sun-scorched standing between soul-sharp rocks naked, beaten, tired the cool of nightfall envelopes me there is nowhere to rest trudging onward upon rough ground feet are bleeding wounds swollen-tongued and stomach tight misery eyes dart off where is hope and peace here? where is laden life? knotted back pinched calves pull tight tripping down to …
God Revealed in Flesh and Bone
This past Tuesday night at The Ave, I began our series "Come Back to Jesus" with a look at John 1:1-18.One of the key thoughts that jumped off the page for me was how Jesus came in the flesh in order to reveal the Father to all people.As I thought about that, I realized that …
To the Ends of the Earth
I am always challenged and encouraged to read stories of people who have risked it all to share the good news of Jesus around the world.I was amazed to encounter this article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel about one of Elmbrook's missionaries, Kelly Schill, in southern Sudan.Take a look at it. I hope you are challenged …
Marriage as a Metaphor
This past Saturday, I participated in the wedding of Alex Bruzan and Meg Essenmacher. It was a beautiful and joy-filled event. One of the things I love about marriage is what the Apostle Paul describes in his letter to the Ephesians, the fifth chapter. He spends time talking about how husbands and wives should relate …
Faithfulness in Community
The past couple weeks at The Ave, I have been talking about faithfulness to God. The main question underlying my messages has been: what does it take to live one's full span of years in utter faithfulness to God. Last night, I talked about the impossibility of living faithfully to God apart from community. While …
Matthew Erickson 