into the “Pave the Way” project for this Fall, pray on your own or with your group about how you will actively participate in the project whether by volunteering, sharing your faith, giving of your finances, or in other ways. Name one specific way that you take your place as part of the church this year. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another. If you are on your own, write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. Next week we will continue the “Pave the Way” series by looking at the life of the church in 1 Corinthians 12. You’re welcome to read that passage ahead of time to prepare.

Barriers to Growth [Let’s Grow] Texts: Psalm 1 September 8/9, 2012 Pastor Matt Erickson "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2) Beginning a Garden Barrier #1: Confusion about God’s Grace (Ephesians 2:1-9) The place where growth starts The good news of God’s Grace through Faith Overactive Gardening Barrier #2: Misunderstanding How Growth Happens (1 Corinthians 3:5-9) Understanding our role Understanding God’s role Accidental Gardening Barrier #3: Living in Apathy versus Intention (Mark 12:28-30) Stalling in apathy Focused intention Letting Weeds Grow Barrier #4: Failing to Deal with Sin (Hebrews 12:1-3) Dealing with “the sin that so easily entangles us” Living out of “go and sin no more” Going Underground Barrier #5: Losing Touch with Our Interior Lives (John 5:1-15) What do we most want? Do we live in alignment with Jesus’ work in our lives? Community Gardening Barrier #6: Losing Sight of the Importance of Others (Mark 12:31) The importance of our love for others as part of our growth The importance of others’ love for us as part of our growth Discussion Questions: As we bring this series on spiritual growth to a close, we are talking about barriers to spiritual growth. When is a time that you have felt you stalled in your spiritual growth? What do you think contributed most to that experience? This week we will look at a variety of Scripture passages as part of our examination of spiritual growth. Each ‘barrier’ to growth is accompanied by a related Scripture. Take some time to read the Scripture and then discuss the significance of each barrier What barrier are you most strongly facing right now? How is this hard for you? How are you growing through or breaking through that barrier? Two weeks ago, we looked at Psalm 1 and the image of a tree planted by streams of water. Read Psalm 1 aloud and then talk with God, whether on your own or with your group, about how you want to grow through specific barriers into a vibrant life with God like that tree. If you are in a group, you may want to take extended time to pray for and with one another. Name one specific way that you would like to grow spiritually in this coming year. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another. If you are on your own, write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. Next week we will begin a new series called “Pave the Way” related to how we live as the church with others. You may want to read Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:1-8, 1 Corinthians 12 and Hebrews 13:1-2 ahead of time as we prepare for this new series.

Let’s Grow Series: Growing Pains Text: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 September 1/2, 2012 Pastor Will Branch Growth hurts Examples in everyday life Examples in the Bible Why must we suffer? Because we are clay Because we are in Him Because of the Glory What do we do? Carry around death Don’t lose heart See what is unseen Discussion Questions: Think about and discuss times of difficulty (suffering, affliction, test, trial, pain) that you’ve experienced in life. What was it like to go through that? In the midst of the difficulty, what were your feelings, thoughts, and attitudes about God? How have you grown from it? Read 2 Corinthians 4:7 – 18. How does carrying around in our body the death of Jesus reveal the life of Jesus? In light of 2 Corinthians 11:16 -12:10, how do you think Paul is able to write 2 Corinthians 4:17 which says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all “? Take some time to look up these verses. Old Testament: Isaiah 45:3; Habakkuk 3:17 – 19; Deuteronomy 31:6; 2 Samuel 22:29, 31; Psalm 139:6, 11-12. New Testament: Phil 1:29; Phil 3:7-10; 1 Peter 2:20-23; 1 Peter 4:12 – 14; John 12:27-28; John 16:33; Romans 8:16-17. What do these verses tell us about sufferings? Paul tells us to “fix our eyes on what is unseen.” What does that mean? What are some practical ways we can do this?

