CCR Sermons

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans Pt. 8: Engaging My Culture By Louie Marsh, 6-15-2025 1) I engage my culture by overcoming evil by DOING GOOD.   14  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21 (ESV)   · I respond to cultural rejection by HELPING THOSE  who hurt me.   14  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 17  Repay no one evil for evil, 19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves 20  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink 21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good   ·  RESIST the temptation to always cheer people up.   15  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.   · I focus on lifting up others NOT MYSELF.   . 16  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.   · I leave the bringing of justice to GOD.   20  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good   2) I engage my culture by UNDERSTANDING authority.   1  Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2  Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3  For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4  for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5  Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6  For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7  Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Romans 13:1-7 (ESV)   · God instituted authority to stop ANARCHY.   · I must obey the authorities UNTIL & UNLESS they contradict God's Word.   18  So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19  But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20  for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20 (ESV)   · Yes, this includes NOT CHEATING on my taxes.   3) I engage my culture by living a life of LOVE.   8  Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9  For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10  Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10 (ESV)   · Get & stay out of debt ASAP so you'll be free to serve God.   · The moral/sexual law of God is fulfilled by RESPECTING others.   4) I engage my culture by ACTING  like Jesus not them.   11  Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12  The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13  Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:11-14 (ESV)        

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans Pt. 7: More of Jesus By Louie Marsh, 6-8-2025   Intro – 5 church sign pics – Holy Spirit entrance last one.   1) My response to the Gospel –MAKE a spiritual sacrifice.   1  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (ESV)   · Why should I do this?   Therefore – everything from this point forward in Romans is derived from what has come before.   Appeal = from (para) and (kaleo); to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) :- beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), entreat, pray.  Basically means you are aiming at both the heart and the will.   Mercies of God = our motivation.   · How do I do this?   Present = a technical term for offering a sacrifice, though not in the O.T. Used of…   · Presenting the child Jesus in the temple: “22And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22, ESV)   · Of the Christian presenting himself: “13Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” (Romans 6:13, ESV)   · Of God presenting the saved: “27so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:27, ESV)   · Of Paul presenting mature believers: “28Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28, ESV)   Bodies – containers of our soul   Living Sacrifices - Not a propitiatory sacrifice, but one of praise.   Spiritual Worship = "Your rational (spiritual) service (worship).". Logikos is from logos, reason. The phrase means here "worship rendered by the reason (or soul)." Old word, in N.T. only here and…   “2Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—” (1 Peter 2:2, ESV)     to logikon gala (not logical milk, but the milk nourishing the soul   2) The result of my sacrifice – TRANSFORMATION.   2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)   Transformed – metamorphosis   18  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)   Renewal – It means to make new.   Mind – not emotions   Test – test & approve,  Only the transformed can really know God's will. It does not and cannot make sense to the world.   22  And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 2 Corinthians 8:22 (ESV)   When I'm being transformed…   · I have a BIBLICAL & FACTUAL view of myself   3  For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3 (ESV)   · I WELCOME the differences in the Body of Christ.   4  For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5  so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)   · I SERVE God with the gifts he's given me.   6  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7  if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8  the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)   · I love HONESTLY & I HATE evil.   9  Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10  Love one another with brotherly affection... Romans 12:9-10a (ESV)   · I serve the Lord with EVERYTHING I've got!   9  …Outdo one another in showing honor. 11  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.13  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:10b - 13 (ESV)            

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans Pt. 6: God's Plan By Louie Marsh, 6-1-2025   Opening Graphics on Planning – ends with the 3 circles   1) I'm NOT in charge – God is!   19  You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20  But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21  Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22  What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23  in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24  even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25  As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,' and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.'” 26  “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,' there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.'” Romans 9:19-26 (ESV)   2) I need to REACH OUT to the lost just like God does.   5  For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6  But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?'” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7  “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?'” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8  But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9  because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10  For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11  For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13  For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:5-13 (ESV)   3) God's Plan is open to everyone who puts their FAITH in Christ.   17  But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18  do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19  Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20  That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21  For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22  Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23  And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. Romans 11:17-23 (ESV)   · The Eternal Plan of God is UNSTOPPABLE.   25  Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26  And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; 27  “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28  As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. Romans 11:25-28 (ESV)   · But I can miss God's plan for my life if I don't BELIEVE.   4) God is far wiser than I can EVER UNDERSTAND.   33  Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34  “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35  “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36  For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36 (ESV)      

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans Pt. 5: Winning the War Against Sin, Romans 7: 7-8:39 By Louie Marsh, 5-25-2025   3 Funny Church Signs   The Transformational Arc – To the bottom and then up, to the end of myself, forsaking myself, realizing I'm in Christ, trusting in Jesus to take me up!   1) The Law SHOWS me what sin is.   7  What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8  But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9  I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10  The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11  For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12  So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Romans 7:7-12 (ESV)   2) The Law REVEALS the true state of my heart.   13  Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14  For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15  For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16  Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17  So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18  For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19  For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20  Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. Romans 7:13-20 (ESV)   3) The Law exposes the war between my TWO SELVES.   21  So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22  For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23  but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Romans 7:21-23 (ESV)   4) The Law brings me to despair – the end of MYSELF.   24  Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. Romans 7:24-25 (ESV)   5) The Six Facets of Christ's Victory Over Sin.   · Guilt & Shame are GONE because of Jesus! 1  There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2  For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3  For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4  in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4 (ESV)   …there is not even one bit…  Kenneth S. Wuest Translation   · My old nature no longer CONTROLS ME.   5  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6  For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7  For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8  Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9  You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10  But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11  If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 12  So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13  For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:5-13 (ESV)   · My relationship with Christ is CONFIRMED.   14  For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15  For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16  The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17  and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:14-17 (ESV)   · My eternal inheritance is GUARANTEED.   18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21  that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24  For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:18-25 (ESV)   · My part in God's eternal plan is REVEALED.   26  Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27  And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29  For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30  And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:26-30 (ESV)   · In Christ alone though I suffer I am a SUPER-CONQUEROR!    31  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32  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? 33  Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34  Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36  As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39 (ESV)  

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans, Pt. 4 How the Gospel Deals with Sin, Romans 6:1-7:5 By Louie Marsh, 5-18-2025   1) I'm UNITED with Jesus' death & resurrection in baptism.   2  By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4  We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:2-4 (ESV)   · Death = SEPARATION   Sin is alive and well, but I'm part of a new Kingdom, therefore it only has power over me when I give it permission.   12  giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13  He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:12-14 (ESV)   · Baptism is a SYMBOL – and that's powerful.   · God doesn't reform our old nature He KILLS IT. · Then He starts fresh with our NEW NATURE.   2) My old nature was crucified with Christ to FREE ME from slavery to sin.   5  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6  We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7  For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8  Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9  We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10  For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. Romans 6:5-10 (ESV)   3) I must realize that in Christ I'm now DEAD to sin.   11  So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11 (ESV)   ·  “consider” - Direct middle imperative of logizomai    Think, impute, reckon, count, account, reason, number From logos to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literal or figurative) :- conclude, (ac-) count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on). 4) I show I'm alive to God by letting Him use ALL OF ME.   12  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13  Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14  For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:12-14 (ESV)   5) What I DO shows who my Lord is, not what I SAY.   16  Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17  But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18  and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:16-18 (ESV)   20  For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21  But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22  But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:20-23 (ESV)        

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans, Pt. 3 The Grace of God in the Gospel, Romans 3:21-5:21 By Louie Marsh, 5-11-2025   Intro: 9 slides about silly laws – last one cactus.   1) I'm made right with God BY FAITH not the law.     21  But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22  the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24  and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25  whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26  It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26 (ESV)   2) I can MODEL my life after Abraham.     1  What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2  For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3  For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4  Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5  And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Romans 4:1-5 (ESV)   · Why does Paul keep repeating this?   13  For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith…16  That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, Romans 4:13, 16(ESV)   3) Some results of being justified by faith:   1  Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, Romans 5:1-3a (ESV)   ·  PEACE with God   A Colorado man who has been “fighting with his computer for the last several months” finally had had enough. According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, officers responding last night to a 911 call about shots fired discovered that a “fed up” Lucas Hinch took his computer into a back alley and “fired 8 shots into the computer with a handgun, effectively disabling it.” Hinch, 38, was cited for discharging a firearm within city limits, according to a police blotter entry that includes the summary description “Man Kills His Computer.” When asked about the shooting, Hinch told TSG, “I just had it,” adding that he tired of the balky computer's “blue screen of death.” Hinch said that he whacked the computer with a 9mm Hi-Point pistol recently purchased from a Craigslist seller. The gun was seized by police, who left the computer behind. The late Dell XPS 410 model is survived by a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. ·  LIVING by grace   · Joy in the HOPE of God's glory.   4) By faith I can walk the PATHWAY OF GROWTH.   3 knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5  and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3b-5 (ESV)   · I have a REASON to rejoice in suffering   3 knowing that… Romans 5:3b (ESV)   · Suffering produces cheerful ENDURANCE   suffering produces endurance, Romans 5:3c (ESV)   · Cheerful endurance produces PROOF of character   4  and endurance produces character, Romans 5:4a (ESV)   · Character produces biblical HOPE   character produces hope Romans 5:4b (ESV)   · Biblical hope doesn't fail because the Holy Spirit POURS God's love into me.   5  and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:5 (ESV)   5) Where sin exists God's Grace will OVERFLOW to me.   20  Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21  so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21 (ESV)

