River Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Lewis Marsh
This is the place to listen to CCR's weekly Sunday morning sermons. Messages that are based on the Bible, seek to honor Jesus, are Gospel centered and filled with faith and hope.
Final Orders Pt. 4: Handling Rejection
By Louie Marsh, 8-9-2026
1) UNDERSTAND its source.
· The world hates me because I'm DIFFERENT.
18 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19 (ESV)
· JESUS
20 Remember 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.21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. John 15:20-21 (ESV)
SHOW PIC – A CLEAR REJECTION IS BETTER THAN A FAKE PROMISE
The parliament of India's Gujarat state has a law that requires anyone wanting to convert from one faith to another to get prior permission from a district magistrate. The Freedom of Religion Bill aims to prevent religious conversion by force or bribery, and it provides for three-year prison terms and fines of $1,000 for law-breakers. Even for those who convert without threats or inducement, failure to get approval beforehand can result in imprisonment for a year and a small fine.
"Allurement" includes offers of gifts, material benefits, better lifestyle, or divine blessings. "Force" includes threats (including of divine displeasure or social excommunication).
· Courts treat the statutory definition as controlling. "Allurement" is not limited to cash payments; it can cover material benefits, lifestyle improvements, or spiritual inducements ("divine blessings").
· Mere preaching, sharing religious beliefs, or voluntary conversion without prohibited means is generally protected as propagation.
· However, offers of money, jobs, free education, medical aid, food, housing, or promises of a better life/spiritual rewards linked to conversion can be treated as allurement, especially if complained of by the convert, family members, or others.
· Some laws (including Gujarat's) reverse or place the burden of proof on the person who caused or facilitated the conversion to show it was not by allurement, force, etc.
State officials insist that the law is not aimed at any particular religion, but leaders of the Christian minority are bitterly opposed to it, saying it will restrict Indians' freedom to follow their faith of choice.
· Remember – everyone is ACCOUNTABLE to God.
22 If 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.23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also.24 If 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. John 15:22-24 (ESV)
God will judge!
2) EXPECT rejection from the religious
1 "I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. John 16:1-2 (ESV)
They were Jesus' biggest problem – and they'll be yours too! Why Do They Do This? · Because they don't KNOW GOD!
3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. John 16:3-4 (ESV)
3) Let Christ's JOY carry me through the sorrow.
"20Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:20–24, ESV)
· FOCUS my mind on the facts.
"20Truly, truly, I say to you,
· ACCEPT that sorrow is a part of life.
you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful,
· BELIEVE the living Christ will end my sorrow.
. 22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice
· UNDERSTAND that God uses sorrow to make me like Christ.
21When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
SHOW PIC – YOUR REJECTION IS YOUR DIRECTION
· HOPE to see true Joy soon.
24Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
4) REJOICEin our direct access to God!
26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father." John 16:26-28 (ESV)
Final Orders
Pt. 3: Staying In Jesus Louie Marsh, 8-2-2026
Intro – August special days
1) I must REMAIN in Christ
1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. John 15:1-4 (ESV)
· Clean - Katharos = "free from impure mixtures...spotless, pure." As believers we start the Christian life cleaned up!
· Abide-Meno= "to remain in the state of being where you started, also carries the ideas of enduring and of intimate fellowship. Used 118 times in the NT: 1 Cor.13:13; 2 Tim. 2:13.
Example – building a house of cards! Bryan Berg, holds the Guinness record with a 127-story, 24-foot-high house of cards. SHOW PICTURE!
Abiding in Christ is the KEY to living like He lived. Only then can you bear fruit, only then can the Spirit (sap) flow through you. A lack of fruit may indicate a lack of abiding.
Abiding Means:
1) I'm totally DEPENDENT on Christ.
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)
"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. John 15:5 (Mes)
Obviously speaking of spiritual things. This really throws us back on Grace. You can't do anything for God - to impress Him. Only His Spirit working through you will get the job done!
2) I show my connection to Christ through GOOD WORKS.
7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:7-8 (ESV)
We don't work to be saved, approved, accepted, forgiven, etc. We work to give God Glory!!
When We do this proves we're disciples!
DISCIPLES ARE FOCUSED AND NEARLY OBSESSED WITH GOD'S GLORY!
3) I understand that OBEDIENCE brings joy!
10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:10-11 (ESV)
If you want the joy of the Lord, you've go to DO what he says! In effect we obey not just because it's right, but also because we know there's a payoff down the road – pure, blissful JOY!
4) I Love SACRIFICIALLY
12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:12-13 (ESV)
24 But King David said to Ornan, "No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing." 1 Chronicles 21:24 (ESV)
Sacrifice must cost something or it isn't sacrifice! That's true in every area of life!
5) I pray with CONFIDENCE!
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.John 15:16 (ESV)
No, this doesn't mean that God will do anything and everything I ask. There's no way He's turning over the running of the universe to me, you or anyone else! So why does Jesus keep saying, anything?
A verse not on your outline helps!
14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5:14 (ESV)
There are 2 keys here –
· The more closely I abide in Christ, the more Christ centered and in God's will my prayers will be – so I can pray with confidence!
· When I do pray wrong I don't have to worry, God won't do anything outside His perfect will – so I can relax and let it all hang out when I do pray! Because I'm confident that my Father loves me and won't ever do anything improper no matter who asks Him!
6) I make Jesus a TRUE friend
14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:14-15 (ESV)
Last week we talked about our special relationship with Christ – this week we see it more clearly. We are to be friends with the Son of God! If that doesn't blow your mind, you aren't paying attention!
o Do I spend enough time with my friend Jesus?
o How honest am I with Him?
o How much do I do for Him?
o Does the way I prioritize my time, talent & treasure reflect this friendship with Christ?
11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:11 (ESV)
It all starts by giving my life to Christ and making Him my Forgiver and Leader
How To Live the Legacy
Pt. 2: Living with Change
Louie Marsh, 7-26-2026
Change graphics – show 'em At the end of chapter 13 Jesus tells the disciples that He's leaving – this doesn't sit well with them. They've given up everything for him, left family, friends, businesses for him. The authorities know who they are and aren't happy with them either – so they are faced with a real challenge. Change always presents us with fear and challenges – and Jesus gives us some powerful clues on how to deal with it.
1) TRUST in God's Care
1 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? John 14:1-2 (ESV)
· He VALUES ME!
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26 (ESV)
· He MEETS my needs!
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
· He COMFORTS me
4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV)
· He never LEAVES me.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
2) FOLLOW Jesus the Way.
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.John 14:5-6 (ESV)
· Change is easier to deal with when the core of your life NEVER CHANGES.
· Jesus said He's the ONLY WAY to God.
o What this doesn't mean:
§ That people in other religions are inferior, or worse than we are
§ That we hate other religions or look down upon them or their followers.
§ That everything in other religions are evil – we share much morality in common.
o What it does mean:
§ That Christianity is an exclusive faith!
§ ONLY Christianity presents the way to God AS A PERSON – Buddism has the 7 Fold Middle Way, Islam has the 5 Pillars of Islam, etc.
§ That the basis for our faith is different from all other religions – they are work based we are GRACE based!
A friend sent me this about a SS class – A teacher stood in front of her class and said, "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into heaven?"
NO! The children answered!
Well if I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into heaven?"
Again the answer was NO!
Well then if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children and loved my wife would that get me into heaven? Against the answer was NO!
Well then how can I get into Heaven?
A 5 year old boy in the back shouted out, "YOU GOTTA BE DEAD!"
· In the real world there are many parallels to this – 1 + 1 = 2 everywhere – etc.
· It's a truth issue, you have to deal with it on that basis, not on a feeling basis.
3) Know God THROUGH Christ.
8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. John 14:8-11 (ESV)
You don't ask for much do you Phillip? But don't we all make the same request?
If only God would do this or that - then I'd believe!
Our Basis of Belief:
· God's WORD – preferred basis – the only lasting one.
· God's ACTS - okay as a starting point.
5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (ESV)
Yes, in the New Testament the miracles and the growth of the church have a very interesting relationship.
In the book of Acts almost every time that Luke tells us the church grew, he precedes that with a story of a sign or a miracle.
He does this 13 times, 2 examples: Acts 2:1-4 - 2:41-43,47; 19:11-12 - 19:20
God offered both basis of belief in the early church 4) Rely on CHRIST'S POWER to fulfill my mission
12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:12-14 (ESV)
Jesus Did Four Things:
1, Formal Teaching - sermon on Mount
2, Relational Teaching - Woman at Well
3, Modeled - last week - foot washing
4, Miracles
Greatest work of all – changed lives! 5) DO IT – don't just say it!
21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." …23 Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. John 14:21,23-24 (ESV)
Final Orders
Pt. 1: Love Like Jesus
Louie Marsh, 7-19-2026
Famous Last Words -
Friends applaud, the comedy is finished. ~~ Ludwig van Beethoven, composer, d. March 26, 1827
I am about to -- or I am going to -- die: either expression is correct. ~~ Dominique Bouhours, French grammarian, d. 1702
Waiting are they? Waiting are they? Well--let 'em wait. In response to an attending doctor who attempted to comfort him by saying, "General, I fear the angels are waiting for you."~~ Ethan Allen, American Revolutionary general, d. 1789
Am I dying or is this my birthday? When she woke briefly during her last illness and found all her family around her bedside.~~ Lady Nancy Astor, d. 1964
How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden? ~~ P. T. Barnum, entrepreneur, d. 1891
Now comes the mystery. ~~ Henry Ward Beecher, evangelist, d. March 8, 1887
I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace. ~~ Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, d.1170
See in what peace a Christian can die. ~~ Joseph Addison, writer, d. June 17, 1719
1) LOVE everyone like Christ
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 (ESV)
· A NEW kind of Love Loving one another was an old command; Loving like Jesus did was NEW!
· The World Is Our JUDGE.
This was true in the early church.
Minucius Felix said about Christians, "They love each other even without being acquainted with each other."
Julian said, "Their master has implanted the belief in them that they are all brethren."
· This is the MARK of the Christian
In his commentary of John's letters Jerome writes that when the Apostle John was asked why he constantly said, "Little children, love one another," he replied, "Because this is the precept of the Lord, and if only this is done it is enough."
"2And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2, ESV)
APPLICATION PROJECT: Honestly examine your life and ask God to help you love more like Christ in the weak areas you find.
2) DEVELOP a servant's heart.
3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:3-5 (ESV)
· Ministry = Service = HUMILITY.
Foot Washing
The menial nature of it in Jewish eyes is shown in its inclusion among works which Jewish slaves shouldn't be required to do. It was something only Gentile slaves, or wives or children did.
The mother of Rabbi Ishael wished to wash his feet when he returned from Synagogue, he refused, she asked court of rabbis to rebuke him! They didn't.
The tying of the towel had meaning to Jews. Their tradition taught that when Hagar was sent away by Abraham she took her shawl and tied it around her loins "that people should know that she was a slave."
Foot washing was a symbolic act of welcome and refreshment to a guest.
Servant love does for the soul what foot washing did for the feet - it refreshes, cleans, and makes you feel welcome and accepted!
· A Servant's heart shows itself in ACTION.
APPLICATION PROJECT: Find one selfless action you can do this week to serve someone – and do it!
3) ACCEPT service from others gracefully.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand."8 Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." John 13:6-8 (ESV)
· Peter's Problem – PRIDE.
He could not believe his Lord would do this! His response in Greek literally reads, "Master, you - my.." or "Master, you - me..." The impression is given of Peter sputtering in astonishment!
He tried to be Lord of the Lord!
never = "forever" strongest form of negation!
Jesus says if he refuses he has "no part" of Him. Word part used among the Jews as having part of an inheritance, especially in the Promised Land and the Kingdom of God.
He got the message? But he didn't really understand it!
Our Problem
Pride cuts two ways, refusing to serve, or to be served.
Example of the latter - how hard it was for me to let people wash my feet in a foot washing ceremony I was in. Refusal to receive service and acts of love isn't humility - it's rooted in pride. It also kills any chance of people showing your their love.
"35In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "" (Acts 20:35, ESV)
If no one receives then no one can give.
APPLICATION PROJECT: If you have this kind of hidden pride, make it a goal this week to allow others to serve you.
· ALLOW God to work deeply in you.
Something deeper here as well. This goes beyond just accepting service, as hard as that might be for some of us.
By doing something so offensive and alien to their culture I believe Jesus is trying to make them face many other issues deep inside them, to allow God to root them out and replace them with Godly responses.
13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 (ESV)
That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. Phil. 2:13 (Mes)
How do we do this? We have to be willing to face what we fear or hate the most and allow God to touch us in places where we don't want to be touched.
The late Mark Heard talked a bit about this in a great song, Winds of Time:
It takes more than a good intention, it takes more than a cursory line, it takes more than mortal vigor, to withstand the winds of time. It takes a saturated soul, and a faith that will never let go!
You only get a saturated soul by letting God work deep and long in your soul.
4) RELATE to others as an equal.
12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you?13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:12-17 (ESV)
First he SHOWS love. By doing the act of the lowest slave, or person.
Second He tells us to do the same.
We are ALL equals, watch out for attitudes, actions, titles, etc that raise you above others. We're all equal under God!
· UNDERSTAND your unique relationship with Jesus
Notice what Jesus says about His relationship with them –
1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1 (ESV)
You are God's Partner – IF you give your life to Christ and let Him be your Forgiver and Leader.
5) LIVE for God's Glory
"31When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once." (John 13:31–32, ESV)
How do I do this?
1) I give my life Christ, and make Him my Forgiver and Leader
2) I make Him and His Kingdom 1st place in my life
3) I allow God to work deep in me, to transform my character into Christ-likeness.
Life Lessons from Jeremiah
Pt. 11: Great Is Your Faithfulness
By Louie Marsh, 7-12-2026
1) I need to HONESTLY assess myself & situation.
"1I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath; (Lamentations 3:1, ESV)
Jeremiah's Life…
· Darkness is OVERWHELMING him.
2he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light; 3surely against me he turns his hand again and again the whole day long. (Lamentations 3:2-3, ESV)
· He is deeply BITTER.
4He has made my flesh and my skin waste away; he has broken my bones; 5he has besieged and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation; (Lamentations 3:4-5, ESV)
· He is TRAPPED.
6he has made me dwell in darkness like the dead of long ago. 7He has walled me about so that I cannot escape; he has made my chains heavy; (Lamentations 3:6-7 ESV)
· God isn't answering his PRAYERS.
8though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer; 9he has blocked my ways with blocks of stones; he has made my paths crooked. (Lamentations 3:8-9, ESV)
· It feels like God is ATTACKING him.
10He is a bear lying in wait for me, a lion in hiding; 11he turned aside my steps and tore me to pieces; he has made me desolate; 12he bent his bow and set me as a target for his arrow. 13He drove into my kidneys the arrows of his quiver; (Lamentations 3:10-13, ESV)
· No one RESPECTS him.
14I have become the laughingstock of all my people, the object of their taunts all day long. 15He has filled me with bitterness; he has sated me with wormwood." "16He has made my teeth grind on gravel, and made me cower in ashes; (Lamentations 3:14-16, ESV)
· He has no PEACE.
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."" (Lamentations 3:16–18, ESV)
2) But there is always HOPE!
"21But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
· God's love and mercy are still there in the BAD TIMES.
22The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
· Even if I lose everything – I still have GOD.
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.
· A little suffering is GOOD for me.
27It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth." (Lamentations 3:21–27, ESV)
3) BOTH are true, not one or the other.
"31For the Lord will not cast off forever, 32for, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; 33for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men." (Lamentations 3:31–33, ESV)
Life Lessons from Jeremiah
Pt. 10: Playing the Long Game
By Louie Marsh, 7-5-2026
The Setting…
"1The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. 2At that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the guard that was in the palace of the king of Judah. 3For Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him, saying, "Why do you prophesy and say, 'Thus says the Lord: Behold, I am giving this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall capture it; 4Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him face to face and see him eye to eye. 5And he shall take Zedekiah to Babylon, and there he shall remain until I visit him, declares the Lord. Though you fight against the Chaldeans, you shall not succeed'?"" (Jeremiah 32:1–5, ESV)
1) God's plans often seem IRRELEVANT.
"6Jeremiah said, "The word of the Lord came to me: 7Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle will come to you and say, 'Buy my field that is at Anathoth, for the right of redemption by purchase is yours.' 8Then Hanamel my cousin came to me in the court of the guard, in accordance with the word of the Lord, and said to me, 'Buy my field that is at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of possession and redemption is yours; buy it for yourself.' Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord." (Jeremiah 32:6–8, ESV)
· Jeremiah TESTS the Word of the Lord.
· God promises FAILURE.
· In the midst of national destruction He's looking at LAND?
2) Whether it makes sense or not – I must OBEY,
"9"And I bought the field at Anathoth from Hanamel my cousin, and weighed out the money to him, seventeen shekels of silver." (Jeremiah 32:9, ESV)
· Practice UNLIMITED forgiveness.
"21Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" 22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:21–22, ESV)
· Love my enemies, not just TOLERATE them.
"43"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:43–45, ESV)
3) If I don't understand it TALK to God about it.
"14'Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthenware vessel, that they may last for a long time. 15For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.'" (Jeremiah 32:14–15, ESV)
"23And they entered and took possession of it. But they did not obey your voice or walk in your law. They did nothing of all you commanded them to do. Therefore you have made all this disaster come upon them. 24Behold, the siege mounds have come up to the city to take it, and because of sword and famine and pestilence the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it. What you spoke has come to pass, and behold, you see it. 25Yet you, O Lord God, have said to me, "Buy the field for money and get witnesses"—though the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans.' "" (Jeremiah 32:23–25, ESV)
· All of God's plans are LONG TERM.
· It all comes down to TRUST.
"3Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases." (Psalm 115:3, ESV)
4) Never forget, God plays the LONG GAME.
"36"Now therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning this city of which you say, 'It is given into the hand of the king of Babylon by sword, by famine, and by pestilence': 37Behold, I will gather them from all the countries to which I drove them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation. I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety. 38And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. 39I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. 40I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me." (Jeremiah 32:36–40, ESV)
"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 61:3, ESV)
Life Lessons from Jeremiah
Pt. 9: Living God's Plan
By Louie Marsh, 6-28-2026
1) The historical setting:
"1These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the eunuchs, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metal workers had departed from Jerusalem. 3The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. It said: (Jeremiah 29:1–3, ESV)
2) HOW does God want us to live?
4"Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:
· Settle down & live a PRODUCTIVE life.
5Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.
"23Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds," (Proverbs 27:23, ESV)
· Live a NORMAL life, focus on the future.
6Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.
"28And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…(Genesis 1:28, ESV)
· Be a BLESSING to your culture.
7But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
"12so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." (1 Thessalonians 4:12, ESV)
· Don't let false prophets PROFIT off of you.
8For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, 9for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 29:1–9, ESV)
3) God's promise – for us or Israel or both?
"10"For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. 11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile." (Jeremiah 29:10–14, ESV)
· God has good plans for us- a FUTURE
11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future... (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
· There is hope but only in CHRIST.
11… and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
"3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you," (1 Peter 1:3–4, ESV)
· God will hear me when I PRAY.
12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. (Jeremiah 29:12, ESV)
· I'll find God if I seek Him with ALL my heart
13You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13, ESV)
· VS 14 – ISRAEL ONLY.
14I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."
4) Summation.
"15I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." (John 17:15–16, ESV)
Life Lessons from Jeremiah
Pt. 8: I Am the Clay
By Louie Marsh, 6-21-2026
1) Following Jesus can get STRANGE.
"1The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2"Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." (Jeremiah 18:1, ESV)
"2As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,' ""…"6Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey." (Mark 1:2-3,6, ESV)
"1Now 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. 2And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. (Genesis 12:1–2, ESV)
2) Spiritual truth often PARALLELS real life.
3So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. (Jeremiah 18:3-4, ESV)
"24He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field," (Matthew 13:24, ESV)
3) If Jesus is Lord I allow Him FREE REIGN in my life.
5Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6"O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. (Jeremiah 18:5-6, ESV)
"13You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am." (John 13:13, ESV)
4) God is the Sovereign of the Universe, in the end His will is DONE.
7If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. 9And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, 10and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it. (Jeremiah 18:7-10, ESV)
5) In light of this – I must REPENT.
11Now, therefore, say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: 'Thus says the Lord, Behold, I am shaping disaster against you and devising a plan against you. Return, every one from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds.' (Jeremiah 18:11, ESV)
6) The unbelieving world WON'T DO this.
12"But they say, 'That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.'" (Jeremiah 18:12, ESV)
Life Lessons from Jeremiah
Pt. 7: Real Spiritual Warfare
By Louie Marsh, 6-14-2026
1) Ever felt like God has TRICKED you?
"7O Lord, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; everyone mocks me. 8For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, "Violence and destruction!" For the word of the Lord has become for me a reproach and derision all day long. (Jeremiah 20:7–8, ESV)
"6know then that God has put me in the wrong and closed his net about me." (Job 19:6, ESV)
then know that God has wronged me and drawn his net around me. (Job 19:6, NIV)
.
2) If I'm called by God, I must ANSWER that call.
9If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. (Jeremiah 20:9, ESV)
"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 9:16–18, ESV)
3) Doubt & fear work to DESTROY me.
10For I hear many whispering. Terror is on every side! "Denounce him! Let us denounce him!" say all my close friends, watching for my fall. "Perhaps he will be deceived; then we can overcome him and take our revenge on him." (Jeremiah 20:10, ESV)
4) But God will OVERCOME them.
11But the Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor will never be forgotten. 12O Lord of hosts, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause. (Jeremiah 20:11-12, ESV)
5) I must WORSHIP Him for delivering me.
13Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hand of evildoers. (Jeremiah 20:13, ESV)
6) Be PREPARED for the struggle to continue.
14Cursed be the day on which I was born! The day when my mother bore me, let it not be blessed! 15Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father, "A son is born to you," making him very glad. 16Let that man be like the cities that the Lord overthrew without pity; let him hear a cry in the morning and an alarm at noon, 17because he did not kill me in the womb; so my mother would have been my grave, and her womb forever great. 18Why did I come out from the womb to see toil and sorrow, and spend my days in shame?" (Jeremiah 20:14–18, ESV)
"3He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted." (Isaiah 53:3–4, ESV)
Life Lessons from Jeremiah
Pt. 6: My Deceitful Heart
By Louie Marsh, 6-7-2026
1) I must LEARN to trust in God alone.
"5Thus says the Lord: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. (Jeremiah 17:5–6, ESV)
The person whose "heart turns aside from Yahweh" is "cursed."