Title: "Made to Grow ” [Let's Grow] Texts: Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 2:1-10; 4:11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 1; Jeremiah 17:5-8; Galatians 2:20-21; Philippians 1:6; 3:10 August 25/26, 2012 Pastor Matt Erickson Summary: We were made to grow with God. Jesus’ call to discipleship is a calling to enter a new life of perpetual growth and development in the image of Christ. We need a single-minded focus. We need to take up the calling of discipleship. We need to have our minds set on this goal and work with God for the growth.

“Jesus Praying in Difficulty” [Pray Like Jesus] Texts: John 17 August 18/19, 2012 Pastor Matt Erickson “Father, the hour has come..." (John 17:1) The Situation Jesus at the end of his final teaching (John 13-16) Jesus at the beginning of the great battle (John 18-19) Jesus under pressure (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46) Jesus with the Father (John 17:1, 5, 11, 21, 24, 25) Praying for Glory (John 17:1-5) Glory directed to the Father The glory of giving eternal life The glory of completing the work given The glory that will be restored Praying for People (John 17:6-19) Keeping them in Your name (John 17:11) Protect them from the evil one (John 17:15) Sanctify them by Your truth (John 17:17) Praying for the Future (John 17:20-26) That they may be one (John 17:21) For glory unto eternity (John 17:24) Discussion Questions: This week we conclude our series on prayer from the life and teaching of Jesus. Whether you are on your own or in a small group, take time to read John 17:1-26 aloud. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 follows an extended time of teaching with the disciples. Jesus turns from interaction with His followers to interaction with His Father. How would you describe the relationship between the Father and the Son from what you see in John 17: 1-5? ( You may also want to notice how many times Jesus refers to God as ‘Father’.) Looking at those same first verses, what would you say is the centerpiece of Jesus’ mission on earth? Looking at John 17: 6-11, how would you describe Jesus’ relationship with His followers? What has He done for them? There are three major requests that Jesus makes of His Father in prayer for His immediate followers. What are they and what do they mean? What sort of things do you pray for regularly and how do those things compare with what Jesus is praying for here? In John 17: 20-26, Jesus is praying for those who will come to follow Him later, like us today. What specific things does Jesus pray about for us? What does it mean to you personally to know that Jesus prayed for you? Name one specific way that Jesus’ example of prayer here might shape your approach to prayer differently. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another. If you are on your own, write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. Pray about these things. Next week we will begin a three-week series called “Let’s Grow.” Pray that God would speak to us together.

Texts: Matthew 6:5-8 August 11/12, 2012 Pastor Matt Erickson "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:6) Two Mistakes About Prayer (Matthew 6:5, 7) Wrong love – like hypocrites who love to be seen by people Wrong thinking – like pagans who babble in order to be heard Praying to Your Father (Matthew 6:6-8) The ‘who’ of prayer The unique relationship of prayer Praying in Secret (Matthew 6:6) The secret place The secret reward Praying with Trust (Matthew 6:7) The Father’s knowledge The Father’s character Discussion Questions: This week we continue our series on prayer from the life and teaching of Jesus. Whether you are on your own or in a small group, take time to read Matthew 6:1-8 aloud. The teaching of Jesus we are looking at is found within what is typically called the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. In this teaching, Jesus presents an entirely new way of life centered upon Him. There are parallels between Moses’ teaching at Mount Sinai and Jesus’ teaching here. Matthew 6:1 provides a fairly clear picture of the theme of this section of Jesus’ teaching. What is it? How does that theme carry through 6:1-18? Jesus compares true prayer with false prayer as characterized in two different types of people in verses 5-8. What are those two types of people and how would you describe their approach to prayer? When have you encountered someone or a situation (maybe even yourself!) that matched up to Jesus’ description of false prayer? With verses 6 and 8, Jesus speaks to what he sees as important characteristics of true prayer. How would you describe what Jesus says here? Name one specific way that Jesus’ teaching on prayer here might shape your approach to prayer differently. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another. If you are on your own, write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. Pray about these things. Next week we will conclude our series on prayer by looking at John 17. Read that passage ahead of time and pray that God would speak to us together.