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans Pt. 2: The Bad News, Romans 1:18-3:20 By Louie Marsh, 5-4-2025 3 Cartoons,   And Finally…   Doctor: "I have good news and bad news."  Patient: "Go with the good news first."  Doctor: "You have 24 hours to live."  Patient: "What?! How about the bad news?"  Doctor: Um... I forgot to tell you yesterday."   1) God wrath (anger) is stirred when I REPRESS the truth.   18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19  For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20  For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21  For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22  Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23  and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Romans 1:18-23 (ESV)   2) God honors my free will by allowing me to SIN.   24  Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25  because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Romans 1:24-25 (ESV)   26  For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; Romans 1:26 (ESV)   HOMOSEXUALITY IN ANCIENT ROME: The primary dichotomy of ancient Roman sexuality was active/dominant/masculine and passive/submissive/"feminized". In Roman society the freeborn male citizen possessed political liberty and the right to rule both himself and his household. "Virtue" was seen as an active quality through which a man defined himself. The conquest mentality and "cult of virility" shaped same-sex relations. Roman men were free to enjoy sex with other males without a perceived loss of masculinity or social status, as long as they took the dominant role. Acceptable male partners were slaves, prostitutes, and entertainers, Although Roman men in general seem to have preferred youths between the ages of 12 and 20 as sexual partners, freeborn male minors were strictly off-limits, and professional prostitutes and entertainers might be considerably older.   Same-sex relations among women are less documented. The Augustan poet Ovid takes an exceptionally keen interest, but advocates for a heterosexual lifestyle contrary to Roman sexual norms.   28  And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29  They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30  slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31  foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32  Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32 (ESV)   Ways We Suppress the Truth:   ·  DENIAL · No one's PERFECT · I was BORN that way.   Dear Dr. Roach: I read your recent column regarding identical twins where one of the two was balding while his twin was not. Within my family, there are identical twin brothers, who also were almost impossible for family members to differentiate. If their DNA genes are “identical,” now that they are adults, how can one be homosexual, while his twin is married with children?   Studies have shown that in identical twins, if one twin is gay (the term “homosexual” is used in clinical studies but is considered offensive, so I won't use it further), then 30 per cent to 66 per cent of the identical twins also will be gay. As this is much higher than the overall rate in the population, this suggests some, but not absolute, genetic influence.   However, an adopted sibling of a gay person is also more likely to be gay (11 per cent in one study), suggesting that the familial environment also plays a significant role.   Some people who are attracted to the same gender can be so afraid of, or put off by, the social stigma against same-sex couples that they marry and have children with a person of the opposite sex despite being primarily or uniquely attracted to those of the same gender.   Some people have found that they may be attracted to a person of either gender; their choice of life partner depends more on the partner's personality and their unique situation than on his or her biological sex.   Sexual identity is not a choice. We cannot choose to whom we will be attracted. I'm afraid many people fundamentally misunderstand this point. *** Dramatic confirmation that the sea ice in the Arctic has been stable for nearly two decades is contained in a recently published science paper from a team led by Dr Mark England from the University of Exeter. The finding is of course obvious to anyone who studies the data but it will inconvenience the activist cranks who continue to promote supposed reductions in Arctic sea ice as an important sign of their imaginary ‘tipping points' and their fake climate crisis. Despite the data showing the ice has been stable over every month in the year since around 2007. ************ Living together before marriage increasing the changes of getting a divorce.   3) When I condemn others I'm really just condemning MYSELF.   1  Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things… 3  Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4  Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:1, 3-4 (ESV)   4) I must be PERFECT to be good enough for heaven.   12  For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13  For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. Romans 2:12-13 (ESV)   5) I'm just as much a sinner as EVERYONE ELSE.   9  What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10  as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11  no one understands; no one seeks for God…20  For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:9-11, 20 (ESV)   6) God's answer to sin is FAITH in Jesus.   16  yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16 (ESV)   11  Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12  But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13  Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14  so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:11-14 (ESV)                  

Unashamed, Undeserved, Unstoppable Part 1: The Good News By Louie Marsh, 4-27-2025   Four quotes about the book of Romans,   10 Little Known Facts About Ancient Rome   1. Gladiator blood was recommended by Roman physicians to aid various ailments, including epilepsy and infertility. 2. Purple clothing was a status symbol and reserved only for emperors or senators. To achieve the color, a dye was made from murex seashells. It was treason for anyone other than the emperor to dress completely in purple. 3. Left-handed people were considered unlucky. The word “sinister” was originally the Latin adjective “sinister”/”sinistra”/”sinistrum” that meant “left” but took on the meanings of “evil” or “unlucky” by the Classical Latin era. 4. Emperor Caligula often appeared in public dressed in women's clothing. 5. In the first century B.C., the poet Gaius Valerius Catullus addressed two of his critics, another poet Furius and a senator Aurelius, in a poem considered so vulgar and obscene that it was not translated outside of Latin until the 20th century. 6. Romans thought the early Christians were practicing cannibalism when they heard about them eating bread and wine as symbolic representations of the body and blood of Christ. 7. People would socialize at communal toilets. Rome had over 140 public toilets. Video slide 8. While Romans were extremely hygienic, they did not use soap. Instead, to get clean they would apply perfumed oils to their skin and then scrape it off with a tool known as a strigil. 9. Not everyone wore togas. Only free-born Roman men were allowed to wear togas (as a sign of Roman citizenship), while Roman women wore stolas. 10. Urine (because of the ammonia it contains) was used to clean clothes. The urine was collected by fullones (the Ancient Roman version of dry cleaners) from around the city.   1) Why is the Gospel so important?   · The Gospel comes from GOD   1  Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, Romans 1:1 (ESV)   · The Gospel is proved by SCRIPTURE   2  which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, Romans 1:2 (ESV)   · The Gospel's Substance is JESUS CHRIST   3  concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4  and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 1:3-4 (ESV)   · The Gospel's purpose is OBEDIENCE BY FAITH.   5  through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith , Romans 1:5a (ESV)   · The Gospel's scope is all NATIONS   5 the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, Romans 1:5b (ESV)   · The Gospel's goal is to BELONG to Jesus   6  including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, Romans 1:6 (ESV)   Slide: Summary: The good news of the Gospel is OF God, ABOUT Christ, ACCORDING to the Scriptures, FOR the nations, UNTO obedience of faith, FOR THE SAKE of the Name!   2) The Gospel Builds STRONG relationships.   8  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10  always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11  For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12  that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13  I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. Romans 1:8-13 (ESV)   3) The Gospel is a DEBT I owe the world   14  I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15  So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. Romans 1:14-15 (ESV)   Two ways to be in debt – borrow from you, or carry money to you from another person. That's our kind of debt.   16  For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16 (ESV)   4) The Gospel Reveals GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS.   16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)   · You get right with God by FAITH in Jesus Christ.   Some stress God's righteousness is a divine attribute or quality. Others stress God's righteousness is a divine activity, his saving intervention on our behalf. Others say it's a divine achievement. It's what God has done for us in Christ.   I say, yes to all that – it's all three. Therefore…   Summary: The righteousness of God is God's righteous initiative in putting sinners right with himself by bestowing on them a righteousness which is not their own but his. The righteousness of God is God's just justification of the unjust, his righteous way of pronouncing the unrighteous righteous, in which he both demonstrates his righteousness and give righteousness to us. All done in and thru Jesus Christ.     · The entire Christian life is lived BY FAITH.    

Easter 2025 UNSTOPPABLE, 1 Cor. 15, Rom 8 By Louie Marsh, 4-20-2025   Intro – 5 pics – Jesus on road to Emmaus last one.   Easter – the HEART of the Christian faith.   And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.  1 Corinthians 15:14-19 (ESV)   If Jesus isn't alive then as a Disciple of Jesus I'm…   1) Guilty of  LYING about God   We are even found to be misrepresenting God…. 1 Corinthians 15:15A (ESV)   And face it—if there's no resurrection for Christ, everything we've told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you've staked your life on is smoke and mirrors. Not only that, but we would be guilty of telling a string of barefaced lies about God, all these affidavits we passed on to you verifying that God raised up Christ—sheer fabrications, if there's no resurrection. Message   2) Guilty of  lying to EVERYONE.   And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 1 Corinthians 15:14, 15B (ESV)   3) UNFORGIVEN   And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.  1 Corinthians 15:17 (ESV)   4) Not going to HEAVEN.   Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  1 Corinthians 15:18 (ESV)   5) A sad person who is LIVING a lie!   If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.  1 Corinthians 15:19 (ESV)   Because Jesus Is Alive I'm Unstoppable Because…   1) I know that God is FOR ME!   What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  Romans 8:31 (ESV)   2) Jesus died & LIVES AGAIN for me!   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? Romans 8:32 (ESV)   3) Jesus makes me RIGHT with God.   Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.  Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.  Romans 8:33-34 (ESV)   4) Jesus will NEVER leave me!   Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:35-39 (ESV)   The Gospel In a Nutshell God: The one and only God, who is holy, made us in his image to know him. He is the creator of all things, perfect, holy and worth of our worship & obedience. He is love and in the end will judge all sin. 26  Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness… 27  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV)   Man: All people, though created good, have become sinful by nature, we sin and cut ourselves off from God's love and grace. (Gen. 3) 23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 (ESV) 8  If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8 (ESV) Christ: Is God in human flesh (John 1:1), lived a perfect life, died on the cross, thus fulfilling the law & taking on himself the punishment for our sins.(Mark 10:45; John 1:14; Heb. 7:26; Rom. 3:21-26, 5:12-21) He rose again from the dead, showing that God accepted his sacrifice 45  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (ESV) 8  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9  In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10  In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:8-10 (ESV) Response -   How Can I Give My Life To The Living Christ?   Establish Your Spiritual B.A.S.I.S.! B = Believe Jesus died on the Cross for me and showed He was God by coming back to life again. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (1 Cor. 15:2-4) A = Accept Christ as Lord of My life and His free forgiveness of my sins. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- (John 1:12) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace (Eph. 1:7) S = Switch to God's Plan for my life. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15) I = Inform others of your decision. That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) S = Submerge yourself in Christ. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)  

Suffering & God's Response Pt. 6: God Chooses to Suffer By Louie Marsh, 4-13-2025   1) God's Response to Suffering   · He suffered WITH us.   “21From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (Matthew 16:21, ESV)   This includes the incarnation, his choosing to give up his divine power (Phil 2) etc.   · He suffered LIKE us.   “40And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:40–44, ESV)   Sweating blood, known as hematidrosis, is a rare condition where a person oozes blood from their skin, often triggered by extreme stress or fear. It occurs when tiny blood vessels near sweat glands rupture, allowing blood to mix with sweat.   · He suffered FOR us.   “4Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4–5, ESV)   · He suffered unto DEATH for us.   “28After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:28–30, ESV)   2) The Results of His Response   · He EMPATHIZES with us in our suffering.   “14Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14–16, ESV)   · He gives our suffering MEANING & PURPOSE.   “3Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3–5, ESV)   “16So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18, ESV)   · He offers us FORGIVENESS through His suffering.   “7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight” (Ephesians 1:7–8, ESV)   “23When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:23–24, ESV)        

