Leroy Community Chapel Podcast: Recent Episodes

Leroy Community Chapel

Sermons and messages from Pastor Mark Spansel and others at Leroy Community Chapel, in Leroy, Ohio.

The prophet points to the Sovereign Conqueror, saying to the nation…

“You think because you practice external spiritual duties that God will hear you, but He won’t. You live without a contrite heart, and act with only your selfish pleasure in mind, yet somehow you foolishly still think God owes you something and will bless you. Get real! Your fast is a farce. But a feast will come to those who walk humbly and do justly.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Consider two similar external spiritual pursuits that lead in drastically different directions:

The Unacceptable Spiritual Pursuit [58:1-5] “Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure” – 58:3
The Acceptable Spiritual Pursuit [58:6-14] “And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire” – 58:11

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“God wants your heart. He can’t be bought or manipulated by your works. Your seeking of Him can be so empty, bringing no benefit and only yielding heartache. Seek God for the sake of His worthiness, not your selfishness. That is the heart that honors God, where clarity comes, and the blessing of God flows.”

The prophet points to the Sovereign Conqueror, saying to the nation …

“The outsiders who keep covenant with the LORD (56:1-8) are better servants of God than your wicked leaders and you idol-collecting people. If you stay your current course with the life characteristics you have developed, it will only lead to more and more unrest and lost years. But there is a better path forward … the path of contrition, humility, and repentance. Choose that and live!”

A succinct summary of the text …

Three clear categories of people and the characteristics that determine their inheritance:

Irresponsible Leaders [56:9-12] “They are shepherds who have no understanding” – 56:11
Idolatrous People [57:1-13] “When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you” – 57:13
Invitation to Healing [57:14-21] “I dwell … with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit” – 57:15

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“The circumstances of life may be wearying and confusing. The clarity to separate yoursin from your suffering may at times be hazy. But the path through it all couldn’t be clearer – a lowly spirit. On that path clarity comes, transformation occurs, and your inheritance is rich and restful.”

The prophet points to the Sovereign Conqueror, saying to the nation … “It has not been your heritage or hard work that has made you righteous. In fact all of that merely proved your ability to fail miserably. Salvation is by unmerited grace alone. But that doesn’t mean grace is alone. Because of the righteous work of the Servant to make you righteous, now you can keep justice and walk in obedience … so do it!”

A succinct summary of the text …

Two clear trajectories for those who have been made righteous by the work of Jesus:

Keep Justice [56:1-2] “Thus says the LORD; Keep justice and do righteousness” – 56:1
Love the Outsider [56:3-8] “I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off” – 56:5

What might Isaiah say to us today? “If you are a child of God, then His divine grace in making you righteous will be followed by your choosing to walk obediently and do justly. Your Godly obedience is a mark of you having been transformed by the Spirit of God. Therefore, your disobedience should grieve you, and in turn produce good works that honor God’s heart for the world.”

Passage: Isaiah 54-55

The prophet points to the servant King, saying to the nation…

“The work of the Servant described in chapter 53 has massive ramifications for you, both now and into the future. It is no small thing to have the LORD as your Redeemer, so expect no small thing from Him. His glory brings glorious things … for your growth and for your joy. Come, taste and see.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Five portraits of the blessings received because of the Servant’s success:

An Expansion Project Underway [54:1-3] “Enlarge the place of your tents” – 54:2
Security and Significance Restored [54:4-10] “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed” – 54:4
Unconquerable Victory [54:11-17] “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed” – 54:17
Delights Full and Free [55:1-5] “Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” – 55:1
Effective Enjoyment Eternally [55:6-13] “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace” – 55:12

What might Isaiah say to us today? “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Well, Paul said that in Romans 8:32, but the Spirit said pretty much the same thing through Isaiah centuries before. If you have already received the greatest gift, why in the world would you think He won’t give you now that which is for your joy?”

The prophet points to the servant King, saying to the nation…

“How does the LORD light your path in the darkness (50:10-11)? How is the LORD your protection (52:12)? Here is THE answer: The Servant King who lays down His life for you. You, like sheep, have gone astray. But there is a Lamb who brings healing… and your rescue, redemption, and reconciliation with God is found in no other place than this Servant like no other!”