In ancient Israel's theocratic monarchy, turning away from God was considered rebellion and treason, crimes still punishable by death in most countries of the world today.
Such a rebel Jeremiah compared to the, "juniper," of the "wilderness, a land of salt and not inhabited" (17:6). This description leads to the identification of the with the Sodom apple of the Dead Sea region. This tree has broad leaves that appear to be upturned in prayer. It bears a fruit about the size and shape of a lemon and is attractive in appearance. But when opened, this fruit reveals only dry, silky, threadlike fibers that carry the seeds on the wind, much as the milkweed. A person who makes his home in the barren wilderness of the soul and orders his life so as to produce only desiccated, disappointing "fruit" "will not see when good comes." - Gregory A. Lint, ed., Jeremiah–Lamentations, The Complete Biblical Library: Study Bible (World Library Press, 2000), Je 17:5–8.
· When I trust myself, I get NOTHING!
2) My life will be STABLE & FRUITFUL if I do.
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." (Jeremiah 17:7–8, ESV)
"9(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)," (Ephesians 5:9, ESV)
3) My big problem – My Heart has a TERMINAL disease.
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 17:9–10, ESV)
"26And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)
4) If I follow my heart alone I will end up a FOOL.
11Like the partridge that gathers a brood that she did not hatch, so is he who gets riches but not by justice; in the midst of his days they will leave him, and at his end he will be a fool. 12A glorious throne set on high from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary. 13O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be put to shame; those who turn away from you shall be written in the earth, for they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living water. (Jeremiah 17:11–13, ESV)
5) Only God can HEAL my heart.
14Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise. (Jeremiah 17:14, ESV)
"28Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."" (Matthew 11:28–30, ESV)
6) So I will follow God's CALL thru good times & bad.
15Behold, they say to me, "Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come!" 16I have not run away from being your shepherd, nor have I desired the day of sickness. You know what came out of my lips; it was before your face. 17Be not a terror to me; you are my refuge in the day of disaster. (Jeremiah 17:5–15-17, ESV)
7) I will TRUST God & let Him deal with my enemies
18Let those be put to shame who persecute me, but let me not be put to shame; let them be dismayed, but let me not be dismayed; bring upon them the day of disaster; destroy them with double destruction!" (Jeremiah 17:18, ESV)
Life Lessons from Jeremiah
Pt. 5: The Precious from the Worthless
By Louie Marsh, 5-31-2026
When Life Doesn't Make Sense:
Backstory of this passage – Malawi – and why this translation,
1) Be completely HONEST with God.
"15You who know, O Lord, Remember me, take notice of me, And take vengeance for me on my persecutors. Do not, in view of Your patience, take me away; Know that for Your sake I endure reproach. (Jeremiah 15, NASB95)
2) REMEMBER my own spiritual history.
16Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. 17I did not sit in the circle of merrymakers, Nor did I exult. Because of Your hand upon me I sat alone, For You filled me with indignation. (Jeremiah 16-17, NASB95)
· I must LOVE God's Word
16Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;
· I am CALLED by God's Name
For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.
· Don't FOLLOW the crowd.
17I did not sit in the circle of merrymakers, Nor did I exult.
· Stand ALONE if necessary.
Because of Your hand upon me I sat alone
· FEEL the depth of sin in myself & our land.
For You filled me with indignation. (Jeremiah 16-17, NASB95)
3) I must be WILLING to speak from my heart.
18Why has my pain been perpetual And my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will You indeed be to me like a deceptive stream With water that is unreliable? (Jeremiah 19a, NASB95)
Complaint is central to lament. But Christians never complain just to complain. Instead, we bring our complaints to the Lord for the purpose of moving us toward him.
"2O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save? 3Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. 4So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted." (Habakkuk 1:2–4, ESV)
"1I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath; 2he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light; 3surely against me he turns his hand again and again the whole day long." (Lamentations 3:1–3, ESV)
4) God will show me the TRUTH I need to hear.
19Therefore, thus says the Lord, "If you return, then I will restore you— Before Me you will stand;
"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." (2 Corinthians 12:8–9, ESV)
5) God says I must LEARN from suffering.
And if you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman. (Jeremiah 15:19b, NASB95)
6) If I walk with God He'll TAKE CARE of me,
They for their part may turn to you, But as for you, you must not turn to them. 20"Then I will make you to this people A fortified wall of bronze; And though they fight against you, They will not prevail over you; For I am with you to save you And deliver you," declares the Lord. 21"So I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, And I will redeem you from the grasp of the violent."" (Jeremiah 15:19c–21, NASB95)
Life Lessons from Jeremiah
Pt. 4: Honest to God
By Louie Marsh, 5-24-2026
Jeremiah complains to God about the evil in Israel
1) I must be both honest and RESPCTFUL towards God.
"1Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. (Jeremiah 12:1a ESV)
"2"Today also my complaint is bitter; my hand is heavy on account of my groaning. 3Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! 4I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments." (Job 23:2–4, ESV)
· Why does evil PROSPER?
Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? 2You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart. (Jeremiah 12:1b-2, ESV)
· It's OKAY to question God when I don't understand.
3But you, O Lord, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you. (Jeremiah 12:3a, ESV)
· My solution – ANNIHILATE them!
Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and set them apart for the day of slaughter. 4How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field wither? For the evil of those who dwell in it the beasts and the birds are swept away, because they said, "He will not see our latter end.""(Jer.12: 3b-4, ESV)
2) God's answer – That's above your PAYGRADE.
"5"If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? Jeremiah 12:5, ESV)
Short answer: no, not in a sprint. A horse can hit around 40 to 44 miles per hour, while the fastest humans top out near 27 or 28.
But over long distances? Sometimes yes. Humans have beaten horses in races around 20 to 22 miles, like the Man versus Horse Marathon in Wales. It's happened five times in 46 years, usually on hilly terrain in hot weather—our sweat cooling system helps when horses overheat.
In even longer ultras, humans can hold their own or pull ahead in the right conditions, thanks to endurance and better heat regulation.
"8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8–9, ESV)
· I must not be NAÏVE when dealing with evil.
6For even your brothers and the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you; they are in full cry after you; do not believe them, though they speak friendly words to you." 7"I have forsaken my house; I have abandoned my heritage; I have given the beloved of my soul into the hands of her enemies. Jeremiah 12:6-7, ESV)
· God will judge in HIS TIME not mine!
8My heritage has become to me like a lion in the forest; she has lifted up her voice against me; therefore I hate her. 9Is my heritage to me like a hyena's lair? Are the birds of prey against her all around? Go, assemble all the wild beasts; bring them to devour. 10Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard; they have trampled down my portion; they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. 11They have made it a desolation; desolate, it mourns to me. The whole land is made desolate, but no man lays it to heart. Jeremiah 12:8–11, ESV)
· Those who profit from evil will only receive JUDGEMENT.
12Upon all the bare heights in the desert destroyers have come, for the sword of the Lord devours from one end of the land to the other; no flesh has peace. 13They have sown wheat and have reaped thorns; they have tired themselves out but profit nothing. They shall be ashamed of their harvests because of the fierce anger of the Lord."" (Jeremiah 12:12–13, ESV)
3) I must GUARD AGAINST false repentance.
"7"Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O Lord, for your name's sake; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you. 8O you hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night? 9Why should you be like a man confused, like a mighty warrior who cannot save? Yet you, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us." 10Thus says the Lord concerning this people: "They have loved to wander thus; they have not restrained their feet; therefore the Lord does not accept them; now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins."" (Jeremiah 14:7–10, ESV)
"9As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. 10For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter." (2 Corinthians 7:9–11, ESV)
Life Lessons from Jeremiah
Pt. 3: Faith of the Heart
By Louie Marsh, 5-17-2026
1) The truth HURTS.
"4Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the clans of the house of Israel. 5Thus says the Lord: "What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless? 6They did not say, 'Where is the Lord who brought us up from the land of Egypt, who led us in the wilderness, in a land of deserts and pits, in a land of drought and deep darkness, in a land that none passes through, where no man dwells?'" (Jeremiah 2:4–6, ESV)
2) God Calls EVERYONE to Repentance:
"12Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, " 'Return, faithless Israel, declares the Lord. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the Lord; I will not be angry forever. 13Only acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the Lord your God and scattered your favors among foreigners under every green tree, and that you have not obeyed my voice, declares the Lord. 14Return, O faithless children, declares the Lord; for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. 15" 'And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3:12–15, ESV)
· Repent of Empty Forms of GODLINESS.
3Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. 4Do not trust in these deceptive words: 'This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.' 5"For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly execute justice one with another," (Jeremiah 7:3–5, ESV)
"8"Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail. 9Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, 10and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, 'We are delivered!'—only to go on doing all these abominations?" (Jeremiah 7:8–10, ESV)
"5having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." (2 Timothy 3:5, ESV)
3) We must teach the whole, ESPECIALLY the unpopular parts!
"2"Thus says the Lord: Stand in the court of the Lord's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word." (Jeremiah 26:2, ESV)
"18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." 20Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians 1:18–25, ESV)
4) I must understand the power of CHOICE.
"23But this command I gave them: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.' 24But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. 25From the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day. 26Yet they did not listen to me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers. 27"So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. 28And you shall say to them, 'This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips." (Jeremiah 7:23–28, ESV)
We must do this just in case some might hear and repent.
People will react very negatively to this – don't let that surprise you.
5) I must keep my heart SOFT.
"18My joy is gone; grief is upon me; my heart is sick within me. 19Behold, the cry of the daughter of my people from the length and breadth of the land: "Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?" "Why have they provoked me to anger with their carved images and with their foreign idols?" 20"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." 21For the wound of the daughter of my people is my heart wounded; I mourn, and dismay has taken hold on me. 22Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?" (Jeremiah 8:18–22, ESV)
"41And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it,42saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation."" (Luke 19:41–44, ESV)
6) The Bible says faith must come from our HEART.
"23Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord." 25"Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh— 26Egypt, Judah, Edom, the sons of Ammon, Moab, and all who dwell in the desert who cut the corners of their hair, for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart."" (Jeremiah 9:23–26, ESV)
· No matter how PAINFUL that is.
Woe is me because of my hurt! My wound is grievous. But I said, "Truly this is an affliction, and I must bear it." My tent is destroyed, and all my cords are broken; my children have gone from me, and they are not; there is no one to spread my tent again and to set up my curtains. For the shepherds are stupid and do not inquire of the LORD; therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered. A voice, a rumor! Behold, it comes!— a great commotion out of the north country to make the cities of Judah a desolation, a lair of jackals. I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O LORD, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing. Jeremiah 10:19-24 (ESV)
But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deut. 4:29
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23
Life Lessons From Jeremiah
Pt. 2: Be On Mission
By Louie Marsh, 5-10-2026
IF I'M GOING TO SERVE GOD…
1) It helps to know WHAT I'm supposed to do!
See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." Jeremiah 1:10 (ESV)
The three pairs of verbs-pull up/tear down, take apart/demolish, build/plant-are all-involving. In the way of faith we do not escape because it is too much for us; we plunge into it because we are commanded and equipped. It is not our feelings that determine our level of participation in life, nor our experience that qualifies us for what we will do and be; it is what God decides about us.
· To uproot and tear down
"13He answered, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up." (Matthew 15:13, ESV)
"7If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it." (Jeremiah 18:7–8, ESV)
• Sin-corrupted structures must be pulled up at the roots (Jeremiah 18:7-8; Matthew 15:13).
• "Tear down" pictures dismantling false worship, injustice, and empty confidence.
· To destroy and overthrow
"52he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;" (Luke 1:52, ESV)
• Intensified verbs stress total demolition of prideful kingdoms.
• Nothing withstands the Lord's decree—not Jerusalem's walls, Babylon's empire, nor modern idols (Jeremiah 25:29; Luke 1:52).
• Destruction here is mercy: it halts evil before it devours further
· To build and plant
"6I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not pluck them up." (Jeremiah 24:6, ESV)
• Judgment clears ground for restoration.
• "Build" promises stability; "plant" promises fruitfulness.
• God never leaves ruins unattended; His ultimate aim is a people and a place flourishing under His reign.
· This is Jeremiah's MISSION STATEMENT.
Other Biblical Mission Statements:
John the Baptist;
A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 (ESV)
Jesus:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Luke 4:18-21 (ESV)
Paul:
But 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, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles— to whom I am sending you to 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.' Acts 26:16-18 (ESV)
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 1 Corinthians 1:17 (ESV)
My Mission Statement:
To go anywhere, at anytime, to teach anyone God's Word, and to Empower Disciples.
2) To fulfill God's call I need lots of REASSURANCE!
· 1st Assurance – God is WATCHING over him.
And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Jeremiah, what do you see?" And I said, "I see an almond branch." Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it." Jeremiah 1:11-12 (ESV)
The almond tree is one of the earliest trees to bloom in Palestine. Before it puts forth leaves, it puts forth blossoms, white and snowy.
The vision is accented with a word play. The word almond and the word watching are nearly identical in Hebrew. "What do you see, Jeremiah?" I see a shaped ("almond"). "Good eyes! I'm sticking with you. I am shoqed ("watching") my word to make every word I give you come true. I am watching my word like a shepherd watching his flock.
· 2nd Assurance – BELIEVE that God limits evil in this world.
The word of the LORD came to me a second time, saying, "What do you see?" And I said, "I see a boiling pot, facing away from the north." Then the LORD said to me, "Out of the north disaster shall be let loose upon all the inhabitants of the land. For behold, I am calling all the tribes of the kingdoms of the north, declares the LORD, and they shall come, and every one shall set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, against all its walls all around and against all the cities of Judah. And I will declare my judgments against them, for all their evil in forsaking me. They have made offerings to other gods and worshiped the works of their own hands. Jeremiah 1:13-16 (ESV)
"I believe in getting into hot water, it keeps you clean." - G. K. Chesterton
The subject of the vision is negative (in contrast to the almond vision) but its message is positive, for its effect is to contain evil. The boiling pot is a container of evil, and it poured out by someone – it is limited and controlled.
The boiling pot reduces evil to a location and a use. We cannot afford to be naive about evil-it must be faced. But we cannot be intimidated by it either. It will be used by God to bring good.
"7For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way." (2 Thessalonians 2:7, ESV)
The first vision convinced Jeremiah that the word of God bursts with wonders and that its wonders are not illusions. The second vision convinced Jeremiah that the world is very dangerous but that the danger is not catastrophic.
3) I must be SHAPED by God's Word & Vision, nothing else!
Jeremiah was shaped by the visions, not by the fashions of the day, not by his feelings about himself. We know that he often felt terrible and that he was treated terribly. He often felt weak; he often was near despair. In fact, he was always strong. His emotions often failed him; his faith always held fast. His strength was not achieved by growing calluses over his highly sensitive spirit.
"18And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. 19They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you."" (Jeremiah 1:18–19, ESV)
Educated by the almond rod, his inward responsiveness to the personal, whether God or human, deepened and developed. Educated by the boiling pot, his outward capacity to deal with dehumanizing evil and to resist depersonalizing intimidation became invincible: "impregnable as a castle, immovable as a steel post, solid as a concrete block wall." Not bad for someone who started out as "only a boy."
4) Now it's time to get to work – be PROFESSIONAL.
But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you… Jeremiah 1:17a (ESV)
"6Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey." (Mark 1:6, ESV)
Pictures – map of E.Timor, story of when you first taught this.
THE UNLIVED LIFE – taken from The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. (Gates of Fire)
Resistance is the most toxic force on the planet. It is the root of more unhappiness than poverty, or disease. To yield to Resistance deforms our spirit. It stunts us and makes us less than we are and were born to be. If you believe in God (and I do) you must declare Resistance evil, for it prevents us from achieving the life God intended when He endowed each of us with our own unique genius.
Genius is a Latin word; the Romans used it to denote an inner spirit, holy and inviolable, which watches over us, guiding us to our calling. A writer writes with his genius; an artist paints with hers; everyone who creates operates from this sacramental center. It is our soul's seat, the vessel that holds our being-in-potential, our star's beacon and Polaris.
WHAT IS THIS RESISTANCE?
· I won't let my FLESH stop me.
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 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. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. Romans 7:14-20 (ESV)
5) To overcome I must RELY on God's strength.
… Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them. And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you." Jeremiah 1:17b-19 (ESV)
· God's strength shows itself in my WEAKNESSES.
Jeremiah 1:17b-19; 2 Corinthians 4:7–10, 12:7-10
"17... Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them. 18And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. 19They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you."" (Jeremiah 1:17b–19, ESV)
"7But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies." (2 Corinthians 4:7–10, ESV)
"7So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 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 12:7–10, ESV)
Life Lessons From Jeremiah
Pt. 1: Called & Qualified
By Louie Marsh, 5-3-2026
Introduction: Excuses
The words of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, to whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, and until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the captivity of Jerusalem in the fifth month. Jeremiah 1:1-3 (ESV)
His family and town, near Jerusalem, center of power, might have known many famous people, etc.
The exact meaning of Jeremiah is not certain: it may mean "the LORD exalts"; it may mean "the LORD hurls." What is certain is that "the LORD," the personal name of God, is in his name.
1) Jeremiah Endured because He Knew God was CALLING HIM.
Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:4-5 (ESV)
Jeremiah as almost all the prophets, saw themselves as people being acted upon by God. This is God's call, God's will, God's plan, NOT his! If we are to endure the hardships of ministry, we must understand that this is all about God and what HE wants, not about us.
2) God's First Call – the Call to Christlike Character.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
3) God's Second Call – the Call to Christlike Conduct.
"5This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—" (2 Thessalonians 1:5, ESV)
4) No EXCUSES allowed!
Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth."But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD." Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. Jeremiah 1:6-9 (ESV)
We are practiced in pleading inadequacy in order to avoid living at the best that God calls us to. How tired the excuses sound! I am only a youth; I am only a housewife; I am only a layman; I am only a poor preacher; I only have an eighth-grade education; I don't have enough time; I don't have enough training; I don't have enough confidence; or, with biblical precedence, "Master, please, I don't talk well" (Ex 4:10). Too much is being asked of us. We cannot cope. We cannot manage.
Eugene H. Peterson. Run with the Horses: The Quest for Life at Its Best (Kindle Locations 429-432). Kindle Edition.
Moses King of Excuses!
· "Who am I?" = I'm not IMPORTANT/QUALIFIED enough.
"11But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?"" (Exodus 3:11, ESV)
· They won't ACCEPT my message.
"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)
· I'm not a good SPEAKER.
"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)
· I'm afraid and don't WANT to go!
"13But he said, "Oh, my Lord, please send someone else."" (Exodus 4:13, ESV)
5) God's response to Jeremiah's Excuses.
· Excuse 2 - God's POWER is always available.
"3And he said, "Throw it on the ground." So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it." (Exodus 4:3, ESV)
· Excuse 3 - God will PROVIDE what I lack.
"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)
· Excuse 1 & 4 – God is WITH me.
"12He said, "But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain."" (Exodus 3:12, ESV)
These excuses show Moses' very human fear, insecurity, and reluctance—yet God still used him powerfully. The chapter highlights that God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
I must be humble enough to accept learning from others what I need to learn and experiencing what I need to become fully qualified. If I think, "God called me so now I – who know and have experienced nothing – will take over. I'm headed for a fall and refusing to accept God's qualifying school of some very hard knocks!
Living in the Last Days
Pt. 9: Being Responsible
By Louie Marsh, 4-26-2026
TO BE A RESPONSIBLE BELIEVER I NEED TO… 1) Live & pray according to GOD'S PRIORITIES.
"1Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:1–3, ESV)
· My top priority is SPREADING the good news!
As to the rest, pray ye, brethren, concerning us, that the word of the Lord may run and may be glorified, as also with you, 2 Thes. 3:1 (Young's)
"…may have a triumphant career…" (Lightfoot)
· A secondary priority is DELIVERANCE from danger.
2) Ask God to GROW my heart.
"5May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." (2 Thessalonians 3:5, ESV)
"32I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!" (Psalm 119:32, ESV)
WHAT AREAS DO WE NEED TO GROW IN? · GOD'S LOVE
· CHRIST'S PERSERVERANCE
3) Live out my faith through HARD WORK.
· Don't SETTLE.
"6Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us." (2 Thessalonians 3:6, ESV)
· Don't DEMAND your rights
"7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate." (2 Thessalonians 3:7–9, ESV)
· Do stand up and LEAD
"10For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 13As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." (2 Thessalonians 3:10–13, ESV)
· Practice TOUGH LOVE
"14If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother." (2 Thessalonians 3:14–15, ESV)
WHY THIS EMPHASIS ON WORK? · Because life is all about PRODUCING VALUE!
4) Seek and Receive CHRIST'S PEACE.
"16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all." (2 Thessalonians 3:16, ESV)
5) Live my life in GRACE!
"17I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all." (2 Thessalonians 3:17–18, ESV)
· Grace = SALVATION.
· Grace = LIFE.
Living in the Last Days
Pt. 8: Building Up
By Louie Marsh, 4-19-2026
1) My speech should be FREE & OPEN
"2not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction," (2 Thessalonians 2:2–3, ESV)
"5For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness." (1 Thessalonians 2:5, ESV)
2) My life should be TRANSPARENT.
"1Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 2not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come." (2 Thessalonians 2:1–2, ESV)
"5Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?" (2 Thessalonians 2:5, ESV)
"9The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false," (2 Thessalonians 2:9–11, ESV)
3) My Responsibility is to manage God's gifts WISELY.
"4who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God." (2 Thessalonians 2:4, ESV)
· Approved by GOD
· Trusted with the GOSPEL
4) My goal is to please God ALONE.
"5For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ." (1 Thessalonians 2:5–6, ESV)
5) My love should be SOUL DEEP.
"7But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8, ESV)
6) My conduct must be GODLY.
"10You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11For you know how, like a father with his children, 12we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory." (1 Thessalonians 2:10–12, ESV)
· ENCOURAGING
· COMFORTING
· URGING
7) My calling is to SHARE the good news of Christ!
"13And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers." (1 Thessalonians 2:13, ESV)
Living In The Last Days
Pt. 7: Hanging Tough
By Louie Marsh, 3-12-2026
You know you're in trouble when....
• Your accountant's letter of resignation is postmarked from Zurich.
• You're taking a bus to the bank to make your car payment.
• You take assertiveness training, but you're afraid to tell your wife.
• You tell a barber what you think of his prices before he cuts your hair.
• You see your stockbroker hitchhiking out of town.
• The plumber floats by on your kitchen table.
• Your pacemaker comes with a 30-day guarantee.
• Your wages are paid out of petty cash.
• The pest control guy crawls under your house and never comes out.