Suffering & God's Response Pt. 5 Choosing to Suffer By Louie Marsh, 4-6-2025   Intro – X quotes, video of man who quit believing.   1) When I accepted Christ I accepted SUFFERING in His Name.   “24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24–25, ESV)   2) This suffering can impact my ENTIRE life.   “34“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. 37Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:34–39, ESV)   3) I suffer INTERNALLY as well as physically.   “23And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, ESV)   “20I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, ESV)   “13“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13–14, ESV)   4) Why not ask WHY?   “1The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years.” (Judges 6:1, ESV)   “12And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” 13And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”” (Judges 6:12–14, ESV)   5) Don't ask why, ask…   ·  WHAT can I learn from this?   “11For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11, ESV)   ·  HOW can I deal with this?   “1I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1–2, ESV)   “18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18, ESV)   ·  WHERE do I go with this?   “20Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. 21Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:20–21, ESV)   “25that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” (1 Corinthians 12:25–26, ESV)   ·  WHO can I help with the lessons learned?   “3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4, ESV)   6) A snap shot of living by FAITH.   “32And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38of whom THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (Hebrews 11:32–38, ESV)      

04 Suffering & God's Response Pt. 4 Called to Suffer By Louie Marsh, 3-30-2025   Last slide – good must suffer with them.   1) Suffering is an INTEGRAL part of following Jesus.   “19For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:19–21, ESV)   Suffering should come as no surprise to Christians   2) There's No ESCAPE From It.   “18“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” (John 15:18–20, ESV)   No escape that is if we want to continue to follow Jesus   3) Suffering Can be GOOD For our Faith!   “6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6–7, ESV)   What These Verses Say About Suffering     1, It refines our faith - helps us to grow spiritually   2, It results in glorifying God   3, So for the Christian - suffering has a purpose!   4) The four SOURCES of suffering.   · The World – culture, society   “22and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.” (Matthew 10:22–25, ESV)   This includes people around us, and the systems of government and law that they create. This also includes YOU when you do things that bring suffering upon yourself!   · The Flesh – Myself   “16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:16–17, ESV)   · The Devil   “8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” (1 Peter 5:8–9, ESV)   Spiritual warfare is a reality. Satan is the driving force behind much of what we see in the world   ·  God!   “7It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” (Hebrews 12:7–10, ESV)   This is called discipline for the purpose of helping us grow spiritually. But it still hurts and it's still suffering!   5) EMBRACE it, don't try and erase it.   “8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.” (Psalm 32:8–9, ESV)   “16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (James 1:16–18, ESV)    

Suffering & God's Response Pt. 3 Why Am I Suffering? By Louie Marsh, 3-23-2025   Last slide – Don't know what he died of.   1) God ALLOWS  us to experience the consequences of Free Will.   “15And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”” (Joshua 24:15, ESV)   2) Why doesn't God DESTROY evil & suffering?   · The Argument Against God.   ¨ If a good, eternal and all-powerful God exists, He could annihilate evil at will, and thus end all pain and suffering. ¨ A Being who had the power to do this, is cruel and unjust not to exercise this power and thus end all evil and its consequences. ¨ Theism (the belief in one God – Christianity is Theistic) affirms the all-powerful, loving God we have just described; Who never the less does not annihilate evil. ¨ Therefore: He is cruel and unjust, or He does not exist!   · What's Wrong with the Argument? ¨ It places a restriction on the nature of God, something you can NEVER do!   “35all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”” (Daniel 4:35, ESV)   ¨ It presupposes that our reasoning processes are equal or superior to God's, and that our solution must be the right one!       "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)   ¨ It doesn't work when you try and apply it practically.   Tell Dr. Walter Martin Story of being on the radio with an atheist challenging him to do this as a philosophical experiment.   3) How Then Should I Respond to Suffering?   · I need to ACCEPT that suffering will happen to me and mine.   18  “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19 (ESV)   · I need to REMEMBER that God is active in my suffering.   20  As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20 (ESV)   · I need to EMBRACE suffering as part of my spiritual growth.   8  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ …10  that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Philippians 3:8, 10 (ESV)      

Suffering & God's Response Pt. 2 Why Does God Allow Suffering By Louie Marsh, 3-16-2025   Big vs. Small Picture:   Today I'll be talking about the big picture of suffering not the smaller more personal one. The Bible gives us a framework to understand how a good and loving God can allow suffering in this world. It does not explain why certain things happen to certain people. No one can answer that question, and if someone says they can – run away!!   But there are two scriptures we must rely to help us as we deal with the smaller picture and they are not on your outline so please write them down:   1  There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2  And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4  Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:1-5 (ESV)   45  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45 (ESV)   God allows suffering because … GOD IS LOVE   1)  God made humans in His IMAGE.   26  Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV)   · Us = trinity · Image - Human life was created in (lit., “as,” meaning “in essence as”) the image of God (v. 27). This image was imparted only to humans (2:7). “Image” (ṣelem) is used figuratively here, for God does not have a human form. Being in God's image means that humans share, though imperfectly and finitely, in God's nature, that is, in His communicable attributes (life, personality, truth, wisdom, love, holiness, justice), and so have the capacity for spiritual fellowship with Him The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.   2) God made us to LOVE HIM.   34  Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35  One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36  "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37  Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38  This is the first and greatest commandment. 39  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV)   3) Love cannot be forced but only FREELY CHOSEN.   20  Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. 21  When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. Genesis 9:20-21 (NIV)   “1Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” 3But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.” (Jonah 1:1–3, ESV)   · God gave us REAL choices in a real universe. · Therefore he HAD to allow us to choose evil over good. · Adam & Eve did and so has every one of their offspring save one – JESUS!   4) But God will hold us accountable on JUDGMENT DAY.   34  You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35  The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36  I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37  for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37 (ESV)   So, eternal love – God – allows evil to exist now to honor our sovereign free will and so that we can, if we choose, freely love Him and others. However, because He is just, there will be a judgment day where all wrongs will be righted.  

Suffering & God's Response Pt, 1: Who Causes Suffering? By Louie Marsh, 3-9-2025 Last slide – Buddah quote   1) We always blame GOD.   “13And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”” (Judges 6:13–14, ESV)   “2“Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! 3For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. 4For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.” (Job 6:2–4, ESV)   Philosophers say:  If an almighty, good God exists, and does not eliminate evil, then either that god is evil, or he does not exist. A good God must destroy evil.   The Greek philosopher Epicurus (342-271 BC) claimed that the existence of evil proved there is no God. ·       He claimed that if God cannot stop evil then he is not all-powerful (omnipotent). ·       He then argued that if God can prevent evil but does not, then God is not good. ·       He linked these two points together, claiming that if God is all-powerful and good, then evil would not exist. ·       Finally, human experience is that evil does exist. Therefore Epicurus concluded that God must not exist.   2) The REAL culprits.   ·       SATAN   “1Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?”” (Genesis 3:1, ESV)   ·       US.   “4But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:4–6, ESV)   ·       We brought it in, we PERPETUATE it.   “9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV)     3) God is pledged to ELIMINATE it eventually.   “4He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4, ESV)   “18And I will make for them a covenant on that day with the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety.” (Hosea 2:18, ESV)   4) The GOSPEL of Jesus is how God will do it.   “4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”” (Revelation 21:4, ESV)   “15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15, ESV)   “1Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, ESV)        

My First Half Century in the Ministry, Pt. 1 50 Years & Counting By Louie Marsh, 3-2-2025 Announce 50 years since my ordination!   What have I learned?   22Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.”” (Matthew 20:22, ESV)   1) If you want to serve God, you will have your heart BROKEN over and over again.   “16Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. 17I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because your hand was upon me, for you had filled me with indignation. 18Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail? (Jeremiah 15:16–18, ESV)   “18The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, ESV)   2) Self never DIES, ego is EVERYWHERE & the cost of serving Jesus is higher than you can possibly imagine when you begin.   “13“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13–14, ESV)   “23And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23–24, ESV)   · The ups & downs of the ministry take their TOLL.   “27in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (2 Corinthians 11:27–30, ESV)   3) God's answer to this – BROKENNESS.   “9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)   · Jacob is the ultimate EXAMPLE.   “22The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 32Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob's hip on the sinew of the thigh.” (Genesis 32:22–32, ESV)   4) To trust in Jesus I must RELY on the Scriptures.   “39You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” (John 5:39–40, ESV)          

Habitual Pt. 4: Solitude By Louie Marsh, 2- 9-2025   Intro. Last slide T-Shirt.   1) The difference between solitude & loneliness is CHOICE.   “18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”” (Genesis 2:18, ESV)   · All spiritual disciplines are personal DECISIONS.   “15But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” (Luke 5:15–16, ESV)   2) Solitude helps me restore my…   ·  PEACE   “3You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3, ESV)   ·  OBJECTIVITY   “17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, ESV)   · sense of SCALE.   “6I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places; 7I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop.” (Psalm 102:6–7, ESV)   ·  ENERGY   “29He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” (Isaiah 40:29, ESV)   ·  PRIORITIES   “12So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, ESV)   3) Solitude is an indicator of my spiritual HEALTH.    “39And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow,” (Luke 22:39–45, ESV)   Slides of garden   The area it encompasses is flat and measures less than 57 square yards (47 1/2 square meters). The garden is located on the western foot of the Mount of Olives, beyond the brook Kidron, and is only a short distance from Jerusalem. The villages of Bethany and Bethphage are also located very near it.   “35And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (Mark 1:35, ESV)

