Sun, Sep 10, 2023
Instead of a sermon, we hear from three people from Leesburg Grace reflect on their discipleship to Jesus. The panelists will talk about our their salvation story, our recent sermon series, following Jesus in their life phase, and the people and practices that fuel their faith. Hopefully, their responses will both encourage you and prompt self-reflection about your discipleship.
Sun, Sep 03, 2023
Duration: 44 mins 34 secs
People are messy. We can try to reform them through structures; however, structures get too strict. We also need grace. One of the greatest acts of grace is forgiveness. This sermon will interact with Jesus's teaching about God's amazing grace and the critical but complex nature of forgiveness.
Sun, Aug 27, 2023
Duration: 40 mins 20 secs
People are messy. This applies to the church. God's people are not immune to sin. We think too highly of ourselves. We create stumbling blocks for ourselves and others. We wander. Hence, Jesus envisioned the church as a community of correction and exhortation. We confront others without accusing them. We insist on holiness. This is called church discipline. It has formative and corrective applications. It helps bring structure where messes abound. (NOTE: Around 34:40, the audio dropped out. Part of the sermon was lost. The quality of the last five minutes of the recording is not as good.)
Sun, Aug 20, 2023
The call to discipleship is costly. Jesus said this clearly. His first followers lived this reality. In the 2000 year history of the church, disciples have lost rights, comforts, and their very lives. Confessing Jesus as the Christ, Son of God, and Lord has consequences. But with this confession comes a spiritual community, mission, and eternal reward. Is it worth it? Absolutely. (NOTE: There is a deliberate break in the sermon. When it resumes, the lapel microphone has cut out, so the quality of the last 10 minutes is poor.)
Sun, Aug 13, 2023
Duration: 44 mins 15 secs
Dogged faith is gritty, resilient, and enduring. It pushes through resistance and past prejudice. A profound example of such faith was the Canaanite woman with a demon-possessed child. Her desperate situation drove her to Jesus. She begged him for healing, despite the disciples efforts to dismiss her. Her dogged faith impressed Jesus. In our "age of overwhelm" we need dogged faith to endure.
Sun, Aug 06, 2023
Religion doesn't make us better. Rules don't make us better. Tradition doesn't make us better. To live better lives, we don't need more laws, we need changed hearts. Jesus taught this principle when responding to the Pharisees' question about handwashing in Matthew 15. This sermon will reflect on that passage.
Sun, Jul 23, 2023
Duration: 48 mins 39 secs
Jesus has good things to say. He has hard things to say. His teachings provide insight on living as his disciples. A key quality of faithful followers is to listen well. This means sorting through deception, clearing the distractions, and putting his words into action.