IN TOUGH TIMES I NEED TO… 1) DECIDE to deepen my spiritual life starting NOW!.
"3We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 4Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring." (2 Thessalonians 1:3–4, ESV)
· Growing FAITH & LOVE are two signs my spiritual life is deepening.
Paul uses a compound Greek verb meaning growth above expectations – huper from which we get hyper.
Trouble Makes My Faith Grow By… · Making me face UNPLEASANT truths.
· Testing to see if I'm LIVING a supernatural life.
2) TRUST GOD to bring about justice.
"5This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— 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 1:5–7, ESV)
3) Compassionately REACH OUT to the lost.
"8in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed." (2 Thessalonians 1:8–10, ESV)
Hell is horrible because it goes on forever – you are eternally brought to "complete ruin" as it says literally.
Hell is even worse because you are shut away from God completely. That's why it won't be a party – ALL GOOD THINGS are absent from Hell. There is nothing there but evil and pain.
This ought to motivate us!
4) FOCUS on giving Glory to Jesus!
"12so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thessalonians 1:12, ESV)
5) BELIEVE that God will fulfill His purposes in my life.
"11To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power," (2 Thessalonians 1:11, ESV)
6) YBH – YES BUT HOW?
· Pay attention to my HEART.
"23Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23, ESV)
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NAS)
Keep means to watch over and protect – what many of us do in the name of guarding our hearts is actually hardening and kill it!
This doesn't mean to suck it up – be tough – shut down your emotions – and ACT okay when you are not.
Rather it means to be authentic and open before the Lord on all occasions about everything – and as open with others as you can be.
"34You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34, ESV)
The heart "spurts out" good or evil according to the supply within.
1) as ejection by force throw out, expel, drive out; (2) as expelling or excluding without force repudiate, send away, let go.
"18But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person." (Matthew 15:18, ESV)
Out of the mouth. Spoken words come out of the heart and so are a true index of character.
· An open heart to God is the KEY to real spiritual depth.
"14Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: " ' "You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive." 15For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'" (Matthew 13:14–15, ESV)
Because Jesus is alive…
1) I need to be KINGDOM focused.
3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 (ESV)
· God is calling me to live in a ACCOUNTABLE community.
It's not just all about me!
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
Not neglecting = "Not leaving behind, not leaving in the lurch" -Word Pictures in the New Testament.
· The Kingdom works from the INSIDE OUT not the outside in.
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 (ESV)
2) I need to OUT my doubts.
24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe." John 20:24-25 (ESV)
· ADMIT you've got them.
"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." (Matthew 28:16–17, ESV)
· FIGURE OUT the what's and whys of my doubts.
15 but 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)
· TALK OUT my doubts with God.
26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe."28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" John 20:26-28 (ESV)
· Remember God will BLESS my faith without a doubt.
29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29 (ESV)
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 11:6 (ESV)
3) I need to respond to Jesus' call to a HIGHER LOVE.
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." 16 He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17 (ESV)
First time Jesus asks a comparative question, because Peter had said he loved Jesus more than the rest. Once that's done Jesus no longer compares but probes Peter's heart.
First two times Jesus says agape while Peter responds with philio. Third time Jesus says philio.
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIV)
Go Through – Gospel in a Nutshell & B.A.S.I.S.
Establish Your Spiritual B.A.S.I.S.!
B = Believe Jesus died on the Cross for me and showed He was God by coming back to life again. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (1 Cor. 15:2-4)
A = Accept Christ as Lord of My life and His free forgiveness of my sins. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- (John 1:12)
S = Switch to God's Plan for my life. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15)
I = Inform others of your decision. That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
S = Submerge yourself in Christ. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)
Living in the Last Days
Pt. 6: Staying With It, 1 Thess. 5:12-28
By Louie Marsh, 3-29-2026
For those who appreciate the intricacies of the English language, the Washington Post publishes a yearly contest in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for various words. The following are some winning entries from a few years ago. Coffee (n.), a person who is coughed upon. Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained. Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach. Negligent (adj.), describes a condition in which you absentmindedly answer the door in your nightie. Lymph (v.), to walk with a lisp. Flatulence (n.) the emergency vehicle that picks you up after you are run over by a steamroller. Balderdash (n.), a rapidly receding hairline. Frisbeetarianism (n.), The belief that, when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck there.
TO LIVE EFFECTIVELY FOR CHRIST I MUST… 1) REFUSE to stifle the Spirit's work in my life.
"19Do not quench the Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 5:19, ESV)
"18"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles."…"20a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory;" (Matthew 12:18,20, ESV)
"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," (2 Timothy 1:6, ESV)
· SNUFF OUT Satan's work in my life.
"16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;" (Ephesians 6:16, ESV)
2) RESPECT the Spirit's Word in my life.
"20Do not despise prophecies," (1 Thessalonians 5:20, ESV)
Contempt = "to count as nothing." We must never treat any of the work of God with contempt
3) TEST EVERYTHING to discover what God's work and Word really are!
"21but test everything… (1 Thessalonians 5:21a, ESV)
Stress everything – note that this is what the Jewish leaders never did with Jesus. Lazarus was raised and they knew it and killed him anyway.
· God TESTS ME.
"4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts." (1 Thessalonians 2:4, ESV)
· I am COMMANDED to test!
"4But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor." (Galatians 6:4, ESV)
"1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1, ESV)
4) APPLY the right standards in my testing.
· Keep my heart & mind OPEN before God.
"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 12:2, ESV)
How do I test? a, Not by what my parents says b, Not by what my preacher says c, Not by what my old church did d, Not by what my culture says e, not by how I feel about it!
· Use God's OBJECTIVE STANDARD – His Word.
"8The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8, ESV)
"4But he answered, "It is written, " 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' ""…
"7Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.' "" …"10Then 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 4:4,7,10, ESV)
· CONSULT other standards as well.
o COMMON SENSE
o PRAYERFUL guidance
o COUNSEL from others
5) HOLD ON to the good & run with it!
"21… hold fast what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21b, ESV)
Good = "something noble, something that is a blessing and a honor to receive."
The 2 words "good" and "hold" are only found in one other verse in the N.T.:
"15As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience." (Luke 8:15, ESV)
Living in the Last Days
Pt. 5: Looking Forward
By Louie Marsh, 3-22-2026
LOOKING FORWARD IN CHRIST MEANS I … 1) Temper my grief with HOPE.
"13But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." (1 Thessalonians 4:13, ESV)
Gordon Lightfoot – wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Does anyone know where the love of God goesWhen the waves turn the minutes to hours?The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish BayIf they'd put fifteen more miles behind herThey might have split up or they might have capsizedThey may have broke deep and took waterAnd all that remains is the faces and the namesOf the wives and the sons and the daughters
2) BELIEVE the source of hope – Christ's Truth!
"14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep." (1 Thessalonians 4:14–15, ESV)
3) Practice Prophecies with 3 Practical Purposes:
· To ENCOURAGE me.
"18Therefore encourage one another with these words."…"11Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11, ESV)
· To keep me ALERT!
"4But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober." (1 Thessalonians 5:4–6, ESV)
· To MOTIVATE me to fight the good fight!
"8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ," (1 Thessalonians 5:8–9, ESV)
4) AVOID the wrong solution.
"1Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." (1 Thessalonians 5:1–3, ESV)
"32"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mark 13:32, ESV)
5) REJOICE in my relationship with Christ.
"10who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him." (1 Thessalonians 5:10, ESV)
· It's ETERNAL!
"38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38–39, ESV)
Living in the Last Days
Pt. 4: Living Right
By Louie Marsh, 3-15-2026
TWO HALLMARKS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE · SELFLESSNESS
· CONTINUED GROWTH
"1Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more."…"10for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more," (1 Thessalonians 4:1, 10, ESV)
LIVING RIGHT MEANS… 1) I am to PLEASE GOD first.
"1Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 4:1–2, ESV)
2) I stay within God's SEXUAL BOUNDARIES.
"3For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you." (1 Thessalonians 4:3–8, ESV)
ESV, NIV, NLT, MESSAGE all say Body, Wife- LB and GW, Vessel – NAS, ASV, NKJ.
Greek is vessel – Paul either means spouse, or body – there's equal weight for each one. I'm going to follow marriage, because it seems best and it speaks to our national situation today.
· God's Sexual Context – HETEROSEXUAL marriage
"24Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24, ESV)
Christian belief in heterosexual marriage and that homosexually is wrong, does not stem from the Law or Paul – but from the very creation of mankind. Moses and Paul simply follow what Jesus shows us – that it was from the beginning that we were made that way.
"2But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. 7I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. 8To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. 9But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion." (1 Corinthians 7:2–9, ESV)
· God's Sexual Style – HONOR.
"4that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;" (1 Thessalonians 4:4–5, ESV)
The Christian view of sex within marriage is that BOTH spouses put the pleasure of their spouse before their own – thus ensuring fulfillment for both IF they keep this ideal! You don't just demand your own way or wishes – that's wrong even in marriage.
3) I live a life of LOVE.
"9Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more," (1 Thessalonians 4:9–10, ESV)
4) I SUPPORT MYSELF with God's help.
"11and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12, ESV)
Living in the Last Days
Pt. 3: Praying Passionately
By Louie Marsh, 2-8-2026
1) FIND the springs of passion within me.
· Love & SEPARATION
"17But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face," (1 Thessalonians 2:17, ESV)
"5For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain." (1 Thessalonians 3:5, ESV)
· SUFFERING
"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)
· GOOD NEWS
"6But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God," (1 Thessalonians 3:6–9, ESV)
· GOD'S PURPOSE
"10as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?" (1 Thessalonians 3:10, ESV)
2) Tell God my HEART'S DESIRE.
"11Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you," (1 Thessalonians 3:11, ESV)
May God our Father himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to you! 1 Thes. 3:11 (Mes)
3) Ask God to INCREASE my love.
"12and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you," (1 Thessalonians 3:12, ESV)
And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. 1 Thes. 3:12 (Mes)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
4) ALLOW GOD to strengthen my heart.
"13so that he may establish your hearts… (1 Thessalonians 3:13a, ESV)
ESTABLISH = BUTRESS. A buttress is a support -- usually brick or stone -- built against a wall to support or reinforce it. A flying buttress is a free-standing buttress attached to the main structure by an arch or a half-arch.
"9For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him… (2 Chronicles 16:9a, ESV)
"145With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord! I will keep your statutes." (Psalm 119:145, ESV)
5) KEEP Christlikeness my ultimate goal.
"13…blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints." (1 Thessalonians 3:13b, ESV)
· Blameless = INWARD/NEGATIVE
(1) blameless, faultless, without guilt (LU 1.6); (2) of things faultless, without defect
· Holy – OUTWARD/POSITIVE
· Presence of God – UPWARD/ALWAYS
"4and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord," (Romans 1:4, ESV)
Living in the Last Days
Pt. 2: Building Up
By Louie Marsh, 3-1-2026
1) My speech should be FREE & OPEN
"2But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive," (1 Thessalonians 2:2–3, ESV)
· I should never try and BUTTER PEOPLE UP.
"5For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness." (1 Thessalonians 2:5, ESV)
2) My life should be TRANSPARENT.
"1For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict."…"9For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11For you know how, like a father with his children," (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2, 9–11, ESV)
· God calls you to work and word HARD.
· If you want an easy life – DON'T follow Jesus!
14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." (Matthew 7:14, ESV)
3) My Responsibility is to manage God's gifts WISELY.
"4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts." (1 Thessalonians 2:4, ESV)
· APPROVED by God.
"6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil." (1 Timothy 3:6, ESV)
· TRUSTED with the gospel.
"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." (1 Corinthians 9:16–17, ESV)
4) My goal is to please God ALONE.
"5For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ." (1 Thessalonians 2:5–6, ESV)
Living in the Last Days
Pt. 1: Life In Three Dimensions 1 Thess. 1:1-10
By Louie Marsh, 2-22-2026
"16But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17" 'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh…(Acts 2:16a, ESV)
TO LIVE IN THE LAST DAYS I NEED… Three Graces to MOTIVATE me.
1) FAITH
"3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith… (1 Thessalonians 1:3a, ESV)
Work = a job or task · Faith brings us into SALVATION.
"8For by grace you have been saved through faith… (Ephesians 2:8, ESV)
· Faith looks BACK. (TO THE CROSS)
"20I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)
· Faith always produces ACTION.
"26For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead." (James 2:26, ESV)
2) LOVE
"3…your…labor of love… (1 Thessalonians 1:3b, ESV)
labor = to cut, beat and used of working bread dough
· Love is my response to GOD LOVING me.
"19We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19, ESV)
· Love looks at the NOW.
"17But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" (1 John 3:17, ESV)
· Love keeps me GOING through the tough times.
"18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18, ESV)
3) HOPE
"3…and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 1:3, ESV)
· Hope keeps me from GIVING UP.
"4For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)
· Hope looks AHEAD.
"24For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:24–25, ESV)
· Hope is just as IMPORTANT as faith & Love.
[1 Cor. 13; Gal. 5:5-6; Col. 1:4-5; Heb. 10:22-24; 1 Pet. 1:22-23; 1 Thess. 5:8]
4) AIDS TO COMMUNICATE God's plan · The CONTENT of the gospel.
"5because our gospel came to you not only in word…(1 Thessalonians 1:5a, ESV)
· God's POWER
"5… but also in power…(1 Thessalonians 1:5b, ESV)
· BEING FILLED with the Holy Spirit.
"5… and in the Holy Spirit..." (1 Thessalonians 1:5c, ESV)
· A vital FAITH in Christ.
"5… and with full conviction." (1 Thessalonians 1:5d, ESV)
5) Necessary RESPONSES TO GOD · I must TURN from my idols
"9For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols…(1 Thessalonians 1:9a, ESV)
· I must live to SERVE God alone.
"9…to serve the living and true God," (1 Thessalonians 1:9b, ESV)
· I must LOOK FORWARD to Christ's return.
"10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come." (1 Thessalonians 1:10, ESV)
The Incomparable Christ
Pt. 6: Stand & Fight!
By Louie Marsh, 2-15-2026
Introduction – 3 slides
1) PREPARE myself.
For the rest, brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the might of his strength. Put on the panoply of God, that ye may be able to stand against the artifices of the devil: Ephesians 6:10-11 (Darby)
· STRENGTHEN myself.
"19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might" (Ephesians 1:19, ESV)
2) KNOW my enemy.
"12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)
· My real enemy – EVIL spiritual forces.
They are…
· POWERFUL
· SCHEMERS
3) Take a STAND!
"13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:13, ESV)
4) SOLDIER UP!
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
The Armor Of God:
· Belt = SINCERE KNOWLEDGE of Christ, honesty in everything
"14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth…(Ephesians 6:14a, ESV)
· Breastplate – BEING RIGHT with God (justification) right conduct
…having put on the breastplate of righteousness," (Ephesians 6:14b, ESV)
· Shoes – FIRMNESS that comes from knowing Christ; readiness to share the faith
"15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:15, ESV)
· Shield – God's PROTECTION
"16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;" (Ephesians 6:16, ESV)
Faith in What?
Show Pictures of Chamberlain, Edsel
"5Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." (Proverbs 30:5, ESV)
· Helmet – BLESSINGS of salvation,
"17and take the helmet of salvation… (Ephesians 6:17a, ESV)
"8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation." (1 Thessalonians 5:8, ESV)
· Sword of the Spirit – God's WORD; the Spirit giving us the right words
"17…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," (Ephesians 6:17b, ESV)
"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." (Matthew 10:19–20, ESV)
5) Pray it DOWN!
"18praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints," (Ephesians 6:18, ESV)
· Pray in the SPIRIT.
· Use ALL TYPES of prayer.
· Stay ALERT
· Pray for OTHER BELIEVERS.
Excerpts from FDR's D-Day Prayer. Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote the D-Day Prayer with assistance from his daughter, Anna, and her husband, John Boettiger.
6) Pray for my SPIRITUAL LEADERS.
"19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." (Ephesians 6:19–20, ESV)
The Incomparable Christ
Pt. 5: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
By Louie Marsh, 2-8-2026
1) I must be CONTINUALLY FILLED with the Holy Spirit.
"18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit," (Ephesians 5:18, ESV)
What does that mean? To be filled with the Spirit – or anything else – is to be controlled. So being Spirit filled isn't about emotions or experiences – it's about volunteering to allow God the Holy Spirit guide and control my life!
Here are some important things to understand about this much talked about verse.
· The verb is in the imperative mode - God commands us to be filled.
This isn't an option - it's part of letting Jesus be your Lord! If you fail to seek this - you are disobeying God.
· Filled = controlled.
When you are filled with anything it controls you – booze, food, drugs, sexual thoughts or images, greed, etc.
· The verb is in the present tense - this means it's an ongoing, continual action.
We are always to seek the Spirit's filling. When we notice that our spiritual tank is getting low, we need to get tanked up - tanked up on the Spirit that is!
· The Verb is plural in number. Meaning - it's for everybody!!
Being filled with the Spirit isn't just for Elders & preachers it's for every Christian, from the oldest to the youngest.
· The Verb is in the passive voice - meaning that the subject of the verb (us) is inactive but being acted upon!
You don't get filled by working for it. No amount of crying, screaming, no amount of knowledge or degrees, will get it. No, you must bring a simple desire for the fullness and a complete surrender of your life to God.
2) What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?
· CONTROLED by the Spirit.
Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Eph. 5:18 (NLT)
· POWERED by the Spirit.
"8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…(Acts 1:8a, ESV)
"7for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
· DIRECTED by the Spirit.
"18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." (Galatians 5:18, ESV)
"14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Romans 8:14, ESV)
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RECEIVING THE SPIRIT & BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT?
Receiving:
· Happens at SALVATION.
"5Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—" (Galatians 3:5, ESV)
· To Seal us as God's POSSESSION.
"13In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit," (Ephesians 1:13, ESV)
· Is done ONCE FOR ALL.
"14who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:14, ESV)
Filling:
· Happens AFTER SALVATION.
· For EMPOWERED SERVICE.
"8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."" (Acts 1:8, ESV)
· Happens at DIFFERENT TIMES.
"8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders," (Acts 4:8, ESV)
"31And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31, ESV)
PROOF THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE
"21…he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:21–22, ESV)
"4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit… (Acts 2:4, ESV)
ALL OF THIS IS SUMMED UP NEATLY WITH 3 LITTLE WORDS
WITH (para)– IN (en) – UPON (epi)
- The Holy Spirit is with MANY PEOPLE he doesn't indwell.
"17even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:17, ESV)
- The Holy Spirit is in ALL who believe!
(And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all.) Romans 8:9b (NLT)
- The Holy Spirit comes upon us in power when he FILLS US!
"15As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning." (Acts 11:15, ESV)
"13Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah." (1 Samuel 16:13, ESV)
Sermon Summary: The ONLY way to live Spirit empowered lives of service to God & those around us is stay full of the Holy Spirit!
The Incomparable Christ
Pt. 2: From Death to Life
By Louie Marsh, 1-18-2026
Top 10 Preaching Rules
10: Any illustration can be massaged to fit any sermon.
9: If a story is funny enough, it doesn't have to fit the sermon.
8: A sermon that is "too short" is rarer than Bigfoot at a photographer's convention.
7: The kid who screams and throws a fit every week will wait until the quietest, most focused and serious moment of your sermon to let 'er rip.
6: The member who always gripes that you don't preach enough on (pick one) baptism/faith/giving/witnessing will be out of town the week you preach your best sermon ever on baptism/faith/giving/witnessing.
5: The two things people will remember from your sermons are: 1) mistakes and 2) funny or tear jerking stories.
4: People who request a sermon on a particular issue will miss church the day you preach it.
3: You are never as convicting as you think you are.
2: A mist in the pulpit is a fog in the pews.
1: Making God's Word boring or irrelevant is a sin.
TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY ALIVE…
1) I ACCEPT & ACT on my condition outside of Christ.
WE ARE SPIRITUALLY…
· SEPARATED from God.
"1And you were dead in the trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1, ESV)
o ACTIVE SINS = transgressions - knowingly crossing a boundary
o PASSIVE = sins - missing the mark
· ENSLAVED
"2in 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— 3among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind… (Ephesians 2:2–3a, ESV)
o To the WORLD
Kosmos – organized system of things, culture – not planet
o To the DEVIL
o To our OLD NATURE
"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 17:9–10, ESV)
· CONDEMNED
…and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind." (Ephesians 2:2–3, ESV)
WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT?
But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47b (NIV)
If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal. Luke 7:47b (MSG)
By refusing to admit or believe this – and by conveniently leave it out of our Gospel presentations we are doing ourselves, those we talk too, and God Himself a disservice.
1) It degrades the non-Christian's real problem – they're not just dysfunctional – they are spiritually dead, hopelessly enslaved and condemned!
2) It degrades our understanding of things too, and produces in us and many of our converts a lack of depth in understanding of our wonderful Savior and salvation.
3) It degrades Christ! We turn Him from the all mighty wonderful Savior of the NT into someone who comes along to help us, give us some band aids, and boost our self image!
2) I BELIEVE & RECEIVE what we can become by Grace.
· Who? GOD
"4But God, being rich in mercy… (Ephesians 2:4a, ESV)
· What Did He Do? SAVED.
"4… because of the great love with which he loved us, 5even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly placesin Christ Jesus," (Ephesians 2:4–6, ESV)
o MADE ALIVE
o RAISED UP
o SAT DOWN
o All of this IN CHRIST!
In September of 1908, Giants player Fred Merkle committed what author Noel Hynd calls "baseball's most famous lapse." Dave Anderson says it has "endured for nearly a century as baseball's most controversial moment in baseball's most controversial pennant race."
It happened in the ninth inning of a Giants versus Cubs game. The Giants came to bat with a chance to win. There were only three weeks left in the season and a win against the Cubs would put the Giants back in first place. There were two out, with runners on third and Fred Merkle on first.
Al Bridwell stepped up to the plate and hit a line drive into right center. The runner on third crossed the plate with the winning run but Merkle, instead of touching second, turned and ran quickly back to the clubhouse to avoid the oncoming crowd. The game was over or so he and everyone else thought.
A Cubs player noticed that Merkle had not touched second, took a ball to second base and called it to the umpire's attention. Later that night, the umpire ruled that Merkle was out and the next morning the National League allowed the ruling, saying the game had ended in a 1-1 tie.
In the press, Fred Merkle was blasted. Merkle retired after the 1926 season and he retreated to the seclusion of Florida. Fred Merkle spent his remaining days in Daytona Beach. He became ill and passed away on March 2nd, 1956. Some years earlier, he had given an interview. In the back of a tackle shop, he told the reporter, "I suppose when I die, they'll put on my tombstone, 'Here Lies Bonehead Merkle.'"