Habitual Pt. 2: Meditation By Louie Marsh, 1-26-2025   1) Biblical meditation is FOCUSED THINKING.   “34May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” (Psalm 104:34, ESV)   ·       Yes, I CAN do this!   “19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19, ESV)   2) Different kinds of biblical meditation:   ·       For spiritual GROWTH.   …2but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1–6, ESV)   ·       To SOLVE a problem.   “97Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. 99I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 100I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. 101I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. 102I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. 103How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” (Psalm 119:97–104, ESV)   ·       To FIND the courage I need to obey God.   ... 5No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” (Joshua 1:1–9, ESV)   ·       Courage comes when I DO what God says to do.   3) To be like Jesus I must understand & practice biblical MEDITATION.   “148My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.” (Psalm 119:148, ESV)   4) What to do while turning the other cheek.   “38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38–39, ESV)   “23Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.” (Psalm 119:23, ESV)   “78Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.” (Psalm 119:78, ESV)   “19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19–21, ESV)                                  

Introduction to Habitual Pt. 2: The Power of Good Habits By Louie Marsh, 1-12-2025       “14But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)   1)    A habit is a CUSTOMARY way of doing or not doing something.   “14Do all things without grumbling or disputing,” (Philippians 2:14, ESV)   Original Word: ἔθος Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: ethos Pronunciation: EH-thos Definition: Custom, habit, manner Meaning: a custom, habit; an institute, rite. Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root ἔθω (ethō), meaning "to be accustomed" or "to be used to."   2)    I need to FORM good, godly habits.   39  Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40  On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." Luke 22:39-40 (NIV)   One popular idea suggests that it takes 21 days to solidify a habit. A three-week time frame might sound easily reachable to someone making a resolution on New Year's Day, when people tend to feel extra motivated to start a new habit or kick an old one. Yet every January 21 very few people can boast that they have kept their resolutions. One survey showed that only 9 percent of people actually stuck to their goals in 2023.   The time it takes to establish a new habit varies widely depending on the individual and the complexity of the behavior. Recent studies suggest that it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form a new habit, with an average of around 66 days. Factors such as the specific habit, environmental influences, and personal consistency play significant roles in the duration of habit formation. It is important to approach habit formation with realistic expectations and patience, as it may take longer than commonly believed.   Everyone has a unique habit-building timeline—and no matter how long it is for any individual, repetition is the key to making it work,   3)    How habits help my SPIRITUAL GROWTH.   “14But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)   Story of how I had to learn to use the clutch, once done I was a much more mature driver than I had been before.   4)    Some good habits to me to ESTABLISH.   “14And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14, ESV)   ·       REGULAR church attendance.   25  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)   ·       Actively TESTING to distinguish good from evil.   “21but test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV)   ·       To be SEXUALLY pure.   “18Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18–20, ESV)   ·       Be FILLED with the Spirit not alcohol.   “18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” (Ephesians 5:18, ESV)  

Habitual Introduction: Pt. 1: Don't Waste Your Life By Louie Marsh, 1-5-2025         15  Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16  making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)   John Wesley taught his Methodist followers to pray each new year:    “I am no longer my own, but yours.  Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;  Put me to doing, put me to suffering;   Let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,  Exalted for you, or brought low for you;  Let me be full, Let me be empty,  Let me have all things, Let me have nothing: I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things To your pleasure and disposal.     And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are mine and I am yours. So be it.  And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.  Amen.”   1) God wants my WHOLE life!   13  Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. Romans 6:13 (NIV)   12  And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, Deuteronomy 10:12 (NIV)   24  "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24 (NIV)   6  in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)          2) To give God this control takes DISCIPLINE.   7  But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB)   1  Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)   40  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41  "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42  but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:40-42 (NIV)   13  for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (NIV)   “Discipline = Freedom” – Jocko Willink   3) How do I come to God? Only through the CROSS.   15  And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV)   7  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)   1  As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1 (NIV)   2  LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)    

New Years 2024 Rosh Hashanah & a Christian New Years By Louie Marsh, 12-29-2024     Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה‎, lit. 'head of the year') is the New Year in Judaism. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah (יוֹם תְּרוּעָה‎, lit. 'day of shouting/blasting'). It is the first of the High Holy Days (יָמִים נוֹרָאִים‎, Yāmīm Nōrāʾīm, 'Days of Awe"), as specified by Leviticus 23:23–25, that occur in the late summer/early autumn of the Northern Hemisphere. Rosh Hashanah begins ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur, as well as beginning the cycle of autumnal religious festivals running through Sukkot which end on Shemini Atzeret in Israel and Simchat Torah everywhere else.   “24“Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25You shall not do any ordinary work, and you shall present a food offering to the Lord.”” (Leviticus 23:24–25, ESV)   Rosh Hashanah is a two-day observance and celebration that begins on the first day of Tishrei, which is the seventh month of the ecclesiastical year. In contrast to the ecclesiastical lunar new year on the first day of the first month Nisan, the spring Passover month which marks Israel's exodus from Egypt, Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the civil year, according to the teachings of Judaism, and is the traditional anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve.   Rosh Hashanah customs include sounding the shofar (a hollowed-out ram's horn), as prescribed in the Torah, following the prescription of the Hebrew Bible to "raise a noise" on Yom Teruah. Eating symbolic foods that represent various wishes for the new year is an ancient custom recorded in the Talmud. Other rabbinical customs include the "tashlich", attending synagogue services and reciting special liturgy about teshuva, as well as enjoying festive meals.   Tashlikh or Tashlich (Hebrew: תשליך "cast off") is a customary Jewish atonement ritual performed during the High Holy Days on Rosh Hashanah. In some Judaeo-Spanish-speaking communities the practice is referred to as sakudirse las faldas ('to shake the flaps [of clothing]') or simply as faldas]   Practice The ritual is performed at a large, natural body of flowing water (e.g., river, lake, sea, or ocean) on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, although it may be performed until Hoshana Rabbah. If the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, most Ashkenazim recite Tashlich on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, whereas most Sephardim recite it on the first day as normal. The penitent recites a Biblical passage and, optionally, additional prayers. During the Tashlikh prayer, the worshipers symbolically throw their sins into a source of water. Some people throw small pieces of bread into the water, though many rabbis consider throwing bread into the water on Rosh Hashanah to be forbidden by halakha   The name "Tashlikh" and the practice itself are derived from an allusion mentioned in the Biblical passage (Micah 7:18–20) recited at the ceremony: "You will cast (tashlikh) all their sins into the depths of the sea."   “18Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. 19He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. 20You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.” (Micah 7:18–20, ESV)   Because the New Year ushers in a 10-day period of self-examination and penitence, Rosh Hashana is also called the annual Day of Judgment; during this period Jews review their individual relationships with God, the Supreme Judge.   “1“On the first day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work. It is a day for you to blow the trumpets, 2and you shall offer a burnt offering, for a pleasing aroma to the Lord: one bull from the herd, one ram, seven male lambs a year old without blemish;” (Numbers 29:1–2, ESV)   “1When the seventh month came, and the children of Israel were in the towns, the people gathered as one man to Jerusalem. 2Then arose Jeshua the son of Jozadak, with his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel with his kinsmen, and they built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. 3They set the altar in its place, for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, burnt offerings morning and evening. 4And they kept the Feast of Booths, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number according to the rule, as each day required,” (Ezra 3:1–4, ESV)   A More Biblical Approach to New Years   “12Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12–14, ESV)   1) Be HUMBLE   ·       Especially about my SPIRITUAL LIFE.   2) Be DILIGENT   ·       Especially in dealing with my PAST   3) Be ALL IN on my future.   ·       Especially in being more like JESUS.   ·       APPLY this to all areas of my life.   4) Be WISE in how I approach all this.   ·       Do things SEQUENTIALLY.

Christmas 2024 The Purpose of Christmas By Louie Marsh, 12-22-2024   1) Christmas is all about God's PLAN.   4  But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,5  to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV)   2) Christmas is all about Christ's PURPOSE.   27  “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. John 12:27 (ESV)   38  And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” Mark 1:38 (ESV)   3) Christmas is all about The CROSS   33  And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34  And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35  (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:33-35 (ESV)   51  When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. Luke 9:51 (ESV)   4) Christmas is about God's CALL on my life   To KNOW Him. 29  Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Mark 12:29 (ESV)   10  that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11  that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead…13  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:10-11,13-14 (ESV)   To make him KNOWN .   31  The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 (ESV)   18  And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)   YOUR CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS:   1) Am I following Christ's call on my life?   2) List one practical action you can take that will help you either know Him better or make Him known to others this Christmas week.  

Jesus Calling Pt. 7 – Puking the Lukewarm By Louie Marsh, 12-15-2024   Last slide – Super Barf Bag/   1) Jesus is the TRUTH & CREATOR of everything/   “14“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.” (Revelation 3:14, ESV)   “15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:15–18, ESV)   2) APATHY not allowed.   “15“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15–16, ESV)   ·       What about the VOMIT?   Synonyms Strongest matches   Strong matches   Out of the 26 major English translations 13 say spit or spew, 13 say vomit. Of the 4 Literal translations 3 say vomit and one says spit.   Difference between spitting (with Mom story) and vomiting.   ·       Jesus wants COMMITMENT – either for or against Him.   “30Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30, ESV)   3) Don't mistake prosperity with spiritual MATURITY.   “17For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.” (Revelation 3:17–18, ESV)   ·       Things going well don't necessarily mean you are CLOSE to God.   “1“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” (Isaiah 55:1, ESV)   “19And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ' 20But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' 21So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”” (Luke 12:19–21, ESV)   4) Jesus rebukes me because He LOVES  ME.   “19Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:19–20, ESV)   “6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”” (Hebrews 12:6, ESV)   5) SHARING Jesus' throne – the ultimate way to be like Jesus.   “21The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' ”” (Revelation 3:21–22, ESV)                    

