Tim Sprankle has served as pastor of Leesburg Grace Brethren Church since 2007. He loves to preacher, teach, instigate, and innovate. He earned his B.A. in Biblical Studies from Grace College (2001) and M.Div in Pastoral Ministries from Grace Seminary (2004). He is married to Liz, his encouraging and lovely bride; they parent two daughters, Claire and Margot, and someday will bring home a son from Ethiopia. In addition to pastoral ministires, Tim serves on the boards of GraceConnect/BMH and CyberCenter for Biblical Studies. He is an associate member of the Evangelical Theological Society. He is also known to throw a mean drive in disc golf.
Sun, Sep 24, 2023
Duration: 48 mins 34 secs
The showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal is outstanding. Yahweh's servant stands alone but radiates confidence. He demands an audience with the king, proposes a contest with his prophets, and calls on God to show his glory. He does in dramatic fashion. The episode ends with shouts of praise, bloodshed, and long-awaited rain. The story teaches the power of prayer.
Sun, Sep 17, 2023
Duration: 44 mins 47 secs
When famine comes, feasting ceases. Drought brings desperation. These are the conditions when Elijah the prophet bursts onto the scene. This man of God says and does outstanding things in service of Yahweh. In his premier, he denounces king Ahab, predicts a long drought, manufactures food for a widow, and raises her only son from dead. Each outstanding act showcases the power and provision of our God, who is able to do more than we could ever ask.
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.
Sun, Jul 16, 2023
Duration: 42 mins 46 secs
All good things come to an end. Abraham's journey -- launch, construction zones, dark nights, milestones, and detours -- reaches it final chapters. He buries his beloved bride Sarah. He finds a bride for his beloved son Isaac. He expands his family through a second marriage. Then he dies, and his sons bury him beside Sarah in the family tomb. None of us can escape death. It is the final destination. We can deny it, fear it, or face it with hope knowing it is only the beginning of eternal life with God.
Sun, Jul 02, 2023
Duration: 49 mins 53 secs
Detours come when we least expect them. Flooded roads. Stopped trains. Roadwork. Whatever the cause, detours reroute us and test our patience. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, this was the ultimate detour. And yet, the father of the faith journey navigates the detour calmly. His posture of surrender allowed him to make a gesture of sacrifice. This remarkable story seals God's promise to Abraham and shows how his provision comes in surprising ways.
