This past weekend, I mentioned the story of Horatio Spafford in the midst of concluding our series, "Turning to God in Troubling Times." Horatio G. Spafford was a successful lawyer in Chicago in the mid-19th century. As Kenneth Osbeck recounts,[1] “along with his financial success, [Horatio Spafford] always maintained a keen interest in Christian activities,” …
Talking with God When Pain Looms Large
This past weekend at Eastbrook Church I continued our series "Turning to God in Troubling Times" drawn from the 7th century B.C. prophet Habakkuk. This week, we walked through Habakkuk 1:12-2:1, where the prophet lifts up his second prayer of complaint to God. I offered special attention to the idea of standing at the watchtower of our lives in waiting on …
Our Cross-Shaped Calling
In Hebrews chapter five, we find a striking picture of how Jesus developed in His calling through humility. Read these words: During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears...and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Son though He was, He learned obedience …
Suffering and the Surprising Plans of God (discussion questions)
Here are the discussion questions that accompany my message, "Suffering and the Surprising Plan of God," from this past weekend at Eastbrook Church. This is the second part of our series, "Turning to God in Troubling Times," from the book of Habakkuk. This week we looked at Habakkuk 1:5-11. Discussion Questions: Have you ever had a season of …
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Suffering and the Surprising Plans of God
How do you respond when God gives you a challenging message? This past weekend at Eastbrook Church I continued our series "Turning to God in Troubling Times" from the words of the prophet Habakkuk. We looked at Habakkuk 1:5-11, where God responds to Habakkuk's earlier prayer with the surprising words that He is going to raise up an …
Continue reading "Suffering and the Surprising Plans of God"
Matthew Erickson 