A succinct summary of the text …

The Heart of the Suffering Servant as both Sacrifice and Savior:

Prospering through Suffering [52:13-15; 53:10-12] “The will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand” – 53:10
Living with Sorrow, Silence, and Shame [53:1-3, 7-9] “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” – 53:3
Healing through Substitution [53:4-6] “But he was pierced for our transgressions … and with his wounds we are healed” – 53:5

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“The biggest question facing mankind is – How does man get right with God? This text answers that question. Your healing is found in one place – The Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Servant like no other. Turnaround from your wandering and by grace trust the finished work of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

The prophet points to the servant King, saying to the nation…

“Those of you who seek the LORD need to pay attention to the wondrous works of God. Remember all He has done for you and trust in all that He will do for you. Be strong and leave the life of captivity behind. He has, and will, make all things new. So enjoy the beauty of His rescue, the beauty of the good news, and the beauty of your new life in Him.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Three crucial instructions in understanding your salvation:

Listen to Me [51:1-8] “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD” – 51:1
Wake Up [51:9 – 52:6] “Wake yourself, wake yourself, stand up, O Jerusalem” – 51:17
Enjoy the Beauty [52:7-12] “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news” – 52:7

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“The pattern of God’s rescue is the same today as it was in the days of Judah. Hear His truth and put your confidence in His work. Wake up from your slumber and walk out in the newness of life. God has dealt with the cup of wrath and given you a new identity. So leave your days of slavery behind and enjoy the beauty of being His child.”

The prophet points to the servant King, saying to the nation…

“The LORD has comforted you, but you grumble and complain. You act like you are not loved with a steadfast love from a faithful God. Though you face difficult circumstances, you must be thoughtful to interpreting what is going on according to the wisdom and word of God and not your own self-made understanding.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Four components of the LORD’s steadfast love to His people:

Feeling Forsaken, But God Has Not Forgotten [49:14-21] “I will not forget you” – 49:15
Feeling Helpless, But God Will Vindicate [49:22-26] “I will contend with those who contend with you” – 49:25
Being Sanctified, By The One Who Is Faithful [50:1-3] “Have I no power to deliver?” – 50:2
Being Sustained, By The One Who Understands [50:4-9] “Behold, the Lord God helps me” – 50:9
So … Are You Okay Walking In The Darkness? [50:10-11] “Let him who walks in darkness … trust in the name of the LORD” – 50:10

What might Isaiah say to us today? “Quit your complaining and praise the Lord. Stop fretting over what you don’t understand and rest in what you do understand. God is for those who love Him, and He is always at work sanctifying and sustaining them. When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.”

Graduates — Congratulations on reaching a tremendous milestone in your life and in the discipling process God has for you. We celebrate you as your church family, both friends and strangers … but all who desire to see you excel in life and in the Lord. So, let me try to express what I think many would want to express to you at this season of life:

An Anchored Heart … Don’t be scared of the “big-bad-world-out-there”, but do guard your heart from the influences of the enemy that would seek to steal your joy through the lies of “something better”. Fear of all the bad stuff out there that your parents have tried to shelter you from since birth is no way to now go and live life. The far better motivation is a deep and abiding love for your Creator who sent His Son to rescue you from sin. Whether you have trusted Jesus or not, you have heard the truths of the Gospel and seen it lived out (both well, and poorly) by the people around you. You will hear the foolish talk that sounds so smart from professors, scholars, and friends who think the Gospel silly or outdated. You will struggle with sorting out what you think. You will wrestle with the simple truths you’ve heard for years now with greater depth and detail. The main question will always be: Who do you trust? The Lord or other “lords"? The Word or other “voices”? The Church or other “families”? In all your growing, struggling, and enjoying … keep your heart anchored on the miraculous words of a God who saves!

An Adventurous Spirit … Don’t be restrained by the wishes of others, but live passionately with your face set on delighting yourself in Christ. Yes, lots of people have expectations for you, dreams of the life you’ll have and the person you’ll become. Some of those expectations are fair, and some are less about you and more about them. You be the man or woman God has called you to be. You discover the uniquenesses of how you were created in the image of God. You try things that will stretch you, challenge you, and make you uncomfortable. You fill the spot in this world that God has designed for you, not your parents, and not your friends. Leave “The Shire” and take an adventure, find your “Fellowship of the ring”, and fight your dragons. Don’t let your failures be final, nor let your fears tie you to the predictable. Live by faith knowing that, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last” (CT Studd).

