discipleup podcast

Disciple Up #301 Gospel Betrayal & a Hiatus By Louie Marsh, 4-10-2023   Links Used in the show   https://dailycaller.com/2023/04/04/pastor-nashville-shooters-trans-identity-jesus-crucifixion/   Pastor Compares Nashville Shooter's Trans Identity To Jesus' Crucifixion   A Lutheran pastor appeared to compare Jesus' crucifixion with the transgender Nashville school shooter in a sermon delivered just days after the attack.   Pastor Micah Louwagie, who leads the St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota, delivered a sermon on Palm Sunday discussing Jesus' crucifixion and how it was “baffling” that “someone's existence can be so threatening” that they should be killed. Louwagie then claimed that those who point to 28-year-old Nashville school shooter Audrey Hale's transgender identity as a potential motive for the shooting are calling for the “eradication of trans folks,” just like those who called for Jesus' death   “The chief priests and the whole counsel were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death, those leaders were looking for any excuse, valid or not, to crucify Jesus,” Louwagie said. “They would kill the one whose reputation as a teacher and healer and whose mission of love and dignity was so very threatening to their own reputation that they needed to kill him in order to preserve their own good image. There are a significant number of people who have deemed that the fact that the Nashville shooter happened to be a trans person, so it's been reported, is just the excuse they need to call for the eradication of trans folks.”   I wondered if the mainline response to Nashville would be a little less crazy than usual, but nope, we've already got a tortured analogy linking Jesus' crucifixion to the transgender mass shooter pic.twitter.com/ULm1xi9BoV   — Woke Preacher Clips (@WokePreacherTV) April 3, 2023   Louwagie later went on to criticize the lack of focus on “gun violence” and that “six people were dead.” The pastor said that the desire to cause “harm” to certain communities “has happened before,” citing the Holocaust, Japanese internment camps during World War II, racial segregation and “migrants being held in cages.”   “Jesus did not die for this,” Louwagie said. “Jesus did not die so violence could be perpetuated in God's name, Jesus did not die for access to guns. God incarnate did not die on that cross so that people could value money, power, and the preservation of their own image over the bodies and lives of people. Actually, I'm pretty sure that's what Jesus died to free us from, so why are we still not free?”   Second Link Used: https://www.milarch.org/walter-reed-national-military-medical-center-terminates-catholic-pastoral-care-contract-during-holy-week/   Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Terminates Catholic Pastoral Care Contract During Holy Week Move violates First Amendment Right to Free Exercise of Religion APRIL 7, 2023   WASHINGTON, DC – Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has issued a “cease and desist order” to Holy Name College, a community of Franciscan Catholic priests and brothers, who have provided pastoral care to service members and veterans at Walter Reed for nearly two decades.   The government's cease and desist order directed the Catholic priests to cease any religious services at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This order was issued as Catholics entered Holy Week, the most sacred of days in the Christian faith, in which they participate in liturgies remembering Jesus' passion, and leading the Church to celebrate the Resurrection on Easter morning.   The Franciscans' contract for Catholic Pastoral Care was terminated on March 31, 2023, and awarded to a secular defense contracting firm that cannot fulfill the statement of work in the contract. As a result, adequate pastoral care is not available for service members and veterans in the United States' largest Defense Health Agency medical center either during Holy Week or beyond. There is one Catholic Army chaplain assigned to Walter Reed Medical Center, but he is in the process of separating from the Army.   His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, condemned the move as an encroachment on the First Amendment guarantee of the Free Exercise of Religion. Archbishop Broglio said:  “It is incomprehensible that essential pastoral care is taken away from the sick and the aged when it was so readily available.  This is a classic case where the adage ‘if it is not broken, do not fix it' applies.  I fear that giving a contract to the lowest bidder overlooked the fact that the bidder cannot provide the necessary service.  I earnestly hope that this disdain for the sick will be remedied at once and their First Amendment rights will be respected.”

Disciple Up #300 God In Drag – Drag Is Holy? By Louie Marsh, 3-29-2023   Link to article below: https://hotair.com/david-strom/2023/03/21/oh-my-god-n538175   Oh. My. God. DAVID STROM 12:31 PM on March 21, 2023    I am not a theologian, nor do I play one on TV.   I didn't even stay in a Holiday Inn Express.   Still, as a convert to Catholicism, I was catechized as an adult, and have a passing familiarity with Christian theology. I also, I hope, am not a complete idiot, and it takes a complete idiot to take the new theology being pushed by the Left seriously.   Two different videos I ran across inspired me to write this piece. The first was a video of a progressive preacher explaining why drag performances are holy. Not just acceptable. Not even a wonderful expression of the diversity of human experience.   Holy.   ‘Drag is holy'? Get help buddy. pic.twitter.com/l8tmlOfAsE   —

Disciple Up # 299 Rethinking the Quiet Time By Louie Marsh, 3-22-2023   Intro. Sorry for mix up and briefly posting Sunday's sermon on this feed! State of the podcast, what about next week? We're hitting number 300! That's quite a run. What would you like to hear on that one?   https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/april/quit-quiet-time-devotions-bible-literacy-reading-scripture.html   Is It Time to Quit ‘Quiet Time'? Effective biblical engagement must be about more than one's personal experience with Scripture. DRU JOHNSON AND CELINA DURGIN | MARCH 13, 2023   I began to realize that their poor grasp of Scripture wasn't necessarily due to a lack of reading, although that's also a large problem in the US. From 2021 to 2022, Bible engagement—scored on frequency of use, spiritual impact, and moral importance in day-to-day life—fell 21 percent among American adult Bible users. It was the American Bible Society's largest recorded one-year drop in its annual State of the Bible study. And almost 1 in 5 churchgoers said they never read the Bible.   But for my students, many of whom read the Bible daily and have chosen to attend a Christian college, their poor grasp on and application of Scripture seems to be due to the way they engage with it. It is a way many American Christians have been reading the Bible for decades: through “daily devotions” or “quiet time.”   The way daily quiet time is typically practiced today is unlikely to yield the fluency required to understand and apply biblical teaching. Only when devotional time is situated within a matrix of Scripture study habits can it regain its power to transform our thinking and our communities.   How could my students be reading the Bible so much yet have so little understanding of the Torah, pay almost no attention to its focus on the new heavens and new earth, and be confused over concepts like salvation and evil? CT previously discussed the Lifeway Research statistics that reveal this trend of Bible illiteracy among the wider population. Their daily devotion to Scripture seemed to distance them from understanding key parts of it.   My students were not Bible literate. They didn't really know the stories, characters, ideas, and themes in the Bible, much less how the literature itself fits together and argues for a particular view of the world. And as Christians, we must aim beyond basic literacy. We hope to know and practice the thinking and instruction of Scripture fluently, extending its wisdom into all the areas of life that it doesn't directly address.   Johnson traces the modern practice of quiet time to the 1870s, when American evangelicals merged two previously separate Puritan devotional practices: private prayer and private Bible study. This fusion of prayer and Bible study morphed into “morning watch,” which emphasized intercessory prayer. From there it became “quiet time,” which deemphasized intercessory prayer in favor of quiet listening or meditation. This new emphasis on individuals receiving daily insights from God transformed the nature of the Bible engagement taught to generations of American Christians.   Daily devotions have been characteristically solitary and have not usually involved rigorous study of Scripture. Instead, readers often focus on one chapter or even a few verses per session, from which they may expect to receive God's guidance for their personal life in that moment. Daily devotions typically include a period of prayerful “listening” for God's voice, which is believed to manifest either in the verses read that session or via direct communication to the mind of the listener.   Though this listening may be expectant, it is essentially passive. It's often guided by a tacit belief that God's Word speaks and transforms through sudden insights directed at individual readers, rather than through sustained study and active questioning in community.   In contrast to sermons and group Bible study, daily devotions became exercises in inward, individual formation, sharing tendencies with the secular modernism of the era. Quiet-time advocates began identifying the main benefit of daily devotions as “a transformed self rather than a transformed world,” Johnson writes in his dissertation.   While personal character formation is essential, in isolation it aligns better with modernist tendencies than with the biblical focus on character formation through habits, rituals, and guidance from the community. This inward focus can also cast the formation of justice in communities and systems—a primary concern of the biblical authors—as adhering to individualistic ethical principles.   Today, daily quiet time often doesn't involve Scripture at all. As CT has noted elsewhere, 2023 Lifeway Research revealed that although 65 percent of Protestant churchgoers spend time alone with God daily, only 39 percent read the Bible during that time. If this statistic means that Christians are trading hurried and fragmented devotional reading for holistic group Bible study, then perhaps so much the better. But the drop in overall Bible engagement in the ABS study suggests that more Christians simply aren't reading it.   The danger is clear: Listening for God's insights from Scripture and in prayer without communal accountability can produce a tenuous understanding of Christianity.   If Bible literacy is declining, even for those who read devotionally every day, then what is the way forward? Most of the parachurch ministries we talked to reported that they have been considering methods that provide a wider perspective of Scripture. These include ancient Scripture reading rituals that many evangelical churches have rarely practiced (such as lectio divina, the Daily Office from The Book of Common Prayer, and so on). But the practice most mentioned by ministry leaders was the public, or communal, reading of Scripture.   In some ways, this form of Bible engagement is the opposite of quiet time. Rather than reading, communities listen to long stretches of Scripture together—sometimes 30 minutes to an hour long—either using audio Bibles or having people read aloud. Bible professors have long noted that the natural habitat of Scripture is in the ears of gathered Christians, not the eyes of individuals. The effects of long-form Scripture engagement on Bible literacy are all anecdotal at this point.   From Moses to Josiah to Nehemiah, communal Bible reading was normal at key points of Israel's history. Public reading of Scripture occurs at Sinai (Ex. 19:7), during Josiah's reforms (2 Kings 23:1–2), and for all the returnees to Judah in Ezra's day (Neh. 8), among other instances. And the synagogue practice of reading the Torah and Prophets every Sabbath (Luke 4:16–17; Acts 13:14–15) emerged around the third century prior to Jesus.  