Pastor David Choi , Church of the Beloved, Chicago, IL I. Lord teach us to pray Ii. Prayer is simple III. Prayer is shamelessly bold IV. Prayer seeks until it finds. V. Prayer works because of who God is.

THE LOGIC OF MISSIONS: Complete the ageless plans of God....restore the race! Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit , who is in you, whom you received from God? You are not your own: you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19 John introduces Jesus as the ‘logos of God’. It is interesting to note that the full meaning of logos includes...‘embodying an idea or concept’. In the case of Jesus, He fully reveals God to us and also fully reveals what God wants a human being to be. John 1 God told Moses.... ”I Am” Ex 3:14 God also tells Moses .. .”Man is to bear my likeness and image” Gen 1 But we don’t ; we are sinners to the core. Here is the sum total of the plan of redemption. The God ‘who is’ works to restore His likeness in fallen man. The way He does this is through the Cross of Christ. And the result is spectacular....we, together, become the dwelling place of God in Christ. 1 Cor 15:49; 2 Cor 3:18; Rom 8:18-29 SOME OLD TESTAMENT HINTS e.g. The portable Tent of His presence in the desert is carried on chosen shoulders. Num 8 e.g. The stone building of Solomon was constructed without sound of hammer, chisel, or iron tool at the temple site. Only blocks dressed at the quarry were used. 1 Kings 6:7 e.g. Zerubbabel’s ‘inferior in every way’ temple was given spectacular status by the prophet Haggai with the promise that the LORD would visit it. Hag 2:6-9 e.g. The design of all three temples included the Holy of Holies where the mercy seat above the ark was the meeting place with God and hidden by a thick veil to prevent lethal encounters. The idea that God was a consuming Holy God was a constant. e.g. Isaiah encountered the LORD in the temple in a way that he was in sight of heaven and the actual throne of God. Isa 6 JESUS INTRODUCED THE ULTIMATE TEMPLE TRUTHS e.g. First Temple cleansing by Jesus to stop the ‘Marketplace atmosphere’ with a strong declaration that the true temple was His body. John 2:12-19 e.g. The second temple cleansing highlighted the purpose of the temple to be to call the Nations to the Lord in prayer. Mt 21:12 e.g. Jesus on the night He was betrayed promised that those who loved Him by obeying His commands would receive the Spirit of truth, Jesus Himself, and His Father into their hearts. Jn 14 e.g. After the resurrection Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive the Holy Spirit soon and thus be empowered to represent Him to the world. Acts 1:8 e.g. on the day of Pentecost The Spirit came upon the 120 praying in the upper room with wind, roaring fire, and the ability to speak other languages Acts 2:1 e.g. Jesus stopped Saul on the way into Damascus and pointed out that he was persecuting Jesus when he persecuted Christians. The truth of the indwelling Christ converted him. Acts 9 WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN CONTAINING GOD??? What do these people have in common? Is this plan for real? Adam and Eve; Enoch; Noah; Abraham; Joseph; Moses; Joshua; Samuel; David; Isaiah; Elijah; Elisha; Daniel; Ezekiel; John the Baptist; Jesus; 120; Saul of Tarsus A Community of Multiplying Sanctuaries... Multi gifted; transformed sinners; connected; trained to serve. Eph 4 History of such communities Antioch; Jerusalem; Corinth; Ephesus; Rome; Alexandria Today in missions House churches in China; CHE communities in Africa; evangelicals as refugees in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon,...