The world can be an unforgiving place. Make a mistake and you may never hear the end of it. Make a big enough mistake, and it can ruin your life and label you forever as a goof, a screw-up, or even a bonehead.
· Why Do This? To make an eternal example of his GRACE!
"7so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7, ESV)
· HOW Did He Do This?
"8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8–9, ESV)
o By GRACE
A man dies and goes to heaven and of course, St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter says, "Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in.
"Okay," the man says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart." "That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "that's worth three points!"
"Three points?" He says. "Well, I attended church all my life and fully supported its ministry with my tithe and service." Terrific!" Says St. Peter. "That's certainly worth a point."
"One point!!!" "I started a soup kitchen in my city and I worked in a shelter for homeless veterans." "Fantastic, that's good for two more points," he says.
"Two points!!!" Exasperated, the man cries. "At this rate the only way I'll get into heaven is by the grace of God."
"Bingo Dude! 100 points! Come on in!"
o Thru FAITH
o A GIFT
o Results – all glory going to GOD!
3) I GRASP & GLORIFY Whose I am!
"10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
· We are GOD'S work.
· We are HIS MASTERPIECE
· BUT – only IN CHRIST!
· Made To FULFILL God's plan for me.
"11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you, declares the Lord… (Jeremiah 29:11–14a, ESV)
The Incomparable Christ
Pt. 1: Our Standing In Christ
By Louie Marsh, 1-11-2026
1) Who & what I AM.
"1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are IN EPHESUS, and are faithful IN CHRIST JESUS: 2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1 1-2, ESV)
Intro. Verses 3 - 14 have been called a Hymn of Grace. They are a statement of our spiritual blessings in Christ. These verses are one long, complex sentence in the Greek. According to Purdue University: Run-ons, comma splices, and fused sentences are all names given to compound sentences that are not punctuated correctly.
You can divide these verses into three parts. 1) The Father, 2) the Son, 3) the Spirit. They are also mainly concerned with 1)the past, 2) the present, 3) the future. These three sections are marked off by the repeated phrase "Praise of His Glory," or "glorious grace." See verses 3, 12, 14.
This Passage is About
The Father - The Past
The Son – the Present
The Spirit – The Future
Created
Loved
Sealed
Predestined
Redeemed
Guaranteed
Blessed
Blessed
Blessed
Paul begins his letter by looking at what each member of the Trinity has done for those who have become followers of Christ.
2) I am BLESSED beyond measure.
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us IN CHRIST with every spiritual blessing INTHE HEAVENLY PLACES, 6tothe praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1 3-6, ESV)
Bless = eulogy. The word literally means "to speak well of"
It's in the aorist tense, which refers to something done at a particular point in time, with effects still being felt now. Example - rock in pond, ripples.
We bless God because He first blessed us
"19We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19, ESV)
God's word equals action. He created the universe by speaking so if God says you're blessed - you're blessed!
In the Heavenlies
this phrase used 5 times in Ephesians and nowhere else by Paul.
Paul is saying that these blessing of the Father reside in the unseen world of spiritual reality. They are real - even though they can't always be seen.
Every Spiritual Blessing!
Aorist Tense again.
This is important, you have ALREADY BEEN GIVEN THIS!
Freely Given. You don't have to do anything to earn this - works, praying through, study, etc.
All These blessings are gifts of the Father's GRACE!!
3) God the Father CHOSE me before He created the universe.
4even as he chose us IN HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. INLOVE5he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV)
A Misunderstood Bible Truth. Entire Denominations have split over this issue of Predestination. Obviously we don't have time today to go into it fully. This is my understanding of it in a nutshell.
God chose us. This word used in LXX of God's choice of Israel, implies taking a smaller number out of a larger group. Written in aorist tense.
This choice is called Predestination.
It's actually 2 words and literally means - "Before the Horizon" & It was used of making a blueprint.
Add to this the word "before" in verse 4 which means "to see down into"
Then read I Peter 1: 1-2 and you arrive at what I believe is the Biblical doctrine of Predestination.
"1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you." (1 Peter 1:1–2, ESV)
"God knowing everything – even what we call the future (also called foreknowledge) based on that knowledge he chooses (predestines) those who respond to His Grace in Jesus Christ."
Our problem with this is we are time bound people used to dealing with things in a certain order, God isn't and doesn't.
4) To prove that GOD'S WAY is superior to Satan's or the world's way.
6tothe praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:6, ESV)
Introduce Lindy Beige and show video – the world and the devil always rely on force. God doesn't.
5) Forgiveness is found ONLY in Christ.
7INHIM we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, IN ALL WISDOM AND INSIGHT9making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth IN CHRIST10as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things INHIM, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:7–10, ESV)
· The grace of God in Christ is rich
· It is LAVISHED upon us.
· God does this wisely with insight
· To show that only IN CHRIST will everyone & everything come together.
6) I am SEALED in Christ by the Holy Spirit.
11Inhim we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12so that we who were the first to hope INCHRIST might be tothe praise of his glory. 13IN HIM you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed IN HIM, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:11–14, ESV)
· God CHOSE me – that's amazing.
· I'm part of God working all things according to His will.
· The Spirit seals me
· He (Spirit) guarantee's our inheritance (all those spiritual blessings referred to above) until the time we can receive & live in them.
· All of this results in the praise of God's glory.
New Year's Sermon
Coming Into Focus
By Louie Marsh, 1-4-2026
Intro. 5 Cartoons, last one about being perfect just as I am.
36 He also told them a parable: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.39 And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, 'The old is good.'"Luke 5:36-39 (ESV)
1) Change is INEVITABLE
2 When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. Mark 12:2 (ESV)
· That doesn't mean it's always GOOD
18 Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks. Ecclesiastes 10:18 (ESV)
2) Becoming more like Christ doesn't "JUST HAPPEN."
3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 (ESV)
39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 (ESV)
· It takes FOCUS,
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)
· COMMITMENT (DISCIPLINE)
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. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. Hebrews 11:24-26 (ESV)
· PERSEVERANCE
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
3) Jesus wants you to make your choice CAREFULLY.
27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,30 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Luke 14:27-31 (ESV)
Past, Present & Future
Louie Marsh, 12-28-2025
Verse:
17 O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. 18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. Psalm 71:17-18 (ESV)
THE PAST – A Great Place to Visit but don't LIVE THERE!
16 Thus says the LORD: "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.' Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV)
History is a great teacher, · LEARN from others mistakes
· REFERENCE it to stay on course.
But A BAD Master! 62 Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62 (ESV)
26 But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26 (ESV)
THE PRESENT – The Place Where… · I can LIVE OUT my faith.
34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34 (ESV
Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it! 1 Cor. 9:19-23 (Mes)
· My FUTURE is born.
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Example – Hezekiah.
· He started WELL!
2 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. 3 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. 4 He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). 5 He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 2 Kings 18:2-5 (ESV)
1 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, "Thus says the LORD: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover." 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, 3 and said, "Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Isaiah 38:1-3 (ESV)
· But he finished WEAK.
The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord…."The word of the Lord you have spoken is good," Hezekiah replied. For he thought, "There will be peace and security in my lifetime." Isaiah 39:6,8
THE FUTURE – WHERE WE FINISH 17 "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; Acts 2:17 (ESV)
How Can I Finish Strong?
-
Keep my Eyes on GOD's WORD
-
Have a Healthy RELATIONSHIP with the past.
-
Make Christ the unchallenged CENTER of my life!
-
Commit to die FACING the future.
Christmas Songs
Pt. 3: Simeon's Song
By Louie Marsh, 12/21-2025
Intro – last cartoon, lights out together
1) Worth WAITING for.
"25Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ." (Luke 2:25–26, ESV)
"12It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look." (1 Peter 1:12, ESV)
2) All about SALVATION.
"30for my eyes have seen your salvation" (Luke 2:30, ESV)
"6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6, ESV)
3) For EVERYONE!
"31that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."" (Luke 2:31–32, ESV)
"6"I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations," (Isaiah 42:6, ESV)
4) A MARVEL.
"33And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him." (Luke 2:33, ESV)
"5"Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told." (Habakkuk 1:5, ESV)
It's Painful Face – Christmas is…
1) Worth DYING FOR.
"28he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;" (Luke 2:28–29, ESV)
2) A DECISION
"34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed" (Luke 2:34, ESV)
"30Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Matthew 12:30, ESV)
3) REVEALING
so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."" (Luke 2:35b, ESV)
"12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:12–13, ESV)
4) PAINFUL
"35(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), (Luke 2:35a, ESV)
"3He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not." (Isaiah 53:3, ESV)
Christmas Songs
Pt. 2: Zechariah's Song
By Louie Marsh, 12-14-2025
67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Luke 1:67 (ESV)
Zachariah praises God for the birth of his son, John the Baptist, and the Messiah to come.
1) God VISITING us.
"68"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited…" (Luke 1:68a, ESV)
"14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, ESV)
2) God REDEEMING us.
… and redeemed his people" (Luke 1:68b, ESV)
"4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." (Galatians 4:4–5, ESV)
3) God DELIVERING us.
"69and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us;" (Luke 1:69–71, ESV)
Show picture of Emily & play audio.
4) God showing us MERCY.
"72to show the mercy promised to our fathers…" (Luke 1:72a, ESV)
"12But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."" (Matthew 9:12–13, ESV)
5) God giving me PURPOSE.
"72… and to remember his holy covenant, 73the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us 74that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days." (Luke 1:72b–75, ESV)
· My purpose is – to serve God – HIS WAY.
o The character of my service Is…
Ø Holy - focused on GOD.
"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." (Romans 12:1, ESV)
Ø Righteous – doing things GOD'S WAY.
"11Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith."" (Galatians 3:11, ESV)
Ø Free – living in the light of the TRUTH.
"2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." (Isaiah 9:2, ESV)
Ø Loving & Pleasing God – without FEAR.
"18There 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)
Ø Life Long – ALL our days
"8who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:8, ESV)
6) God FORGIVING us.
"76And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, 78because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."" (Luke 1:76–79, ESV)
Christmas Songs
Pt. 1: Mary's Song
By Louie Marsh, 12-7-2025
In response to the situation at hand Mary recited a song which praised God's favor on her and her people. "The Magnificat," as the song is called, consists almost entirely of Old Testament allusions and quotations. The same is true of the songs of Zechariah and Simeon. Mary's song has similarities to Hannah's song.
1 Sam. 2:1-10 – First four verses on the PPT
1) Gratitude – for a PERSONAL relationship with God.
"46And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior," (Luke 1:46–47, ESV)
Some have wondered how this young woman managed to speak these insightful words. We can take this beautiful song as coming from the lips of a woman who deeply loved God and to whom God gave special understanding of what he was doing. Just as the Holy Spirit gave Elizabeth insight, so Mary received it as well
"12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12–13, ESV)
2) Hope – because appearances are DECEPTIVE.
"48for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant…" (Luke 1:48a, ESV)
· The FOOLISHNESS of God.
"25For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."…"27But 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 1:25,27, ESV)
3) Wonder – over GOD'S PLAN for my life.
"48… from now on all generations will call me blessed;" (Luke 1:48b, ESV)
When Mary said, "From now on all generations will call me blessed," was she being proud? No, she was recognizing and accepting the gift God had given her. If Mary had denied her privileged position, she would have been throwing God's blessing back at him. Pride is refusing to accept God's gifts or taking credit for what God has done; humility is accepting the gifts and using them to praise and serve God. Don't deny, belittle, or ignore your gifts. Thank God for them and use them to his glory
"11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
4) Excitement – that GOD'S POWER accomplishes His Plan!
"49for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." (Luke 1:49, ESV)
"29For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me." (Colossians 1:29, ESV)
5) Relief – I'm FORGIVEN & RESTARTED by His Mercy!
"50And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation." (Luke 1:50, ESV)
THE BIG PICTURE
1) Peace – God is in CONTROL.
"51He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;" (Luke 1:51–52, ESV)
2) Joy – God EXALTS the humble.
"53he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty." (Luke 1:53, ESV)
3) Faith – God will NEVER leave me.
"54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever."" (Luke 1:54–55, ESV)
"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 28:18–20, ESV)
Wise Up!
Pt. 7: The Foolishness of God
by Louie Marsh, 11-30-2025
Today we want to talk about a kind of foolishness everyone needs to have in their life - the foolishness of God!!
- Christianity appears to be FOOLISH
"18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)
- God DESIGNED it that way.
"27But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29so that no human being might boast in the presence of God." (1 Corinthians 1:27–29, ESV)
· So we'll trust Him & NOTHING ELSE!
· So He will get all the CREDIT
· To show His Power DRAMATICALLY.
- Three Examples of God's Foolishness
· NOAH
· ABRAHAM
· MOSES
- Why God's Wisdom Appears Foolish
· It deals with the UNSEEN
"7By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith." (Hebrews 11:7, ESV)
· It sends me into the UNKNOWN
"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." (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
· It takes me BEYOND myself.
"11By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised." (Hebrews 11:11, ESV)
· It requires great SACRIFICE
"17By 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," (Hebrews 11:17, ESV)
· It leads me into SUFFERING
"36Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth." (Hebrews 11:36–38, ESV)
- Why God's Wisdom Isn't Foolish
· Because God COMMENDS it.
"2For by it the people of old received their commendation."…33who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight." (Hebrews 11:2, 33–34, ESV)
Wise Up!
Part 6: Wise In the End
by Louie Marsh, 11-23-2025
Intro. chocolate
1) If I'm Wise I'll Consider My DEATH
"12So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
I know that right now I've lost some of you - we run and hide from death - it's not a fun topic - yet we must face and deal with it sooner or later. There are good reasons for doing so - it pays off not only in the next life but in this one too!
2) Doing So Give Me the PROPER Persepctive
"5For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten." (Ecclesiastes 9:5, ESV)
Of course everyone knows this - but most people avoid thinking about it and so end up wasting their life.
WISDOM'S PROPER PERSPECTIVE
1) On Myself…
· God Made Me For A REASON (PURPOSE)
"36For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption," (Acts 13:36, ESV)
"10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
· This SHAPES My Entire Life.
"12Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12–14, ESV)
· I Only Have So Much TIME To Finish.
"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)
2) On Life…
· I Won't Fear TROUBLE
"5Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me," (Psalm 49:5, ESV)
· Status & Power Won't INTIMIDATE Me.
"16Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. 17For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him." (Psalm 49:16–17, ESV)
· I'll Think & Live In The LONG TERM
"25choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward." (Hebrews 11:25–26, ESV)
3) On God…
· After This Life I am ACCOUNTABLE to God.
"27And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment," (Hebrews 9:27, ESV)
· The Only Way To God Is CHRIST
"6Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, ESV)
· He Will REWARD What I've Done
"12Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire." (1 Corinthians 3:12–15, ESV)
Wise Up!
Part 5: Acting Wise in Relationships
by Louie Marsh, 11-16-2025
Intro.
"18And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (James 3:18, ESV)
· Wisdom is a LIFESTYLE.
"13Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom." (James 3:13, ESV)
· Lack of wisdom causes CONFLICT.
"14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." (James 3:14–16, ESV)
Relating Wisely To Others:
"17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." (James 3:17, ESV)
- If I'm Wise I Won't Compromise my INTEGRITY.
17But the wisdom from above is first pure,…
"9Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)
- If I'm Wise I Won't Antagonize your ANGER.
…then peaceable…
"3It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling." (Proverbs 20:3, ESV)
3 Any fool can start arguments; the honorable thing is to stay out of them. (Pro. 20:3 GN)
"29Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." (Proverbs 14:29, ESV)
29A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes. (Prov. 14:29 LB)
- If I'm wise I won't minimize your FEELINGS.
…Gentle… Considerate another good translation.
"4A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." (Proverbs 15:4, ESV)
- If I'm wise I won't criticize your SUGGESTIONS.
… open to reason … Means: "approachable, congenial, open to reason"
"15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice." (Proverbs 12:15, ESV)
- If I'm wise I won't emphasize your MISTAKES.
… full of mercy and good fruits…
"9Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends." (Proverbs 17:9, ESV)
"1Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Galatians 6:1, ESV)
"1We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves." (Romans 15:1, ESV)
"3Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3, ESV)
- If I'm wise I won't disguise my WEAKNESSES.
… impartial and sincere." " Means: "Straightforward & without hypocrisy"
"13Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. 14Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity." (Proverbs 28:13–14, ESV)
"2that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments." (Colossians 2:2–4, ESV)
Wise Up! #4
Part 4: Wisdom in Action
by Louie Marsh, 11-9-2025
Intro. Continuing our series on Wisdom. Need for wisdom shown this week by couple who were drinking and driving with some dynamite in car. Thought it would be funny to light it and throw it, drank more - if became funnier. Finally they lit and threw it - just one problem - they had forgotten to roll down the car window! They are expected to recover.
1) Get the FACTS
"14But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, "Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he railed at them. 15Yet the men were very good to us, and we suffered no harm, and we did not miss anything when we were in the fields, as long as we went with them. 16They were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. 17Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his house, and he is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him."" (1 Samuel 25:14–17, ESV)
"28For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"…"31Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace." (Luke 14:28, 31–32, ESV)
· You cannot make wise decisions without data!
· But you can't always be fact gathering!
2) Make A PLAN
"18Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys. 19And she said to her young men, "Go on before me; behold, I come after you." But she did not tell her husband Nabal." (1 Samuel 25:18–19, ESV)
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Prov.16:3)
· Godly wisdom isn't without thought or plans - God wants us to plan!
· Time spent in creating a good plan is rarely wasted - tho like fact gathering you can't do this forever either!
3) Take RESPONSIBILITY
"24She fell at his feet and said, "On me alone, my lord, be the guilt. Please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant." (1 Samuel 25:24, ESV)
The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. (Ezekiel 18:20)
· The Bible teaches that YOU are responsible for YOU!
· Don't play the victim game - take responsibility!
4) Be Painfully HONEST
May my lord pay no attention to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name--his name is Fool, and folly goes with him. (1 Sam. 25:25)
"15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ," (Ephesians 4:15, ESV)
· It's not always easy to tell the truth - but it's the wise thing to do.
· This must have been painful for Abigail - but God blessed her for it
5) Ask For FORGIVENESS
"28Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live." (1 Samuel 25:28, ESV)
· Don't be afraid to admit when you are wrong and ask for forgiveness
· This is the KEY to finding your way to God and receiving His blessings in your life!
6) Solve the PROBLEM
"33Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand!" (1 Samuel 25:33, ESV)
"6Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you." (Proverbs 4:6, ESV)
· Remember - Godly wisdom is practical - it is seen in good results!
· You must have the faith to act - "But what if I'm wrong?" What if you ARE?
· Go back to #1 - and work your way through this wisdom loop
7) Be REWARDED
"39When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, "Blessed be the Lord who has avenged the insult I received at the hand of Nabal, and has kept back his servant from wrongdoing. The Lord has returned the evil of Nabal on his own head." Then David sent and spoke to Abigail, to take her as his wife." (1 Samuel 25:39, ESV)
"14Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off." (Proverbs 24:14, ESV)
· Living by God's wisdom brings God's blessings into your life.
· Ultimate blessing - salvation!
Wise Up!
Part 3: "Sharp Wisdom"
by Louie Marsh, 10-2-2025
blical wisdom shown in a little know story about a wise woman in a difficult situation.
S - SEIZE the Initiative
"16Then a wise woman called from the city, "Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, 'Come here, that I may speak to you.' "" (2 Samuel 20:16, ESV)
"7a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;" (Ecclesiastes 3:7, ESV)
1) 2 extremes to avoid - speaking too soon - brashly shooting your mouth off
2) being to passive never saying anything!
H - HAVE a Respectful Attitude
"17And he came near her, and the woman said, "Are you Joab?" He answered, "I am." Then she said to him, "Listen to the words of your servant." And he answered, "I am listening."" (2 Samuel 20:17, ESV)
"17Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor." (1 Peter 2:17, ESV)
1) There is a time to be blunt, but it's usually NOT when I want too!
2) The more I want to let someone have it - the less likely it is that that's the wise choice!
A - APPRECIATE the Consequences
"18Then she said, "They used to say in former times, 'Let them but ask counsel at Abel,' and so they settled a matter. 19I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?"" (2 Samuel 20:18–19, ESV)
"7Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)
"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 4:17, ESV)
1) Remember the Law of Unintended Consequences!
R - RECOGNIZE the Real Issue
"21That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city." And the woman said to Joab, "Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall."" (2 Samuel 20:21, ESV)
"21And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 22Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." (Mark 10:21–22, ESV)
P - PRODUCE what's Needed
"22Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king." (2 Samuel 20:22, ESV)
"5Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. 6For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him." (Ecclesiastes 8:5–6, ESV)
S.H.A.R.P. towards PROBLEMS, relationships, children, etc.
S.H.A.R.P. towards GOD
S - God has already taken the initiative - you must now seize the moment and respond!
H - Have a respectful attitude - that's repentance for our sins!
A - Look at the consequences - both good and bad!
R - Recognize the real issue - It's not politics, evolution, or a hundred other things - it's our standing before God and our eternal destiny!
P - Produce what's needed - by giving your life to Jesus Christ!!
Wise Up!
Part 2: The Blessings of Wisdom
by Louie Marsh, 10-12-2025
Intro. Donald Duck last slide - Anyone remember Mr. T, a guy who made an entire career based on this phrase - "I pity the fool!" Only in America!! But he was right - foolishness is to be pitied and avoided! Which is why we're talking about wisdom. The Bible teaches us that wisdom is the key to happiness. So why should we be wise??
1) What Wisdom Will Do For You.
· Wisdom Makes Us BLESSED (FULFILLED).
"13Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding," (Proverbs 3:13, ESV)
· Wisdom Makes Us PROFITABLE .
"14for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. 15She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her." (Proverbs 3:14–15, ESV)
Hebrew word means a good return on a trade. Wisdom will help us to get a good return on the work we do in our life. Wisdom makes our life worthwhile - not wasted. Therefore wisdom gives us a profitable life.
· Wisdom Makes Us HONORABLE .
"16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor." (Proverbs 3:16, ESV)
The world could use more honorable people.
· Wisdom Makes Us COMPLETE/WHOLE.
"17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." (Proverbs 3:17, ESV)
The word here is Shalom - the Hebrew word for peace. But it means far more than just the absence of conflict. Instead it refers to the peace that comes from being whole - from having every part of your life in harmony with God, you and others.
· Wisdom Makes Us SPIRITUALLY ALIVE.