Jesus Calling Part 6: Little Power & an Open Door By Louie Marsh, 12-8-2024 Last slide – SWOT.   1) Jesus is Lord & in CONTROL.   “7“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will sh ut, who shuts and no one opens.” (Revelation 3:7, ESV)   2) He knows how WEAK I really am.   “8“ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8, ESV)   A Biblical Theme:   ·       God uses the UNSKILLED.   “32And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.”” (1 Samuel 17:32–33, ESV)   ·       God uses the WEAK.   “9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10, ESV)   3) In the end everyone will ACKNOWLEDGE Jesus is Lord.   “9Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.” (Revelation 3:9, ESV)   “9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9–11, ESV)   4) Hold on to what God has ALREADY given you.   “10Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” (Revelation 3:10–11, ESV)   5) In heaven I'll NEVER LOSE my closeness to God.   “12The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.” (Revelation 3:12, ESV)   “13He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'” (Revelation 3:13, ESV)                        

Jesus Calling Part 5: Strengthen What Is About to Die By Louie Marsh, 12-1-2024   Last slide – hypocrisy word cloud.   1) Jesus holds the Spirit of LIFE.   “1“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “(Revelation 3:1a, ESV)   Verse NOT on outline! “63It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63, ESV)   2) Jesus sees and knows their HYPOCRISY.   . “ ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” (Revelation 3:1b, ESV)   ·       When I allow APPEARANCES to be different from what really is – I'm a hypocrite.   “27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. 28So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:27–28, ESV)   Slide defining hypocrisy.   Hypocrisy is baked into the church and other institutions – My ego plus people want to put you on a pedestal.   3) I need to WAKE UP before it's too late.   “2Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.  (Revelation 3:2, ESV)   ·       Wake up – we've been sleeping – in denial.   γρηγορεῖν is to be awake when one is aroused. The latter word is used here. The Lord is right now arousing the church. The present imperative demands that it continue in this wakefulness. - R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John's Revelation   “11Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11, ESV)   ·       Strengthen – it's there, but it's weak and sick and needs help.   The aorist imperative στήριξον means to take strong, immediate, effective measures. “To make decisively firm” all that is ready to die completely conveys the idea of establishing it with new life and vitality so that it may be able to shake off this creeping death and to stand solidly against its inroads. - R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John's Revelation   “6“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them.” (Zechariah 10:6, ESV)   ·       About to die – there is a time limit, a point of no return here. I don't want to cross it.   4) REMEMBER & repent or else!   “3Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.” (Revelation 3:3, ESV)   5) The ETERNAL blessings awaiting the conqueror.   “4Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” (Revelation 3:4–5, ESV)   6) Listen Up!   “6He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'” (Revelation 3:6, ESV)    

Jesus Calling Pt. 4 Hold Fast to What You Have By Louie Marsh, 11-24-2024   1) Jesus sees it ALL.   “18“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.” (Revelation 2:18, ESV)   2) Jesus COMMENDS them for growing their witness.   “19“ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. (Revelation 2:19, ESV)   3) Jesus will not TOLERATE sin or evil.    20But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.” “21I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.  (Revelation 2:20–21, ESV)   ἀφίημι aphiēmi; from 575 and ἵημι hiēmi (to send); to send away, leave alone, permit:—abandoned(1), allow(5), allowed(2), divorce(2), forgave(2), forgive(23), forgiven(23), forgives(1), gave … permission(1), leave(7), leaves(2), leaving(8), left(38), let(9), let … alone(6), let him have(1), neglected(1), neglecting(2), permit(6), permitted(1), permitting(1), send … away(1), tolerate(1), uttered(1), yielded(1) - Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).   This verse reveals Jesus' complaint against the church at Thyatira: it "tolerated" a false prophet named Jezebel. This dangerous woman was persuading members of the church to practice immorality and idolatry. Apparently, she promoted certain pagan sexual practices. Also, she condoned a common practice at trade union banquets, namely the eating of food dedicated to idols. ·       If a “prophecy” contradicts God's Word, it is FALSE!   “19God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19, ESV)   “19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecies, 21but test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21, ESV)   ·       Doing good doesn't BALANCE OUT my sin,   “10For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” (James 2:10, ESV)   “21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'” (Matthew 7:21–23, ESV)   4) Jesus will JUDGE false prophets & their followers.    22Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.” (Revelation 2:22–23, ESV)   5) In my struggle I must not LOSE what I have.   “24But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25Only hold fast what you have until I come.” (Revelation 2:24–25, ESV)   ·       I must focus on not sliding BACKWARD when I can't move forward.   6) The conquer receives INCONCEIVABLE gifts!   “26The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28And I will give him the morning star. 29He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'” (Revelation 2:26–29, ESV)   ·       The conquer will RULE with Jesus.   “12if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;” (2 Timothy 2:12, ESV)   ·       He gives us ALL His royal character.   “16“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”” (Revelation 22:16, ESV)                    

Jesus Calling Pt. 3: Holding Fast to His Name 11-17-2024 Last slide – Hold fast to that which is good.   1) Jesus is my JUDGE.   “12“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.” (Revelation 2:12, ESV)   ·       Two-edged sword = judgement.   “2He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.” (Isaiah 49:2, ESV)   “12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12–13, ESV)   2) Jesus sees how INTENSE my struggle is.   “13“ ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” (Revelation 2:13, ESV)   ·       Satan's Throne (dwells) =   This city was a legal center for the district and at the same time an old stronghold of emperor worship, where already in 29 B. C. a temple had been built to the divine Augustus and the goddess Roma, which was served by a powerful priesthood. Especially abhorrent to the Christians was the local cult of Aesculapius whose symbol was the serpent, which was called “the god of Pergamum” but to Christians was the symbol of the serpent of Eden. In addition to these pagan cults there towered on the Acropolis a throne-like altar of Zeus Soter (Savior) which commemorated the defeat of the barbarian Gauls by Attalus about 240 BC. - R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John's Revelation (Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern, 1935), 103–104.   Zahn takes it to refer to the cult of Aesculapius. He points out that under Diocletian Christian stonecutters from Rome carved out in the quarries of Pannonia not only pillars, capitals, and baths, but also victories, cupids, and even the sun-god in his chariot but refused to carve an image of Aesculapius, for which refusal they were put to death as being followers of Antipas of Pergamum. So much at least is certain that the Lord himself (not John as some say) regarded Pergamum as the one city among the seven where Satan even had his throne and thus ruled as king. All seven were thoroughly pagan, this one was the worst.  R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John's Revelation (Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern, 1935), 104.   ·       Antipas -   Show picture of where he might have been executed.   3) Jesus also sees where I've FALLEN SHORT.   “14But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” (Revelation 2:14–15, ESV)   ·       Teaching of Balaam   Now, the Lord says, the church in Pergamum has some members that are holding to the same teaching and are running to the idol feasts and the fornication practiced in the pagan temples in order to gain immunity and pagan favor for themselves. The two aorist infinitives express actuality. This eating and this fornicating also go together. It was so in the case of the sons of Israel; it is so in the case of these members in Pergamum who were repeating Israel's folly.  - R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John's Revelation (Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern, 1935), 107.   ·       Nicolaitans -   4) I must REPENT to escape judgement.   “16Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.” (Revelation 2:16, ESV)   ·       Repent -   Strong's Concordance:   Meaning: I repent, change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God), repent.   Word Origin: From the Greek words "meta" (meaning "after" or "beyond") and "noeo" (meaning "to think" or "to perceive"), thus implying a change of mind or heart.   ·       Make war   “31Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.” (Luke 14:31–32, ESV)   5) Jesus gives the conqueror INDIVIDUALIZED rewards.   “17He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.'” (Revelation 2:17, ESV)   ·       Hidden manna -   Trench, Epistles to the Seven Churches: “There can, I think, be no doubt that allusion is here made to the manna which, at God's express command, Moses caused to be laid up before the Lord in the Sanctuary, Exod. 16:32–34; cf., Heb. 9:4. This manna, as being thus laid up, obtained the name ‘hidden.' … This ‘hidden manna' … represents a benefit pertaining to the future kingdom of glory.”… All the statements regarding the heavenly joys are given in figurative language, and one of them is our eating and drinking there—note the feast in Matt. 8:11. The symbolism of the hidden manna is most appropriate here after the eating of things offered to idols in v. 14. In John 6:30, etc., Jesus calls himself (his flesh and blood… the manna, “bread from heaven,” to be eaten by faith. The fact that in John 6:49, etc., Jesus is “the living bread,” while in Revelation “the hidden manna” indicates the heavenly bliss, causes no difficulty.  - R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John's Revelation (Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern, 1935), 109.   ·       White stone, secret name -   “16He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder);” (Mark 3:16–17, ESV)   Ψῆφος = pebble; the adjective “white” may well imply that a diamond is referred to. “A new name having been written” on this stone, ὄνομα καινόν, means a name “new” as replacing one that is old, the perfect participle indicating that, once written, this name remains. The remarkable thing is that no one knows this name save the person who receives the pebble. We think that those are correct who take this name to be the name for the person who receives the pebble and not a secret name of God or of Christ. - R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John's Revelation (Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern, 1935), 110.  