Disciple Up # 298 Dishonest Christian Publishers By Louie Marsh   Links used during this Podcast   https://estephenburnett.lorehaven.com/pssst-christian-endorsers-of-bad-books-may-not-have-even-read-them/   https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/march-web-only/christian-publishers-book-endorsements-authors-tgc-butler.html   https://archive.thinkprogress.org/meet-donald-trumps-new-evangelical-advisory-board-6a5bfc5460d7/   Excerpts from CT article:   The Problem with Christian Book Endorsements Publishers and authors have played along by pushing celebrity blurbs—but it's time to rewrite the rules of promotion. KATELYN BEAT   As an editor at a Christian publisher, I review multiple book proposals each week. Authors pitching a new project will share a table of contents, a sample of their writing, their bio, statistics about their platform, and—always—a list of confirmed or potential endorsers.   It's a strange detail, since most trade nonfiction books aren't already written when the author goes under contract with a publisher. This means that endorsers have agreed to endorse something that doesn't exist.   Authors and agents are simply playing the rules that publishers set, and in Christian publishing—as with all book publishing—it's about who you know.   Many authors hate seeking endorsements; it feels self-promotional and vulnerable. But endorsements are simply part of the deal, going back to at least 1856, when Walt Whitman had Ralph Waldo Emerson's letter praising Leaves of Grass published in the New-York Tribune prior to the book's second edition.   It's a risky thing to do—especially when an endorser hasn't read the book.   Last week, The Gospel Coalition published, then unpublished, an excerpt from the forthcoming book Beautiful Union: How God's Vision for Sex Points Us to the Good, Unlocks the True, and (Sort of) Explains Everything. Readers criticized the author, Joshua Ryan Butler, saying he misconstrued the marriage metaphor in Ephesians 5, making it pornographic, male-centric, and ripe for abuse.   As criticisms mounted, ministry leader Dennae Pierre and pastor Rich Villodas publicly retracted their book endorsements. Pierre said she had written hers “based on training Josh had done for local pastors” and had done a “quick skim” of the book. Villodas said a mutual friend had invited him to endorse the book: “I agreed to the favor, but in poor judgment, read only 25-30% of it.”   It was good for Pierre and Villodas to admit they hadn't fully read a book that will feature their names, at least on the first printing. Their retractions are a wake-up call for book buyers: Endorsements aren't always about quality of writing or theological soundness. In practice, they aren't even always an honest assessment of someone else's work.   Rather, in an age fixated on platform, endorsements are about establishing the market appeal of an author based on their connections to famous people. As such, endorsements are usually driven by celebrity, mutual back-scratching, and power consolidated through loose social, professional, and ministry networks. There's a reason that endorsements come through the marketing team (not editorial): Endorsements are marketing tools, not editorial reviews.   Of course, many endorsers offer blurbs for good reasons. They want to support friends and acquaintances. In a market where sales often boil down to platform, many famous people want to share the spotlight, or shine it on emerging voices. Plus, a Christian culture of niceness—and the blurring of lines between friendship and commerce—make it hard to say no to endorsement requests. (Note that Villodas said he agreed to a “favor.”) After all, whoever blurbs sparingly will also be blurbed sparingly, for God loves a cheerful blurber.   I consider it a red flag that some faith-based publishers will write an endorsement for a celebrity who doesn't have time to write it themselves. Let me repeat that: A publishing team member, coveting a celebrity's name on a forthcoming title, will contact them or their team and say, “We know you're very busy because you're very important and clearly called to do big things for God, so you probably won't have time to read this book. But we would be so honored to have your support. Might you say something like this? [fill in endorsement].” Then the celebrity or their assistant signs off on the wording or tweaks it before it appears on the book.   Imagine if the blurb appeared as it was written:   Timely and compelling message! —Famous Pastor —Marketing Intern   It doesn't have the same ring, but at least it's honest.   Likewise, it's mostly up to blurbers to be honest about their blurbs. Personally, I would love to see more blurbs that include praise and critique; one needn't agree with every detail in a book to commend it as worth reading.   It would be unorthodox, from an industry view, for faith-based publishers to drop endorsements on principle of resisting celebrity. But it could also honor the central task to which Christian publishers are called: to edify Christian readers and deepen the faith of everyday believers, not to serve as an avenue for aspiring leaders to boost each other's careers.   Christian publishers have been implicated in scandals around ghostwriting, plagiarism, and extending the platforms of unhealthy and abusive leaders. If they are also asking endorsers to essentially lie to book buyers, we have deep problems to attend to.   Katelyn Beaty is editorial director of Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group. She is the author of Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church.   ANOTHER ARTICLE:   At The Gospel Coalition, Joe Carter summarized who said what:   On Tuesday, several evangelical leaders drew criticism for promoting the newest book of Paula White, a prosperity gospel preacher who has repeatedly been accused of teaching heretical doctrines. Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said “you might want to check it out.” Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Dallas, said to “give it to anyone looking for hope!” Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, declared, “It is powerful. I highly recommend it!” And Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University, added, “Paula's life is an encouragement to so many and I'm sure this book will encourage you.” (It's unclear whether these men have actually read the book or if they support White's teachings.)   Since then, several of those endorsers have removed their original tweets, such as Franklin Graham's.   But here's one annoying secret about book endorsements: Sometimes the endorser has not even read the book being endorsed.   This apparently open “secret” leaked some time ago, thanks in part to author Randy Alcorn. In this article, he wrote:   I'm often asked to endorse an entire book based on one chapter, and several times I've been sent an-already written endorsement and asked if I would agree to have my name attached to it! Personally, I don't think this is ethical. I've also been told by several Christian leaders they would be glad to endorse my book, and they were having a staff person read it and give me the endorsement under the leader's name. I've had to explain I don't believe in ghost-written endorsements, so no need to send me one because I couldn't use it. That's an awkward situation for everybody.   This is one of several objections Alcorn shared about “acceptable” practices in Christian publishing. He also critiques ghostwriting and other practices, such as paid celebrity endorsements for nonprofit groups. Alcorn calls these “the scandal of evangelical dishonesty.”1   Earlier this week, I shared some of this info (along with a little speculation about one old, and since removed, celebrity endorsement of another book). Since then, blogger Julie Roys confirmed that, indeed, one endorser had not actually read Paula White-Cain's book:   . . . When pressed about whether he's certain that there's nothing in White's book that supports prosperity gospel, Jeffress said: “My schedule is so busy, I can't read every book word for word. But what I did see was really her autobiographical account of her past and how God redeemed her life.”   . . . Yet when I asked Jeffress if he's sure that White's theology is orthodox, and that she is not a proponent of the prosperity gospel, Jeffress said, “All I can say is she claims not to be.” I asked Jeffress whether he's investigated what White teaches for himself and he answered, “No, no . . . I'm too busy in my own ministry to launch an investigation.”   Sure, perhaps Christian leaders really are very busy. Perhaps they haven't time to investigate another Christian leader, who has been reputably charged with promoting heresy. But in that case, perhaps you should—at minimum!—avoid endorsing the person's book? Especially if you haven't even read it? And even if you and the professing-Christian author share the same political fandoms?  

Disciple Up #297 The Gospel Coalition's Sex Article By Louie Marsh, 3-8-2023   An article was published on the Gospel Coalition's website last week. It immediately drew criticism, even from people who don't engage in online criticism like Rick Warren. In response TGC published a PDF of the intro and first chapter of the as yet unpublished book to help “give context.”   That only drew even more criticism and so as of March 6th, 2023 the link to that PDF became a link to an Open Letter.   I'll be reading the letter and then reading some excerpts from the PDF which I downloaded and is no longer available. In the show notes you'll find a few excerpts from the article but not the PDF since I don't own it and don't want to break the law. The link to the letter of apology is below.   https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/sex-wont-save-you/   Dear Readers,   Thank you for your feedback on the Keller Center's book excerpt from Joshua Butler posted on March 1, 2023. And thank you for your patience while we took the time to listen to our critics and the serious objections from concerned fellows, as well as discuss this matter with our Board of Directors and care for our friend Josh.   Earlier this week, we accepted Josh's resignation as a Keller Center fellow. He will no longer lead an online cohort with the center nor speak at TGC23. While he will no longer participate in these events, Josh remains a beloved brother and friend whom we respect and care deeply about.   To our fellows and our readers, please forgive us. The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics is a new effort by TGC, and we are still learning how to work with our directors and our fellows to produce content that will serve our readers in a way that is trusted and wise. To ensure greater accountability with our fellows, we will develop better review systems for our work together. We will also review our publication processes more broadly at TGC and develop plans to ensure greater accountability to you, our readers.   Again, thank you for your patience with us. At TGC, we want to provide a venue for healthy dialogue and robust debate on important matters that affect us all. We want to model grace-filled conversations, and we want to learn from one another. In this case, we failed you and hurt many friends. Thank you in advance for your continued prayers.   For Christ and his gospel,   Julius Kim President The Gospel Coalition   Excerpts from the article that started it all   Sex Won't Save You (But It Points to the One Who Will) MARCH 1, 2023 JOSH BUTLER   I used to look to sex for salvation. I wanted it to liberate me from loneliness; I wanted to find freedom in the arms of another. But the search failed.   Sex wasn't designed to be your salvation but to point you to the One who is.   Union with Christ   Sex is an icon of Christ and the church. In Ephesians 5:31–32, a “hall of fame” marriage passage, the apostle Paul proclaims, “‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church” (NIV; I've translated proskollao as “cleave”).   Paul says both are about Christ and the church.   This should be shocking! It's not only the giving of your vows at the altar but what happens in the honeymoon suite afterward that speaks to the life you were made for with God. A husband and wife's life of faithful love is designed to point to greater things, but so is their sexual union! This is a gospel bombshell: sex is an icon of salvation.   How? I'd suggest the language of generosity and hospitality can help us out.   At a deeper level, generosity is giving not just your resources but your very self. And what deeper form of self-giving is there than sexual union where the husband pours out his very presence not only upon but within his wife? Here again, what deeper form of hospitality is there than sexual union where the wife welcomes her husband into the sanctuary of her very self?   Giving and receiving are at the heart of sex.   The Bible makes this distinction explicit. The most frequent Hebrew phrase for sex is, literally, “he went into her” (wayyabo eleha). Translations often soften this for modern ears, saying he “made love to her” or they “slept together.” But the Bible is less prudish than we are, using more graphic language to describe what happens in the honeymoon tent.   Sexual Union Pictures the Gospel   This is a picture of the gospel. Christ arrives in salvation to be not only with his church but within his church. Christ gives himself to his beloved with extravagant generosity, showering his love upon us and imparting his very presence within us. Christ penetrates his church with the generative seed of his Word and the life-giving presence of his Spirit, which takes root within her and grows to bring new life into the world.   Inversely, back in the wedding suite, the bride embraces her most intimate guest on the threshold of her dwelling place and welcomes him into the sanctuary of her very self. She gladly receives the warmth of his presence and accepts the sacrificial offering he bestows upon the altar within her Most Holy Place.   Their union brings forth new creation.   Editors' note:   Josh Butler—a fellow at the newly launched Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics—will be leading a seven-week online cohort this spring on “The Beauty of the Christian Sexual Ethic,” based on his forthcoming book Beautiful Union (Multnomah, 2023). The cohort—limited to 200 participants—will meet weekly from May 11 to June 22, 2023. Learn more and register. This article was adapted from Beautiful Union: How God's Vision for Sex Points Us to the Good, Unlocks the True, and (Sort of) Explains Everything (Multnomah, April 2023) by Joshua Ryan Butler. Copyright © 2023 by Joshua Ryan Butler. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.   Josh Butler serves as a lead pastor of Redemption Tempe in Arizona, is the author of the critically acclaimed books Beautiful Union, The Skeletons in God's Closet and The Pursuing God, and is a fellow with The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. He lives in the American Southwest with his wife, Holly, daughter Aiden, and sons James and Jacob.

Disciple Up # 296 Is It Right to Accuse an Elder (Pastor)? By Louie Marsh, 2-27-2023   Link to podcast on YouTube.   Youtube.com/@discipleuppodcast9019   Response to last week – name redacted.   ·       "Oh Lucifer, the great accuser and slanderer. Praise Jesus Christ the living Son of the living God. I'll stay focused on the cross and Christ's redeeming blood, I suggest anyone… ·       "Oh lofty one, you're not an elder in this church, merely a Karen seeking for yourself your own vanity." ·       "Your post is in direct rebellion against the will of God, Mr. Pastor" ·       "Forgive me, I'm arrogant. But nonetheless, this doesn't belong on public platforms for all to see."   What the Bible Says:   “19Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.” (1 Timothy 5:19, ESV)   Against an elder (κατα πρεσβυτερου [kata presbuterou]). In the official sense of verses 17f. Receive not (μη παραδεχου [mē paradechou]). Present middle imperative with μη [mē] (prohibition) of παραδεχομαι [paradechomai], to receive, to entertain. Old verb. See Acts 22:18. Accusation (κατηγοριαν [katēgorian]). Old word (from κατηγορος [katēgoros]). In N. T. only here, Titus 1:6; John 18:29 in critical text. Except (ἐκτος εἰ μη [ektos ei mē]). For this double construction see 1 Cor. 14:5; 15:2. At the mouth of (ἐπι [epi]). Idiomatic use of ἐπι [epi] (upon the basis of) as in 2 Cor. 13:1. - A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), 1 Ti 5:19.   A Red Herring:   “15saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”” (Psalm 105:15, ESV)   In the verses leading up to God's command “Do not touch my anointed ones,” we read this:   “19When you were few in number, of little account, and sojourners in it, 20wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, 21he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, 22saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”” (1 Chronicles 16:19–22, ESV)   This passage refers to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When “they” (the patriarchs) were few in number, they lived as wandering strangers in a strange land (see Hebrews 11:9). Through all their travels and travails, God protected them, increased their number, and prevented the powerful rulers of the lands where they stayed from harming them.   David applied it to himself:   1 Samuel 26:9–11 (ESV): 9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD's anointed and be guiltless?” 10 And David said, “As the LORD lives, the LORD will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish. 11 The LORD forbid that I should put out my hand against the LORD's anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go.”   Remember: There's a big difference between questioning what someone says, and questioning their character.   “16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecies, 21but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–22, ESV)   What should our attitude be towards our leaders?   1) Respect them – or if you can't respect them you respect the position they hold   2) Approach them in love and with witnesses.   3) Have the goal of finding the truth and restoration foremost in your mind      

Disciple Up #295 The Asbury Revival & How God Works By Louie Marsh   https://www.christianpost.com/news/asbury-university-revival-moving-to-new-sites-as-movement-expands.html   https://churchleaders.com/news/445275-asbury-chapel-speaker-thought-he-totally-whiffed-sermon-2-weeks-later-christians-around-the-nation-are-still-responding-to-it.html   Youtube Revival link     Asbury Chapel Speaker Thought He ‘Totally Whiffed' Sermon; 2 Weeks Later, Christians Around the Nation Are Still Responding to It By Dale Chamberlain -February 20, 2023   During his chapel sermon on Wednesday, Feb. 8, Zach Meerkreebs instructed students to ask on another, "Do you love me?" (screengrabs via Asbury University)   What does it feel like to preach a sermon that sparks a weeks-long spiritual awakening filled with prayer, singing, and repentance, and which garners national attention and sparks hope in the hearts of Christians around the country?   For Zach Meerkreebs, it actually didn't feel that great. In fact, he thought the sermon had bombed.   “Latest stinker. I'll be home soon,” Meerkreebs reportedly texted his wife after delivering a chapel sermon on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 8, in the Hughes Auditorium of Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.   Meerkreebs later told The Free Press he was certain that he had “totally whiffed” the sermon.        