We are committed to praying for you, and are always here to love and serve you however we can, don’t hesitate to ask. Now, go do great things to the glory of God, and for the joy of your own soul!

Christ the firstborn in creation: 15-17
Christ the firstborn in redemption: 18-20
The Christ Hymn applied: 21-23

The prophet points to the servant King, saying to the nation …

“You haven’t done what God called you to do … and you can’t do it. But the LORD has a greater Servant to rescue not only you from your spiritual failure, but also the nations from their spiritual bankruptcy. The King is coming … to deliver a remnant from Israel, and as a light for the nations, so that His glory and salvation reach to the end of the earth.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Just what is the Good News? 1. The King’s Mission [49:1-6] “I will make you as a light for the nations” – 49:6

The LORD’s Affirmation [49:7-13] “I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people” – 49:8

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“The King who was promised to the nation of Judah is Jesus Christ the Lord. He has come, He has conquered sin and death, and He is the good news of salvation for all people. Find your rescue in Him … and make sure the light of the Gospel is shining through your life to your world.”

The prophet points to the servant King, saying to the nation …

“God has called you by name, for His glory, and for your good. He is committed to you through the good and the bad. But where is your commitment to walk in obedience and to honor the glory of His name? He has never stopped pursuing your growth, but you have ceased to really want to grow in spite of giving lip-service to Him … this has to change!”

A succinct summary of the text …

Five features God aims to refine in the lives of His people:

A Consistent Identity [48:1-2] “Who swear by the name of the Lord … but not in truth or right” – 48:1
An Eager Reception of Truth [48:3-5] “I announced them … you are obstinate” – 48:3-4
An Active Obedience [48:6-8] “You have heard … will you not declare it?” – 48:6
An Awareness of His Glory [48:9-11] “I have refined you … for my own sake I do it” – 48:10-11
A Desire to Be Led [48:12-22] “I am the LORD your God … who leads you in the way you should go” – 48:17

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“I wish that you were hot or cold … but when you are lukewarm, I want to spit you out of my mouth. Your cold, external, half-hearted worship and hypocritical obedience grieves me and it’s destroying you. Stop, turn, obey … and find peace.”

The prophet points to the servant King, saying to the nation… “God formed you, led you, and will redeem you. But be warned, it may not be the way you would do it. You will not be left in captivity under the Babylonians. You will be delivered and go home. But how that happens is another story. But who are you to argue with God? Are you trying to form God into your image or do you now recognize God is the One who does all the forming and fighting for you?”

A succinct summary of the text … Two key tools of sanctification in the hearts of God’s people:

The Unlikely Instrument [44:24 – 45:13] “He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose” – 44:28
The Likely Savior [45:14-25] “But Israel is saved by the LORD with everlasting salvation” – 45:17

What might Isaiah say to us today? “God’s sovereignty brings great comfort … and a strange uneasiness to the human heart. You do not see what God sees, therefore cannot call out for a reshaping of the plans when you do not have the blueprints. Come and learn how to trust God when His ‘how’ is not what you want.”

The prophet points to the servant King, saying to the nation…

“God formed you, led you, and will redeem you. But be warned, it may not be the way you would do it. You will not be left in captivity under the Babylonians. You will be delivered and go home. But how that happens is another story. But who are you to argue with God? Are you trying to form God into your image or do you now recognize God is the One who does all the forming and fighting for you?”

A succinct summary of the text …

Two key tools of sanctification in the hearts of God’s people:

The Unlikely Instrument [44:24 – 45:13]

“He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose” – 44:28

The Likely Savior [45:14-25]

“But Israel is saved by the LORD with everlasting salvation” – 45:17

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“God’s sovereignty brings great comfort … and a strange uneasiness to the human heart. You do not see what God sees, therefore cannot call out for a reshaping of the plans when you do not have the blueprints. Come and learn how to trust God when His ‘how’ is not what you want.”