Jesus Calling Pt. 2: Faithful Unto Death By Louie Marsh, 11-10-2024 Last slide – sparta.   1) Jesus is GOD.   “8“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.” (Revelation 2:8, ESV)   “58Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.” (John 8:58–59, ESV)   2) Jesus understands my STRUGGLES.   “9“ ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” (Revelation 2:9, ESV)   ·       With my ENVIRONMENT.   “8We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;” (2 Corinthians 4:8, ESV)   thlibo (θλίβω, 2346), “to suffer affliction, to be troubled,” has reference to sufferings due to the pressure of circumstances, or the antagonism of persons,,, when used of the present experience of believers, refer almost invariably to that which comes upon them from without.  - W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 17.   ·       With my RESOURCES.   “9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9, ESV)   ·       With the LIES told about Jesus.   βλασφημία blasphēmia; from 989; slander:—abusive language(1), blasphemies(4), blasphemous(2), blasphemy(6), railing(1), slander(3), slanders(1). - Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).   “10“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” (Matthew 5:10–11, ESV)   3) I should have no FEAR when evil comes.   “10Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation… (Revelation 2:10a, ESV)     “9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” (Joshua 1:9, ESV)   4) Eternal Life is FAITH'S reward.   Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10b, ESV)   “12And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:12–13, ESV)   5) Listen up! Hell can't harm the CONQUER.   “11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'” (Revelation 2:11, ESV)   “8But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”” (Revelation 21:8, ESV)                  

Jesus Calling Pt. 1 Ephesus: First Love Lost By Louie Marsh, 11-3-2024     1) Jesus is in CONTROL.   “1“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.” (Revelation 2:1, ESV)   ·       He can - & will – execute JUDGEMENT on the church at any moment.   2) Jesus KNOWS!   “2“ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary… “6Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Revelation 2:2–3,6 ESV)   ·       Jesus knows and UNDERSTANDS how hard it is to follow Him.   “13“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13–14, ESV)   ·       He ENCOURAGES me to keep going.   “9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, ESV)   ·       He COMMENDS me for standing with Him.   “23His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'” (Matthew 25:23, ESV)   Nicolaitans – not sure who they really were. Speculated the leader might have been Nicolaus in Acts 6:5 was leader. Very doubtful -the one thing we do know is they were almost surely early gnostics.   What's a gnostic? (How cruel to claim to have the ultimate truth, but refuse to share it until you've jumped through a hundred hoops). Modern examples of Gnostics: Scientology, orgs who claim to have ancient knowledge, but you have to climb the ladder to find out.   3) Jesus demands ACCOUNTABILITY.   “4But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:4, ESV)   “36I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,” (Matthew 12:36, ESV)   4) Jesus commands me to RETURN to Him.   “5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5, ESV)   ·       Remember the love I had for God.   ·       Repent – TURN AROUND and get back there.   5) Jesus reminds me to LISTEN UP.   “7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  (Revelation 2:7a, ESV)   6) Jesus REWARDS those who overcome.    To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'” (Revelation 2:7b, ESV)                

True Stories Pt. 11: Not A Patch Job By Louie Marsh, 10-20-2024   Intro. Last pic wall patch   1) If I want to change I've got to admit that I'm BROKEN. 36  He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. Luke 5: 36 (ESV)   ·       I'm not WHOLE because I've got holes in my soul.   The context of this parable:   30  And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31  And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32  I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:30-32 (ESV)   ·       Doing things my way just won't WORK.   12  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)   2) What's the old and new?   ·       The old – robe or wineskin – is WORKS RIGHTEOUSNESS.   The issue Jesus is addressing:   33  And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” Luke 5:33 (ESV)   ·       The new – robe or wineskin – is CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS.   30  And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 1 Corinthians 1:30 (ESV)   3) Fixing my life, my soul, isn't a PATCH JOB.   16  No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. 17  Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” Matthew 9:16-17 (ESV)   A wineskin was a goatskin that had been removed without slitting it; the openings at the feet and the tail were closed, leaving the neck as the mouth. When it is fresh, the skin stretches to a degree, but when it is old it becomes stiff and bursts quickly under pressure. People therefore never put new wine, which still ferments and causes pressure, into old, dried-out skins. The result would be disastrous, for the skins would burst and thus be lost and henceforth be useless, and the wine would be spilled out and thus also be lost.   Show Images   6  I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7  not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:6-7 (ESV)   13  For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14  But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15  For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Galatians 6:13-15 (ESV)   4) Change does not come NATURALLY, EASY or all at once   39  And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.'” Luke 5:39 (ESV)   16  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17  For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV)   24  Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24 (ESV)          

True Stories Pt. 10: The God of Another Chance By Louie Marsh, 10-13-2024   Fish cartoon last one.   1) I can't judge my spiritual life by EXTERNAL circumstances.   1  There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2  And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4  Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? Luke 13:1-4 (ESV)   ·       Problems aren't signs of GOD'S WRATH.   1  As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2  And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3  Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:1-3 (ESV)   ·       We live in a fallen world where bad things happen to EVERYONE.   30  Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31  And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32  He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Acts 21:30-32 (ESV)   ·       I am a sinner and need to BELIEVE the gospel.   5  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:5 (ESV)   2) God will hold me ACCOUNTABLE  for my life.   6  And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7  And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?' Luke 13:6-7 (ESV)   ·       Judgement is real and I will FACE IT.   13  each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14  If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 3:13-14 (ESV)   3) God's grace gives me ANOTHER CHANCE.   8  And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9  Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'” Luke 13:8-9 (ESV)   13  For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13 (ESV)   15  If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:15 (ESV)      

True Stories Pt. 9: Humble Myself Before the Lord By Louie Marsh, 10-6-2024   Intro Slides – last one think of yourself less.    1) I should never seek SELF- JUSTIFICATION.   9  He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: Luke 18:9 (ESV)   ·       The fatal flaw of self-justification is COMPARISON.   15  And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15 (ESV)   4  Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, Galatians 6:4 (NIV)   2) UNDERSTAND who these people were.   10  "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. Luke 18:10 (NIV)   ·       Pharisee = MORALLY RIGEROUS, RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVE   ·       Tax Collector = TRAITOR, THIEF, OPPRESSOR.   3) Remember prayer is not TALKING to myself.   11  The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' Luke 18:11-12 (ESV)   A soliloquy with his own soul, a complacent recital of his own virtues for his own self-satisfaction, not fellowship with God, though he addresses God - Word Pictures in the New Testament.   Prayer for Strength of Self Image:   Lord, sometimes when I look in the mirror I'm not too happy with what I see. Please let me see me the way you made me, beautiful and perfect just as I am. Help me to hold this image in my mind and heart as I follow my life's path. Allow others to witness your light shining through me as I walk with confidence, grace and a smile on my face. Amen.   Louie's Prayer for S & S   Lord, every time I look in the mirror I'm disgusted and nauseated by what I see. Help me to endure the sight of what you've made me into – wrinkly and old and about as imperfect as a man can be. Help me to hold this gross image in my mind and heart as I follow Jesus. Allow others to witness your light shining through this mess as I walk with humility, grace and a crooked smile on my face. Above all help me to love Jesus far more than I love myself or anyone else.  In Jesus Name, Amen. 4) Real prayer is UNVARNISHED honesty with God.   13  "But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!' Luke 18:13 (NASB)   15  The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV)   8  To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, Ephesians 3:8 (ESV)   5) When I humble myself before God He LIFTS ME UP.   14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14 (ESV)   8  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, Philippians 2:8-9 (ESV)  

True Stories PT. 8: God's Not Fair – Thank God! By Louie Marsh, 8-19-2018   Pics of unfair stuff -last one workers in vineyard.   1) God's Kingdom often works in REVERSE.   23  And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24  Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25  When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26  But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”… 30  But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Matthew 19:23-26, 30 (ESV)   30  This is the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first. Matthew 19:30 (MSG)   2) God's call to me is different than His call to OTHERS.   1  “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2  After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3  And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4  and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' 5  So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6  And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?' 7  They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.' Matthew 20:1-7 (ESV)   8  Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9  who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (ESV)    3) God's Rewards are based upon His GRACE.   8  And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' 9  And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10  Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. Matthew 20:8-10 (ESV)   ·       Salvation by grace is inherently UNFAIR.   3  among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4  But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5  even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— Ephesians 2:3-5 (ESV)   4) God CALLS THE SHOTS in His Kingdom.   11  And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12  saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' 13  But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14  Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15  Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' 16  So the last will be first, and the first last.” Matthew 20:11-16 (ESV)   ·       God isn't interested in being fair, but JUST, HOLY & RIGHTEOUS.   4  Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." Revelation 15:4 (NIV)                                   

True Stories # 10 Pt. 7: Unworthy Service By Louie Marsh, 9-22-2024 1) ENTER into the reality of real service.   7  “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table'? 8  Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Luke 17:7-8 (ESV)   Not like working for someone today, not like being a butler or servant today in USA   Greek word doulos  common word for slave.   Very similar to the “servants” I've seen in SE Asia. They live with masters and serve until they aren't needed anymore. Not set hours and duties are what they are told to do. Period.   9  Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? Luke 17:9 (ESV)   After working all day, clean up, change clothes, fix dinner from scratch and serve it. After Master is done then you eat.   All that and you get no special word of thanks.   2) Real servants of Jesus do ALL that is commanded.   10  So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'” Luke 17:10 (ESV)   ·       A FEW COMMANDS   o   LOVE my enemies.   44  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44 (ESV)   o   FORGIVE everyone.   12  and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12 (ESV)   o   SHARE the gospel.   15  And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15 (ESV)   o   PRAY continually.   17  pray continually; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)   o   DIE to myself.   35  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. Mark 8:35 (ESV)   ·       Doing all that makes me an UNWORTHY servant.     3) Real servants of Jesus go ABOVE & BEYOND   28  After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” John 19:28 (ESV)   38  “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39  But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40  And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41  And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42  Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-42 (ESV)   12  Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15  Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16  Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Philippians 3:12-16 (ESV)                            

True Stories Pt. 6: Love God Not Money By Louie Marsh, 9-15-2024   Intro slides – last one love of money kills   1) I need to BEWARE of materialism.   13  Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14  But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15  And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:13-15 (ESV)   ·       I need to actively be on my GUARD.   Steve Taylor Video    24  Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, Jude 1:24 (ESV)   ·       All forms of greed are DANGEROUS.   5  Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5 (ESV)   22  As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. Matthew 13:22 (ESV)   ·       My life has nothing to do with what I OWN.   23  Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)   4  When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:4 (ESV)   2) Never ASSUME what will happen, God is in control.   16  And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17  and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' 18  And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19  And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”' 20  But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' Luke 12:16-20 (ESV)   ·       I can't take it with me & I don't know when I'll LOSE it.   4  “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Psalm 39:4 (ESV)   3) The Bottom Line on Treasure.    ·       I must remember my treasure is GOD'S NOT MINE.   21  So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21 (ESV)   10  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)   ·       If I'm rich towards God He will PROVIDE for me.   17  As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)                                    