Disciple Up # 294 Is John MacArthur Enabling Abusers? By Louie Marsh, 2-15-2023   Grace Community Church Rejected Elder's Calls to ‘Do Justice' in Abuse Case While a former leader hopes for change, women who sought refuge in biblical counseling at John MacArthur's church say they feared discipline for seeking safety from their abusive marriages. KATE SHELLNUTT| - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 03:00 PM   https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2023/february/grace-community-church-elder-biblical-counseling-abuse.html   Last year, Hohn Cho concluded Grace Community Church had made a mistake. The elders had publicly disciplined a woman for refusing to take back her husband. As it turned out, the woman's fears proved true, and her husband went to prison for child molestation and abuse. The church never retracted its discipline or apologized in the 20 years since.   As a lawyer and one of four officers on the elder board at Grace Community Church (GCC), Cho was asked to study the case. He tried to convince the church's leaders to reconsider and at least privately make it right. He said pastor John MacArthur told him to “forget it.” When Cho continued to call the elders to “do justice” on the woman's behalf, he said he was asked to walk back his conclusions or resign.   No one from GCC responded to requests by CT to discuss the church's counseling philosophy or response to abuse, or to questions about specific cases. Six pastors and elders were contacted for comment by phone and email repeatedly over a three-week period prior to this article's publication, as well as one former pastor and elder. (Update: Following publication, Grace Community Church released a statement: https://www.gracechurch.org/news/posts/3672 “Our church's history and congregation are the testimony.”)   “Now that the facts are indeed known, it is not too late to ‘do justice' even at this late stage, almost 20 years later,” he wrote to the elder board. “One's own integrity, and upholding justice and righteousness, and being faithful even in the small things, even for something 20 years ago, all matter immensely.”   “They sided with a child abuser, who turned out to be a child molester, over a mother desperately trying to protect her three innocent young children. “Numerous elders have admitted in various private conversations that ‘mistakes were made' and that they would make a different decision today knowing what they know now.”   After that, Cho said, he was told by elder board chair Chris Hamilton that he would need to “walk back” his findings about the church's mistakes if he wanted to remain an elder. (Hamilton did not respond to requests for comment.) Cho and his wife resigned their membership the next day.   “the man who taught me that was John MacArthur.”   Those are just a few excerpts from this article, which I urge you to read in full!

Disciple Up #293 Stewardship IS Good Leadership, Pt. 2 By Louie Marsh, 2-8-2023 LESSON TWO:   Good stewards serve Jesus not Tradition.   1) WATCH OUT  for counterfeit philosophies.   See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Col. 2:8   3 Characteristics: ·       HOLLOW ·       DECEPTIVE ·       BASED ON HUMAN TRADITION   ·       Basic principles of this world   2) GRASP your fullness in Christ!   ·       BELIEVE that Christ is GOD  in human form.   For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, Col. 2:9   ·       FIND spiritual fullness in Christ alone!   and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Col. 2:10   ·       SEAL this fullness through baptism.   In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Col. 2:11-12   For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.  When you came to Christ, he set you free from your evil desires, not by a bodily operation of circumcision but by a spiritual operation, the baptism of your souls. For in baptism you see how your old, evil nature died with him and was buried with him; and then you came up out of death with him into a new life because you trusted the Word of the mighty God who raised Christ from the dead. Col. 2:9-12 (LB)  

Disciple Up # 292: Stewardship As Leadership By Louie Marsh, 2-1-2023 LESSON ONE:   1st Leadership Principle in the U.S. Marine Corps is this: “Know Yourself – Seek Self Improvement”   To know yourself as a Christian leader is to know all you have and are comes from God. It is to know you are a steward. Seeking self-improvement isn't trying to exalt yourself, but to become more like Christ.   All done from a Stewardship Centric point of view.   Leadership Stewardship as Leadership “7For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,” (Titus 1:7, ESV)   Good, Better, Best   Good stewards chose good over bad, better over good, and best over better.   They ask, “How can I do or be better?”   Moses excuses   1st Excuse – They Won't Listen   “1Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.' ”” (Exodus 4:1, ESV)   God's Answer – miraculous proof   “8“If they will not believe you,” God said, “or listen to the first sign, they may believe the latter sign. 9If they will not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, and the water that you shall take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.”” (Exodus 4:8–9, ESV)   2nd Excuse – Which God?   “13Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, ‘What is his name?' what shall I say to them?”” (Exodus 3:13, ESV)   Provides His Sacred Name   “14God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.' ”” (Exodus 3:14, ESV)   3rd Excuse – I can't talk well.   “10But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.”” (Exodus 4:10, ESV)   Answer - God can.   “11Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”” (Exodus 4:11–12, ESV)   4th Excuse – He gets honest   “13But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.”” (Exodus 4:13, ESV)   God Shuts Down the Debate   “14Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. 16He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him. 17And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”” (Exodus 4:14–17, ESV)  

Disciple Up #291 Louie VS. ChatGPT   Intro – Crazy schedule, origin of this idea, etc.   Here's what the Chatbot wrote, read by Word's voice. I find it fitting and proper to have a software program read what another software program wrote!   Sermon on Salt of the Earth   "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.   "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.   In these verses, Jesus is telling his disciples that they are the salt and light of the earth. Salt is a preservative and a flavor enhancer, and Jesus is telling his disciples that they too must preserve and enhance the world around them. They are to be a positive influence on society and to bring flavor and richness to people's lives.   Jesus also compares his disciples to light. A light cannot be hidden; it shines brightly for all to see. In the same way, Jesus's disciples should not try to hide their faith but should let it shine for all to see. Their good works should be visible to others so that they may give glory to God.   We all have the potential to be the salt and light of the earth. We can enhance the lives of those around us and bring flavor and richness to the world. We can also let our light shine by living out our faith and being a positive influence on society. Let us strive to be the salt and light of the earth, and bring glory to our Father in heaven.   Write a sermon on Ephesians 2   "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 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.   But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.   In this passage, Paul is describing the state of humanity before salvation, as being dead in sin and under the power of Satan. He is also highlighting the fact that salvation is not something we can earn by our own good works, but it is a gift of grace given to us by God.   God, in his love and mercy, made us alive in Christ, saved us and raised us up with him to sit in heavenly places. This is not something we can earn or deserve, but it is a gift of God's grace.   Paul also emphasizes that this salvation is not just for now but for the coming ages, and that God's grace is immeasurable and eternal.   The message for us today is that we are saved by grace, not by our own works. We can have the assurance that God's love and mercy are available to us, and that we have been raised to new life in Christ. Let us live in thankfulness for the grace given to us and share this good news with others.   Sermon on Romans 6:1-3   "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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.   In this passage, Paul is addressing the question of whether or not Christians can continue to live in sin since they are saved by grace. He answers this question with a resounding "no." He reminds the Romans that they have been baptized into Christ and united with him in his death. This means that they have died to sin and are now called to live a new life in Christ.   Paul is emphasizing that salvation is not a license to sin, but it is a call to a new way of life. We are united with Christ in his death, and that means that we have died to sin and are now alive in Christ.   In baptism, we are buried with Christ and raised to new life, just as he was raised from the dead. This new life in Christ requires that we walk in a new way, a way of righteousness and holiness.   The message for us today is that salvation is not a license to sin but a call to a new life in Christ. We have been united with him in his death, and we are called to live in a way that is worthy of our new life in him. Let us strive to live in righteousness and holiness, and to walk in the newness of life that we have received through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.   What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?   The Bible does not specifically mention the term "homosexuality," as it is a modern term. However, the Bible does address same-sex sexual activity in several passages. In the Old Testament, Leviticus 18:22 states, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination." Similarly, in the New Testament, Romans 1:26-27 states, "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error."   It's important to note that these passages, and others that mention same-sex sexual activity, also condemn other sexual practices such as adultery and promiscuity. These passages should be understood in the context of the culture and laws of the time they were written, and not be taken out of context.   The Bible teaches that all sexual activity outside of the context of marriage between a man and a woman is sinful. However, it's important to remember that the Bible also teaches that we are all sinners, and that God's love and forgiveness is available to all who repent and turn to him.   It's important to remember that the Bible teaches that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, are created in the image of God and should be treated with love, compassion, and respect. It's also important to remember that interpreting biblical texts is a complex task that requires careful consideration of the historical, cultural, and literary context, and should be done with the guidance of scholars and theologians.   According to the New Testament who goes to hell?   According to the New Testament, those who do not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and reject his gift of salvation will go to hell. The Bible states that all people are sinners and in need of salvation, and that salvation can only be found through faith in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus himself speaks about hell as a place of eternal punishment for those who reject him and his teachings.   For example, in Matthew 25:46, Jesus says, "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." In Mark 9:43-48, Jesus speaks of hell as a place of fire where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.   It's important to note that the Bible teaches that God is a loving God and that he desires that all people come to salvation. However, God also gives each person the free will to accept or reject his offer of salvation.   It's also important to remember that interpreting biblical texts is a complex task that requires careful consideration of the historical, cultural, and literary context, and should be done with the guidance of scholars and theologians.   Is Calvinism a correct interpretation of the Bible?   Calvinism is a theology that is based on the teachings of the 16th-century French theologian John Calvin. It emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humanity, and the concept of predestination, which holds that God predestines some individuals for salvation and others for damnation.   Many Christians believe that Calvinism is a correct interpretation of the Bible, as it is based on a careful study of scripture and emphasizes the sovereignty of God. Calvinism has also had a significant impact on the development of Christian theology and has been influential in the formation of many Protestant denominations.   However, it's important to note that there are other Christian denominations and theologians that interpret the Bible differently and have different perspectives on the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humanity, and the concept of predestination.   For example, Arminianism, which is an opposing theology, holds that God's grace can be resisted and that human beings have the free will to accept or reject salvation, and that is also based on a scriptural understanding.   It's also important to remember that interpreting biblical texts is a complex task that requires careful consideration of the historical, cultural, and literary context, and should be done with the guidance of scholars and theologians.   In summary, Calvinism is a valid interpretation of the Bible, but it is not the only one, and different Christian denominations and theologians may have different perspectives on the teachings of the Bible.   Which is the most accurate Bible translation in the English language?   The most accurate Bible translation is a matter of debate among scholars and theologians. Different translations have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which translation to use often depends on an individual's personal preference and the purpose for which the translation is being used.   The King James Version (KJV) is a popular translation that is known for its poetic language and historical significance. It was first published in 1611 and has been widely used for centuries. However, it is based on texts that are over 400 years old and it may use the language that is not commonly used today.   The New International Version (NIV) is a widely used translation that is known for its accuracy and readability. It was first published in 1978 and has undergone several revisions to ensure its accuracy and clarity.   The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is an ecumenical translation that is used by many scholars and theologians. It is known for its accuracy, and for its inclusive language, which is designed to be more inclusive of women and people of different ethnicities.   The English Standard Version (ESV) is considered as a word-for-word translation and it is known for its formal equivalence and accurate rendering of the original texts.   It's important to remember that any translation will have some degree of interpretive bias, but many of the most widely used translations are considered to be highly accurate and are based on the latest scholarship and research. It's advisable to consult with a pastor, theologian or a Bible scholar to help you choose the best translation for your needs and purpose.

Disciple Up #290 Christian Baby Boomers Want Change Too By Louie Marsh, 1-12-2023   Here's some excerpts from the article I read and commented on in this podcast…   https://broward.us/2023/01/04/christian-boomers-like-me-want-change-too/   Christian Boomers Like Me Want Change Too Some of us are working to change the unhealthy evangelical church culture we helped create. MICHELLE VAN LOON | JANUARY 4, 2023   In the last couple of decades, American Christian boomers (myself included) have been given an advance peek at the kind of obituary the church and the world has already begun to write about us.   Not all these critiques are made in good faith—whether they're from political scientists, sociologists, op-ed writers, exvangelicals, or from the generations born before and after us—but a surprising majority of them are.   For example, CT's Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast details the leadership failure and organizational implosion of the church franchise led by Mark Driscoll. And while Driscoll himself was a Gen X pastor, Mars Hill was nourished in the soil cultivated by boomer megachurch leader culture.   In a CT piece earlier this year, “The Church Is Losing Its Gray Heads,” Adam MacInnis offered a snapshot of many boomers who've exited the church building, even though “just under half of Christians over 40 who stop attending church feel they're still practicing their faith.” Like some members of the younger generations, many boomers still love Jesus, but not the local churches they once attended.   The late Phyllis Tickle famously observed that the church engages in a kind of spiritual rummage sale that every 500 years or so—and in these times of “rearrangement and upheaval,” the “institutionalized church throws off things that are restricting its growth,” which allows a “more vital form of Christianity” to arise in the aftermath.   Michael Metzger of the Clapham Institute summed it up well: “To date, our legacy as Baby Boomers is indulgence, narcissism, and moralism. If we are to emerge as wise elders, our view of faith, fame and forever ought to migrate from Boomer biases to a more biblical Christianity.”   For one, Boomers played an outsized role in encouraging greater authenticity in the church.   We learned from our culture in the 1960s to let it all hang out. As that messaging filtered through the church in subsequent decades, it became more acceptable to share our struggles and questions in Christian community.   The unwritten rule of the churches I attended back then was that it was only acceptable to talk about your struggles if they happened before you were a Christian. SNL star Dana Carvey's Church Lady character may have exaggerated church life for comic effect during the 1980s, but too many congregations back then seemed to encourage a religious facade.   Secondly, boomers have helped lead the movement toward both destigmatization and education of mental health issues in many evangelical streams.   There's still much work to be done in how the church embraces mental health issues, but it has certainly come a long way over the past few decades.   Third, many boomers have joined, and in some cases are leading, the effort to create safe communities for those who have experienced church abuse.   Christian social media can be a cesspool of conspiracy theory, bullying, and wacky theological hot takes. But it has also been an essential connection point for survivors of abusive leaders or toxic congregations.   In The Four Loves, C. S. Lewis said that “the typical expression of opening Friendship would be something like, ‘What? You too? I thought I was the only one.'” Social media has created powerful fellowship as survivors discover they aren't the only ones—and this has brought them together to drag into the light what has festered in the dark corners of the church.   Finally, many boomers are exhibiting a growing distaste for evangelical leader culture.   Perhaps the boom bubble in churches built around the pastor-as-CEO or spiritual Ted Talk gurus hasn't quite burst, but it seems to be deflating—and few seem interested in reviving it.   While mostly anecdotal, I hear regularly from boomers who have been burned or are burned out from their nondenominational megachurches. Many are seeking simpler, more organic forms of gathering with other believers for worship and fellowship—or they're finding their way into churches with formal liturgy and denominational structures.   And while we boomers of faith won't be around to see how things unfold in the larger movement, we can spend the time we have left rewriting our own obituary.   This rewriting begins with the kind of unflinching humility prescribed in James 4:7–10—wherein we humbly submit ourselves to God and trust that he will uphold us. Only this heart posture will allow us to own our specific sins while recognizing the impact our generation's proclivities have had on those who come after us.   Michelle Van Loon is the author of seven books, including Becoming Sage: Cultivating Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in Midlife.

