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Choosing a way is sometimes an exercise in seeing contrasts. It is not light alone that helps us to see the world around us best. It is through high contrast that vision improves. For example, it can be difficult to distinguish one thing from another thing in the dark. However, it is not light alone …
Continue reading "The Way of Herod: a reflection on the death of the holy innocents"
Titian, Flight into Egypt; Oil on canvas; c. 1508. While studying for my message at Eastbrook from this past weekend, "Refugee Messiah," I came across these words by St. John Chrysostom from homily 8.2 on the Gospel of Matthew that were very encouraging in these days. But why was the Christ child sent into Egypt? …
Continue reading "Don’t be Troubled by Dangers: an exhortation from John Chrysostom"
"and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene." (Matthew 2:23) When Herod the Great died there was great confusion about what should happen because he had drafted several wills, many of which were in conflict with one …
Continue reading "The Nobody Messiah: Jesus of Nazareth and Messianic Expectations"
This past weekend we continued our series "Power in Preparation" at Eastbrook Church. This is the second part of our extended journey through the Gospel of Matthew. This week's message looks at Matthew 2:13-23 and Jesus as the refugee Messiah. You can view the message video and outline below. The video begins with a time …
Join us for worship with Eastbrook Church through Eastbrook at Home at 8, 9:30, and 11 AM. This weekend we continue our new series, "Power in Preparation," which explores Jesus' early years and preparation for ministry from Matthew, chapters 2-4. This continues our extended journey through the Gospel of Matthew, which began with the series …
Matthew Erickson 