"18She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed." (Proverbs 3:18, ESV)
The Tree of Life is a symbol of spiritual life - wisdom shows us how to take our Bible knowledge and turn it into reality - thus bring us spiritually alive.
2) How To Become Wise…
· ASK For It.
"5If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)
Two important things to understand about this verse:
1, It doesn't say HOW God will give wisdom
2, It doesn't say WHEN He'll do it!
· SEARCH for It.
"3yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures," (Proverbs 2:3–4, ESV)
"7"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7, ESV)
o Seek - like we said a LIFELONG process.
o Knock - BOLDLY requesting what you need.
· IDENTIFY It (Prov. 2:5)
"5then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:5, ESV)
Biblical Wisdom is different from all others - because it is always linked to and flowing from God! We've got to understand that and never sever wisdom from God.
· LIVE It.
"28And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.' "" (Job 28:28, ESV)
Notice that wisdom is something that show in what you do not just in what you say. Notice also that wisdom is avoiding sin. A wise person is someone who avoids sin.
3) Where Wisdom Begins…
· CHRIST is Our Wisdom.
"18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."… "24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18, 24, ESV)
· RESULTS Prove Him True.
"19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds."" (Matthew 11:19, ESV)
· ACCEPTING Him Is the Wise Choice.
"5Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way." (Ecclesiastes 8:5, ESV)
"2For he says, "In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2, ESV)
Wise Up!
Part One: Be A Wise Guy
By Louie Marsh, 10-5-2025
1) Biblical wisdom is PRACTICAL not THEORETICAL.
20Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. 21Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:20–21, ESV)
“5Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. 6For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him.” (Ecclesiastes 8:5–6, ESV)
“10If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.” (Ecclesiastes 10:10, ESV)
The word translated “wisdom” is hakam.
The essential idea of wisdom represents a manner of thinking and attitude concerning life's experiences; including matters of general interest and basic morality. The wisdom of the OT however, is quite distinct from other ancient world views...Reflected in OT wisdom is the teaching of a personal God who is holy and just and who expects those who know him to exhibit his character in the many practical affairs of life.... The emphasis of OT wisdom was that the human will, in the realm of practical matters, was to subject to divine causes. Therefore, Hebrew wisdom was not theoretical and speculative. It was practical, based on revealed principles of right and wrong to lived out in daily life.
In the NT the Greek for Wisdom is Sophia. Sophia originally indicated unusual ability and knowledge in the practical sphere...but later concentrated on theoretical knowledge.
2) Biblical Wisdom is DOING Not just knowing.
“5See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 6Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’” (Deuteronomy 4:5–6, ESV)
“43Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43, ESV)
3) Biblical wisdom engages the WILL, not just the intellect.
“17Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, 18for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.” (Proverbs 22:17–18, ESV)
“22Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” (Romans 1:22–23, ESV)
“The ethical dynamic of Greek philosophy lay in the intellect...Knowledge was virtue”
Two extremes to avoid:
· Biblical KNOWLEDGE is wisdom.
The Usual Evangelical One - thinking of spiritual growth and wisdom is equated with how much you know about God and the Bible. Wrong - there are many knowledgeable yet carnal Christians!!
· Knowledge isn’t important – it’s about OBEDIENCE.
The Usual Fundamentalist One - thinking that knowledge isn’t important and developing an anti-intellectual attitude. The Real Truth – I can’t obey God if I don’t KNOW His Word. But knowledge without obedience is worthless - and foolish!
4) Biblical wisdom comes from GOD.
“10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalm 111:10, ESV)
“7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7, ESV)
“Wisdom is accordingly connected with the fear of Yahweh...Here also is developed the distinctive aspect of the understanding of wisdom in Israel: wisdom is rooted in adherence to God...'This idea is among the most characteristic of Israelite religion. Non-Israelite wisdom is unaware of this kind of almost programmatic rooting of wisdom in the fear of God.' (Gerhard von Rad)”
“1The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.” (Psalm 14:1, ESV)
5) Biblical wisdom is CHRIST.
“24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:24, ESV)
For the Christian who is searching for Wisdom - you need look no further than Christ. What He said, how he lived, what he did - these are wisdom incarnate!!
6) Biblical wisdom is LOOKING for me!
“20Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:” (Proverbs 1:20–21, ESV)
“1Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? 2On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; 3beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: 4“To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.” (Proverbs 8:1–4, ESV)
“1Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. 2She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town,” (Proverbs 9:1–3, ESV)
Unlike what most people think - wisdom isn’t all that hard to find. God wants you to be wise - and will do all He can to help you be that way!
THE FIVE FACETS OF THE GOSPEL
Part Five, The Gospel Demands
By Louie Marsh, 9-28-2025
· The Gospel Events - The Death and Resurrection of Jesus
· The Gospel Witnesses – Scripture, Apostles Eye-Witness Testimony
· The Gospel Affirmations - Jesus is Lord - Jesus is Savior
· The Gospel Promises - Forgiveness of sins – the gift of the Holy Spirit
1) The First Gospel Demand
· Repent!
“37Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:37–38, ESV)
“19Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,” (Acts 3:19, ESV)
“30The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,” (Acts 17:30, ESV)
o Repentance means to have a "CHANGE of mind or heart."
o Used in Greek army for our phrase "ABOUT FACE!"
· What do I repent about?
o All my SINS in general.
o DISBELIEF about Jesus in particular.
“21testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21, ESV)
Our main change of mind is about Christ, from rejecting Him to Accepting Him!
· My repentance shows through my BAPTISM.
The first sign of real repentance is following the command of Christ to be baptized. If you're still arguing about it – ask yourself who’s really in charge? If it’s Jesus then why not just do it?
“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 28:18–20, ESV)
· My repentance shows through my LIFESTYLE.
“7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:7–8, ESV)
Quote from Dr. Rene Padilla..
"This new reality places men in a position of crisis-they cannot continue to live as if nothing had happened; the Kingdom of God demands a new mentality, a reorientation for all their values ...repentance is much more than a private affair between the individual and God. It is the complete reorientation of life in the world- among men- in response to the work of God in Jesus Christ."
2) The Second Gospel Demand
· Submit to Christ as Lord!
This is the real goal of repentance - to turn away from a self directed life and toward a Christ directed one! That's why as a Christian repentance continues to be a vital part of our lives - we must do it every day! All Gospel preaching in the NT led to this point!
3) Savior VS Lord Question
John Stott wrote this in 1975,
"They distinguish sharply between the acceptance of Jesus as Savior and the surrender to Him as Lord, and they even promulgate the grotesque notion that to insist on surrender in addition to acceptance is to distort the Gospel. Well I honor their conscientious desire to protect the Gospel from all perversions...Further we must be careful never to define faith in such a way as to ascribe to it any merit. The whole value of faith lies in its object (Jesus Christ), not in itself. Nevertheless, saving faith in not an acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior in within a kind of mystical vacuum, and without any awareness either of the Christ being accepted or of the concrete implications of this acceptance. Saving faith is a total, penitent and submissive commitment to Christ, and it would have been inconceivable to the apostles that anybody could believe in Jesus as Savior without submitting to him as Lord."
· I must adopt a BIBLICAL Balance
“7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:7–9, ESV)
We're not talking perfectionism here. That's why forgiveness and repentance are so vital. Neither are we saying it's o.k. to get fire insurance alone. To accept Christ in truth is to struggle with making Him and Him alone Lord of all your life.
Jason Sacks said, "If you're not going live like a Christian then don't call yourself one!"
The Five Facets of the Gospel
Pt. 4, The Gospel Promises
By Louie Marsh, 9-21-2025
Intro. The last two weeks of this series.
What is the Good News? Well it's more than just what Jesus once did, and what He now is, it's also about what He now offers. Today the promises of the Gospel is what we'll look at.
REMEMBER!
The Gospel Events
· The Death and Resurrection of Jesus.
· These two historical events, and what they mean, are the heart of the Gospel.
The Gospel Witnesses
· Scripture
· Apostles Eye-Witness Testimony
The Gospel Affirmations
· Jesus is Lord
· Jesus is Savior
The Gospel Promises -
1) God in Christ will FORGIVE my sins.
· Forgiveness is ESSENTIAL to New Testament salvation.
“22Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22, ESV)
· Jesus COMMANDED it preached
“45Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:45–47, ESV)
2) This promise EMPOWERED the Apostles.
“23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”” (John 20:23, ESV)
· The Apostles ACTIONS proved what that statement meant.
“38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins… (Acts 2:38, ESV)
“19Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,” (Acts 3:19, ESV)
“43To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”” (Acts 10:43, ESV)
“38Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,” (Acts 13:38, ESV)
Jesus gave them the authority to preach boldly and with authority the terms of divine forgiveness.
3) Forgiveness is NOT POPULAR.
Because it forces you to take responsibility for what you've done, and to admit there are objective standards of right and wrong!
The good news of forgiveness is also the bad news that I'm a sinner who needs forgiveness! Without this there is no salvation!
4) The Second Gospel Promise
· Make Jesus your Lord and God will give you the HOLY SPIRIT.
“38… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38, ESV)
The Gospel offers more than just forgiveness of our past sins.
It offers a new life in the present through the new birth and the Holy Spirit living in us.
· One vital aspect of the Ministry of the Spirit – NO FEAR.
“12So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,” (Romans 8:12–16, ESV)
He sets us free from sin
Sets us free from fear
Draws us near to God the Father
Claiming the Promise
Your Past, Present and Future can be assured today
By accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, repenting and being baptized you are assured of at least two things - forgiveness and the Holy Spirit!
The Five Facets of The Gospel
Part Three: The Gospel Affirmations
By Louie Marsh, 9-14-2025
Preached Parker, October 25, 1992
Intro. We continue with this series, defining what the Gospel was in the preaching of the Apostles, and what it should be to us! This may seem like old hat to some of you, but I believe that we all need to learn this, or be reminded of this - and to seriously consider whether this is how we present Christ to those around us.
Where We’ve Been:
· The Gospel Events – Death, Burial & Resurrection of Jesus,
· The Gospel Witnesses: Scripture & Apostle’s witness
3rd Facet - The Gospel Affirmations
1) Jesus is Lord is the PRIMARY affirmation of the New Testament.
“8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” (Romans 10:8–13, ESV)
· Becoming Lord of all is WHY Jesus died and rose again.
“9For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.” (Romans 14:9, ESV)
· The Father Himself EXALTED Jesus through his resurrection.
“8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:8–11, ESV)
“36Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”” (Acts 2:36, ESV)
· You can only say & mean Jesus is Lord - through the Holy Spirit.
“3Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3, ESV)
· Why is it Primary?
Savior is used 24 times in the NIV New Testament
Lord is used of Jesus 615 time in the NIV New Testament
κύριος
717
lord, Lord
2) Some practical results of AFFIRMING that Jesus is Lord.
· You START obeying Jesus in everything.
“46“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46, ESV)
“21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21, ESV)
· You can then evangelize without HYPOCRISY,
“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)
B) The Secondary Affirmation
1, Jesus is Savior
a, This is also a result of His death and Resurrection - Acts 5:31
“31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:31, ESV)
“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.” (Ephesians 5:23, ESV)
b, It's a fulfillment of prophecy Acts 13:23
“23Of this man’s offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.” (Acts 13:23, ESV)
3, Being Lord includes and over shadows being Savior Eph. 5:23
“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.” (Ephesians 5:23, ESV)
THE 5 FACETS OF THE GOSPEL
Part Two: "The Gospel Witnesses"
By Louie Marsh, 9-7-2025
1) The first Gospel witness – SCRIPTURE.
· Jesus APPEALED to them all the time.
“27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27, ESV)
“44Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:44–47, ESV)
· The Apostles constantly QUOTED them.
“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,” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4, ESV)
“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.”” (Acts 26:22–23, ESV)
· The Necessity of MULTIPLE Witnesses
“15“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.” (Deuteronomy 19:15, ESV)
As Jews the Apostles were steeped in this. Even Scripture alone wasn't enough to conclusively prove the identity of Jesus.
2) The Second Gospel Witness – the APOSTLES.
“48You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:48, ESV)
“8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”” (Acts 1:8, ESV)
· Their early preaching RELIED on it.
“15and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.” (Acts 3:15, ESV)
· Their later teaching still CLUNG to it.
“1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—” (1 John 1:1–2, ESV)
“16For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16, ESV)
3) Some Conclusions
· Scripture & the apostles Witness is Primary.
· Our witness is ALWAYS secondary to theirs.
We don't preach a Jesus of our experience or opinion - but the Christ of Scriptures and of Apostolic witness!
“4For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:4, ESV)
The Five Facets of The Gospel
Part One, The Gospel Events
By Louie Marsh, 8-31-2025
1) Is This Sermon Really Necessary?
· YES!!
Many Christians don't know what they believe.
Inviting people to church is good - but it’s not sharing the Gospel.
Besides that there are two major problem areas that make this series something YOU should pay attention to.
· The world continually DISTORTS what the Gospel is.
“3But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:3–4, ESV)
Just talking about Jesus isn't enough! We must speak the truth about the true Jesus
“2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV)
· Too often Christians get CONFUSED as well.
The Spectacular - miracles, "words of revelation knowledge," Side issues - music, abortion, politics, etc.
Psychologized Religion. This isn't an attack on all psychology - but on it's extremes. At its worst it denies the Gospel!
Robert H. Shuller, Self Esteem, The New Reformation, January 1982, Pg. 98; "The most serious sin is the one that causes me to say, 'I am unworthy. I may have no claim to divine sonship if you examine me at my worst.' For once a person believes he is an "unworthy sinner," it is doubtful if he can really honestly accept the saving grace God offers in Jesus Christ."
“8But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”9For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:8–11, ESV)
If that's true - and it isn't - the Gospel was never preached or accepted for nearly 2000 years!
The need for this series is clear, as the Reformers said, "Ecclesia Semper Reformanda," The church must always be reforming itself.
“19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecies, 21but test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21, ESV)
2) The First Gospel Event
“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.” (1 Corinthians 15:1–5, ESV)
· Jesus DIED on the cross.
“3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death…(Romans 6:3–4a, ESV)
His burial is mentioned as proof that He really died. Baptism is called burial. It's proof of our death to sin!
o Paul taught this.
“12Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15:12, ESV) [2 Cor. 5:20-21; Gal. 1:4]
o Peter taught this.
“23this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” (Acts 2:23, ESV) ] Acts 4:27-28]
“30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.” (Acts 5:30, ESV) [Acts10:39, 13:28-29]
“22“And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance.” (Deuteronomy 21:22–23, ESV)
3) The Second Gospel Event
· Jesus PHYSCIALLY ROSE from the dead.
“25who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” (Romans 4:25, ESV)
“23this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” (Acts 2:23–24, ESV)
· These two events should DOMINATE my conversations about Jesus.
THESE should dominate our conversations about Christ. NOT side issues That's hard to do. The Gospel Confronts us.
The Jesus Way
Pt. 7: Forgiveness
By Louie Marsh, 8-24-2025
Last Intro slide – Stupid!
Disciples of Jesus Forgive…
· As Jesus COMMANDED
12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12 (ESV)
Why Do We Forgive?
· Today we are told we forgive for OURSELVES.
Remember, you don't forgive someone for his or her sake - you forgive them for your sake.
Mayo Clinic - What are the benefits of forgiving someone?
Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:
· Healthier relationships
· Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
· Less anxiety, stress and hostility
· Lower blood pressure
· Fewer symptoms of depression
· Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse
What Does the New Testament Say?
· Because GOD has forgiven me.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:30-32 (ESV)
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” - CS Lewis
· To MODEL Jesus before the world.
35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:35-36 (ESV)
The Essence of Discipleship:
· FORSAKING self.
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
· BECOMING LIKE Jesus.
“29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:29, ESV)
“30He must increase, but I must decrease.”” (John 3:30, ESV)
How Do We Forgive?
· I must LET GO of my pain, resentment, anger etc.
“10To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11(but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:10–11, ESV)
ἀφίημι aphiēmi; from 575 and ἵημι hiēmi (to send); to send away, leave alone, permit:—abandoned(1), allow(5), allowed(2), divorce(2), forgave(2), forgive(23), forgiven(23), forgives(1), gave … permission(1), leave(7), leaves(2), leaving(8), left(38), let(9), let … alone(6), let him have(1), neglected(1), neglecting(2), permit(6), permitted(1), permitting(1), send … away(1), tolerate(1), uttered(1), yielded(1). - Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).
Forgive means to let go, separate even translated divorce once.
So forgiving means I let go of my anger, resent, and all ill feelings towards those that hurt me.
· This can take a LONG TIME.
“41Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”” (Genesis 27:41, ESV)
“4But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” (Genesis 33:4, ESV)
· Forgiveness is not – agreeing or saying what happened was good, or even trusting that person again.
The Jesus Way
Pt. 6: Relationships
By Louie Marsh, 8-17-2025
1) Jesus has a deep & abiding LOVE for people.
“10And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. 11He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? 12Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. 14But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.” (Matthew 12:10–14, ESV)
· He pushes me to always LIVE OUT His love.
“14When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18And he said, “Bring them here to me.”” (Matthew 14:14–18, ESV)
2) Jesus saw inside people & knew what they REALLY WERE.
“23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.” (John 2:23–25, ESV)
· We are all CREATED in God’s Image.
“6“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” (Genesis 9:6, ESV)
· We are all BROKEN by sin.
“9With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” (James 3:9, ESV)
· So, TRUST, but slowly with lots of verification.
“24Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, 25lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. 26Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts.” (Proverbs 22:24–26, ESV)
3) Jesus knew WITHOUT HIM we are sheep without a shepherd.
“36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”” (Matthew 9:36–38, ESV)
· Can I obey Jesus & pray for workers if I’m not doing it myself?
4) I must TRUST GOD, not mankind.
“8It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. 9It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:8–9, ESV)
“5Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.” (Jeremiah 17:5–6, ESV)
“9Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9, ESV)
The Jesus Way
Pt. 5: Ministry
By Louie Marsh, 8-10-2025
If I’m going to follow the Jesus Way, I need to understand how He ministered to everyone.
1) Jesus deeply LOVED people and they knew it.
“7And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”” (John 8:7–11, ESV)
“13Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15And he laid his hands on them and went away.” (Matthew 19:13–15, ESV)
2) Jesus loved EVERYONE – even the Samaritans.
“33But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”” (Luke 10:33–37, ESV)
“39Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41And many more believed because of his word. 42They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” 43After the two days he departed for Galilee.” (John 4:39–43, ESV)
3) Jesus loved the sick & STIGMATIZED.
“43And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. 44She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”” (Luke 8:43–48, ESV)
4) To Jesus ministry was just a part of His life - LIFESTYLE MINISTRY.
“5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” (Luke 19:5–10, ESV)
He dealt with:
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lepers (Lk 5:12-16)
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paralytics (Lk 5:17-26)
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a centurion (Lk 7:1-10)
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widows (Lk 7:11-17)
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sinful women (Lk 7:36-50)
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mothers (Lk 8:19-21)
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children (Lk 8:40-56)
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large crowds (Lk 9:10-17)
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the disciples (Lk 9:18-21)
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angry people (Lk 9:51-56)
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Godly women (Lk 10:38-42)
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rejected people like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9)
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religious hypocrites (Lk 20:34-38)
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traitors (Lk 22:47-49)
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politicians (Lk 23:1-7)
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a dying criminal (Lk 23:43)
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His followers (Lk 24:46-49)
5) Jesus was always taking the role of leader and teacher to SERVE OTHERS.
“3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!”” (John 13:3–9, ESV)
The Jesus Way
Pt. 4: Prayer
By Louie Marsh, 8-3-2025
Last slide hand illustration of prayer.
1) Prayer was one of Jesus’ TOP priorities.
“16But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” (Luke 5:16, ESV)
As far as Jesus himself (αὐτός) was concerned, two more imperfects (these periphrastic) describe what he kept doing (iterative). At every opportunity he would slip quietly and secretly (ὑπό in the participle) away from these crowds and would be praying. We catch a glimpse of the soul life of Jesus, his frequent communing with God in lonely places while men were clamoring for him.
Jesus is described as praying about 25 times in the Gospels, with the exact count varying by Gospel: Matthew (9), Mark (8), Luke (15), and John (4).
· Jesus is described as praying about 25 times in the Gospels, with the exact count varying by Gospel: Matthew (9), Mark (8), Luke (15), and John (4).
· Specific occasions of Jesus praying include His baptism, before choosing disciples, at Lazarus’s raising, at the Transfiguration, and in Gethsemane.
2) Jesus taught me to pray AUTHENTICALLY.
“5“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:5–6, ESV)
· I must pray with PERSISTENCE.
“7“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7–11, ESV)
· I must pray with FORGIVENESS.
“44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44–45, ESV)
· I must pray to be aligned with GOD’S WILL.
“14And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” (1 John 5:14–15, ESV)
3) Jesus shows me that prayer is not transactional, it’s TRANSFORMATIVE.
“11In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,” (Ephesians 1:11, ESV)
“15For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,” (Ephesians 1:15–16, ESV)
4) Jesus MODELED all this in his prayer life.
“41And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:41–44, ESV)
The Jesus Way
Pt. 3: Staying On Mission
By Louie Marsh, 7-27-2025
Last week we looked at choices, this week we look at what happens after you make the choice.
1) Jesus SET HIS FACE to go to Jerusalem.
“51When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55But he turned and rebuked them. 56And they went on to another village.” (Luke 9:51–56, ESV)
“15then hear the word of the Lord, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: If you set your faces to enter Egypt and go to live there,” (Jeremiah 42:15, ESV)
“7But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.” (Isaiah 50:7, ESV)
“17At that time Hazael king of Syria went up and fought against Gath and took it. But when Hazael set his face to go up against Jerusalem, 18Jehoash king of Judah took all the sacred gifts that Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah his fathers, the kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own sacred gifts, and all the gold that was found in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and of the king’s house, and sent these to Hazael king of Syria. Then Hazael went away from Jerusalem.” (2 Kings 12:17–18, ESV)
2) Jesus KEPT AT IT no matter the cost.
“57As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”” (Luke 9:57–62, ESV)
3) Jesus’ mission was NOT for himself.
“41And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”” (Luke 19:41–44, ESV)
“39And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”” (Luke 22:39–42, ESV)
“18For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,” (1 Peter 3:18, ESV)
“8but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.9Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” (Romans 5:8–9, ESV)
The Jesus Way
Pt. 2: Choices
By Louie Marsh, 7-20-2025
1) Jesus gave up His right to act APART from his father.