The prophet points to the servant King, saying to the nation…

“The one true God is your Redeemer and King. He protects you in trouble and provides for you in your need. He fights for you, and when necessary fights against your own folly and rebellion. The gods of your own making only have the power to deceive your own heart. Flee from such stupidity, return to your Creator, and rejoice in the only one who can save you.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Four weapons in God’s battle against men’s pursuit of alternative gods:

The Promise of Great Blessing [44:1-5]

“I will pour my Spirit and my blessing” – 44:3

The Taunt to All Challengers [44:6-8]

“Is there a God besides me?” – 44:8

The Exposure of Idolatry’s Folly [44:9-20]

“All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit” – 44:9

The Call to Remember and Rejoice [44:21-23]

“Remember these things” – 44:21

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“You too have fallen into the age old trap of the enemy to serve gods of your own making. You have designed your own religion, taken idols into your heart, and worshipped self. This will never bring you freedom or happiness. Remember the great works of God and run to Him.”

Life is hard. Difficulty, pain, and suffering are just part and parcel of our days on this side of eternity. It seems like such a huge and constant obstacle to the task of making disciples…or even just being a disciple, for that matter. But then there is that promise: “I am with you always.” That’s not mere sentiment. It’s real, living Presence. And the Great Comfort of the Great Commission is that He enters our weakness with His strength, transforming our lives and working through us to put the truth of who He is on display.

The God Who Comforts Us (vv. 3-5) The Ministry of Comfort (vv. 6-7) The Hope of Comfort (vv. 8-11)

This is the Great Commission passage and it is probably the most preached passage of all time in the context of a mission conference. For good reason; it is the most critical and defining text regarding the call and work of the believer and the church. Too often it is relegated to a theological corner of the closet. Some because of its familiarity, but also because of its association with guilt-ridden preaching. Let’s look at it afresh today! It is an epic passage that speaks to the church throughout all time, but it can also be seen as a specific and personal look at the grace of God in our call to the extraordinary.

Jesus’ initiates mission by personal pursuit. (V18a) Jesus’ authority isn’t mine…but it is. (18b) Jesus’ commission defines my mission. (19-20a) Jesus’ promise empowers my mission. (20b)

Psalm 96 describes a duet – between all the people on the earth on the one hand and all of nature on the other. This corporate duet is a fresh, creative expression that celebrates God’s glory – the sum total of who God is and what he does – on display for all to see. This celebration will re-center our world around God and drive us to the nations who don’t know God.

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection” Philippians 3:10a

Right now politicians are jockeying for power and position. Media exerts its virtually limitless reach of power into our culture. Churches, mosques, and religious leaders use power to threaten, control, or manipulate. But Jesus had real power … power over life and death. That is the power of Resurrection Sunday, but what does it look like for us to walk in in real resurrection power?

You may be surprised at the answer, and even more surprised at the freedom it brings.

The Errors of the Church in Modeling Power [1 Peter 5:1-3] Controllers who are controlled by others (v2a) Greedy who put themselves first (v2b) Do as I say, not as I do (v2c)
Walking in Real Biblical Power [Philippians 3:1-11] Is saying No – No confidence in the flesh (v1-6) No holding tightly to worldly accomplishments (v7-8) No savior mentality (v9)

In order to say Yes – To embracing Christ (v10a) To embracing growing in grace (v10b) To embracing difficulty (v10c) To receive reward, glory, and life as God designed (v10d)

“Biblically, eternal life speaks not only of the promise of life in the age to come, but also of the quality of life that is characteristic of people who live in that age. It signifies quality as much as duration. It is not just living forever; eternal life is being alive to the realm where God dwells. It is walking with the living God in an unending communion.” (John MacArthur)

The prophet points to the servant King, saying to the nation …

“You have done nothing to deserve the saving love of God in your life. You have disobeyed and rebelled, dishonored and despised, but God has not rebelled from you.