Disciple Up # 289 Where Did American Christmas Traditions Come From? By Louie Marsh 12-21-2022   Older Christmas Episodes You Might Want to Listen to:   34 – What is Christmas All About 87- The non-Pagan Roots of Christmas 88 – Christ IS In X-Mas   https://broward.us/2022/12/14/unitarians-and-episcopalians-created-american-christmas/   Unitarians and Episcopalians Created American Christmas But evangelicals have rightly made it more gospel centered. DANIEL K. WILLIAMS | DECEMBER 14, 2022   Conservative evangelical Christians have sometimes been eager advocates of the modern campaign to “keep Christ in Christmas” and preserve the traditional religious meaning of the holiday.   There's one major problem with this campaign: The original religious message behind the American Christmas was not evangelical at all.   Instead, it was the creation of Unitarians, Episcopalians, and other liberal Protestants who had little interest in several key tenets of the evangelical understanding of the gospel.   Those of us who are evangelical in our faith can still have a merry Christmas. But if we want to do so in a way that foregrounds the gospel, we may have to discover a new approach to the holiday that does more than simply preserve the old.   …As Penne Restad describes in Christmas in America: A History, early 19th-century New England Congregationalist children whose parents ignored Christmas marveled when the Episcopalians in their towns wrapped their church buildings in garlands of greenery and gathered to sing on Christmas morning. Some of them expressed a longing for a little of this Christmas cheer. The yearning became more acute when German Lutheran immigrants brought new Christmas traditions to America—especially the Christmas tree and Santa Claus.   …Evangelicals who believe in the gospel of the Incarnation cannot therefore find much comfort in public campaigns to replace “Happy Holidays” with “Merry Christmas” or set up creches in the town square. What we need is not a return to the 1950s or even the Victorian era but rather a recovery of wonder at the incarnate God coming to earth in the form of a baby in order to save humanity.   Daniel K. Williams is a professor of history at the University of West Georgia and the author of Defenders of the Unborn: The Pro-Life Movement Before Roe v. Wade.    

Disciple Up #288 Preaching VS. Cheerleading By Louie Marsh, 12-14-2022   What is “cheerleading?”  I'm defining it as the constant speaking of bromides, platitudes and cliches that we know everyone agrees with, in the place of real teaching and preaching. It also all too often takes the place of genuine fellowship as well.   Scripture quoted during the show:   “15And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15, ESV)   “1Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.” (1 Corinthians 15:1–7, ESV)   “5These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” (Matthew 10:5–7, ESV)   “7Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8To 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, 9and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,” (Ephesians 3:7–9, ESV)   http://Waltermartin.com   “1The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1–3, ESV)   “26Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them.” (Luke 24:26–29, ESV)   “2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.   3For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:2–5, ESV)

Disciple Up # 287 Restoring Leaders Who've Fallen By Louie Marsh, 12-8-2022   Link to article: https://broward.us/2022/12/04/matt-chandler-restored-to-ministry-after-three-months/   Matt Chandler Restored to Ministry After Three Months The Village Church offers few details about process it says was successful.   Matt Chandler returned to the pulpit of The Village Church on Sunday, restored to ministry by the Texas church's elders a little more than three months after he took a leave of absence to deal with what one elder called “some challenges that arose.”   A few minutes later, 48-year-old Chandler started preaching about sin.   “It is my understanding that I have fallen short of the glory of God and he has met me with grace,” he said. “It is my understanding that I am inconsistent and I do have spots that are hypocritical, and there are parts of me I don't even understand.”   Quoting Ephesians 2:13–17, Chandler urged the congregation to see that the true promise of Christmas is reconciliation with God. But that can only start, he said, if people acknowledge their sin, as he himself had done on that same stage in late August.   “To humble ourselves before a living God gives us a shot at peace,” he preached. “I've got a part of this I've got to own. It might just be 1 percent, but that's my 1 percent. Forgive me. Now we've got a shot at reconciliation.”   While he acknowledged his sinfulness again on Sunday, Chandler didn't offer any more details about the situation that led to his leave of absence. In late August, he confessed to an inappropriate online relationship with a woman he was direct messaging on Instagram. Chandler said at the time that the ongoing exchange was neither sexual nor secret—his wife knew about it—but the church's elders were nonetheless concerned “about frequency and familiarity,” and specifically “a familiarity that played itself out in coarse and foolish joking.”   A statement …   Continue reading…   “13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.” (Ephesians 2:13–17, ESV)   https://www.amazon.com/No-More-Dragons-Religion-Monsters/dp/140020562X?crid=48GJVTVJUKMV&keywords=no+more+dragons+jim+burgen&qid=1649216200&sprefix=no+more+dragons+,aps,109&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=micahdey741-20&linkId=48dd9e661528b87b314308a0f15855ca&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl   What Should We Do?   1) Pray for them.   2) Love them enough to hold them accountable.   3) Give them the time and space needed for real recovery.    

Disciple Up # 286 Positive & Negative Energy By Louie Marsh, 11-29-2022   Dear Louie Marsh, My name is Xavier. I am emailing you as I been meaning to bounce some ideas off you and wanting to hear some truth and depth to them. First, I apologize for how long it took to get this going as I am a double major student, step-father/father (however you want to put it haha), and I am playing basketball professionally in Armenia away from my family. I listen to your podcast when I feel I need encouragement or guidance. Recently though I been finding myself more in tune with who I am needed to become and willing to accept the challenges. I am 28 years old and excited with my journey in the Lord so far. My subject title “Positive and Negative” came a few months back when I was with my sister in law and heard she doesn't believe in negative energy or negative forces but says positive energy is real. She isn't one to believe in the Word. But she isn't one to just ignore it. I feel that the childhood her and my wife were brought into was a blinded truth and left in darkness. I have been working with my wife on her own discipleship but this is besides the point haha. Anyway, I am curious, what is there that proves negative energy/forces do exist? Where am I able to show this? Explain more in depth how they work. In a sense of how one knows it's a positive or negative influence upon them. I have tried to show with actions and not words as this side of the family is much more about the actions. But I believe if having words with my actions align then the course of light will dim on them more and allow them to find a truth by following the light. I believe, after just listening to your stewardship part 5 on children, ministry, and weakness, that my gift is to help with action. I am a huge go getter in terms of achieving. I have had many downfalls but I've had many successions. For one addiction. Two being patient. These are just a couple of downfalls I have very strongly yet lead to even greater achievements. Which aren't even my accolades. I hope this is something you're willing to share and talk about. I apologize again for my long await and for the word email. Feel free to email me and just know I'm always listening!  Peace be with you. Thank you,   Dear Xavier,   Thanks so much for writing – twice in one week! That's a big encouragement! Oh, by the way, this is my personal email address. It's just easier to answer from here so that's what I usually do.   Sorry it's taking me so long to get back to you but things around here are keeping me busy. As a Father, husband and basketball player I'm sure you know all about that. So this e-mail will just focus on your question about positive and negative energy and I'll cover some of the rest in another one. I'm also thinking about making this a subject of a podcast soon.   You asked: “Anyway, I am curious, what is there that proves negative energy/forces do exist? Where am I able to show this? Explain more in depth how they work. In a sense of how one knows it's a positive or negative influence upon them. I have tried to show with actions and not words as this side of the family is much more about the actions. But I believe if having words with my actions align then the course of light will dim on them more and allow them to find a truth by following the light.”   Notice I put parts of what you wrote in bold, because you are really asking two (at least) different questions here. The first one is does positive or negative energy exist? That's a good question since so many people just assume they do in fact exist. When you talk to them about it they'll reference times when they felt positive or negative energy from someone or something as proof of this. But is it true?   My answer is a hard no. There's nothing in the Bible nor science to prove or even suggest that people can somehow transmit any kind of energy between us. You'll notice that unlike our current culture the Bible doesn't talk about positive or negative at all. The Bible focuses us on what's true and false. This is critical because the truth can often feel (and even be) negative, while what's false often feels very, very good, at least at first (ask anyone addicted to anything).   So how do we explain these feelings? For example when you stand up before a crowd to perform, as you do in basketball and I work before crowds when I speak, you often feel approval and support, or disapproval and a lack of support. Many people will say that's positive or negative energy that's being transmitted to them. Many musicians often say they are carried along by the positive energy of their audience, or they can be brought down by the negative energy they feel.   So what's happening if science and the Bible are right and there's no energy moving around here? It's very simple actually. You can get a good reading on whether or not the people in the audience are in favor of you or not by their body language and what they say of course. Then you react to this and if you're feeling support that opens up your adrenal glands and you feel that sudden surge of energy. If you were receiving other people's energy you wouldn't feel so drained after a performance. But most of the time we do because we are drawing upon our adrenal reserves and once those are exhausted we need rest.   There's no positive or negative energy involved at all. Just the human reaction to being supported or not supported. It's really quite simple when you look at it from a factual point of view.   Now that doesn't mean you can't and shouldn't be a good influence on others (your second question). I do want to be a good witness to others and to be as supportive of them as I can be. Sometimes it's hard to tell if I'm succeeding at that or not. I think the best way to know for sure is to either watch them closely and see how they respond to your efforts or just ask them! That way you'll know for sure what they think.   So I hope this has helped you a bit. Let me know if I've missed the point or have been unclear. I'd like to know what you think of all this.   God bless you and keep on walking with Jesus!   but test everything; hold fast what is good. – 1 Thess. 5:21

Disciple Up # 285 Stewardship Part Nine: Use of Finances By Louie Marsh, 11-23-2022   Introduction:  Where we've been and where we're probably going!   9 Biblical Financial Principles   1) God is My Source   The first principle is that God is the source of everything.   “19And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV)   “8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV)   2) Giving Is Essential   “38give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”” (Luke 6:38, ESV)   “23And before the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always.” (Deuteronomy 14:23, ESV)   One purpose of tithing was to teach the people of Israel to put God first in their lives.   3) Saving Is Critical   The third financial principle concerns saving money-setting something aside for a rainy day.   “20Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” (Proverbs 21:20, ESV)   4) Keep Out of Debt   The fourth principle is to keep out of unnecessary debt and thus avoid the debt trap.   “21The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;” (Psalm 37:21, ESV)    Borrowing for a house or car is one thing but taking on financial obligations one can't keep-buying beyond the ability to pay-is another.   “7The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7, ESV)   5) Be Content with what you have   The 5th principle is being content with what one has.   “5Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”” (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)   “11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11, ESV)   “10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.” (2 Corinthians 6:10, ESV)   6) Have a Budget   The 6th principle is that of keeping records and making a budget.   “23Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23, ESV)   “3By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; 4by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3–4, ESV)   7) Don't Cosign   The 7th principle is, don't cosign.   “1My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger, 2if you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth, 3then do this, my son, and save yourself, for you have come into the hand of your neighbor: go, hasten, and plead urgently with your neighbor. 4Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids no slumber; 5save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the hand of the fowler.” (Proverbs 6:1–5, ESV)   8) Work Hard   The eighth principle is that of hard work.   “23In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” (Proverbs 14:23, ESV)   “19Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” (Proverbs 28:19, ESV)   9) Seek Godly Counsel   The last principle is that of seeking godly counsel.   “1Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;” (Psalm 1:1, ESV)   “22Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22, ESV)   6) How this works in my church/ministry   Use of funds   Churches & ministries must be as open and transparent as possible about their finances. The only thing we keep private is who gave how much. Otherwise our books are open, staff salaries are open, and each month we report on our finances publicly.   Support of those in the ministry - time, finances, marriage support, etc.   “3I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:3–6, ESV)   Staying focused on ministry's purpose   “25of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” (Colossians 1:25–29, ESV)   Balance my time for ministry & rest, etc.   “1Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:1–2, ESV)   “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 6:19–20, ESV)  