“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.” (Philippians 2:4–7, ESV)
“19So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” (John 5:19, ESV)
2) Jesus chose to DENY his human nature
“41And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:41–44, ESV)
“32Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.” (Luke 23:32–34, ESV)
3) Jesus chose to do what GOD wanted
l Choose the HARD way.
“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)
l Set the PROPER priorities.
“25“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:25–33, ESV)
l When it comes to quitting - be UNREASONABLE - don’t!
“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 10:21–22, ESV)
The Jesus Way
Pt. 1: Life
By Louie Marsh, 7-13-2025
To Live Like Jesus Means My Life…
1) Has MEANING & PURPOSE.
“46I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46, ESV)
“39Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.” (John 9:39–41, ESV)
“10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, ESV)
2) Is not about ME.
“38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38, ESV)
“43I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.” (John 5:43, ESV)
“42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.” (John 8:42, ESV)
3) Is FOCUSED on doing my Father’s business.
“38And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.”” (Mark 1:38, ESV)
One of the fundamentals of Close Quarters Battle (CQB) training is that the first and second person into the room (1 and 2 man) are responsible for clearing the corners on the same wall they entered before moving to their 'point of domination'.
This is called "digging your corner." It is critical because the next two people into the room (3 & 4 men) are focused on the far wall.
If either the 1 or 2 man fails to dig their respective corner, a bad guy could potentially take out the entire team.
What causes the 1 or 2 man to fail to dig their corner?
Usually, it happens when something deeper in the room catches their eye, like a threat target.
It is hard to ignore a known threat and focus on the corner of a room that is most likely empty, but that is what they have to do, because the security of the entire team depends on it.
Similarly, in life, it can be easy to get 'target fixation' and turn our energy and attention to one of the millions of bright shiny things that some TikTok influencer or social media personality tells us will help us reach our goals faster and with less effort.
“49“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! (Luke 12:49–50, ESV)
4) Reflects HARD TRUTHS to everyone.
“17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17, ESV)
“34“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34, ESV)
“35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Matthew 10:35, ESV)
51Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” (Luke 12:51, ESV
The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans
Pt. 10 How God Cares for Me
By Louie Marsh, 7-6-2025
One night I had a wondrous dream,One set of footprints there was seen,The footprints of my precious Lord,But mine were not along the shore.
But then some stranger prints appeared,And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"Those prints are large and round and neat,"But Lord they are too big for feet."
"My child," He said in somber tones,"For miles I carried you alone.I challenged you to walk in faith,But you refused and made me wait."
"You disobeyed, you would not grow,The walk of faith, you would not know.So I got tired, I got fed up,and there I dropped you on your butt."
"Because in life, there comes a time,when one must fight, and one must climb.When one must rise and take a stand,or leave their butt prints in the sand."
GOD CARES FOR ME
1) By constantly CHALLENGING me.
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:14-16 (ESV)
· Can I be PROUD of my work for Christ?
17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; Romans 15:17-19 (ESV)
Proud = καύχησις - Root kauchaomai; boasting (properly the act; by implication the object), in a good or a bad sense :- boasting, whereof I may glory, glorying, rejoicing. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
“13But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. 14For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. 15We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 16so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence. 17“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” (2 Corinthians 10:13–18, ESV)
“21…But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. 23Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death… 27in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.” (2 Corinthians 11:21–31, ESV)
2) By Calling me out of my COMFORT ZONE.
20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” 22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. Romans 15:20-24 (ESV)
· And always giving me opportunities to SERVE OTHERS.
25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. Romans 15:25-28 (ESV)
3) By knowing me INTIMATELY.
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Romans 16:1-4 (ESV)
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matthew 6:28-32 (ESV)
HOW SHOULD I RESPOND TO THIS?
4) By always staying focused on JESUS & HIS GOSPEL.
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:25-27 (ESV)
The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans
Pt. 8: Engaging My Culture
By Louie Marsh, 6-15-2025
Intro: 50 Years & Counting then 5 pictures about changing culture.
1) I engage my culture by overcoming evil by DOING GOOD.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21 (ESV)
· I respond to cultural rejection by HELPING THOSE who hurt me.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
17 Repay no one evil for evil,
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves
20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good
· RESIST the temptation to always cheer people up.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
· I focus on lifting up others NOT MYSELF.
. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
· I leave the bringing of justice to GOD.
20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good
2) I engage my culture by UNDERSTANDING authority.
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Romans 13:1-7 (ESV)
· God instituted authority to stop ANARCHY.
· I must obey the authorities UNTIL & UNLESS they contradict God’s Word.
18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20 (ESV)
· Yes, this includes NOT CHEATING on my taxes.
3) I engage my culture by living a life of LOVE.
8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10 (ESV)
· Get & stay out of debt ASAP so you’ll be free to serve God.
· The moral/sexual law of God is fulfilled by RESPECTING others.
4) I engage my culture by ACTING like Jesus not them.
11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:11-14 (ESV)
50th Anniversary
Part 2: What I’ve Learned Along the Way
By Louie Marsh, 6-22-2025
Intro – Last slide me preaching at ordination.
1) People will surprise you…
· In GOOD WAYS.
“5and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” 6So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, 7for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.” (Exodus 36:5–7, ESV)
On January 13, 1982, the Boeing 737-200 that executed the flight, registered as N62AF, crashed into the 14th Street Bridge over the Potomac River just after takeoff from Washington National Airport.
Striking the bridge, which carries Interstate 395 between Washington, D.C., and Arlington County, Virginia, it hit seven occupied vehicles and destroyed 97 feet (30 m) of guard rail before plunging through the ice into the Potomac River. The aircraft was carrying 74 passengers and five crew members. Only four passengers and one crew member (flight attendant Kelly Duncan) were rescued from the crash and survived.
Another passenger, Arland D. Williams Jr., assisted in the rescue of the survivors, but drowned before he could be rescued. Four motorists on the bridge were killed. The survivors were rescued from the icy river by civilians and professionals.
· & in very BAD WAYS.
“23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.” (John 2:23–25, ESV)
2) God is SNEAKY
· He tends to take us THROUGH things, not around them.
“39And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.””…“42Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”” (Matthew 26:39,42, ESV)
“19For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:19–21, ESV)
· He seems to enjoy staying HIDDEN.
“18The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18, ESV)
“15Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior.” (Isaiah 45:15, ESV)
3) The Gospel is PROFOUNDLY SIMPLE
“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.” (1 Corinthians 15:1–5, ESV)
· Our real strength is mostly found in SIMPLICITY.
Jesus Loves Me" is a Christian hymn written by Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). The lyrics first appeared as a poem in the context of an 1860 novel called Say and Seal, written by her older sister Susan Warner (1819–1885), in which the words were spoken as a comforting poem to a dying child. The tune was added in 1862 by William Batchelder Bradbury (1816–1868). Along with his tune, Bradbury added his own chorus "Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus Loves me..."
4) The Bible is the ULTIMATE TRUTH about God & His Will.
“16All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, ESV)
· Accepting this deep in my heart makes most moral decisions CLEAR.
“105Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
· Knowing the truth in advance gives me PEACE OF MIND.
“165Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:165, ESV)
The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans
Pt. 8: Engaging My Culture
By Louie Marsh, 6-15-2025
1) I engage my culture by overcoming evil by DOING GOOD.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21 (ESV)
· I respond to cultural rejection by HELPING THOSE who hurt me.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
17 Repay no one evil for evil,
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves
20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good
· RESIST the temptation to always cheer people up.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
· I focus on lifting up others NOT MYSELF.
. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
· I leave the bringing of justice to GOD.
20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good
2) I engage my culture by UNDERSTANDING authority.
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Romans 13:1-7 (ESV)
· God instituted authority to stop ANARCHY.
· I must obey the authorities UNTIL & UNLESS they contradict God’s Word.
18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20 (ESV)
· Yes, this includes NOT CHEATING on my taxes.
3) I engage my culture by living a life of LOVE.
8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10 (ESV)
· Get & stay out of debt ASAP so you’ll be free to serve God.
· The moral/sexual law of God is fulfilled by RESPECTING others.
4) I engage my culture by ACTING like Jesus not them.
11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:11-14 (ESV)
The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans
Pt. 7: More of Jesus
By Louie Marsh, 6-8-2025
Intro – 5 church sign pics – Holy Spirit entrance last one.
1) My response to the Gospel –MAKE a spiritual sacrifice.
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (ESV)
· Why should I do this?
Therefore – everything from this point forward in Romans is derived from what has come before.
Appeal = from (para) and (kaleo); to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) :- beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), entreat, pray.
Basically means you are aiming at both the heart and the will.
Mercies of God = our motivation.
· How do I do this?
Present = a technical term for offering a sacrifice, though not in the O.T. Used of…
· Presenting the child Jesus in the temple: “22And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22, ESV)
· Of the Christian presenting himself: “13Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” (Romans 6:13, ESV)
· Of God presenting the saved: “27so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:27, ESV)
· Of Paul presenting mature believers: “28Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28, ESV)
Bodies – containers of our soul
Living Sacrifices - Not a propitiatory sacrifice, but one of praise.
Spiritual Worship = "Your rational (spiritual) service (worship).". Logikos is from logos, reason. The phrase means here "worship rendered by the reason (or soul)." Old word, in N.T. only here and…
“2Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—” (1 Peter 2:2, ESV)
to logikon gala (not logical milk, but the milk nourishing the soul
2) The result of my sacrifice – TRANSFORMATION.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Transformed – metamorphosis
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
Renewal – It means to make new.
Mind – not emotions
Test – test & approve, Only the transformed can really know God’s will. It does not and cannot make sense to the world.
22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 2 Corinthians 8:22 (ESV)
When I’m being transformed…
· I have a BIBLICAL & FACTUAL view of myself
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3 (ESV)
· I WELCOME the differences in the Body of Christ.
4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
· I SERVE God with the gifts he’s given me.
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)
· I love HONESTLY & I HATE evil.
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection... Romans 12:9-10a (ESV)
· I serve the Lord with EVERYTHING I’ve got!
9 …Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:10b - 13 (ESV)
The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans
Pt. 6: God’s Plan
By Louie Marsh, 6-1-2025
Opening Graphics on Planning – ends with the 3 circles
1) I’m NOT in charge – God is!
19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” 26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” Romans 9:19-26 (ESV)
2) I need to REACH OUT to the lost just like God does.
5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:5-13 (ESV)
3) God’s Plan is open to everyone who puts their FAITH in Christ.
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. Romans 11:17-23 (ESV)
· The Eternal Plan of God is UNSTOPPABLE.
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; 27 “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. Romans 11:25-28 (ESV)
· But I can miss God’s plan for my life if I don’t BELIEVE.
4) God is far wiser than I can EVER UNDERSTAND.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36 (ESV)
The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans
Pt. 5: Winning the War Against Sin, Romans 7: 7-8:39
By Louie Marsh, 5-25-2025
3 Funny Church Signs
The Transformational Arc – To the bottom and then up, to the end of myself, forsaking myself, realizing I’m in Christ, trusting in Jesus to take me up!
1) The Law SHOWS me what sin is.
7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Romans 7:7-12 (ESV)
2) The Law REVEALS the true state of my heart.
13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. Romans 7:13-20 (ESV)
3) The Law exposes the war between my TWO SELVES.
21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Romans 7:21-23 (ESV)
4) The Law brings me to despair – the end of MYSELF.
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. Romans 7:24-25 (ESV)
5) The Six Facets of Christ’s Victory Over Sin.
· Guilt & Shame are GONE because of Jesus!
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4 (ESV)
…there is not even one bit… Kenneth S. Wuest Translation
· My old nature no longer CONTROLS ME.
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:5-13 (ESV)
· My relationship with Christ is CONFIRMED.
14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:14-17 (ESV)
· My eternal inheritance is GUARANTEED.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:18-25 (ESV)
· My part in God’s eternal plan is REVEALED.
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:26-30 (ESV)
· In Christ alone though I suffer I am a SUPER-CONQUEROR!
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39 (ESV)
The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans, Pt. 4
How the Gospel Deals with Sin, Romans 6:1-7:5
By Louie Marsh, 5-18-2025
1) I’m UNITED with Jesus’ death & resurrection in baptism.
2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:2-4 (ESV)
· Death = SEPARATION
Sin is alive and well, but I’m part of a new Kingdom, therefore it only has power over me when I give it permission.
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:12-14 (ESV)
· Baptism is a SYMBOL – and that’s powerful.
· God doesn’t reform our old nature He KILLS IT.
· Then He starts fresh with our NEW NATURE.
2) My old nature was crucified with Christ to FREE ME from slavery to sin.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. Romans 6:5-10 (ESV)
3) I must realize that in Christ I’m now DEAD to sin.
11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11 (ESV)
· “consider” - Direct middle imperative of logizomai
Think, impute, reckon, count, account, reason, number
From logos to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literal or figurative) :- conclude, (ac-) count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).
4) I show I’m alive to God by letting Him use ALL OF ME.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:12-14 (ESV)
5) What I DO shows who my Lord is, not what I SAY.
16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:16-18 (ESV)
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:20-23 (ESV)
The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans, Pt. 3
The Grace of God in the Gospel, Romans 3:21-5:21
By Louie Marsh, 5-11-2025
Intro: 9 slides about silly laws – last one cactus.
1) I’m made right with God BY FAITH not the law.
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26 (ESV)
2) I can MODEL my life after Abraham.
1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Romans 4:1-5 (ESV)
· Why does Paul keep repeating this?
13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith…16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, Romans 4:13, 16(ESV)
3) Some results of being justified by faith:
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, Romans 5:1-3a (ESV)
· PEACE with God
A Colorado man who has been “fighting with his computer for the last several months” finally had had enough.
According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, officers responding last night to a 911 call about shots fired discovered that a “fed up” Lucas Hinch took his computer into a back alley and “fired 8 shots into the computer with a handgun, effectively disabling it.”
Hinch, 38, was cited for discharging a firearm within city limits, according to a police blotter entry that includes the summary description “Man Kills His Computer.”
When asked about the shooting, Hinch told TSG, “I just had it,” adding that he tired of the balky computer’s “blue screen of death.” Hinch said that he whacked the computer with a 9mm Hi-Point pistol recently purchased from a Craigslist seller. The gun was seized by police, who left the computer behind.
The late Dell XPS 410 model is survived by a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse.
· LIVING by grace
· Joy in the HOPE of God’s glory.
4) By faith I can walk the PATHWAY OF GROWTH.
3 knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3b-5 (ESV)
· I have a REASON to rejoice in suffering
3 knowing that… Romans 5:3b (ESV)
· Suffering produces cheerful ENDURANCE
suffering produces endurance, Romans 5:3c (ESV)
· Cheerful endurance produces PROOF of character
4 and endurance produces character, Romans 5:4a (ESV)
· Character produces biblical HOPE
character produces hope Romans 5:4b (ESV)
· Biblical hope doesn’t fail because the Holy Spirit POURS God’s love into me.
5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:5 (ESV)
5) Where sin exists God’s Grace will OVERFLOW to me.
20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21 (ESV)
The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans
Pt. 2: The Bad News, Romans 1:18-3:20
By Louie Marsh, 5-4-2025
3 Cartoons,
And Finally…
Doctor: "I have good news and bad news." Patient: "Go with the good news first." Doctor: "You have 24 hours to live." Patient: "What?! How about the bad news?" Doctor: Um... I forgot to tell you yesterday."
1) God wrath (anger) is stirred when I REPRESS the truth.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Romans 1:18-23 (ESV)
2) God honors my free will by allowing me to SIN.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Romans 1:24-25 (ESV)
26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; Romans 1:26 (ESV)
HOMOSEXUALITY IN ANCIENT ROME: The primary dichotomy of ancient Roman sexuality was active/dominant/masculine and passive/submissive/"feminized". In Roman society the freeborn male citizen possessed political liberty and the right to rule both himself and his household. "Virtue" was seen as an active quality through which a man defined himself. The conquest mentality and "cult of virility" shaped same-sex relations. Roman men were free to enjoy sex with other males without a perceived loss of masculinity or social status, as long as they took the dominant role. Acceptable male partners were slaves, prostitutes, and entertainers, Although Roman men in general seem to have preferred youths between the ages of 12 and 20 as sexual partners, freeborn male minors were strictly off-limits, and professional prostitutes and entertainers might be considerably older.
Same-sex relations among women are less documented. The Augustan poet Ovid takes an exceptionally keen interest, but advocates for a heterosexual lifestyle contrary to Roman sexual norms.
28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32 (ESV)
Ways We Suppress the Truth:
· DENIAL
· No one’s PERFECT
· I was BORN that way.
Dear Dr. Roach: I read your recent column regarding identical twins where one of the two was balding while his twin was not. Within my family, there are identical twin brothers, who also were almost impossible for family members to differentiate. If their DNA genes are “identical,” now that they are adults, how can one be homosexual, while his twin is married with children?
Studies have shown that in identical twins, if one twin is gay (the term “homosexual” is used in clinical studies but is considered offensive, so I won’t use it further), then 30 per cent to 66 per cent of the identical twins also will be gay. As this is much higher than the overall rate in the population, this suggests some, but not absolute, genetic influence.
However, an adopted sibling of a gay person is also more likely to be gay (11 per cent in one study), suggesting that the familial environment also plays a significant role.
Some people who are attracted to the same gender can be so afraid of, or put off by, the social stigma against same-sex couples that they marry and have children with a person of the opposite sex despite being primarily or uniquely attracted to those of the same gender.
Some people have found that they may be attracted to a person of either gender; their choice of life partner depends more on the partner’s personality and their unique situation than on his or her biological sex.
Sexual identity is not a choice. We cannot choose to whom we will be attracted. I’m afraid many people fundamentally misunderstand this point.
Dramatic confirmation that the sea ice in the Arctic has been stable for nearly two decades is contained in a recently published science paper from a team led by Dr Mark England from the University of Exeter. The finding is of course obvious to anyone who studies the data but it will inconvenience the activist cranks who continue to promote supposed reductions in Arctic sea ice as an important sign of their imaginary ‘tipping points’ and their fake climate crisis. Despite the data showing the ice has been stable over every month in the year since around 2007.
Living together before marriage increasing the changes of getting a divorce.
3) When I condemn others I’m really just condemning MYSELF.
1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things… 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:1, 3-4 (ESV)
4) I must be PERFECT to be good enough for heaven.
12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. Romans 2:12-13 (ESV)
5) I’m just as much a sinner as EVERYONE ELSE.
9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God…20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:9-11, 20 (ESV)
6) God’s answer to sin is FAITH in Jesus.
16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16 (ESV)
11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:11-14 (ESV)
Unashamed, Undeserved, Unstoppable
Part 1: The Good News
By Louie Marsh, 4-27-2025
Four quotes about the book of Romans,
10 Little Known Facts About Ancient Rome
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Gladiator blood was recommended by Roman physicians to aid various ailments, including epilepsy and infertility.
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Purple clothing was a status symbol and reserved only for emperors or senators. To achieve the color, a dye was made from murex seashells. It was treason for anyone other than the emperor to dress completely in purple.
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Left-handed people were considered unlucky. The word “sinister” was originally the Latin adjective “sinister”/”sinistra”/”sinistrum” that meant “left” but took on the meanings of “evil” or “unlucky” by the Classical Latin era.
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Emperor Caligula often appeared in public dressed in women’s clothing.
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In the first century B.C., the poet Gaius Valerius Catullus addressed two of his critics, another poet Furius and a senator Aurelius, in a poem considered so vulgar and obscene that it was not translated outside of Latin until the 20th century.
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Romans thought the early Christians were practicing cannibalism when they heard about them eating bread and wine as symbolic representations of the body and blood of Christ.
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People would socialize at communal toilets. Rome had over 140 public toilets. Video slide
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While Romans were extremely hygienic, they did not use soap. Instead, to get clean they would apply perfumed oils to their skin and then scrape it off with a tool known as a strigil.
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Not everyone wore togas. Only free-born Roman men were allowed to wear togas (as a sign of Roman citizenship), while Roman women wore stolas.
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Urine (because of the ammonia it contains) was used to clean clothes. The urine was collected by fullones (the Ancient Roman version of dry cleaners) from around the city.
1) Why is the Gospel so important?
· The Gospel comes from GOD
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, Romans 1:1 (ESV)
· The Gospel is proved by SCRIPTURE
2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, Romans 1:2 (ESV)
· The Gospel’s Substance is JESUS CHRIST
3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 1:3-4 (ESV)
· The Gospel’s purpose is OBEDIENCE BY FAITH.
5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith , Romans 1:5a (ESV)
· The Gospel’s scope is all NATIONS
5 the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, Romans 1:5b (ESV)
· The Gospel’s goal is to BELONG to Jesus
6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, Romans 1:6 (ESV)
Slide:
Summary: The good news of the Gospel is OF God, ABOUT Christ, ACCORDING to the Scriptures, FOR the nations, UNTO obedience of faith, FOR THE SAKE of the Name!
2) The Gospel Builds STRONG relationships.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. Romans 1:8-13 (ESV)
3) The Gospel is a DEBT I owe the world
14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. Romans 1:14-15 (ESV)
Two ways to be in debt – borrow from you, or carry money to you from another person. That’s our kind of debt.
16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16 (ESV)
4) The Gospel Reveals GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)
· You get right with God by FAITH in Jesus Christ.
Some stress God’s righteousness is a divine attribute or quality.
Others stress God’s righteousness is a divine activity, his saving intervention on our behalf.
Others say it’s a divine achievement. It’s what God has done for us in Christ.
I say, yes to all that – it’s all three. Therefore…
Summary: The righteousness of God is God’s righteous initiative in putting sinners right with himself by bestowing on them a righteousness which is not their own but his. The righteousness of God is God’s just justification of the unjust, his righteous way of pronouncing the unrighteous righteous, in which he both demonstrates his righteousness and give righteousness to us. All done in and thru Jesus Christ.
· The entire Christian life is lived BY FAITH.
Easter 2025
UNSTOPPABLE, 1 Cor. 15, Rom 8
By Louie Marsh, 4-20-2025
Intro – 5 pics – Jesus on road to Emmaus last one.
Easter – the HEART of the Christian faith.
And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:14-19 (ESV)
If Jesus isn’t alive then as a Disciple of Jesus I’m…
1) Guilty of LYING about God
We are even found to be misrepresenting God…. 1 Corinthians 15:15A (ESV)
And face it—if there’s no resurrection for Christ, everything we’ve told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you’ve staked your life on is smoke and mirrors. Not only that, but we would be guilty of telling a string of barefaced lies about God, all these affidavits we passed on to you verifying that God raised up Christ—sheer fabrications, if there’s no resurrection. Message
2) Guilty of lying to EVERYONE.