True Stories Pt 5: Real Prayer Is Persistent By Louie Marsh, 9-8-2024    1) When I pray I must not LOSE heart.   1  And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1 (ESV)   1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 Corinthians 4:1 (ESV)   What Does This Tell Me?   ·       Praying isn't EASY.   13  As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV)   ·       Prayerlessness is usually a HEART issue.   4  Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (ESV)   2) In prayer I should BASH ON regardless!   Ted Sutton's saying.    2  He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3  And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.' 4  For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5  yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'” Luke 18:2-5 (ESV)   ·       The judge doesn't care -but God LOVES me.   20  Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me! Psalm 66:20 (ESV)   ·       The widow is so aggressive the judge is SCARED of her.   That word is from ὑπώπιον, the part of the face under the eyes, and means to strike under the eye; to give one a black eye. "Lest at last she come and assault me." So Goebel and Meyer, and so Wyc., "Lest at the last she, coming, strangle me;" and Tynd., "Lest at the last she come and rail on me." Word Studies in the New Testament.   17  pray continually; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)   3) God will act in my life at just the RIGHT time.   6  And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7  And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8  I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily…” Luke 18:6-8a (ESV)   13  But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. Psalm 69:13 (ESV)    4) If Jesus came today, would he find me in PERSISTENT PRAYER?   …Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:8 (ESV)   11  Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV)    

True Stories Pt. 4: Seeking the Lost By Louie Marsh, 9-1-2024   Intro – 4 slides, Helen Keller last one.   1) If I love the lost I'm going to be CRITICIZED.   1  Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2  And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2 (ESV)   ·       Loving the lost like Jesus means I RELATE with them.   29  And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30  And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Luke 5:29-30 (ESV)   2) I need to LEARN HOW to respond to criticism like Jesus did.   ·       I don't take personal attacks PERSONALLY.   20  I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (ESV)   39  But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 (ESV)   3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3   ·       Use their attacks as a TEACHING MOMENT.   3  So he told them this parable: Luke 15:3 (ESV)   44  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV)   3) I need to SEE the lost like Jesus does.   4  “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' 7  Luke 15:4-6 (ESV)   ·       I belong to God by right of CREATION.   4  “What man of you, having a hundred sheep…   ·       I am lost by my own CHOICES.   … if he has lost one of them…   ·       Jesus searched me out and rescued me on the CROSS.   5  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6  who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)   8  but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (ESV)   ·       He wants me to be in God's KINGDOM.   6  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'   4) I need to understand that EVERYONE needs to change.   7  Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:4-7 (ESV)   ·       The goal of God's work in my life is to make me LIKE JESUS.   18  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)  

True Stories Pt. 3 – Loving the Unlovely & Inconvenient By Louie Marsh, 8-25-2024   (2 Sam 15.23–16.14) chronicles the story of David and his followers who escaped Jerusalem along this route after David's son Absalom had declared himself king. King Zedekiah of Judah used the road when he tried to escape the advancing Chaldeans in 586/587 B.C.   Josephus tells us that the Tenth Roman Legion used this Jericho‑Jerusalem road on their way to besiege Jerusalem in A.D. 69.   When Mark Twain traveled along the Jericho Road during his 1867 pilgrimage, his party employed "two gorgeous young Arab sheikhs" armed with cargoes of swords, guns, pistols and daggers to protect them from imaginary Beduin marauders.  Mark Twain states that during his entire pilgrimage, he had no more need for the "guards" than he had for patent leather boots or white kid gloves   SHOW PICS AND VIDEO   1) I need to PAY ATTENTION to what I'm saying.   25  And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25 (ESV)   ·       Pray that God will help me COMMUNATE clearly.   “19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,” (Ephesians 6:19, ESV)   2) Rationalizing moral/spiritual failure is a function of my EGO.   26  He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27  And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28  And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” 29  But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:26-29 (ESV)   3) Regardless of my status in life, God wants to USE ME.   30  Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31  Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32  So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33  But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. Luke 10:30-33 (ESV)   ·       There are opportunities all around me if I have eyes to SEE.   “18having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,” (Ephesians 1:18, ESV)   4) Christian compassion equals ACTION.   34  He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35  And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Luke 10:34-35 (ESV)   ·       What I do is determined by what PEOPLE NEED.   15  If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16  and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17  So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:15-17 (ESV)     5) My neighbor is whoever GOD puts in my path.   36  Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37  He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37 (ESV)        

True Stories Pt. 2: The Far Country At Home By Louie Marsh, 8-18-2024   Intro – 3 graphics and then what is a parable.   1) Never forget – Christianity is all about my HEART.   25  “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26  And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27  And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' Luke 15:25-27 (ESV)   Notice he was working when his younger brother came home. His type is seldom counted as lost, either by himself or others. This makes his condition all the more hopeless. He is not away in the distant land among swine as is the case with his prodigal brother, although he is just as lost. He is in an environment that is wholesome and clean. "Now the elder son was in the field." Socially he had not brought reproach upon his father. He had resisted all temptation to physical dissipation. He was industrious and thrifty. His conduct created no scandal.   7  But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)   He was in short someone we'd all call a “good man.” Would have made a great church member, yet he did not know his Father – he was separated from God – a completely works righteousness kind of person.   Show pic – Damned Thru The Church   25  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26  You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. 27  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. Matthew 23:25-27 (ESV)   2) I know I've drifted from God when I RESENT other's blessings.   28  But he was angry and refused to go in…. Luke 15:28a (ESV)   3) God FOLLOWS me when I drift from him.   28 …His father came out and entreated him, Luke 15:28b (ESV)   19  We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (ESV)   6  For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6 (ESV)   4) The results of trying to get right with God by WORKING.   ·       I fail to really KNOW the Lord.    29  but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. Luke 15:29 (ESV)   The seven deadly sins, also known as the capital vices or cardinal sins, is a grouping and classification of vices within Christian teachings. Behaviors or habits are classified under this category if they directly give birth to other immoralities.  According to the standard list, they are pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth.   This classification originated with the desert fathers, especially Evagrius Ponticus, who identified seven or eight evil thoughts or spirits that one needed to overcome. Evagrius' pupil John Cassian, with his book The Institutes, brought the classification to Europe, where it became fundamental to Catholic confessional practices   ·       I RESENT it when God gives grace to others.   30  But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' Luke 15:30 (ESV)   38  John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39  But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Mark 9:38-39 (ESV)   5) I completely miss the HEART of God.   31  And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32  It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'” Luke 15:31-32 (ESV)        

True Stories Pt. 1: The Prodigal God, Luke 15:11-24 By Louie Marsh, 8-11-2024   What is a Parable?   1.     a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson. 2.     a statement or comment that conveys a meaning indirectly by the use of comparison, analogy, or the like. 3.     Jesus did not invent parables, they were a common Rabbinic teaching tool and had been used for centuries.   Introduction: I believe that it's essential every once in a while to return to our foundations.  For the next two weeks we do so via a parable usually called the Prodigal Son.  In reality it's really the parable of the Prodigal God, since prodigal means extravagant, lavish and unrestrained.       The father is the central character of this parable.  He is our Father.  Who is the father?   The Father is God - the prodigal God.       This parable can have its intended impact on us only if we put ourselves into the shoes of both sons.  Today we look at the son who left, and see what this, possibly the greatest parable of Jesus, tells us about what kind of God the Bible reveals to us.   1) God Is APPROACHABLE.   11  And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12  And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them. Luke 15:11-12 (ESV)   ·       I have direct access to God only in CHRIST.   5  For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2:5 (ESV)   Son went directly to him and asked for his inheritance - before he had any real right to it! Notice he didn't go through Mom, but right to Dad.   The son wasn't honest with his Father but...the Father gave to him anyway.  That's the love of God.   Why Leave A Father Like This?   ·       It's all about control and/or LORDSHIP.   Come Thou Fount – by Robert Robertson, 1757 Oh to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constrained to be Let your goodness like a fetter Bind my wandering heart to thee Jesus sought me while a stranger Wandering from the heart of God   ·       It's all about my ego & EARNING IT.   16  Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" Matthew 19:16 (NIV)   Think about our inheritance from the Father. Everything we need to live fulfilled lives is given to us in Christ! And THAT is the problem!   We want to earn them ourselves! Not rely on God for them so we seek independence from God. There is another reason too. We want to be like the Father, but we want to get that way by doing it ourselves.   ·       There's a word for this - SIN.   3  In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4  and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5  but for Cain and his offering he had no regard... Genesis 4:3-5a (ESV)   2) God loves me with UNRESTRAINED love.   13  Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14  And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15  So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16  And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17  “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18  I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19  I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” Luke 15:13-19 (ESV)   ·       God gives me free will so I may freely CHOOSE to love Him.     ·       The Far Country is where my heart is at HOME. Where did the younger son go? There is one fascinating possibility that goes all the way back to Alexander the Great. By the time Jesus told the story, Alexander had long since changed the landscape of the world. His Greek city-states had been planted throughout his empire, promoting a new educational philosophy, a new look at religion, and most strikingly, a new look at sexuality. Alexander didn't force his way of life on the countries he captured. He simply built brand new cities within them, complete with theaters, gymnasiums, schools, and explicit nude statues . For people who had never seen even one page of pornography, the naked statues and the anything-goes gymnasiums in those towns were a shocking contrast to their lives as Orthodox Jews. And one of the largest of Alexander's city states – the Decapolis – which means ten cities– was within walking distance of the very place where Jesus told the story. The Decapolis was a group of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire in the southeastern Levant in the first centuries BC and AD. The cities formed a group because of their language, culture, location, and political status, with each functioning as an autonomous city-state dependent on Rome. It was the center of Greek and Roman culture in that region. The Rabbis hated it and everything it stood for. Who knows how many sermons were preached against it. Do you remember when people used to call Las Vegas “Sin City?” Well the Rabbi's had a name for the Decapolis too. Believe it or not they called it “The Far Country.” For us today:   The Realm of Rebellion - a condition of the soul. A rejection of God. Relationships, priorities, etc. all focus on self. The Far Country is the Land of Self Will! What's MY Far Country?   ·       Leaving home is a PROCESS.   Notice that he took a little while to do it. We're like the son, little by little we drift away from God.   FIRST it's little things, like daily devotions, church attendance every Sunday.   SECOND it's our plans, soon it's our money.  Before long it's our deepest relationships (God can't tell me how to treat my wife!).   FINALLY it's our hearts. Prayer fades away, His guidance in our lives becomes irrelevant. After that we find ourselves uncomfortable around people who speak about God in a personal way.   ·       Apart from God's grace it always ends in DESPAIR.   The glamour wears off - and the trouble starts! Now we see just how free liberated the self-willed life really is. He was reduced to not only feeding hogs (unclean animals to Jews) but actually eating food the hogs didn't want! He was totally degraded.   ·       The great blessing – his moment of CLAIRTY.    He woke up to what had happened to him. He saw that living without God is insane! He rehearsed his confession, and decided that he would only ask to be a servant, wasn't good enough to be a son anymore.   3) God's love is UNDYING.   20  And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21  And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22  But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23  And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate. Luke 15:20-24 (ESV)   ·       Our Father is always WAITING & WATCHING.   God is constantly watching, waiting and longing for us to return to Him. Look - God runs to meet you!  He loves you enough to lose His dignity. Whatever else you believe about God - don't miss this!  He runs to us, out least response unleashes His complete response.   Eastern Proverb: (God speaking) "Who draws near to me an inch, I will draw near to him a mile, and whoso walks to meet me, I will leap to meet him."   ·       His Forgiveness is COMPLETE & PERMANENT.   The son tries to get his little speech out - but can't! The Father restores him to full sonship - and doesn't want to hear his speech.   Give your life to this God today!      