Disciple Up # 284 Stewardship Pt. 8: My Witness, Growth & Work By Louie Marsh, 11-16-2022   Evangelism/Personal Witness   “5As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5, ESV)   Fulfil (πληροφορησον [plērophorēson]). First aorist active imperative of πληροφορεω [plērophoreō], for which see Col. 4:12. In Col. 4:17 Paul uses πληροω [plēroō] to Archippus about his ministry as he here employs πληροφορεω [plērophoreō]. Both verbs mean to fill full. - A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), 2 Ti 4:5.   “6For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6–8, ESV)   What is Evangelism?   “16Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:16–20, ESV)   Making DISCIPLES not DECISIONS!   It's far more than just inviting people to church, as good as that is.   It's telling people about the Gospel of Jesus and your experience with it (your past) should be one tool in your arsenal to use in accomplishing this mission Jesus gave us.   Spiritual Growth   “3His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:3–8, ESV)   Work   “23Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23–24, ESV)  

Disciple Up # 283 Stewardship Part 7: My Past, Part Two By Louie Marsh, 11-9-2022   I forgot a very important passage last week when dealing with Stewardship of my Past.   “15The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15–16, ESV)   Acts 22:1-11; Acts 26:12–29, ESV   But how does that fit in with this??   “2Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.    7But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8Indeed, 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 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.    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. 15Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” (Philippians 3:2–16, ESV)   ἐπιλανθανόμενος – most common word in NT, means to forget, neglect or overlook.   Paul didn't forget, since he remembered enough to repeat it and list much of his past in Philippians. HOWEVER, he did forget in the sense of overlooking his past. He was free from it even though he remembered what happened of course.   Forgive and forget.  But it can be done, and should and must be done, if we mean overlook, or neglect the guilt and pain of it. Instead, we focus on Christ.   Good stewardship is using my past, at the right time, in the right place, and in the right way.

Disciple Up # 282 Stewardship Lesson #5 -My Past By Louie Marsh, 11-2-2022   Stewardship:   Leadership Servanthood Trust/Faithful   MY PAST!   My Past -   “15but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)   I cannot bury it and pretend it didn't happen.   Nostalgia – idol of the past Denial – burying it Glorifying the past – living in it today. Shouldn't be ashamed of my past. Regret it yes but remember your forgiven.   Paul's use of his past -  (Acts 22:1–5, Acts 24:10; 25:1-8; 26:1-2, 24) Paul calling himself the chief of sinner, 1 Timothy 1:15.   “15The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15–16, ESV)   “1“Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.” 2And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: 3“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.” (Acts 22:1–5, ESV)   “6“As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' 8And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?' And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.' 9Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.' 11And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.” (Acts 22:6–11, ESV)   “12“In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' 19“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” 24And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”” (Acts 26:12–29, ESV)   Pass along the lessons you've learned – teaching others, probably not in a classroom.    

Disciple Up Show Notes #281 Stewardship Pt 5: Children, Ministry Weaknesses By Louie Marsh, 10-26-2022   Children   “4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4, ESV)   Again, servant love to help them grow up into Christ – Stewardship.   Ministry   “6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8Therefore 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, 9who 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 1:6–9, ESV)   “Talent on loan from God” – Rush Limbaugh   “4Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:4–7, ESV)   “11for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” (2 Timothy 1:11–14, ESV)   “10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)   I MUST BE A GOOD STEWARD OF MY WEAKNESSES   Weaknesses - God deliberately gave me my weaknesses, to use them for his glory. Therefore I must steward them as well.   “8Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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 12:8–10, ESV)  

Disciple Up #280 Stewardship, Pt 4, Marriage By Louie Marsh, 10-19-2022   LESSON #4 - Disciple Up #280   Marriage   “21submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21, ESV)   “22Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.    25Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 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. 28In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:22–28, ESV)   “29For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30because we are members of his body. 31“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:29–33, ESV)   The word submit isn't in verse 22. Most scholars say it's implied. But is it or is there an alterative way to see these verses? The church is supposed to be a place a mutual submission. The Greek is in the middle voice, which means you do this to yourself. It's reflexive not something done to you by others. The husband has an impossible command to live up too. No room for your ego!   Wives are called to submit (?) to their husband's loving them like Christ. They must serve their mate in love. Husbands are called to love their wives in self-sacrificial ways like Jesus did. Nothing about ego, power or pride here – it's all about serving your mate in love. THIS is Biblical stewardship – caring for the mate God has given you.      

Disciple Up #279 Stewardship, Part Three By Louie Marsh, 10-12-2022   Leadership Servanthood Trust/Faithful   3) The Larger Concept.   “15The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15, ESV)   God made & owns everything – and loans a little of it to us from time to time   “1The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,” (Psalm 24:1, ESV)   “5according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.” (Haggai 2:5, ESV)   “10For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. 11I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.” (Psalm 50:10–11, ESV)   “9Behold, the hope of a man is false; he is laid low even at the sight of him.” (Job 41:9, ESV)   “24And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,” (Acts 4:24, ESV)   Properly looked at, Stewardship is the center of our living by faith.   God made everything therefore he owns everything God made me therefore he owns me. I gave my life to Christ; therefore, God owns me again!   Everything I have & am belongs to God.   Stewardship = Lordship of Jesus in my life.   Stewardship = Lordship of Jesus over my ministry & church.   4) A few false concepts.   Bad Belief – “God owns 10% of my money, he lets me keep the other 90% and do whatever I want to do with it.”   The Truth: God owns 100% of my money & treasure. He lets you use 90%, but it's still His.   Real Stewardship: is my heart before God. Am I willing filled with joy to give it all to God! I'm thankful that God allows me to use it. I'm honored to be a servant of God.   Stewardship is a heart issue because our Christian faith is a heart issue.   5) How this works in all areas of our lives.   A quick way to see how your stewardship is going: Time, Talent, Treasure, - test by looking at your calendar, your bank account & your ministry.  

Disciple Up #278 Stewardship Part Two By Louie Marsh, 10-5-2022   Leadership Servanthood Trust/Faithful   NEW TESTAMENT   oikonomos (οἰκονόμος) primarily denoted “the manager of a household or estate” (oikos, “a house,” nemo, “to arrange”), “a steward” (such were usually slaves or freedmen), Luke 12:42; 16:1, 3, 8; 1 Cor. 4:2; Gal. 4:2, RV (KJV, “governors”); in Rom. 16:23, the “treasurer (RV) of a city (see CHAMBERLAIN, Note); it is used metaphorically, in the wider sense, of a “steward” in general, (a) of preachers of the gospel and teachers of the Word of God, 1 Cor. 4:1; (b) of elders or bishops in churches, Titus 1:7; (c) of believers generally, 1 Pet. 4:10.¶   Oikonomia is transliterated into English as “economy.” The English word that translates—rather than transliterates—the word oikonomia is the English word stewardship. So, stewardship and economics are closely related concepts, and in fact, to a New Testament Christian, there was no distinction between them.   A steward in the ancient world was a person who was given the responsibility and authority to rule over the affairs of the household. For example, the patriarch Joseph became a steward over Potiphar's household: he managed everything in the household and was given the authority to rule over the house (Gen. 39:1–6a). In that role, he was responsible to manage the household well; he was not to waste the resources of the family but to make wise decisions.   Yet, the role of the steward was not something that just happened to emerge in the Greek system of management, nor was it something invented by the Egyptians in the time of Joseph. The steward's role derives from the principle of stewardship, which is rooted in the creation of mankind.   What Is Biblical Stewardship   The concept in the New Testament that describes and defines what it means to be a servant before Christ is the word stewardship. Economics and the ethical and emotional issues that surround it are frequent topics of discussion and front-page news items. This is particularly true in an election year, when much of the debate focuses on economic issues. What we don't see initially is that other issues, such as education and abortion, are also questions of economics. Broadly understood, economics has to do not only with money or taxes or business but with the management of resources. That includes all of our resources, such as the resource of our unborn children and educational materials and policies.   In other words, how we use our resources is the subject of economics, and in a biblical sense it is the chief concern of stewardship. Consider the verbal link between stewardship and economics. The English word economics and economy come from the Greek word oikonomia, which is made up of two parts: oikos, the word for “house” or “household,” and nomos, the word for “law.” So, oikos and nomos together literally mean "house law."   Jesus was a Steward:   “42And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?” (Luke 12:42, ESV)   “1He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions.” (Luke 16:1, ESV)   Paul was a Steward:   “1This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1–2, ESV)   “1I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father.” (Galatians 4:1–2, ESV)   “23Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.” (Romans 16:23, ESV)   Peter was a Steward:   “10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10–11, ESV)   2) How it's used – how the words are used in the Bible   STEWARD   “15Thus says the Lord God of hosts, “Come, go to this steward, to Shebna, who is over the household, and say to him:” (Isaiah 22:15, ESV)   “3and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.” (Luke 8:3, ESV)   “7For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,” (Titus 1:7, ESV)   STEWARDS   “14“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.” (Matthew 25:14, ESV)   “1This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1–2, ESV)   “10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)   STEWARDSHIP   “15But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16For 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! 17For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:15–18, ESV)   “2assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you,” (Ephesians 3:2, ESV)   “24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” (Colossians 1:24–29, ESV)  

Disciple Up #277 Stewardship. Pt. 1 By Louie Marsh, 9-28-2022   Link on Russian Orthodox Church:   https://hotair.com/ed-morrissey/2022/09/26/desperation-russian-orthodox-patriarch-calls-russians-to-martyrdom-in-ukraine-to-have-sins-washed-away-n498987   Stewardship, Pt. 1 Malawi 2022 By Louie Marsh   What is Biblical Stewardship?   We start where we should always start – Jesus!   “1When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” (John 17:1–4, ESV)   “6“I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.” (John 17:6–8, ESV)   “12While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” (John 17:12, ESV)   “4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:4–8, ESV)   1) What it is – define the words   OLD TESTAMENT   “2But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”” (Genesis 15:2, ESV)   The original Hebrew word for “steward” is `al bayith, which literally means “man over the house.” During Bible times, most notable households would have had a steward, so the term was familiar and not originally tied to spiritual matters. The steward was in charge of whatever the Master put him over. It wasn't unusual for one man to run the whole house, or for the very rich, they might have several stewards.   Leadership Servanthood Trust   “2And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh, 3that I may make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell, 4but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”” (Genesis 24:2–4, ESV)   “16When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon.”” (Genesis 43:16, ESV)   “19So they went up to the steward of Joseph's house and spoke with him at the door of the house,” (Genesis 43:19, ESV)   “1Then he commanded the steward of his house, “Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man's money in the mouth of his sack,” (Genesis 44:1, ESV)   “4They had gone only a short distance from the city. Now Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good?” (Genesis 44:4, ESV)  

Disciple Up # 276 Gideon Pt 5, Ending with a Whimper By Louie Marsh Intro.    We're taking four weeks to read through six I wrote on the life of Gideon for my radio show, Tales From the Scrypt.  Let me know what you think of this short form podcasting ok? Would you like more? Would you like another podcast called Tales from the Scrypt? Or change Disciple Up into this short form scripted format?    Let me know, I'm waiting!   louie@discipleup.org facebook.com/discipleup    

Disciple Up # 274 The Amazing Shrinking Army, Gideon Pt. 4 By Louie Marsh,   Intro.    We're taking four weeks to read through six episodes I wrote on the life of Gideon for my radio show, Tales From the Scrypt.  Let me know what you think of this short form podcasting ok? Would you like more? Would you like another podcast called Tales from the Scrypt? Or change Disciple Up into this short form scripted format?    Let me know, I'm waiting!   louie@discipleup.org facebook.com/discipleup

Disciple Up # 274 Gideon Pt. 2; Getting to the Heart of the Matter By Louie Marsh, 1-16-2020   Intro.    We're taking four weeks to read through six I wrote on the life of Gideon for my radio show, Tales From the Scrypt.  Let me know what you think of this short form podcasting ok? Would you like more? Would you like another podcast called Tales from the Scrypt? Or change Disciple Up into this short form scripted format?    Let me know, I'm waiting!   louie@discipleup.org facebook.com/discipleup    

Disciple Up # 273 Gideon, Part One: “Mighty Man of Valor: By Louie Marsh, 8-31-2022 Intro.    We're taking four weeks to read through six I wrote on the life of Gideon for my radio show, Tales From the Scrypt.  Let me know what you think of this short form podcasting ok? Would you like more? Would you like another podcast called Tales from the Scrypt? Or change Disciple Up into this short form scripted format?    Let me know, I'm waiting!   louie@discipleup.org facebook.com/discipleup

