pastor || writer || speaker
When I used to hear the word Sabbath, I thought of something legalistic and rigid or just plain out of touch with my life. I would picture flowing robes and beards of Old Testament characters exhorting people to rigidly 'keep the Sabbath day.' But the more that I have thought about Sabbath, the more I …
Continue reading "Sabbath: recovering identity through God’s rhythm for life"
Here is my latest video update for Eastbrook Church as we navigate the time of COVID-19. I will continue to re-post these weekly video updates here at my blog for those who have not seen it or who are not part of our church but could use the encouragement. You can watch it here or …
Continue reading "Senior Pastor Video Update in the Time of COVID-19 (April 29, 2020)"
Every Thursday during Lent, I am posting a poem I have found meaningful for entering into Jesus' journey to the Cross. Here is Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem "Peace." Gerard Manley Hopkins was a twentieth century British poet and Jesuit priest, whose work became widely known after his death. When will you ever, Peace, wild wooddove, …
Continue reading "Gerard Manley Hopkins, “Peace” [Poetry for Lent]"
In his comments on Isaiah 9:2-4, Dr. John Oswalt makes this astute reflection on the wholistic mission of Christ that the church must keep ahold of in talking about salvation in Christ. They [God's people] rejoice because the Lord has freed them. It is not necessary to look for some specific liberation which Isaiah has …
Continue reading "Jesus’ wholistic mission and the Church (John Oswalt on Isaiah 9)"
In one of the most well-known passages from Paul on prayer, Philippians 4:6-7, we read these words: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Every time …
Continue reading "From Worry to Prayer: a reflection on Philippians 4"
Matthew Erickson 