Let Freedom Ring Pt. 11: Free To Carry the Cross By Louie Marsh, 8-4-2024   Show new sermon series logo on cue!   The Nigerian Voice: A husband walks home from church after a confession he made to the priest about his wife. He reaches home, calls out his wife and carries her in his arms.  The woman is surprised and asks:  Wife: Honey, did the priest tell u to be so romantic like this.Husband: No, he said I should come home and carry my cross.    Quotes:   “It is to the Cross that the Christian is challenged to follow his Master: no path of redemption can make a detour around it.”  ― Hans Urs von Balthasar,   Paul's Proof - “11See what large letters I am using to write to you with my own hand!” (Galatians 6:11, BSB)   Paul closes Galatians by focusing on the CROSS   “12Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ…“14But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:12, 14, BSB)   Carrying Jesus' Cross   1) Sets me free from…   MINDLESS religious conformity.   12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Galatians 6:12 (ESV)   A HOLLOW FAITH   “13For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.” (Galatians 6:13, BSB)   Cultural CAPTIVITY   “14But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14, BSB)   For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate. Galatians 6:14 (MSG)   10  You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,…14  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it.  2 Timothy 3:10, 14 (ESV)   2) Sets me free to…   FOCUS on the eternal things of God.   “15For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation. 16Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:15–16, BSB)   PAY the price of following Jesus   17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. Galatians 6:17 (ESV)   LIVE by grace.   “17From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” (Galatians 6:17, BSB)   “3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” (Galatians 1:3, BSB)   3) How do I carry my cross?   UNDERSTAND what Jesus has done for me.   “13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” (Galatians 3:13–14, BSB)   GIVE MY LIFE to Jesus as Leader & Forgiver.   Then Jesus said to the disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. Matthew 16:24-25 (NLT)      

Let Freedom Ring Pt. 9: Free To Live in Community By Louie Marsh, 7-28-2024   1) The Underlying Principle of Community   I REAP what I SOW.   “7Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” (Galatians 6:7, BSB)   o  This is NOT KARMA.   Karma is impersonal -Reaping & Sowing are overseen by an all Wise & knowing God.   Sowing to the flesh = DESTRUCTION   “8The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction…” (Galatians 6:8a, BSB)   Sowing to the Spirit = LIFE   “8…but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8b, BSB)   2)  Some Signs of a Free Christian Community RESTORATION   “1Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1, BSB)   Brothers and sisters, if a person gets trapped by wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should help that person turn away from doing wrong. Do it in a gentle way. At the same time watch yourself so that you also are not tempted. Galatians 6:1 (GW) OPENNESS   “2Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”… “6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.” (Galatians 6:2, 6, BSB)   Burden = Something far too heavy or large to one person to carry – my move last week!   I need to share both the GOOD & the BAD COOPERATION   “3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else.” (Galatians 6:3–4, BSB) o   I must stop COMPARING myself to others. RESPONSIBILITY   “5For each one should carry his own load.” (Galatians 6:5, BSB)   Load = a normal load for a ship, animal or person to carry.   Assume your own responsibility. Galatians 6:5 (GW) PERSISTENCE   “9Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:9–10, BSB)   So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 (MSG)  

Let Freedom Ring Pt. 8: Free To Live by the Spirit By Louie Marsh, 7-21-2024   ONE WEIRD WEEK!   1)  There's only TWO ways to live   “16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, BSB)   Ø  By the HOLY SPIRIT   Ø  By my SINFUL NATURE (flesh)   Talk about what flesh is and isn't.   I must choose between them CONSTANTLY.   “17For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:17–18, BSB)   We will live with this war as long as we live – no Louie Land ideal life of not being torn.   2) Results of following my sinful nature.   “19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19–21, BSB)   4 Areas:       SEXUALITY : sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery FALSE WORSHIP idolatry and witchcraft RELATIONSHIPS hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; DRUNKENESS drunkenness, orgies, and the like   3) Results of following the Holy Spirit   “22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:22–24, BSB)   I live a life of LOVE   Love is the fruit of the Spirit – all the rest of the list define love! That's critical in this day of having no idea what love really is!   4) So I must choose to…   “25Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.” (Galatians 5:25–26, BSB)   REFUSE to follow my sinful nature.   STAY IN STEP with the Holy Spirit.  

Let Freedom Ring #7 Free To Be Free!, Galatians 5:1-15 By Louie Marsh, 7-29-2007   1)  Jesus set me free to BE FREE!   “1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, BSB)   Freedom has ETERNAL VALUE.   Why? What is that Value?   ·       You could say without it we can reach our full potential – true but not the real value ·       Because it makes me happy and that's what life is all about. ·       Real Reason: We are make in God's image, and are called to be like God, and God is Free!   The Two Components of Spiritual Freedom:   Free FROM   &  Free TO   3 Way this freedom works in my life   1) In my relationship with Jesus   Free From: SEEKING SECURITY which INVALIDATES Christ's power in my life.   Free To: Live life TRUSTING God's spirit alone.   “2Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness.” (Galatians 5:2–5, BSB)   2) In how I live out the truth.   “6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love. 7You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth? 8Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you. 9A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough. 10I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be. 11Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves!” (Galatians 5:6–12, BSB)   Why don't these agitators, obsessive as they are about circumcision, go all the way and castrate themselves! Galatians 5:12 (MSG)   Free From: DECEPTION   News Item: Giant Man-Eating Badgers in Basra British military officials are denying reports that they released, we kid you not, "strange man-eating bear-like" badgers to sow fear among the residents of Basra, Iraq. "We have not released giant badgers in Basra, and nor have we been collecting eggs and releasing serpents into the Shatt al-Arab river," Maj. David Gell tells reporters, according to The Guardian..   Free To: Live by FAITH through LOVE.   3) In how I view myself   “13For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”” (Galatians 5:13–14, BSB)   Free From: A SELF-CENTERED life   Free To: SERVE God & others

Let Freedom Ring Pt. 6: Born Free By Louie Marsh, 7-7-2025 Last slide – now I'm expensive   Allegory:   noun The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form. A story, picture, or play employing such representation. John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Herman Melville's Moby-Dick are allegories. A symbolic representation   Examples: “I shot the Rabbit of hope with my gun of despair!”   For instance, a crooked banker might symbolize greed, while the character of Mr. Legality in the allegory Pilgrim's Progress symbolizes a viewpoint that prioritizes the law over faith in Jesus Christ.   Changed into his likeness book.   “21Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand what the law says?” (Galatians 4:21, BSB)   1) The Historical Choice: two SONS.   “22For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. (Galatians 4:22, BSB)   ·       Ismael – the son of a SLAVE.   23His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh,.. (Galatians 4:23a, BSB)   ·       Isaac – the son of a FREE woman.   23…but his son by the free woman was born through the promise.” (Galatians 4:22–23, BSB)   2) The Allegorical Choice: Two RELIGIONS.   “24These things serve as illustrations, for the women represent two covenants… (Galatians 4:24a BSB)   ·       Old Covenant – a religion of BONDAGE to the Law.   One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery: This is Hagar. 25Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present-day Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children… (Galatians 4:24b–25, BSB)   ·       New Covenant – a religion of authentic FREEDOM.   . 26But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.”” (Galatians 4:25–27, BSB)   3) The Personal Choice – Two WAYS to live.   “28Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now. 30But what does the Scripture say? “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son.” 31Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.” (Galatians 4:28–31, BSB)   ·       I can trust in MYSELF.   ·       Or I can trust in JESUS.  

Let Freedom Ring Part 5: Freedom in Knowing God By Louie Marsh 6-30-2024 Last slide – do something!   1) I can only KNOW God in Christ.   “8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.” (Galatians 4:8, BSB)   2) Knowing God is knowing I'm part of His KINGDOM.   “9But now that you know God, or rather are known by God…(Galatians 4:9a, BSB)   “17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth 19of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17–19, BSB)   Power = exosuia – power, right, authority.   3) Sin and legalism = SLAVERY.   …how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” (Galatians 4:9b, BSB)   ·       Legalism looks deep – but it really just EMPTY.   “Any existence deprived of freedom is a kind of death.” - Michel Aoun   “to other than the creator, we do not kneel.”  - Michel Aoun   Michel Aoun, Former Lebanese president from 31 October 2016 until 30 October 2022   "Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought."  -- Pope John Paul II 4) I have the freedom to serve God SACRIFICIALLY. “12I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. 13You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself. 15What then has become of your blessing? For I can testify that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:12–16, BSB)   ·       If I'm not sacrificing, am I SERVING at all?   5) So I'll be able to know & live God's PURPOSE.   “17Those people are zealous for you, but not in a good way. Instead, they want to isolate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. 18Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose—at any time, and not only when I am with you. 19My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.” (Galatians 4:17–20, BSB)