Disciple Up #272 War Stories Pt. 5: Who's In Charge Here? - 2 Chron 20:1-30 By Louie Marsh, 8-24-2022   Intro – Tales From the Scrypt on tap during my trip to Malawi IF I can get it done in time!   2  Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). 2 Chronicles 20:2 (ESV)   To Keep Christ 1st in My Life I need too…   1) Go to God and..   4  And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. 5  And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, 2 Chronicles 20:4-5 (ESV)   REMEMBER who God is!   6  and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. 2 Chronicles 20:6 (ESV)   24  And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, Acts 4:24 (ESV)    REVIEW my spiritual history.   7  Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8  And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, 2 Chronicles 20:7-8 (ESV)   25  who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? Acts 4:25 (ESV)   RENEW my commitment to Christ!   9  ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.' 2 Chronicles 20:9 (ESV)   Has the heaviness of your old-fashioned church got you weighted down? Try us! We are the New and Improved Lite Church on the River. We feature a 7.5% tithe, a 35-minute worship service with 7 minute sermons. Next Sunday's sermon is on the Feeding of 500.   29  And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, Acts 4:29 (ESV)   2) ASK & CONFESS at the same time.   12  O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12 (ESV)   3) HEAR & RESPOND to God's Word.   14  And the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15  And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. 16  Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. 17  You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:14-17 (ESV)   4) When the going gets tough, the tough WORSHIP!   18  Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD. 19  And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice… 21  And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.” 22  And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. 2 Chronicles 20:18-22 (ESV)   We were gathered at a little Pentecostal-style church where the preacher had had a difficult time getting the congregation involved.... i.e...amens, etc.  This particular Sunday he was preaching on praise and worship.  He never noticed his mistake.   It was hilarious (but embarrassing we thought) as he yelled out "let everything that hath breasts praise the Lord!"   5) UNDERSTAND that God blesses UNITY.   3  Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4  And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. 5  And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, 2 Chronicles 20:3-5 (ESV)   This lyrics to this hymn were written by Isaac Watts in 1777. Robert Lowery wrote the music that we now use in 1867. Watts wrote this hymn as an answer to his critics who had actually split from churches who sang his "human composed" hymns. Prior to this time, churches only sang hymns from the Psalms. Because of the controversy between singing of Psalms and the singing of hymns, the church decided to sing Psalms at the beginning of their service and then after the preaching, they would sing hymns. Many people who were still against the hymns would get up and leave the service at this time.   Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God  

Disciple Up # 271 War Stories # 4, Follow Faith Not Fear – Judges 6-7 By Louie Marsh, 8-17-2022   11  Now the angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites…27  So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it by night. Judges 6:11,27 (ESV)   7  for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)    18  There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18 (ESV)   How God Wants Me to Deal with Fear   1) RECOGNIZE who God wants me to be.   12  And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” Judges 6:12 (ESV)   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, Matthew 28:19 (ESV)   2) REFUSE to get sidetracked.   13  And Gideon said to him, “Please, sir, 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.” Judges 6:13 (ESV)   2  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)   3) REMEMBER three powerful truths.   I ALREADY have all the strength I need!   14  The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" Judges 6:14 (NIV)   14  And the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian…” Judges 6:14 (ESV)   37  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (ESV)    I really am on a MISSION FROM GOD.   do not I send you?” Judges 6:14 (ESV)   God is with me ALL THE WAY!   16  And the LORD said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” Judges 6:16 (ESV)   …“And remember that I am always with you until the end of time.” Matthew 28:20 (GW)   4) RID myself of the causes of fear.   3  Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.'” Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained. Judges 7:3 (ESV)   5) REALIZE when & where God is moving.   9  That same night the LORD said to him, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand. 10  But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant. 11  And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the armed men who were in the camp…. 14  And his comrade answered, “This is no other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given into his hand Midian and all the camp.” 15  As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the LORD has given the host of Midian into your hand.” Judges 7:9-11; 14-15 (ESV)   6) RUN with the ridiculous!   16 And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. 17 And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. 18 When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon.'” Judges 7:16-18 (ESV)  7) GIVE God ALL the credit.  2  The LORD said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.' Judges 7:2 (ESV)    

Disciple Up #270 War Stories Part 3: Failure Isn't Fatal – Joshua 7-8 By Louie Marsh, 8-3-2022   Intro.   So about 3,000 men went up there from the people. And they fled before the men of Ai, and the men of Ai killed about thirty-six of their men and chased them before the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them at the descent. And the hearts of the people melted and became as water. Joshua 7:4-5 (ESV)   Four Common Causes of Failure   I have HIDDEN SIN in my life.   1  But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the LORD burned against the people of Israel. Joshua 7:1 (ESV)   I quit TRUSTING GOD because things are going well.   2  Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and said to them, “Go up and spy out the land.” And the men went up and spied out Ai. 3  And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not make the whole people toil up there, for they are few.” Joshua 7:2-3 (ESV)   I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure: which is: Try to please everybody. - Herbert B. Swope   I divide my FOCUS AND ENERGY   4  So about three thousand men went up there from the people. And they fled before the men of Ai, Joshua 7:4 (ESV)   Then I BLAME GOD for my failures & problems.   7  And Joshua said, “Alas, O Lord GOD, why have you brought this people over the Jordan at all, to give us into the hands of the Amorites, to destroy us? Would that we had been content to dwell beyond the Jordan! 8  O Lord, what can I say, when Israel has turned their backs before their enemies! 9  For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it and will surround us and cut off our name from the earth. And what will you do for your great name?” Joshua 7:7-9 (ESV)   God's Reaction to My Failure:   He JERKS THE SLACK out of me!   The LORD said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face. Joshua 7:10 (NIV)   10  But the Lord said to Joshua, "Get up off your face! Joshua 7:10 (TLB)   He commands me to ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY for my actions.   11  Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. Joshua 7:11 (ESV)   He commands me to FORSAKE MY SIN   13  Get up! Consecrate the people and say, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow; for thus says the LORD, God of Israel, “There are devoted things in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted things from among you.” Joshua 7:13 (ESV)   My Necessary Response to God:   I must TURN BACK to God.   6  Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, he and the elders of Israel. And they put dust on their heads. Joshua 7:6 (ESV)   I must TURN AWAY from my sins and distractions   "Get up! Command the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow…Joshua 7:13a (NLT)   I must be willing to do some PAINFUL CLEANSING of my heart.   "First thing in the morning you will be called up by tribes. The tribe God names will come up clan by clan; the clan God names will come up family by family; and the family God names will come up man by man. The person found with the cursed things will be burned, he and everything he has, because he broke God's covenant and did this despicable thing in Israel." Joshua 7:14-15 (MSG)   “19Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.” 20And Achan answered Joshua, “Truly I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I did: 21when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”” (Joshua 7:19–21, ESV)   The best way out is always through. - Robert Frost   4 Ways to Move past My Failures:   ACCEPT Christ's encouragement   1  And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land. Joshua 8:1 (ESV)   Follow HIS LEADING   2  And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its livestock you shall take as plunder for yourselves. Lay an ambush against the city, behind it.” Joshua 8:2 (ESV)   Be willing to TRY IT AGAIN   So Joshua and the whole army moved out to attack Ai,,, Joshua 8:3a (NIV)   Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. - Robert F. Kennedy   Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.  - Sir Winston Churchill   Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Sir Winston Churchill   "This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." - Sir Winston Churchill   LEARN from my mistakes and do things DIFFERENTLY!   3  So Joshua and all the fighting men arose to go up to Ai. And Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out by night. 4  And he commanded them, “Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind it. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you remain ready. Joshua 8:3-4 (ESV)        

Disciple Up # 269: War Stories #2 The Foolishness of God - Joshua 5:13-6:25 By Louie Marsh, 7-28-2022   Slide One: A college student in Mexico survived after reportedly falling 80 feet from a sixth-floor balcony. broke 110 bones and underwent 11 hours of surgery following the fall. She will face years of recovery.   Following Jesus always seems FOOLISH   18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (CSBBible) Make no mistake, God DESIGNED IT THAT WAY!   27  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28  God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29  so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV)   3) Why does God do this?   To show me WHO'S IN CHARGE.   13  When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” 14  And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” Joshua 5:13-14 (ESV)   So I'll trust Him & NOTHING OR NO ONE  ELSE!   2  And the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. Joshua 6:2 (ESV)   So I'll give HIM the credit ALONE!   1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. Psalm 98:1 (ESV)   To show His Power DRAMATICALLY.   20  So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city. Joshua 6:20 (ESV)   4) God is calling me to LIVE OUT HIS FOOLISHNESS!   For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 (ESV)   5) To do this I must change and become LIKE A CHILD.   Then he said to them, “I can guarantee this truth: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3-4 (GW)   but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14 (ESV)   6) What foolish thing is Jesus calling me to do next?  ___________________   "Make a boat from resinous wood and seal it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior. Make it 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. Construct an opening all the way around the boat, 18 inches below the roof. Then put three decks inside the boat—bottom, middle, and upper—and put a door in the side. Genesis 6:14-16 (NLT)   1  Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. Genesis 12:1 (ESV)   Some examples or ideas – Forgive someone who's hurt you Risk telling someone about Jesus Admit you are in denial – and need help! Draw some boundaries or enforce the ones you have! Confess your failure to someone you've failed or let down. Love that unlovable person Ignore your fear & obey God!  

Disciple Up # 268: War Stories #1 The Necessity of Worship By Louie Marsh, 7-20-2022   Intro – Wayback Machine (Mr. Peabody & Sherman). My early lack of understanding of worship.   6  And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:6 (ESV)   Hands Raised = WORSHIP   Some Components of Worship:   1) Music -  No such thing as WORSHIP MUSIC.   2) PRAYER   8  I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 1 Timothy 2:8 (ESV)   3) Blessing God – PRAISING GOD   4  So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:4 (ESV)   21  And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 1:21 (ESV)   4) DEPENDENCE on God   7  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7 (ESV)   5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (ESV)   5) RECEIVING from God   6  I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah Psalm 143:6 (ESV)   "Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it's all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul! Isaiah 55:1-2 (NLT)   6) Blessing OTHERS:   50  Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. Luke 24:50 (ESV)   Worship is a LIFESTYLE!   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. 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. 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 11:33 -12:2 (ESV)   Three Critical Questions:   Is what I'm doing truly HELPFUL & SCRIPTURAL?   10  Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'” Matthew 4:10 (ESV)   Who or what am I FOCUSED ON?   17  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (ESV)   What kind of ATTITUDE DO I HAVE?   Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)  