The Logic of Missions : We have been given great power to serve the heart of God – Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20 The Reality of Our Race: It is passing away; powerless and under god's wrath – Romans 1:17-32; Ephesians 2:1-3; 1 John 2:17 e.g. Mr Wassendorf's letter, a world village of sinners – Isaiah 24; Matthew 24 The Gospel of Christ: The power of God to get God into people and then to restore all creation Romans 1:16; 8:18 the perfect man – Luke 9:21-27 denied self took up his cross (an eternal event for God) bore our sin received our punishment won our acquittal died and rose again became the all-powerful man as well as God sent the Spirit to empower us – Acts 1:8 sends empowered saints to neighbors and nations e.g. Rick H. and his neighborhood story – Matthew 28:19-20 Our Reasonable Service – Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 5:15-6:9 let the transforming Spirit continually fill us to be together a worshiping community to be submitted to each other in marriage; friendship, and family to do our work as worship to be armed with God himself in the evil day e.g. Eastbrook church, empowered to be together don't let it go for nothing! – 2 Corinthians 6:1; John 9:3-5 the night is coming as it has come before Our Great Privilege: Empowered – Colossians 1:24; Philippians 1:29-30; 3:10-11 to suffer with Christ to die to self like Christ to experience His resurrection life before death e.g. Ahmed Haile – Eastbrook missionary, extraordinary Exercise of Reflection Do you really need the Spirit to live the life you are now living? If not, then read the Scriptures referenced fully and receive the power to live like Christ where you are for others!

Global Passion - Bertil Engqvist - July 15, 2012 Evening

Global Passion - Bertil Engqvist - July 13, 2012

Global Passion - Bertil Engqvist - July 14, 2012

Global Passion - Bertil Engqvist - July 15, 2012 Morning

Texts: Ruth 4:13-22 July 7/8, 2012 Pastor Matt Erickson "The women living there said, 'Naomi has a son!' And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David." (Ruth 4:17) God is Always at Work around Us (Ruth 1:6; 2:3; 2:12; 4:11; 4:13) God in human history God in our sorrows God in our joys God accomplishing His purposes Our Part in God’s Work A life of trust: God is at work A life of hesed : loyalty and faithfulness A life of other-ness: it’s not about me God Brings Unexpected Outcomes Redemption for Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 4:13; 1:9; 3:1) – a home, spouse, and child Redemption for Naomi through Obed (Ruth 4:14-17; 1:5, 20-21) – a child, fullness, and a role Redemption for Israel through David (Ruth 4:17-22; 1:1; Judges 21:25) – a child, a king, and order in chaos Redemption for the World through Jesus (Matthew 1:1-18) – a child, a king, and a redeemer Discussion Questions: This week we bring our series on Ruth, “Unexpected,” to a close. Whether you are on your own or in a small group, take time to read Ruth 4:13-22 aloud. These last verses in Ruth bring together many themes and loose ends from the book. The first theme relates to God’s provision for Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 4:13). Compare the end of Ruth and Boaz’s story to their beginnings (Ruth 1:3-5, 8-9, 16-18; 2:1-2, 8-12, 19-20; 3:9-13). How do you see God at work in their story? A second theme relates to God’s restoration for Naomi, moving her from emptiness to fullness. How has God been at work in Naomi’s life? Look specifically at Ruth 1:1-5, 19-21; 2:20-22; 3:1-5, 16-18; 4:14-16. Naomi’s restoration does not necessarily bring answers to all of her suffering. Part of her restoration involves a new ‘calling’ as a primary caregiver – perhaps even a foster-mother of sorts – for Ruth’s new child, Obed. How does Naomi’s experience of restoration relate to your life? The women who celebrate with Naomi speak a significant phrase about Ruth: “For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth” (Ruth 4:15). In the ancient near-east, a mother of seven sons has received the greatest blessing of fullness from God. How has Ruth loved Naomi in such a way as exceeds seven sons in this story? The significance of the genealogy of at the end of chapter four brings a connection between the times of the judges (Ruth 1:1) and the times of the monarchy (Ruth 4:22). It also points to a larger reality about how God works in the middle of ordinary circumstances. What is most striking to you about how God is at work through the broader picture of Ruth’s role in Old Testament history? Take a moment to read Matthew 1:1-17. As New Testament believers, what is the significance of the story of Ruth for us? What is the biggest thing God has been speaking to you through our study of the book of Ruth? If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another. If you are on your own, write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. Next week we will be hear from Bertil Enqvuist as part of our Global Initiatives Gathering (GIG). Pray that God would prepare us as a church to hear from Him.