Jesus takes us beyond outward observation into the very heart of our lives. In Matthew 15, a special envoy of Pharisees from Jerusalem arrives to interrogate Jesus. But it is Jesus who confronts them about their confusion over what defiles and what the heart of true spirituality with God is all about. Jesus called the …
The Messiah’s Family
This past weekend at Eastbrook, I concluded our series entitled "The Messiah's Mission," by looking at Matthew 12:46-50. Here, Jesus' earthly family comes looking for Him, probably making the journey from Nazareth to Capernaum. Jesus uses their arrival to reframe family in relation to discipleship and the disciple-community. You can find the message video and …
A Prayer of Release and Surrender to God
In my distress I called to the Lord;I cried to my God for help.From his temple he heard my voice;my cry came before him, into his ears. (Psalm 18:6) With all my joys and gratitudeI draw near to You.With all my griefs and lamentI fall down before You. You, Lord, You know me fullyunlike anyone …
The Messiah and the Sabbath
This past weekend at Eastbrook, we continued our series entitled "The Messiah's Mission," by looking at Matthew 12:1-21. Here, Jesus offers tangible examples of His invitation to find rest for our souls that we explored last week. I spent quite a bit of time expounding on Matthew's quotation of Isaiah 42. Specifically I talked about …
What is the Secret of Jesus’ Easy Yoke?: insights from Dallas Willard
This past weekend I preached from one of my favorite teachings by Jesus, where we hear His stunning invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will …
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Matthew Erickson 