Leesburg Grace Teachings

The New Testament does not provide a manual for how to lead contemporary worship services. It does, however, provide timeless principles and practices for our weekly gatherings. In this episode, I reflect on five characteristics of worship gatherings in ancient Corinth. This flawed church has much to teach us.

What are spiritual gifts? Who has them? What do they do? Are all the gifts mentioned in the New Testament still functioning today?

This episode addresses these questions. It defines spiritual gifts, explains their purposes, references five biblical texts, and provides three principles for understanding spiritual gifts.

1. Spiritual gift lists are not exhaustive.
2. Spiritual gifts are not exclusive.
3. Spiritual gifts are not definitive.

In the follow up teaching, I will narrow in on several spiritual gifts, including some of the more curious ones.

Biblical Texts:

Romans 12:3-8

1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-30

Ephesians 4:11

1 Peter 4:10-11

Resources:

The Holy Spirit by Allison & Kostenberger

A Theology of the New Testament by Ladd

Primal Fire by Cole

In this episode we explore the activities of the Holy Spirit described by Paul in 1 Corinthians. This is a companion to the Together We Build Series at Leesburg Grace Church. We'll look at key texts from 1 Corinthians showing how the Holy Spirit...

• Enlightens (12:1-3)
• Indwells (3:16; 6:19)
• Instructs (2:10-15)
• Empowers (1:7; 2:4; 12:4-11)
• Unifies (12:12-13)
• Edifies (14:12)
• Sanctifies (6:11)

References to Jesus Christ the Lord overwhelm Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. In this episode Pastor Tim looks key passages that mention Jesus (24x), Christ (59x), the Lord (65). He begins by reading 1 Corinthians 15:3-12, 20-28. Then he shares seven truths about Jesus from the letter.

1. Jesus is God in flesh (8:6).
2. Jesus is the Crucified Savior (1:23; 2:2; 5:7; 11:23-26)
3. Jesus is the Risen Lord (15)
4. Jesus is the Returning King (1:7-8; 16:22)
5. Jesus brings us together (1:2; 12:27)
6. Jesus sends us out (1:1; 4:1-2; 9:1ff)
7. Jesus sets the example (11:1)

Big theology terms: Christology (study of Jesus), apologetics (reasons for and defense of our faith), monotheism (belief in one God), eschatology (study of last things/coming days), Maranatha (Aramaic for "Come, Lord Jesus).

1 Corinthians provides a rich portrait of God the Father. In this episode, Pastor Tim describes 7 attributes of God mentioned in the opening chapter and reiterated throughout the book. This begins a new season of Leesburg Grace Teaching podcast, which will look at key themes in 1 Corinthians.

The apostle Paul encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). Easier said than done! The mind, brain, and body have a complex connection. Often we do not think about what we think about. Intrusive thoughts take hold before we can take them captive. In this final episode, Pastor Tim defines several terms from neuropsychology and provides a brief theology of the brain. The episode closes with several practices that help with renewing the mind.

Extra biblical resources cited include Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart; podcast interviews with Dr. Caroline Leaf; The Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson; and Kenneth Boa's, Life in the Presence of God.

God made us for relationships (Gen. 1:26-28). Relationships are the cause of our greatest joy and greatest pains. In this episode, we will contrast healthy and unhealth (or toxic) relationships. We will consider characteristics of healthy relationships and warning flags in unhealthy relationships. John will provide an overview of many New Testament "one another" commands, and conclude with four things to avoid in a marriage relationship (e.g., Gottman's Four Horsemen).

In our fast-paced, digital age, we cannot escape the constant stream of unhealthy inputs to our bodies, brains, and relationships. We suffer sensory overload and it affects our sleep, diet, and overall mental health. This episode features descriptions of digital addiction, data about sleep and cell phones, and several ways in which our inputs enslave us. It concludes with four practices for regaining control over your inputs for a healthier mind.

Sources Cited:

• Digital Minimalism by Newport
• Digital Liturgies by James
• 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Reinke
• How to Calm Your Mind by Bailey
• Stolen Focus by Hari

Key Verse: 1 John 5:21

Anger comprises a range of emotions that may lead to aggressive behavior and hostile attitudes. Because it is a natural response to perceived injustice, anger is not inherently bad. However, unhealthy expressions of anger can damage our bodies, minds, relationships, and spiritual life. In this episode John describes anger, helps us pay attention to our anger (e.g., safe spaces, triggers), and attune to those struggling with anger (e.g., don't minimize). The episode closes with four practices for the toolbox.

Key verses: Ephesians 4:27-31; James 1:19-20; 3:1-10; Proverbs 15:1

NOTE: Anger tends to relate to other mental health disorders (i.e., comorbidity) and disproportionately affects men and young adults.

Thoughts flood our minds. Some flow in and out. Others get stuck and cause guilt, fear, or excessive rumination. In this session, we describe intrusive thoughts and how they affect our mind, body, relationships, and spiritual lives. We then provide advice for helping those who struggle with intrusive thoughts.