Disciple Up # 267 When Faith & Reality Collide Part 7: Victims by Faith By Louie Marsh, 7-13-2022   Intro. End of this series. Where to next?   32  And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— Hebrews 11:32 (ESV)   We saw last week that strength comes through weakness, this week we're going to see that God defines victory a little bit differently than we do.   1) When you live by faith you don't escape SUFFERING.   35 … Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36  Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37  They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. Hebrews 11:35-36 (ESV)    ‘Parisates, King of Persia, caused Roxana to be sawn in two, alive'; ‘Sabacus, King of Egypt, who received an order in a dream, to cut in two all the priests in his country.' Roman Emperor Caius Caligula condemned to death many of his own relatives, suffered death by being sawn in two across the middle. Of the two methods, lengthways or across the body, the thought of the saw penetrating the skull would seem to be the most horrific, yet that method at least brought total oblivion rather quicker than one's torso being subdivided. The Chinese, their victims being secured in a standing position, pinned between two wide boards firmly fixed between stakes driven deep into the ground. The two executioners, one on each side, would then wield a long, two-handled saw, working downwards through the boards, cleaving them and the enclosed victim into two halves. No lubrication for the saw was necessary. Where are people suffering for their faith today?  Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Myanmar, Iran, Vietnam, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nigeria: These states exercise the greatest constraints on the freedom of religion, according to the report. In 64 other countries, significant restrictions by the government - anti-blasphemy legislation or privileges for certain communities - are verifiable. They include states with large populations like China, India and Russia. As a result, about 70 percent of the world population is subject to great or extreme restrictions. https://www.dw.com/en/persecuted-christians-suffer-for-their-faith/a-17306297   This includes being REJECTED & CASTOUT.    They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38  of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11: 37-38 (ESV)   This is different from today's emphasis in much of the church – for example here's the lyrics to a new song by Kirk Franklin Bless me! [Verse 1: Mav City Gospel Choir, Kirk Franklin] Bless me, bless me, bless me, God, indeed Death has been defeated, He is our victory (Come on!) Bless me, bless me, God, not just for me But so everyone around me can have everything they need (Let all these folks) Let all these folks that's with me, God, have everything they need (Sing it again) REPEAT [Verse 2: Mav City Gospel Choir, Kirk Franklin] Favor, favor (Woo!), let it fall on me Till I'm the conversation of all my enemies (Woo!) Favor, favor, God, not just for me But so everyone around me can have everything they need (Let all these folk) Let all these folks that's with me, God, have everything they need (Favor, favor, favor, favor) Favor, favor, let it fall on me Till I'm the conversation of all my enemies (Come on) Favor, favor, God, not just for me But so everyone around me can have everything they need (Let all these folk) Let all these folks that's with me, God, have everything they need (Take it up, bless me) [Interlude: Mav City Gospel Choir, Kirk Franklin] Hey, hey, [?] Persecuted, not abandoned We got all that we need Hey, hey, [?] (Yeah, yeah, yeah) Persecuted, not abandoned (Let's go, let's go, let's go) We got all that we need [Chorus: Kirk Franklin, Mav City Gospel Choir] Persecuted, not abandoned (We got everything we need) Criticized, never forsaken (We got everything we need) Because God's a promise keeper (We got everything we need) I got victory because (Our God's got everything we need) I shall live and not die (We got everything we need) Because Jehovah's by my side (We got everything we need) Did I tell you He's a friend of mine? (We got everything we need) Lift Him up, lift Him up (Our God's got everything we need) Take it up, take it up (We got everything we need) Take it up, take it up (We got everything we need) Take it up, take it up (We got everything we need) Yeah, take it up! (Our God's got everything we need) And I never should forget (We got everything we need) He's never failed me yet (We got everything we need) Every trial, every test (We got everything we need) We bless, we bless, we bless, we bless (Our God's got everything we need) We bless, we bless, we bless, we bless (We got everything we need) We bless, we bless, we bless, we bless (We got everything we need) We bless, we bless, we bless, we bless (We got everything we need) Yeah, we bless, we bless! (Our God's got everything we need) Take it up! (We got everything we need) We got everything we need (We got everything we need) We got everything we need (We got everything we need) We got everything we need (Our God's got everything we need) We got– (We got everything we need) We got everything we need (We got everything we need) We got every, every (We got everything we need) Every, every (Our God's got everything we need) Ooh!    2) God ALLOWS His servants to suffer – remember Jesus?   31  And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32  For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. 33  And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” Luke 18:31-33 (ESV)   40  and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41  Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42  And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. Acts 5:40-42 (ESV)    3) This rejection & suffering is the inevitable result of FOLLOWING JESUS.   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 15:19 (ESV)   This hurts but should be viewed as a BLESSING.   11  “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Matthew 5:11 (ESV)   This cannot hurt my relationship with God unless I LET IT.   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. Romans 8:35-37 (ESV)   4) Unlike the Old Testament people, we have received the promised GOSPEL.   39  And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, Hebrews 11:39 (ESV)   22  But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Galatians 3:22 (NIV)    

Disciple Up # 266 When Faith & Reality Collide Part 6th: The Victories of Faith By Louie Marsh, 7-6-2022   1) When I live by faith God's power is ACTIVATED in my life.   33  who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34  quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, Hebrews 11:33-34a (ESV)   Conquered kingdoms – David   1  After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines. 2 Samuel 8:1 (ESV)   Enforced justice – Samuel   9  Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:9 (ESV)   Obtained promises – Abraham   15  And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. Hebrews 6:15 (ESV)   Stopped lions, quenched fire – Daniel (David, Samson, 3 Hebrews)   2) When I live by faith I trust in GOD NOT MYSELF.   were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35  Women received back their dead by resurrection. Hebrews 11:34b-35 (ESV)   “out of weakness”  =   "from weakness." The main reference is probably to Samson. - Word Studies in the New Testament.   This is the   8  but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (ESV)   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. Romans 7:18-19 (ESV)   Faith comes from and works through   4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5 (ESV)   Don't despair about weakness – WALLOW IN IT!   8  Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9  But 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. 10  For 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 12:8-10 (ESV)   3) Living by faith is me and God WORKING TOGETHER as partners.   9  For we are God's coworkers. You are God's field, God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:9 (CSB)   5  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:5 (ESV)   “9And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;” (Colossians 1:9–11, ESV)   “28Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” (Colossians 1:28–29, ESV)   God's power & mine WORK TOGETHER.   11  May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, Colossians 1:11 (ESV)  

Disciple Up #265 Towards a Biblical Reaction to America Today By Louie Marsh, 6-29-2022   What Actually Happened:   What Should Our Response Be:   How much of a difference will this make?   What Should our attitude & response be?   We should Lament all this.   “1How lonely sits the city that was full of people! How like a widow has she become, she who was great among the nations! She who was a princess among the provinces has become a slave. 2She weeps bitterly in the night, with tears on her cheeks; among all her lovers she has none to comfort her; all her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies. 3Judah has gone into exile because of affliction and hard servitude; she dwells now among the nations, but finds no resting place; her pursuers have all overtaken her in the midst of her distress. 4The roads to Zion mourn, for none come to the festival; all her gates are desolate; her priests groan; her virgins have been afflicted, and she herself suffers bitterly. 5Her foes have become the head; her enemies prosper, because the Lord has afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions; her children have gone away, captives before the foe. 6From the daughter of Zion all her majesty has departed. Her princes have become like deer that find no pasture; they fled without strength before the pursuer. 7Jerusalem remembers in the days of her affliction and wandering all the precious things that were hers from days of old. When her people fell into the hand of the foe, and there was none to help her, her foes gloated over her; they mocked at her downfall.” (Lamentations 1:1–7, ESV)   “16He has made my teeth grind on gravel, and made me cower in ashes; 17my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is; 18so I say, “My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord.” 19Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! 20My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. 21But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” 25The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. 26It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:16–26, ESV)  

When Faith & Reality Collide Part 5: The Fight of Faith By Louie Marsh, 6-22-2022   7  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJhwc2d7y-E   1) Sometimes acting in faith seems CRAZY.   30  By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. Hebrews 11: 30 (ESV) Fighting the good fight always comes down to WHO IS IN CONTROL.  13 When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” 14  And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” 15  And the commander of the LORD's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Joshua 5:13-15 (ESV)   2) Faith is what counts, not all my BAD REPUTATION.    31  By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. Hebrews 11: 31 (ESV) You know you really believe that God is real when you STAKE YOUR LIFE ON IT.  9  and said to the men, “I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 10  For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. 11  And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. 12  Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a sure sign 13  that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.” 14  And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the LORD gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.” Joshua 2:9-14 (ESV)   3) Gender, race, age or tribe doesn't matter to God – FAITH DOES.    32  And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— Hebrews 11:30-32 (ESV) God does great things with people whose faith isn't VERY MATURE.  4  Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5  She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment. 6  She sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali and said to him, “Has not the LORD, the God of Israel, commanded you, ‘Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 from the people of Naphtali and the people of Zebulun. 7  And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops, and I will give him into your hand'?” 8  Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” 9  And she said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. Judges 4:4-9 (ESV) Having faith in God doesn't mean I don't need PEOPLE HELPING ME.  9  Do your best to come to me soon. 10  For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11  Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 2 Timothy 4:9-11 (ESV)    

Disciple Up #263 Contact – When Faith & Reality Collide Part 4: Stand by Faith By Louie Marsh, 6-15-2022   When I live by faith I…   1) STAND for the truth regardless of the consequences.   23  By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. Hebrews 11:23 (ESV)   15  Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16  “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” Exodus 1:15-16 (ESV)   2) REJECT the temporary and focus on the eternal.   24  By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25  choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. Hebrews 11:24-25 (ESV)   Disgrace for the sake of Christ is BETTER than the praise of the world.   26  He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. Hebrews 11:26 (ESV)   3) REJOICE that Jesus forgives my sin.   28  By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. Hebrews 11:28 (ESV)   26  Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27  And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28  for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:26-28 (ESV)   4) FOLLOW God through any and all obstacles.   27  By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible… 29  By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. Hebrews 11:27, 29 (ESV)   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 1:17 (ESV)

Contact! When Faith Collides with Reality Pt. 3, Looking For An Eternal City By Louie Marsh, 11-19-2017   Opening = cartoons, last one birds not worry.   1) Faith always moves me into the UNKNOWN.   8  By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9  By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10  For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV)   Faith always deals with the   11  By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12  Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. Hebrews 11:11-12 (ESV)   2) Faith always demands that I SACRIFICE.   17  By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18  of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19  He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. Hebrews 11:17-19 (ESV)   24  But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them. 25  David built an altar to the LORD there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the LORD answered prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped. 2 Samuel 24:24-25 (NIV)   Faith demands I sacrifice my HEARTS DESIRE.   20  By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21  By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22  By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. Hebrews 11:20-22 (ESV)   1  After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2  He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Genesis 22:1-2 (ESV)     3) Faith always focuses on what's BEYOND THIS WORLD.   13  These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14  For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15  If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. Hebrews 11:13-15 (ESV)   Faith leads me to focus on BETTER THINGS.   16  But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16 (ESV)    

Disciple Up #261 Contact, When Faith & Reality Collide Part Two: The Nature of Faith By Louie Marsh, 5-25-2022   The American philosopher Henry David Thoreau is famous for the remark "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer." That is a good description of the men and women listed here. They hear another drumbeat which others do not, and this accounts for the way they often act contrary to normal expectations. The first three examples, Abel, Enoch and Noah, show us the nature of faith. The rest show how faith behaves in real life.   1) Faith in Christ makes what I do PLEASING TO HIM.   4  By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts…Hebrews 11:4a (ESV)   The word "acceptable" is pleiona, which means "greater" or "more important" as suggested by its use in   23  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Luke 12:23 (ESV)   The reason suggested is that it came from a heart made righteous by faith!   9  …For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. Romans 4:9b (ESV)   "Sacrifice is acceptable to God not for its material content, but in so far as it is the outward expression of a devoted and obedient heart" FF Bruce   Cain's offering was rejected because a heart of pride and self-sufficiency lay behind it. This explanation fits well with the context of Hebrews where the writer repeatedly warns against possessing "an evil heart of unbelief."   2) Faith continues to speak long after I am GONE.   And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. Hebrews 11:4b (ESV)   10  And the LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. Genesis 4:10 (ESV)   24  and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Hebrews 12:24 (ESV)   It is often suggested that the blood of Abel cries out for the final vindication promised to all the saints (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7), but the blood of Jesus speaks of proffered forgiveness.   “6since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:6–7, ESV)   3) Faith makes me PLEASING TO GOD.   5  By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6  And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:5-6 (ESV)   Enoch didn't follow God for 65 YEARS.   21  When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. 22  Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Genesis 5:21-22 (ESV)   He CHOSE TO FOLLOW GOD after his first son was born.   5  The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5 (ESV)   I cannot find or please God apart from having faith in His SELF-REVELATION.   4) Faith MOTIVATES ME.   7  By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household…Hebrews 11:7a (ESV)   17  So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:17 (ESV)   Faithful acts make the world's corruption PLAIN. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7b (ESV) 19  And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. John 3:19 (ESV)

Disciple Up #260 Uvalde – WHY? By Louie Marsh, 5-25-2022   “2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2, ESV)   “18Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, who draw sin as with cart ropes, 19who say: “Let him be quick, let him speed his work that we may see it; let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near, and let it come, that we may know it!” 20Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! 21Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! 22Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink, 23who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right!” (Isaiah 5:18–23, ESV)   “5For 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. 6For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:5–8, ESV)   “30take care that you be not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods?—that I also may do the same.' 31You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the Lord hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods. 32“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:30–32, ESV)   “7“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” 9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 10“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”” (Jeremiah 17:7–10, ESV)   “28And 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. 29They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Though 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)   “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)    

Disciple Up #259 CONTACT! When Faith & Reality Collide Pt. 1, The Hidden Fabric of the Universe By Louie Marsh, 5-18-2022   Intro – bit of a summer series and a time to reflect on where we go from here.   1) REMEMBER what God has done for me.   32  But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33  sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34  For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Hebrews 10:32-34 (ESV)   2) Keep my confidence in GOD   35  Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37  For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 38  but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” 39  But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Hebrews 10:35-39 (ESV)   3) SEE what faith really is.   1 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (CSBBible)   1  Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)   1  The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. Hebrews 11:1 (MSG)   “assurance” =what stands under anything (a building, a contract, a promise). of assurance that steadiness of mind which holds one firm. It is common in the papyri in business documents as the basis or guarantee of transactions. “conviction” = The idea of evidencewhich goes to demonstrate the thing under consideration, or which is adapted to produce conviction in the mind, seems to be the elementary idea in the word. So when a proposition is demonstrated; when a man is arraigned, and evidence is furnished of his guilt, or when he establishes his innocence; or when one by argument refutes his adversaries, the idea of convincing argument enters into the use of the word in each case. - Barnes' Notes on the New Testament.   4) ACCEPT what gives birth to faith.   4  since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5  because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, Colossians 1:4-5 (ESV) Hope, which "springs eternal in the human breast," comes first. Then, faith sees freedom from sin on the basis of Christ's sacrifice, a consequent loving relationship to God, peace with one's neighbors and joy in the midst of life (all what we hope for). These realities, though invisible, are personally appropriated; as a result, love for both God and others flows from the sense of gratitude which faith has awakened. Thus, the famous triumvirate of "faith, hope, and love" are central to all Christian living. 13  So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)   5) UNDERSTAND that faith underlies the entire universe.   2  For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3  By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:2-3 (ESV)   http://www.parkerliveonline.com/2017/11/02/impossible-possibilities/   Column in Parker Live Online, Scientists have found that according to all their mathematical models the universe shouldn't exist! They believe there are equal amounts of matter and anti-matter, so when the big bang went boom, everything should have been destroyed.  But it wasn't – so what does that tell us and is it even possible that in this impossibly possible universe of ours that there is nothing impossible other than what God has said is impossible.   3  And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:3 (ESV)   3  He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. Hebrews 1:3a (ESV)   37  For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 (ESV)   26  But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 (ESV)    