Rather, He says – ‘I created you, and I have called you, therefore I will redeem you. I will do it all!’ Chosen ones, you cannot escape the one-sided love of God.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Six characteristics of God’s extraordinary sovereign love …

A Possessive Redeeming [43:1-2] “I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” – 43:1
A Costly Commitment [43:3-7] “Because you are precious in my eyes … I give men in return for you” – 43:4
A Trusting Freedom [43:8-13] “You are my witnesses … and I am God” – 43:12
A Royal Rescue [43:14-15] “I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King” – 43:15
A Total Deliverance [43:16-21] “I will make a way in the wilderness” – 43:19
A Merciful Forgiveness [43:22-28] “I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake” – 43:25

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“Those whom God has called will never be forgotten, neglected, or ignored. The steadfast keeping love of God will follow you all the days of your life. He will be with you in the field and in the fire … you cannot escape the one-sided love of God.”

The prophet points to the servant King, saying …

“The situation of your past and present is not so great, but behold my servant … your only hope. He is unlike any other leader you’ve ever seen. He is not a screaming prophet, a coercive king, or a selfish priest. He brings a true word from God to the nations with gentleness … and one in whom the LORD greatly delights.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Three pillars to understanding the role of the Servant and the hope He brings …

The Beauty of the Servant [42:1-9]

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights” – 42:1

The Sweetness of the Song [42:10-17]

“Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the end of the earth” – 42:10

The Blind Servant [42:18-25]

“Who is blind but my servant” – 42:19

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“With all the truth you’ve received, don’t remain deaf and blind. You are no good to anybody when you can’t see. So, behold the servant king, join the universal chorus of praise, and declare His glory to the nations.”

The prophet points to the servant King, saying …

“Let’s consider together how God gives power to the faint and renews the strength of the weary. No event in human history can override the rule of the One who made humans and writes his-story. So what in the world do you really have to fear? Be confident that the LORD is the God of help … and He alone holds the future.”

A succinct summary of the text …

Enter the courtroom and be persuaded by these three arguments to not be afraid …

Be Silent – Consider who is in charge [41:1-7] “Who has performed and done this … I, the LORD, I am he” – 41:4
Be Helped – Consider what you have to fear [41:8-20] “Fear not, I am the one who helps you” – 41:13
Be Confident – Consider what is true [41:21-29] “Set forth your case … bring your proofs” – 41:21

What might Isaiah say to us today?

“Being controlled by fear keeps you from being helped. Conquering fear by the mighty hand of God not only gives you help, but provides the confidence to live everyday in every situation to the glory of God.”

The prophet says to the nation in peril…

“Where is your hope to be found in the face of coming judgement? In the same place it should have always been… in your great God. He is not too weak to save you, nor will He forget about your sorrow and isolation. He Himself will be your comfort. He will not only send you blessing, He will bring the blessing… both in deliverance from Babylon, and in deliverance for all the nations.”

The prophet says to the nation in peril …

“Within the fickle ups and downs of your king and his trust, God is always at work. From one minute praying a God-saturated prayer to the next boasting of his riches, God is acting for His own glory not at the whim of Hezekiah’s best efforts or worst failures. No human king, good or bad, will deliver you. But when the greater King comes … His deliverance will be magnificent!”

The prophet says to the nation in peril …

“The Assyrians are breathing down your necks, taunting your God, challenging your king, ready to destroy your city and take you captive as slaves. This is no joke … this is real life and it’s happening now! But it’s never too late to seek the LORD, and never too late to cry out for help. God is ready to answer, and take action for your good and for His glory!”

As we begin this Lenten season we need to be thinking rightly about the work of Christ. We can reflect on our sin and the hurtful ways we've been impacted by sin because our righteousness, adoption, and forgiveness is completely secure because of what Christ did. It's not what we give up or choose to do for Lent. It's not trying to do what Jesus would do, but rest in what Jesus has already done!

The prophet says to the nation in peril …

“This final woe I pronounce to you as a messenger of God is the clearest and strongest of them all … you have only two options before you: Trust the LORD and find stability or turn from the LORD and face judgement. One is a beautiful vision of the righteous king’s rule in the city of God … the other a grotesque display of His holy wrath and destruction. Choose well and choose wisely … nothing matters more!”

The prophet says to the nation in peril …

“Egypt may have horses, but they won’t be the help you’re looking for. The men you turn to might provide some temporary help and deliverance, but if you want greater deliverance – turn to the LORD! Easy human paths provide little relief, but the Spirit of God provides ultimate deliverance ultimately.”