Sun, Feb 09, 2020
Duration: 49 mins 15 secs
John receives his fourth letter; it's headed to Thyratira. This city boasted many trade guilds. Buying, selling, and trading goods may have been dependent upon one's willingness to join an idolatrous feast. Sometimes the price we pay to do business can be lethal. Jesus calls us to stay faithful. This no different today. In face, we live in a consumer society, where everything from marriage to church to God, gets turned into a commodity that helps meet personal needs and shape personal identity. Buyers today must beware lest they lose their souls.
Sun, Feb 02, 2020
Duration: 49 mins 29 secs
John receives his third letter; it's headed to Pergamum. This city plays host to many gods. Emperor and idol worship posed real threats to believers; some in the church make compromises. Thus, Jesus warns of dire consequences. Fortunately, the invitation to repent stands, and the promise of intimacy with Jesus remains. While sex is not the only snare for this church, it represents one of our modern day idols. We must guard our sexual appetites, feeding them only as God directs, not as our gluttonous culture tempts us.
Sun, Jan 26, 2020
Duration: 49 mins 32 secs
John writes his second letter to the first church of seven. The church in Smyrna is living under pressure--poverty, slander, imprisonment, and threat of death. Jesus warned his followers there will be a cost. This lovely church heard a loud and clear message from the Risen Lord: Fear Not. No matter the trial, Jesus would uphold them. This promise has proven true for the earliest martyrs and today's persecuted church. And it's true as we face financial, physical, and social pressures of our own.
Sun, Jan 19, 2020
John writes his first letter to the first church of seven. Jesus gives a good word, rebuke, warning, and promise to his followers in Ephesus. These big city dwellers have fought against false teaching well, but in their zeal to defend the truth they forgot their primary task as believers: love one another. He calls them to change their priorities, let love direct them, lest their light go out. In our politically charged, religiously pluralistic, individualistically expressive culture, this message has deep relevance.
Sun, Jan 12, 2020
Duration: 44 mins 18 secs
John has a grand vision of Jesus. This is not your flannel graph version of the meek Messiah. He is mighty. He is royal. He is glorious. The opening vision of Revelation sets the tone for the book, where God's people are called to overcome their trials by keeping their eyes focused forward. They're not simply looking to the future; they're looking to their Risen King Jesus. Too many followers of Jesus have accepted an historic, familiar, tidy portrait of Jesus. This sermon calls us to have our vision tested.
Sun, Jan 05, 2020
Duration: 45 mins 15 secs
Every year we get only so far in our goals, resolutions, and dreams for becoming different. The reality is this: willpower can take us only so far. If we really want to become different, we need God's Spirit and spiritual community. Paul writes about this to the Corinthian church. He asks his readers to dive deep into life with God and his people to make a major difference in the world. This sermon launches the annual theme at Leesburg Grace: Immersed.
Sun, Dec 22, 2019
Duration: 45 mins 33 secs
As we go through the different stages of life, our experience of Christmas changes. Senior years mark the final stage, full of changing roles, relationships, and losses. However, senior years are not without joy. In fact, the faithfulness, beauty, and goodness of God come into focus as we draw near to our death. Both Simeon and Anna model a seasoned faith, full of gratitude in their waning season. They are a model to us in any season of our lives to look for the goodness of God.
Sun, Dec 15, 2019
Duration: 46 mins 31 secs
As we go through the different stages of life, our experience of Christmas changes. Adulthood marks the next stage, full of responsibility, volatility, and thoughtfulness.. In fact, we see Mary model grown up faith in the opening chapters of Luke. In a rare, biblical story dominated by female perspectives, Luke details Mary's response to God's appointment as the mother of the Lord. She remains faithful to God, his law, her husband, and newborn, setting a powerful example for us all to follow. People need good examples in to flourish--so, grown ups, keep living well!
Sun, Dec 08, 2019
Duration: 47 mins 40 secs
As we go through the different stages of life, our experience of Christmas changes. Childhood marks the first stage, full of wonder, adventure, curiosity, and questions. In fact, we see Jesus reflect a similar attitudes on his childhood Passover experience. In the only biblical tale of his childhood, Luke details his family custom, an annual trip to Jerusalem, and growing sense of calling. Jesus provides models a life of wonder, learning, and submission, which should last well beyond our childhood!
Sun, Dec 01, 2019
Duration: 47 mins 41 secs
In the closing chapter of Ruth, the loose ends get tied and the story comes full circle. The morning after Ruth has proposed to Boaz, he seeks out the nearest relative (kinsman redeemer) to discuss Naomi's land and Ruth's future. Boaz offers to care for Ruth and Naomi. He proves an honorable man. And two gutsy women who have lost much, regain love and security. This powerful narrative proves that when God's people submit to his leading, it has lasting impact.