And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 1 Corinthians 15:14, 15B (ESV)
3) UNFORGIVEN
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:17 (ESV)
4) Not going to HEAVEN.
Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 1 Corinthians 15:18 (ESV)
5) A sad person who is LIVING a lie!
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:19 (ESV)
Because Jesus Is Alive I’m Unstoppable Because…
1) I know that God is FOR ME!
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (ESV)
2) Jesus died & LIVES AGAIN for me!
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 (ESV)
3) Jesus makes me RIGHT with God.
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:33-34 (ESV)
4) Jesus will NEVER leave me!
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39 (ESV)
The Gospel In a Nutshell
God:
The one and only God, who is holy, made us in his image to know him. He is the creator of all things, perfect, holy and worth of our worship & obedience. He is love and in the end will judge all sin.
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness… 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV)
Man:
All people, though created good, have become sinful by nature, we sin and cut ourselves off from God’s love and grace. (Gen. 3)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 (ESV)
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8 (ESV)
Christ:
Is God in human flesh (John 1:1), lived a perfect life, died on the cross, thus fulfilling the law & taking on himself the punishment for our sins.(Mark 10:45; John 1:14; Heb. 7:26; Rom. 3:21-26, 5:12-21) He rose again from the dead, showing that God accepted his sacrifice
45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (ESV)
8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:8-10 (ESV)
Response -
How Can I Give My Life To The Living Christ?
Establish Your Spiritual B.A.S.I.S.!
B = Believe Jesus died on the Cross for me and showed He was God by coming back to life again. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (1 Cor. 15:2-4)
A = Accept Christ as Lord of My life and His free forgiveness of my sins. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- (John 1:12)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Eph. 1:7)
S = Switch to God’s Plan for my life. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15)
I = Inform others of your decision. That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
S = Submerge yourself in Christ. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)
Suffering & God’s Response
Pt. 6: God Chooses to Suffer
By Louie Marsh, 4-13-2025
1) God’s Response to Suffering
· He suffered WITH us.
“21From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (Matthew 16:21, ESV)
This includes the incarnation, his choosing to give up his divine power (Phil 2) etc.
· He suffered LIKE us.
“40And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:40–44, ESV)
Sweating blood, known as hematidrosis, is a rare condition where a person oozes blood from their skin, often triggered by extreme stress or fear. It occurs when tiny blood vessels near sweat glands rupture, allowing blood to mix with sweat.
· He suffered FOR us.
“4Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4–5, ESV)
· He suffered unto DEATH for us.
“28After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:28–30, ESV)
2) The Results of His Response
· He EMPATHIZES with us in our suffering.
“14Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14–16, ESV)
· He gives our suffering MEANING & PURPOSE.
“3Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3–5, ESV)
“16So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18, ESV)
· He offers us FORGIVENESS through His suffering.
“7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight” (Ephesians 1:7–8, ESV)
“23When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:23–24, ESV)
Suffering & God’s Response
Pt. 5 Choosing to Suffer
By Louie Marsh, 4-6-2025
Intro – X quotes, video of man who quit believing.
1) When I accepted Christ I accepted SUFFERING in His Name.
“24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24–25, ESV)
2) This suffering can impact my ENTIRE life.
“34“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:34–39, ESV)
3) I suffer INTERNALLY as well as physically.
“23And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, ESV)
“20I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, ESV)
“13“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13–14, ESV)
4) Why not ask WHY?
“1The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years.” (Judges 6:1, ESV)
“12And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” 13And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”” (Judges 6:12–14, ESV)
5) Don’t ask why, ask…
· WHAT can I learn from this?
“11For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11, ESV)
· HOW can I deal with this?
“1I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1–2, ESV)
“18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18, ESV)
· WHERE do I go with this?
“20Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. 21Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:20–21, ESV)
“25that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” (1 Corinthians 12:25–26, ESV)
· WHO can I help with the lessons learned?
“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4, ESV)
6) A snap shot of living by FAITH.
“32And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38of whom THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (Hebrews 11:32–38, ESV)
04 Suffering & God’s Response
Pt. 4 Called to Suffer
By Louie Marsh, 3-30-2025
Last slide – good must suffer with them.
1) Suffering is an INTEGRAL part of following Jesus.
“19For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:19–21, ESV)
Suffering should come as no surprise to Christians
2) There's No ESCAPE From It.
“18“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” (John 15:18–20, ESV)
No escape that is if we want to continue to follow Jesus
3) Suffering Can be GOOD For our Faith!
“6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6–7, ESV)
What These Verses Say About Suffering
1, It refines our faith - helps us to grow spiritually
2, It results in glorifying God
3, So for the Christian - suffering has a purpose!
4) The four SOURCES of suffering.
· The World – culture, society
“22and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.” (Matthew 10:22–25, ESV)
This includes people around us, and the systems of government and law that they create.
This also includes YOU when you do things that bring suffering upon yourself!
· The Flesh – Myself
“16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:16–17, ESV)
· The Devil
“8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” (1 Peter 5:8–9, ESV)
Spiritual warfare is a reality.
Satan is the driving force behind much of what we see in the world
· God!
“7It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” (Hebrews 12:7–10, ESV)
This is called discipline for the purpose of helping us grow spiritually.
But it still hurts and it's still suffering!
5) EMBRACE it, don’t try and erase it.
“8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.” (Psalm 32:8–9, ESV)
“16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (James 1:16–18, ESV)
Suffering & God’s Response
Pt. 3 Why Am I Suffering?
By Louie Marsh, 3-23-2025
Last slide – Don’t know what he died of.
1) God ALLOWS us to experience the consequences of Free Will.
“15And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”” (Joshua 24:15, ESV)
2) Why doesn’t God DESTROY evil & suffering?
· The Argument Against God.
¨ If a good, eternal and all-powerful God exists, He could annihilate evil at will, and thus end all pain and suffering.
¨ A Being who had the power to do this, is cruel and unjust not to exercise this power and thus end all evil and its consequences.
¨ Theism (the belief in one God – Christianity is Theistic) affirms the all-powerful, loving God we have just described; Who never the less does not annihilate evil.
¨ Therefore: He is cruel and unjust, or He does not exist!
· What’s Wrong with the Argument?
¨ It places a restriction on the nature of God, something you can NEVER do!
“35all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”” (Daniel 4:35, ESV)
¨ It presupposes that our reasoning processes are equal or superior to God’s, and that our solution must be the right one!
"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)
¨ It doesn’t work when you try and apply it practically.
Tell Dr. Walter Martin Story of being on the radio with an atheist challenging him to do this as a philosophical experiment.
3) How Then Should I Respond to Suffering?
· I need to ACCEPT that suffering will happen to me and mine.
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19 (ESV)
· I need to REMEMBER that God is active in my suffering.
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20 (ESV)
· I need to EMBRACE suffering as part of my spiritual growth.
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ …10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Philippians 3:8, 10 (ESV)
Suffering & God’s Response
Pt. 2 Why Does God Allow Suffering
By Louie Marsh, 3-16-2025
Big vs. Small Picture:
Today I’ll be talking about the big picture of suffering not the smaller more personal one. The Bible gives us a framework to understand how a good and loving God can allow suffering in this world. It does not explain why certain things happen to certain people. No one can answer that question, and if someone says they can – run away!!
But there are two scriptures we must rely to help us as we deal with the smaller picture and they are not on your outline so please write them down:
1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:1-5 (ESV)
45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45 (ESV)
God allows suffering because … GOD IS LOVE
1) God made humans in His IMAGE.
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV)
· Us = trinity
· Image - Human life was created in (lit., “as,” meaning “in essence as”) the image of God (v. 27). This image was imparted only to humans (2:7). “Image” (ṣelem) is used figuratively here, for God does not have a human form. Being in God’s image means that humans share, though imperfectly and finitely, in God’s nature, that is, in His communicable attributes (life, personality, truth, wisdom, love, holiness, justice), and so have the capacity for spiritual fellowship with Him The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.
2) God made us to LOVE HIM.
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV)
3) Love cannot be forced but only FREELY CHOSEN.
20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. 21 When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. Genesis 9:20-21 (NIV)
“1Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” 3But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.” (Jonah 1:1–3, ESV)
· God gave us REAL choices in a real universe.
· Therefore he HAD to allow us to choose evil over good.
· Adam & Eve did and so has every one of their offspring save one – JESUS!
4) But God will hold us accountable on JUDGMENT DAY.
34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37 (ESV)
So, eternal love – God – allows evil to exist now to honor our sovereign free will and so that we can, if we choose, freely love Him and others. However, because He is just, there will be a judgment day where all wrongs will be righted.
Suffering & God’s Response
Pt, 1: Who Causes Suffering?
By Louie Marsh, 3-9-2025
Last slide – Buddah quote
1) We always blame GOD.
“13And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”” (Judges 6:13–14, ESV)
“2“Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! 3For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. 4For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.” (Job 6:2–4, ESV)
Philosophers say: If an almighty, good God exists, and does not eliminate evil, then either that god is evil, or he does not exist. A good God must destroy evil.
The Greek philosopher Epicurus (342-271 BC) claimed that the existence of evil proved there is no God.
· He claimed that if God cannot stop evil then he is not all-powerful (omnipotent).
· He then argued that if God can prevent evil but does not, then God is not good.
· He linked these two points together, claiming that if God is all-powerful and good, then evil would not exist.
· Finally, human experience is that evil does exist. Therefore Epicurus concluded that God must not exist.
2) The REAL culprits.
· SATAN
“1Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”” (Genesis 3:1, ESV)
· US.
“4But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:4–6, ESV)
· We brought it in, we PERPETUATE it.
“9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV)
3) God is pledged to ELIMINATE it eventually.
“4He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4, ESV)
“18And I will make for them a covenant on that day with the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety.” (Hosea 2:18, ESV)
4) The GOSPEL of Jesus is how God will do it.
“4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”” (Revelation 21:4, ESV)
“15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15, ESV)
“1Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, ESV)
My First Half Century in the Ministry, Pt. 1
50 Years & Counting
By Louie Marsh, 3-2-2025
Announce 50 years since my ordination!
What have I learned?
22Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.”” (Matthew 20:22, ESV)
1) If you want to serve God, you will have your heart BROKEN over and over again.
“16Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. 17I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because your hand was upon me, for you had filled me with indignation. 18Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail? (Jeremiah 15:16–18, ESV)
“18The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, ESV)
2) Self never DIES, ego is EVERYWHERE & the cost of serving Jesus is higher than you can possibly imagine when you begin.
“13“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13–14, ESV)
“23And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23–24, ESV)
· The ups & downs of the ministry take their TOLL.
“27in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (2 Corinthians 11:27–30, ESV)
3) God’s answer to this – BROKENNESS.
“9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
· Jacob is the ultimate EXAMPLE.
“22The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 32Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip on the sinew of the thigh.” (Genesis 32:22–32, ESV)
4) To trust in Jesus I must RELY on the Scriptures.
“39You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” (John 5:39–40, ESV)
Habitual
Pt. 4: Solitude
By Louie Marsh, 2- 9-2025
Intro. Last slide T-Shirt.
1) The difference between solitude & loneliness is CHOICE.
“18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”” (Genesis 2:18, ESV)
· All spiritual disciplines are personal DECISIONS.
“15But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” (Luke 5:15–16, ESV)
2) Solitude helps me restore my…
· PEACE
“3You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3, ESV)
· OBJECTIVITY
“17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, ESV)
· sense of SCALE.
“6I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places; 7I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop.” (Psalm 102:6–7, ESV)
· ENERGY
“29He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” (Isaiah 40:29, ESV)
· PRIORITIES
“12So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
3) Solitude is an indicator of my spiritual HEALTH.
“39And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow,” (Luke 22:39–45, ESV)
Slides of garden
The area it encompasses is flat and measures less than 57 square yards (47 1/2 square meters).
The garden is located on the western foot of the Mount of Olives, beyond the brook Kidron, and is only a short distance from Jerusalem. The villages of Bethany and Bethphage are also located very near it.
“35And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (Mark 1:35, ESV)
Habitual
Pt. 2: Meditation
By Louie Marsh, 1-26-2025
1) Biblical meditation is FOCUSED THINKING.
“34May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” (Psalm 104:34, ESV)
· Yes, I CAN do this!
“19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19, ESV)
2) Different kinds of biblical meditation:
· For spiritual GROWTH.
…2but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1–6, ESV)
· To SOLVE a problem.
“97Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. 99I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 100I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. 101I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. 102I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. 103How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.” (Psalm 119:97–104, ESV)
· To FIND the courage I need to obey God.
... 5No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” (Joshua 1:1–9, ESV)
· Courage comes when I DO what God says to do.
3) To be like Jesus I must understand & practice biblical MEDITATION.
“148My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.” (Psalm 119:148, ESV)
4) What to do while turning the other cheek.
“38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38–39, ESV)
“23Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.” (Psalm 119:23, ESV)
“78Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.” (Psalm 119:78, ESV)
“19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19–21, ESV)
Introduction to Habitual
Pt. 2: The Power of Good Habits
By Louie Marsh, 1-12-2025
“14But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)
1) A habit is a CUSTOMARY way of doing or not doing something.
“14Do all things without grumbling or disputing,” (Philippians 2:14, ESV)
Original Word: ἔθος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: ethos
Pronunciation: EH-thos
Definition: Custom, habit, manner
Meaning: a custom, habit; an institute, rite.
Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root ἔθω (ethō), meaning "to be accustomed" or "to be used to."
2) I need to FORM good, godly habits.
39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." Luke 22:39-40 (NIV)
One popular idea suggests that it takes 21 days to solidify a habit. A three-week time frame might sound easily reachable to someone making a resolution on New Year’s Day, when people tend to feel extra motivated to start a new habit or kick an old one. Yet every January 21 very few people can boast that they have kept their resolutions. One survey showed that only 9 percent of people actually stuck to their goals in 2023.
The time it takes to establish a new habit varies widely depending on the individual and the complexity of the behavior. Recent studies suggest that it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form a new habit, with an average of around 66 days. Factors such as the specific habit, environmental influences, and personal consistency play significant roles in the duration of habit formation. It is important to approach habit formation with realistic expectations and patience, as it may take longer than commonly believed.
Everyone has a unique habit-building timeline—and no matter how long it is for any individual, repetition is the key to making it work,
3) How habits help my SPIRITUAL GROWTH.
“14But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)
Story of how I had to learn to use the clutch, once done I was a much more mature driver than I had been before.
4) Some good habits to me to ESTABLISH.
“14And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14, ESV)
· REGULAR church attendance.
25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
· Actively TESTING to distinguish good from evil.
“21but test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV)
· To be SEXUALLY pure.
“18Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18–20, ESV)
· Be FILLED with the Spirit not alcohol.
“18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” (Ephesians 5:18, ESV)
Habitual Introduction:
Pt. 1: Don’t Waste Your Life
By Louie Marsh, 1-5-2025
15 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)
John Wesley taught his Methodist followers to pray each new year:
“I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;
Put me to doing, put me to suffering;
Let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
Exalted for you, or brought low for you;
Let me be full, Let me be empty,
Let me have all things, Let me have nothing:
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
To your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.”
1) God wants my WHOLE life!
13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. Romans 6:13 (NIV)
12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, Deuteronomy 10:12 (NIV)
24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24 (NIV)
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)
2) To give God this control takes DISCIPLINE.
7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB)
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)
40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:40-42 (NIV)
13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
“Discipline = Freedom” – Jocko Willink
3) How do I come to God? Only through the CROSS.
15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV)
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)
1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1 (NIV)
2 LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)
New Years 2024
Rosh Hashanah & a Christian New Years
By Louie Marsh, 12-29-2024
Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה, lit. 'head of the year') is the New Year in Judaism. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah (יוֹם תְּרוּעָה, lit. 'day of shouting/blasting'). It is the first of the High Holy Days (יָמִים נוֹרָאִים, Yāmīm Nōrāʾīm, 'Days of Awe"), as specified by Leviticus 23:23–25, that occur in the late summer/early autumn of the Northern Hemisphere. Rosh Hashanah begins ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur, as well as beginning the cycle of autumnal religious festivals running through Sukkot which end on Shemini Atzeret in Israel and Simchat Torah everywhere else.
“24“Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25You shall not do any ordinary work, and you shall present a food offering to the Lord.”” (Leviticus 23:24–25, ESV)
Rosh Hashanah is a two-day observance and celebration that begins on the first day of Tishrei, which is the seventh month of the ecclesiastical year. In contrast to the ecclesiastical lunar new year on the first day of the first month Nisan, the spring Passover month which marks Israel's exodus from Egypt, Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the civil year, according to the teachings of Judaism, and is the traditional anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve.
Rosh Hashanah customs include sounding the shofar (a hollowed-out ram's horn), as prescribed in the Torah, following the prescription of the Hebrew Bible to "raise a noise" on Yom Teruah. Eating symbolic foods that represent various wishes for the new year is an ancient custom recorded in the Talmud. Other rabbinical customs include the "tashlich", attending synagogue services and reciting special liturgy about teshuva, as well as enjoying festive meals.
Tashlikh or Tashlich (Hebrew: תשליך "cast off") is a customary Jewish atonement ritual performed during the High Holy Days on Rosh Hashanah. In some Judaeo-Spanish-speaking communities the practice is referred to as sakudirse las faldas ('to shake the flaps [of clothing]') or simply as faldas]
Practice
The ritual is performed at a large, natural body of flowing water (e.g., river, lake, sea, or ocean) on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, although it may be performed until Hoshana Rabbah. If the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, most Ashkenazim recite Tashlich on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, whereas most Sephardim recite it on the first day as normal. The penitent recites a Biblical passage and, optionally, additional prayers. During the Tashlikh prayer, the worshipers symbolically throw their sins into a source of water. Some people throw small pieces of bread into the water, though many rabbis consider throwing bread into the water on Rosh Hashanah to be forbidden by halakha
The name "Tashlikh" and the practice itself are derived from an allusion mentioned in the Biblical passage (Micah 7:18–20) recited at the ceremony: "You will cast (tashlikh) all their sins into the depths of the sea."
“18Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. 19He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. 20You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.” (Micah 7:18–20, ESV)
Because the New Year ushers in a 10-day period of self-examination and penitence, Rosh Hashana is also called the annual Day of Judgment; during this period Jews review their individual relationships with God, the Supreme Judge.
“1“On the first day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work. It is a day for you to blow the trumpets, 2and you shall offer a burnt offering, for a pleasing aroma to the Lord: one bull from the herd, one ram, seven male lambs a year old without blemish;” (Numbers 29:1–2, ESV)
“1When the seventh month came, and the children of Israel were in the towns, the people gathered as one man to Jerusalem. 2Then arose Jeshua the son of Jozadak, with his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel with his kinsmen, and they built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. 3They set the altar in its place, for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, burnt offerings morning and evening. 4And they kept the Feast of Booths, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number according to the rule, as each day required,” (Ezra 3:1–4, ESV)
A More Biblical Approach to New Years
“12Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12–14, ESV)
1) Be HUMBLE
· Especially about my SPIRITUAL LIFE.
2) Be DILIGENT
· Especially in dealing with my PAST
3) Be ALL IN on my future.
· Especially in being more like JESUS.
· APPLY this to all areas of my life.
4) Be WISE in how I approach all this.
· Do things SEQUENTIALLY.
Christmas 2024
The Purpose of Christmas
By Louie Marsh, 12-22-2024
1) Christmas is all about God’s PLAN.
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV)
2) Christmas is all about Christ’s PURPOSE.
27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. John 12:27 (ESV)
38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” Mark 1:38 (ESV)
3) Christmas is all about The CROSS
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:33-35 (ESV)
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. Luke 9:51 (ESV)
4) Christmas is about God’s CALL on my life
- To KNOW Him.
29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Mark 12:29 (ESV)
10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead…13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:10-11,13-14 (ESV)
- To make him KNOWN .
31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 (ESV)
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
YOUR CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS:
1) Am I following Christ’s call on my life?
2) List one practical action you can take that will help you either know Him better or make Him known to others this Christmas week.
Jesus Calling
Pt. 7 – Puking the Lukewarm
By Louie Marsh, 12-15-2024
Last slide – Super Barf Bag/
1) Jesus is the TRUTH & CREATOR of everything/
“14“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.” (Revelation 3:14, ESV)
“15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:15–18, ESV)
2) APATHY not allowed.
“15“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15–16, ESV)
· What about the VOMIT?
Synonyms
Strongest matches
Strong matches
Out of the 26 major English translations 13 say spit or spew, 13 say vomit.
Of the 4 Literal translations 3 say vomit and one says spit.
Difference between spitting (with Mom story) and vomiting.
· Jesus wants COMMITMENT – either for or against Him.
“30Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30, ESV)
3) Don’t mistake prosperity with spiritual MATURITY.
“17For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.” (Revelation 3:17–18, ESV)
· Things going well don’t necessarily mean you are CLOSE to God.
“1“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” (Isaiah 55:1, ESV)
“19And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’ 20But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”” (Luke 12:19–21, ESV)
4) Jesus rebukes me because He LOVES ME.
“19Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:19–20, ESV)
“6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”” (Hebrews 12:6, ESV)
5) SHARING Jesus’ throne – the ultimate way to be like Jesus.
“21The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”” (Revelation 3:21–22, ESV)
Jesus Calling
Part 6: Little Power & an Open Door
By Louie Marsh, 12-8-2024
Last slide – SWOT.
1) Jesus is Lord & in CONTROL.
“7“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will sh ut, who shuts and no one opens.” (Revelation 3:7, ESV)
2) He knows how WEAK I really am.
“8“ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8, ESV)
A Biblical Theme:
· God uses the UNSKILLED.
“32And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.”” (1 Samuel 17:32–33, ESV)
· God uses the WEAK.
“9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10, ESV)
3) In the end everyone will ACKNOWLEDGE Jesus is Lord.
“9Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.” (Revelation 3:9, ESV)
“9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9–11, ESV)
4) Hold on to what God has ALREADY given you.
“10Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” (Revelation 3:10–11, ESV)
5) In heaven I’ll NEVER LOSE my closeness to God.
“12The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.” (Revelation 3:12, ESV)
“13He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:13, ESV)
Jesus Calling
Part 5: Strengthen What Is About to Die
By Louie Marsh, 12-1-2024
Last slide – hypocrisy word cloud.
1) Jesus holds the Spirit of LIFE.
“1“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “(Revelation 3:1a, ESV)
Verse NOT on outline!
“63It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63, ESV)
2) Jesus sees and knows their HYPOCRISY.
. “ ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” (Revelation 3:1b, ESV)
· When I allow APPEARANCES to be different from what really is – I’m a hypocrite.