Disciple Up # 258 Don't Fear the Online Mob– Judges 6-7 By Louie Marsh, 5-11-2022 11  Now the angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites…27  So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it by night. Judges 6:11,27 (ESV)   7  for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)    18  There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18 (ESV)   How God Wants Me to Deal with Fear   1) RECOGNIZE who God wants me to be.   12  And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” Judges 6:12 (ESV)   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, Matthew 28:19 (ESV)   2) REFUSE to get sidetracked.   13  And Gideon said to him, “Please, sir, 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.” Judges 6:13 (ESV)   2  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)   3) REMEMBER three powerful truths.   I ALREADY have all the strength I need!   14  The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" Judges 6:14 (NIV)   14  And the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian…” Judges 6:14 (ESV)   37  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (ESV)    I really am on a MISSION FROM GOD.   do not I send you?” Judges 6:14 (ESV)   God is with me ALL THE WAY!   16  And the LORD said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” Judges 6:16 (ESV)   …“And remember that I am always with you until the end of time.” Matthew 28:20 (GW)   4) RID myself of the causes of fear.   3  Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.'” Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained. Judges 7:3 (ESV)   5) REALIZE when & where God is moving.   9  That same night the LORD said to him, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand. 10  But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant. 11  And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the armed men who were in the camp…. 14  And his comrade answered, “This is no other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given into his hand Midian and all the camp.” 15  As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the LORD has given the host of Midian into your hand.” Judges 7:9-11; 14-15 (ESV)   6) RUN with the ridiculous!   16  And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. 17  And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. 18  When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon.'” Judges 7:16-18 (ESV)   7) GIVE God ALL the credit.   2  The LORD said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.' Judges 7:2 (ESV)  

Disciple Up # 257 Can You Trust Your Pastor? By Louie Marsh, 5-5-2022       https://www.christianitytoday.com/pastors/2022/spring/pastoral-credibility-erodes-resilient-glenn-packiam.html   https://churchleaders.com/news/417918-barna-glenn-packiam-american-pastors-credibility.html  

Disciple Up #256 Silly Things Christians Say & Believe By Louie Marsh, 4-27-2022   Intro. Just to show you we aren't the only one's acting very silly if not down right disgusting sometimes: https://sheershanews.net/men-gang-rape-kill-and-eat-endangered-monitor-lizard/   “Christlikeness is a journey, not a destination. The joy is in the journey.” – Charles R. Swindoll   https://directors.tfionline.com/post/more-jesus-reflections-christlikeness/   https://www.wisefamousquotes.com/quotes-about-journey-not-the-destination/   By saying Christlikeness – is to admit that this is the goal! Example of me going to Texas.   Becoming like Christ is both a journey and a goal, and we won't be done with either one in this lifetime that's for sure. If it's not a goal why did Paul write this?   “7But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8Indeed, 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 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:7–11, ESV)   “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. 15Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” (Philippians 3:12–16, ESV)   “8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” (Hebrews 11:8–10, ESV)   “Love Always Wins” –   Probably taken from what Gandhi first said which was…” When I despair, I remember that all through history, the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murders, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall.”   The movie about his life ends with this quote.   “16“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” (John 3:16–19, 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)   “1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1–4, ESV)   “8But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8–9, ESV)   “30“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. 31Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”” (Ezekiel 18:30–32, ESV)   “10“And you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, Thus have you said: ‘Surely our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we rot away because of them. How then can we live?' 11Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:10–11, ESV)   Love always ends makes perfect sense if you are universalist, but if you take the New Testament seriously, then you believe that Hell is real and awful beyond belief and that means God's love doesn't always win. And if His doesn't then mine sure won't either!              

Disciple Up # 255 Persecution: A New Testament Perspective By Louie Marsh   News Story Quoted:   https://www.christianpost.com/news/street-preacher-cleared-of-hate-speech-for-preaching-from-bible.html   What Does the New Testament Say About This?   “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. 21But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.' 26“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. 1“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.” (John 15:18–16:4, ESV)   “16“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:16–22, ESV)   “29Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:29–30, ESV)   “10You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:10–13, ESV)   “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)   “3that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.” (1 Thessalonians 3:3–4, ESV)   “12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:12–17, ESV)   “16“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16, ESV)    

Disciple Up # 254 Easter – Up Close & Personal By Louie Marsh, 4-13-2022   The Resurrection shows me that…   1) Jesus cares about me as an INDIVIDUAL!   But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" Mark 16:7 (NIV)   2) Jesus gives me REASONS FOR FAITH   When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, Luke 24:40-42 (NIV)   For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is God's powerful method of bringing all who believe it to heaven. This message was preached first to the Jews alone, but now everyone is invited to come to God in this same way. This Good News tells us that God makes us ready for heaven--makes us right in God's sight--when we put our faith and trust in Christ to save us. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scripture says it, "The man who finds life will find it through trusting God." Romans 1:16-17 (TLB)   3) Jesus wants me focused on God's WORD.   Then he began with Moses' Teachings and the Prophets to explain to them what was said about him throughout the Scriptures. Luke 24:27 (GW)   Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.    He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." Luke 24:45-48 (NIV)   4) Jesus confronts my sin to BRING ME BACK to him.   Things that I've DONE.   After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep." Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I'm telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you'll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don't want to go." He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, "Follow me." Turning his head, Peter noticed the disciple Jesus loved following right behind. When Peter noticed him, he asked Jesus, "Master, what's going to happen to him?" Jesus said, "If I want him to live until I come again, what's that to you? You—follow me." John 21:15-22 (MSG)   My inner THOUGHTS & BELIEFS   Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:24-29 (NIV)   5) Jesus wants me to have the Holy Spirit's POWER!   “I'm sending you what my Father promised. Wait here in the city until you receive power from heaven.” Luke 24:49 (GW)   “19On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:19–22, ESV)   My Holy Spirit Book: https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Spirit-Just-Another-Book/dp/1731332114/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ARB5FBOFTUD4&keywords=every+day+in+the+spirit&qid=1649712062&sprefix=every+day+in+the+spirit%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1    and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 1:4 (NIV)   But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you. Then you will be my witnesses to testify about me in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (GW)  

Disciple Up # 253 How Do Disciples Deal with Culture? By Louie Marsh, 4-6-2022   Articles Referenced:   https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/christ-and-culture-five-views   https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/christ-and-culture-an-overview-of-a-christian-classic/   Some truths about ALL cultures:   They are created by the tradition of fallen human beings and therefore at many points will disagree if not outright contradict the Bible. While culture itself doesn't need to be fought – its influence does! If we put culture above Christ and His Word eventually, we will end up compromising our very faith away. If the church is no different from the culture at large, what good is it and why would anyone need or want it? What we call culture the New Testament calls the “world.” The Greek word is kosmos and refers to an organized system of thought and action i.e. culture.   Relevant Bible Verses:   “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)   “15Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15–17, ESV)   “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. 21But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.'” (John 15:18–25, ESV)   “1Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 2Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.” (1 Corinthians 11:1–2, ESV)   “11Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3:11, ESV) “16Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. 20If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22(referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” (Colossians 2:16–23, ESV)   “14For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,” (Ephesians 2:14–19, ESV)    

Disciple Up #252 Character Over Charisma, Godliness Over Giftedness By Louie Marsh, 3-30-2022   Article that sparked these thoughts:   https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/march-web-only/hillsong-brian-houston-australia-look-for-character.html   Other Articles:   https://preachitteachit.org/articles/detail/character-wins-over-charisma/   The Real Point:   What I find disappointing are the explanations for Houston's actions. While medication can adversely affect a person's mental state, it is never a justification for inappropriate behavior. These excuses ring hollow, especially for victims of sexual harassment.   One obvious issue, rightly noted by the Hillsong board, is that “Hillsong's governance model has historically placed significant control in the hands of the senior pastor.” Freighting one person with authority is not indicative of a healthy leadership culture. We would do well, then, to reflect on which model of church governance and which style of leadership are more conducive to transparency and accountability.   As biblical scholar Andy Judd suggests, we should always ask, “Where is power distributed? how are decisions made and reviewed? and what happens next when a leader is forced to move on?”   But more important than leadership structures is a person's character. The biblical qualifications for a pastor don't rely on clicks, downloads, book sales, revenue, conference circuits, the number of bums in pews, or how many celebrities attend your church.   Instead, they require a pastor to be “above reapproach” and “self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” (1 Tim. 3:2–3). Jesus taught that “the greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matt 23:11–12).   During my time in seminary, I joined a wonderful Bible-believing church, and when I was being considered for a place as a pastoral intern, I met with one of the pastors. Having known me only for a little while, he was optimistic about my potential but wisely cautious about my character.   He said, “I know you're gifted, but I don't know if you're godly.” Those words have stuck with me ever since.   There is a difference—a big one—between being gifted and being godly. It's the difference between the show you can put on and what desires you harbor in your heart, between what you do on stage and what you do when you think nobody is watching you.   The events surrounding Houston are a reminder that the evangelical world needs leaders who demonstrate Christlike character, not simply public confidence; who grow disciples, not groom sycophants; who see themselves as naked before Christ, not robed in the prestige of their platforms. We need leaders who know that when success becomes an idol, cover-ups become a sacrament.   A Word From Our Sponsor:   “1The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:1–7, ESV)   “11The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11–12, ESV)   Character Counts and it trumps charisma and giftedness.   New Testament leaders are chosen for character and how they deal with family, not business and skill tests ratings.   In the end what else is a leader but someone who's character shines bright and causes others to follow them.   New Testament leadership is all about Servant Leadership. This too takes character.  Story of Crazy Horses' father taking a new, humble name when he gave his name - Crazy Horse – to his now famous son.   What qualities do we need in a Pastor or leader?   Paul laid that all out in Timothy. They need to be godly, self-controlled, humble and service oriented. Someone who knows how to lead, discipline and love all at the same time. They must be spiritually mature – which means being knowledgeable and active in applying that knowledge to their own lives first and other people's lives second.   Beyond all that they must have a good reputation among non-Christians! Now why on earth would that be needed in church leaders? Paul says so that he won't fall into disgrace or a snare of the devil.   The words, “good report,” are marturian kalēn (μαρτυριαν καλην), “an excellent testimony.” “Those without” refers to the non-Christian world in the midst of which the saints live. Expositors says: “In the passage before us, indeed, St. Paul may be understood to imply that the opinion of ‘those without' might usefully balance or correct that of the Church. There is something blameworthy in a man's character if the consensus of outside opinion be unfavorable to him; no matter how much he may be admired and respected by his own party.… One cannot safely assume, when we are in antagonism to it, that, because we are Christians, we are absolutely in the right and the world wholly wrong. Thus to defy public opinion in a superior spirit may not only bring discredit (reproach) on one's self and on the Church, but also catch us in the devil's snare, namely, a supposition that because the world condemns a certain course of action, the action is therefore right and the world's verdict may be safely set aside.” - Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 7 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 58–59.   There are, of course, two sides to this matter. Reproach (ὀνειδισμον [oneidismon]). Late word from ὀνειδιζω [oneidizō]. See Rom. 15:3. The snare of the devil (παγιδα του διαβολου [pagida tou diabolou]). Here subjective genitive, snare set by the devil. Παγις [Pagis], old word from πηγνυμι [pēgnumi], to make fast. So a snare for birds (Luke 21:35), any sudden trap (Rom. 11:9), of sin (1 Tim. 6:9), of the devil (1 Tim. 3:7; 2 Tim. 2:26). Ancients used it of the snares of love. The devil sets special snares for preachers (conceit verse 6, money 6:9, women, ambition). -A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), 1 Ti 3:7.

Disciple Up # 251 Responding To Injustice By Louie Marsh, 3-23-2022   Article Read From:   https://outreachmagazine.com/features/18622-3-christian-responses-to-injustice.html   Lament Anger Mindfulness   https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/when-injustice-seems-prevail/   Other responses:   Get the Big Picture and make sure you know the FACTS!! Prayer Giving/support either financial, physical or other (use your time, talent and treasure). Let your voice be heard – use social media to let everyone know about this injustice and ways it can be ended. Stay informed   Ways I Shouldn't Respond:   In emotion only - halfcocked. Based on secondhand information