I've been rereading Dietrich Bonhoeffer's classic book, Discipleship, over the past month or so. As I was reading this past week, a paragraph from his reflections on Matthew 10:26-39 stood out to me. Here it is: Human beings should not be feared. They cannot do much to the disciples of Jesus. Their power stops with the …
Four More Quotations on Prayer
Last week, I shared four quotations on prayer from my message "Making Space for Prayer." Here are four more quotations from my message, "Praying Like a Master," which is the second part of our series "The Art of Prayer" at Eastbrook Church. “The Lord’s prayer is the essence of prayer. The essence and limit of all …
Stories of Influence: Dietrich Bonhoeffer – The Power of Truth
Mel Lawrenz, who recently visited with us at Eastbrook Church, has produced a very nice video short on Dietrich Bonhoeffer in support of his new book Spiritual Influence. Bonhoeffer is one of the most influential 20th century theologians whose importance continues to grow today. Bonhoeffer's writings on community and discipleship have transformed my own journey with …
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Philippi: Passion for Christ (discussion questions)
Here are discussion questions that accompany my message “Passion for Christ” from our series “Light for the City” at Eastbrook this past weekend on Philippians 3:1-14. Discussion Questions: 1. Put in simple terms, Christianity is not about religion but about relationship with the living God. How does Paul describe his former way of seeing things …
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Dietrich Bonhoeffer and “Life Together”
In my last sermon at Brooklife on 1 Corinthians 12 about the body of Christ and each members' place in it, I mentioned what is in my opinion the best book on the church and true Christian community. That book is Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran theologian, professor, and author …
Matthew Erickson 