“27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:27–28, ESV)
Slide defining hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy is baked into the church and other institutions – My ego plus people want to put you on a pedestal.
3) I need to WAKE UP before it’s too late.
“2Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. (Revelation 3:2, ESV)
· Wake up – we’ve been sleeping – in denial.
γρηγορεῖν is to be awake when one is aroused. The latter word is used here. The Lord is right now arousing the church. The present imperative demands that it continue in this wakefulness. - R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation
“11Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11, ESV)
· Strengthen – it’s there, but it’s weak and sick and needs help.
The aorist imperative στήριξον means to take strong, immediate, effective measures. “To make decisively firm” all that is ready to die completely conveys the idea of establishing it with new life and vitality so that it may be able to shake off this creeping death and to stand solidly against its inroads. - R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation
“6“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them.” (Zechariah 10:6, ESV)
· About to die – there is a time limit, a point of no return here. I don’t want to cross it.
4) REMEMBER & repent or else!
“3Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.” (Revelation 3:3, ESV)
5) The ETERNAL blessings awaiting the conqueror.
“4Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” (Revelation 3:4–5, ESV)
6) Listen Up!
“6He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:6, ESV)
Jesus Calling
Pt. 4 Hold Fast to What You Have
By Louie Marsh, 11-24-2024
1) Jesus sees it ALL.
“18“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.” (Revelation 2:18, ESV)
2) Jesus COMMENDS them for growing their witness.
“19“ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. (Revelation 2:19, ESV)
3) Jesus will not TOLERATE sin or evil.
20But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.” “21I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. (Revelation 2:20–21, ESV)
ἀφίημι aphiēmi; from 575 and ἵημι hiēmi (to send); to send away, leave alone, permit:—abandoned(1), allow(5), allowed(2), divorce(2), forgave(2), forgive(23), forgiven(23), forgives(1), gave … permission(1), leave(7), leaves(2), leaving(8), left(38), let(9), let … alone(6), let him have(1), neglected(1), neglecting(2), permit(6), permitted(1), permitting(1), send … away(1), tolerate(1), uttered(1), yielded(1) - Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).
This verse reveals Jesus' complaint against the church at Thyatira: it "tolerated" a false prophet named Jezebel. This dangerous woman was persuading members of the church to practice immorality and idolatry. Apparently, she promoted certain pagan sexual practices. Also, she condoned a common practice at trade union banquets, namely the eating of food dedicated to idols.
· If a “prophecy” contradicts God’s Word, it is FALSE!
“19God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19, ESV)
“19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecies, 21but test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21, ESV)
· Doing good doesn’t BALANCE OUT my sin,
“10For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” (James 2:10, ESV)
“21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21–23, ESV)
4) Jesus will JUDGE false prophets & their followers.
22Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.” (Revelation 2:22–23, ESV)
5) In my struggle I must not LOSE what I have.
“24But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25Only hold fast what you have until I come.” (Revelation 2:24–25, ESV)
· I must focus on not sliding BACKWARD when I can’t move forward.
6) The conquer receives INCONCEIVABLE gifts!
“26The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28And I will give him the morning star. 29He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 2:26–29, ESV)
· The conquer will RULE with Jesus.
“12if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;” (2 Timothy 2:12, ESV)
· He gives us ALL His royal character.
“16“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”” (Revelation 22:16, ESV)
Jesus Calling
Pt. 3: Holding Fast to His Name
11-17-2024
Last slide – Hold fast to that which is good.
1) Jesus is my JUDGE.
“12“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.” (Revelation 2:12, ESV)
· Two-edged sword = judgement.
“2He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.” (Isaiah 49:2, ESV)
“12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12–13, ESV)
2) Jesus sees how INTENSE my struggle is.
“13“ ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” (Revelation 2:13, ESV)
· Satan’s Throne (dwells) =
This city was a legal center for the district and at the same time an old stronghold of emperor worship, where already in 29 B. C. a temple had been built to the divine Augustus and the goddess Roma, which was served by a powerful priesthood. Especially abhorrent to the Christians was the local cult of Aesculapius whose symbol was the serpent, which was called “the god of Pergamum” but to Christians was the symbol of the serpent of Eden. In addition to these pagan cults there towered on the Acropolis a throne-like altar of Zeus Soter (Savior) which commemorated the defeat of the barbarian Gauls by Attalus about 240 BC. - R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation (Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern, 1935), 103–104.
Zahn takes it to refer to the cult of Aesculapius. He points out that under Diocletian Christian stonecutters from Rome carved out in the quarries of Pannonia not only pillars, capitals, and baths, but also victories, cupids, and even the sun-god in his chariot but refused to carve an image of Aesculapius, for which refusal they were put to death as being followers of Antipas of Pergamum. So much at least is certain that the Lord himself (not John as some say) regarded Pergamum as the one city among the seven where Satan even had his throne and thus ruled as king. All seven were thoroughly pagan, this one was the worst. R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation (Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern, 1935), 104.
· Antipas -
Show picture of where he might have been executed.
3) Jesus also sees where I’ve FALLEN SHORT.
“14But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” (Revelation 2:14–15, ESV)
· Teaching of Balaam
Now, the Lord says, the church in Pergamum has some members that are holding to the same teaching and are running to the idol feasts and the fornication practiced in the pagan temples in order to gain immunity and pagan favor for themselves.
The two aorist infinitives express actuality. This eating and this fornicating also go together. It was so in the case of the sons of Israel; it is so in the case of these members in Pergamum who were repeating Israel’s folly. - R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation (Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern, 1935), 107.
· Nicolaitans -
4) I must REPENT to escape judgement.
“16Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.” (Revelation 2:16, ESV)
· Repent -
Strong’s Concordance:
Meaning: I repent, change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God), repent.
Word Origin: From the Greek words "meta" (meaning "after" or "beyond") and "noeo" (meaning "to think" or "to perceive"), thus implying a change of mind or heart.
· Make war
“31Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.” (Luke 14:31–32, ESV)
5) Jesus gives the conqueror INDIVIDUALIZED rewards.
“17He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’” (Revelation 2:17, ESV)
· Hidden manna -
Trench, Epistles to the Seven Churches: “There can, I think, be no doubt that allusion is here made to the manna which, at God’s express command, Moses caused to be laid up before the Lord in the Sanctuary, Exod. 16:32–34; cf., Heb. 9:4. This manna, as being thus laid up, obtained the name ‘hidden.’ … This ‘hidden manna’ … represents a benefit pertaining to the future kingdom of glory.”… All the statements regarding the heavenly joys are given in figurative language, and one of them is our eating and drinking there—note the feast in Matt. 8:11. The symbolism of the hidden manna is most appropriate here after the eating of things offered to idols in v. 14. In John 6:30, etc., Jesus calls himself (his flesh and blood… the manna, “bread from heaven,” to be eaten by faith. The fact that in John 6:49, etc., Jesus is “the living bread,” while in Revelation “the hidden manna” indicates the heavenly bliss, causes no difficulty. - R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation (Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern, 1935), 109.
· White stone, secret name -
“16He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder);” (Mark 3:16–17, ESV)
Ψῆφος = pebble; the adjective “white” may well imply that a diamond is referred to. “A new name having been written” on this stone, ὄνομα καινόν, means a name “new” as replacing one that is old, the perfect participle indicating that, once written, this name remains. The remarkable thing is that no one knows this name save the person who receives the pebble. We think that those are correct who take this name to be the name for the person who receives the pebble and not a secret name of God or of Christ. - R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation (Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern, 1935), 110.
Jesus Calling
Pt. 2: Faithful Unto Death
By Louie Marsh, 11-10-2024
Last slide – sparta.
1) Jesus is GOD.
“8“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.” (Revelation 2:8, ESV)
“58Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.” (John 8:58–59, ESV)
2) Jesus understands my STRUGGLES.
“9“ ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” (Revelation 2:9, ESV)
· With my ENVIRONMENT.
“8We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;” (2 Corinthians 4:8, ESV)
thlibo (θλίβω, 2346), “to suffer affliction, to be troubled,” has reference to sufferings due to the pressure of circumstances, or the antagonism of persons,,, when used of the present experience of believers, refer almost invariably to that which comes upon them from without. - W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 17.
· With my RESOURCES.
“9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9, ESV)
· With the LIES told about Jesus.
βλασφημία blasphēmia; from 989; slander:—abusive language(1), blasphemies(4), blasphemous(2), blasphemy(6), railing(1), slander(3), slanders(1). - Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).
“10“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” (Matthew 5:10–11, ESV)
3) I should have no FEAR when evil comes.
“10Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation… (Revelation 2:10a, ESV)
“9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
4) Eternal Life is FAITH’S reward.
Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10b, ESV)
“12And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:12–13, ESV)
5) Listen up! Hell can’t harm the CONQUER.
“11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’” (Revelation 2:11, ESV)
“8But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”” (Revelation 21:8, ESV)
Jesus Calling
Pt. 1 Ephesus: First Love Lost
By Louie Marsh, 11-3-2024
1) Jesus is in CONTROL.
“1“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.” (Revelation 2:1, ESV)
· He can - & will – execute JUDGEMENT on the church at any moment.
2) Jesus KNOWS!
“2“ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary… “6Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Revelation 2:2–3,6 ESV)
· Jesus knows and UNDERSTANDS how hard it is to follow Him.
“13“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13–14, ESV)
· He ENCOURAGES me to keep going.
“9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
· He COMMENDS me for standing with Him.
“23His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:23, ESV)
Nicolaitans – not sure who they really were. Speculated the leader might have been Nicolaus in Acts 6:5 was leader. Very doubtful -the one thing we do know is they were almost surely early gnostics.
What’s a gnostic? (How cruel to claim to have the ultimate truth, but refuse to share it until you’ve jumped through a hundred hoops). Modern examples of Gnostics: Scientology, orgs who claim to have ancient knowledge, but you have to climb the ladder to find out.
3) Jesus demands ACCOUNTABILITY.
“4But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:4, ESV)
“36I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,” (Matthew 12:36, ESV)
4) Jesus commands me to RETURN to Him.
“5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5, ESV)
· Remember the love I had for God.
· Repent – TURN AROUND and get back there.
5) Jesus reminds me to LISTEN UP.
“7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 2:7a, ESV)
6) Jesus REWARDS those who overcome.
To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’” (Revelation 2:7b, ESV)
True Stories
Pt. 11: Not A Patch Job
By Louie Marsh, 10-20-2024
Intro. Last pic wall patch
1) If I want to change I’ve got to admit that I’m BROKEN. 36 He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. Luke 5: 36 (ESV)
· I’m not WHOLE because I’ve got holes in my soul.
The context of this parable:
30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:30-32 (ESV)
· Doing things my way just won’t WORK.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)
2) What’s the old and new?
· The old – robe or wineskin – is WORKS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
The issue Jesus is addressing:
33 And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” Luke 5:33 (ESV)
· The new – robe or wineskin – is CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS.
30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 1 Corinthians 1:30 (ESV)
3) Fixing my life, my soul, isn’t a PATCH JOB.
16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. 17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” Matthew 9:16-17 (ESV)
A wineskin was a goatskin that had been removed without slitting it; the openings at the feet and the tail were closed, leaving the neck as the mouth. When it is fresh, the skin stretches to a degree, but when it is old it becomes stiff and bursts quickly under pressure. People therefore never put new wine, which still ferments and causes pressure, into old, dried-out skins. The result would be disastrous, for the skins would burst and thus be lost and henceforth be useless, and the wine would be spilled out and thus also be lost.
Show Images
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:6-7 (ESV)
13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Galatians 6:13-15 (ESV)
4) Change does not come NATURALLY, EASY or all at once
39 And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’” Luke 5:39 (ESV)
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV)
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
True Stories
Pt. 10: The God of Another Chance
By Louie Marsh, 10-13-2024
Fish cartoon last one.
1) I can’t judge my spiritual life by EXTERNAL circumstances.
1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? Luke 13:1-4 (ESV)
· Problems aren’t signs of GOD’S WRATH.
1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:1-3 (ESV)
· We live in a fallen world where bad things happen to EVERYONE.
30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Acts 21:30-32 (ESV)
· I am a sinner and need to BELIEVE the gospel.
5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:5 (ESV)
2) God will hold me ACCOUNTABLE for my life.
6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ Luke 13:6-7 (ESV)
· Judgement is real and I will FACE IT.
13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 3:13-14 (ESV)
3) God’s grace gives me ANOTHER CHANCE.
8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’” Luke 13:8-9 (ESV)
13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13 (ESV)
15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:15 (ESV)
True Stories
Pt. 9: Humble Myself Before the Lord
By Louie Marsh, 10-6-2024
Intro Slides – last one think of yourself less.
1) I should never seek SELF- JUSTIFICATION.
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: Luke 18:9 (ESV)
· The fatal flaw of self-justification is COMPARISON.
15 And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15 (ESV)
4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, Galatians 6:4 (NIV)
2) UNDERSTAND who these people were.
10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. Luke 18:10 (NIV)
· Pharisee = MORALLY RIGEROUS, RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVE
· Tax Collector = TRAITOR, THIEF, OPPRESSOR.
3) Remember prayer is not TALKING to myself.
11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ Luke 18:11-12 (ESV)
A soliloquy with his own soul, a complacent recital of his own virtues for his own self-satisfaction, not fellowship with God, though he addresses God - Word Pictures in the New Testament.
Prayer for Strength of Self Image:
Lord, sometimes when I look in the mirror I’m not too happy with what I see. Please let me see me the way you made me, beautiful and perfect just as I am. Help me to hold this image in my mind and heart as I follow my life’s path. Allow others to witness your light shining through me as I walk with confidence, grace and a smile on my face. Amen.
Louie’s Prayer for S & S
Lord, every time I look in the mirror I’m disgusted and nauseated by what I see. Help me to endure the sight of what you’ve made me into – wrinkly and old and about as imperfect as a man can be. Help me to hold this gross image in my mind and heart as I follow Jesus. Allow others to witness your light shining through this mess as I walk with humility, grace and a crooked smile on my face. Above all help me to love Jesus far more than I love myself or anyone else. In Jesus Name, Amen.
4) Real prayer is UNVARNISHED honesty with God.
13 "But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!' Luke 18:13 (NASB)
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV)
8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, Ephesians 3:8 (ESV)
5) When I humble myself before God He LIFTS ME UP.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14 (ESV)
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, Philippians 2:8-9 (ESV)
True Stories
PT. 8: God’s Not Fair – Thank God!
By Louie Marsh, 8-19-2018
Pics of unfair stuff -last one workers in vineyard.
1) God’s Kingdom often works in REVERSE.
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”… 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Matthew 19:23-26, 30 (ESV)
30 This is the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first. Matthew 19:30 (MSG)
2) God’s call to me is different than His call to OTHERS.
1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ Matthew 20:1-7 (ESV)
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (ESV)
3) God’s Rewards are based upon His GRACE.
8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. Matthew 20:8-10 (ESV)
· Salvation by grace is inherently UNFAIR.
3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— Ephesians 2:3-5 (ESV)
4) God CALLS THE SHOTS in His Kingdom.
11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.” Matthew 20:11-16 (ESV)
· God isn’t interested in being fair, but JUST, HOLY & RIGHTEOUS.
4 Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." Revelation 15:4 (NIV)
True Stories # 10
Pt. 7: Unworthy Service
By Louie Marsh, 9-22-2024
1) ENTER into the reality of real service.
7 “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? 8 Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Luke 17:7-8 (ESV)
Not like working for someone today, not like being a butler or servant today in USA
Greek word doulos common word for slave.
Very similar to the “servants” I’ve seen in SE Asia. They live with masters and serve until they aren’t needed anymore. Not set hours and duties are what they are told to do. Period.
9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? Luke 17:9 (ESV)
After working all day, clean up, change clothes, fix dinner from scratch and serve it. After Master is done then you eat.
All that and you get no special word of thanks.
2) Real servants of Jesus do ALL that is commanded.
10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” Luke 17:10 (ESV)
· A FEW COMMANDS
o LOVE my enemies.
44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
o FORGIVE everyone.
12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12 (ESV)
o SHARE the gospel.
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15 (ESV)
o PRAY continually.
17 pray continually; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
o DIE to myself.
35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. Mark 8:35 (ESV)
· Doing all that makes me an UNWORTHY servant.
3) Real servants of Jesus go ABOVE & BEYOND
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” John 19:28 (ESV)
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-42 (ESV)
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Philippians 3:12-16 (ESV)
True Stories
Pt. 6: Love God Not Money
By Louie Marsh, 9-15-2024
Intro slides – last one love of money kills
1) I need to BEWARE of materialism.
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:13-15 (ESV)
· I need to actively be on my GUARD.
Steve Taylor Video
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, Jude 1:24 (ESV)
· All forms of greed are DANGEROUS.
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5 (ESV)
22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. Matthew 13:22 (ESV)
· My life has nothing to do with what I OWN.
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:4 (ESV)
2) Never ASSUME what will happen, God is in control.
16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ Luke 12:16-20 (ESV)
· I can’t take it with me & I don’t know when I’ll LOSE it.
4 “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Psalm 39:4 (ESV)
3) The Bottom Line on Treasure.
· I must remember my treasure is GOD’S NOT MINE.
21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21 (ESV)
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)
· If I’m rich towards God He will PROVIDE for me.
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)
True Stories
Pt 5: Real Prayer Is Persistent
By Louie Marsh, 9-8-2024
1) When I pray I must not LOSE heart.
1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1 (ESV)
1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 Corinthians 4:1 (ESV)
What Does This Tell Me?
· Praying isn’t EASY.
13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV)
· Prayerlessness is usually a HEART issue.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (ESV)
2) In prayer I should BASH ON regardless!
Ted Sutton’s saying.
2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” Luke 18:2-5 (ESV)
· The judge doesn’t care -but God LOVES me.
20 Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me! Psalm 66:20 (ESV)
· The widow is so aggressive the judge is SCARED of her.
That word is from ὑπώπιον, the part of the face under the eyes, and means to strike under the eye; to give one a black eye. "Lest at last she come and assault me." So Goebel and Meyer, and so Wyc., "Lest at the last she, coming, strangle me;" and Tynd., "Lest at the last she come and rail on me." Word Studies in the New Testament.
17 pray continually; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
3) God will act in my life at just the RIGHT time.
6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily…” Luke 18:6-8a (ESV)
13 But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. Psalm 69:13 (ESV)
4) If Jesus came today, would he find me in PERSISTENT PRAYER?
…Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:8 (ESV)
11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV)
True Stories
Pt. 4: Seeking the Lost
By Louie Marsh, 9-1-2024
Intro – 4 slides, Helen Keller last one.
1) If I love the lost I’m going to be CRITICIZED.
1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2 (ESV)
· Loving the lost like Jesus means I RELATE with them.
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Luke 5:29-30 (ESV)
2) I need to LEARN HOW to respond to criticism like Jesus did.
· I don’t take personal attacks PERSONALLY.
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 (ESV)
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
· Use their attacks as a TEACHING MOMENT.
3 So he told them this parable: Luke 15:3 (ESV)
44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV)
3) I need to SEE the lost like Jesus does.
4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Luke 15:4-6 (ESV)
· I belong to God by right of CREATION.
4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep…
· I am lost by my own CHOICES.
… if he has lost one of them…
· Jesus searched me out and rescued me on the CROSS.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)
8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (ESV)
· He wants me to be in God’s KINGDOM.
6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’
4) I need to understand that EVERYONE needs to change.
7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:4-7 (ESV)
· The goal of God’s work in my life is to make me LIKE JESUS.
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
True Stories
Pt. 3 – Loving the Unlovely & Inconvenient
By Louie Marsh, 8-25-2024
(2 Sam 15.23–16.14) chronicles the story of David and his followers who escaped Jerusalem along this route after David’s son Absalom had declared himself king. King Zedekiah of Judah used the road when he tried to escape the advancing Chaldeans in 586/587 B.C.
Josephus tells us that the Tenth Roman Legion used this Jericho‑Jerusalem road on their way to besiege Jerusalem in A.D. 69.
When Mark Twain traveled along the Jericho Road during his 1867 pilgrimage, his party employed "two gorgeous young Arab sheikhs" armed with cargoes of swords, guns, pistols and daggers to protect them from imaginary Beduin marauders. Mark Twain states that during his entire pilgrimage, he had no more need for the "guards" than he had for patent leather boots or white kid gloves
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1) I need to PAY ATTENTION to what I’m saying.
25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25 (ESV)
· Pray that God will help me COMMUNATE clearly.
“19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,” (Ephesians 6:19, ESV)
2) Rationalizing moral/spiritual failure is a function of my EGO.
26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:26-29 (ESV)
3) Regardless of my status in life, God wants to USE ME.
30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. Luke 10:30-33 (ESV)
· There are opportunities all around me if I have eyes to SEE.
“18having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,” (Ephesians 1:18, ESV)
4) Christian compassion equals ACTION.
34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Luke 10:34-35 (ESV)
· What I do is determined by what PEOPLE NEED.
15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:15-17 (ESV)
5) My neighbor is whoever GOD puts in my path.
36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37 (ESV)
True Stories
Pt. 2: The Far Country At Home
By Louie Marsh, 8-18-2024
Intro – 3 graphics and then what is a parable.
1) Never forget – Christianity is all about my HEART.
25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ Luke 15:25-27 (ESV)
Notice he was working when his younger brother came home.
His type is seldom counted as lost, either by himself or others. This makes his condition all the more hopeless. He is not away in the distant land among swine as is the case with his prodigal brother, although he is just as lost. He is in an environment that is wholesome and clean. "Now the elder son was in the field." Socially he had not brought reproach upon his father. He had resisted all temptation to physical dissipation. He was industrious and thrifty. His conduct created no scandal.
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
He was in short someone we’d all call a “good man.” Would have made a great church member, yet he did not know his Father – he was separated from God – a completely works righteousness kind of person.
Show pic – Damned Thru The Church
25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. Matthew 23:25-27 (ESV)
2) I know I’ve drifted from God when I RESENT other’s blessings.
28 But he was angry and refused to go in…. Luke 15:28a (ESV)
3) God FOLLOWS me when I drift from him.
28 …His father came out and entreated him, Luke 15:28b (ESV)
19 We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (ESV)
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6 (ESV)
4) The results of trying to get right with God by WORKING.
· I fail to really KNOW the Lord.
29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. Luke 15:29 (ESV)
The seven deadly sins, also known as the capital vices or cardinal sins, is a grouping and classification of vices within Christian teachings. Behaviors or habits are classified under this category if they directly give birth to other immoralities. According to the standard list, they are pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth.
This classification originated with the desert fathers, especially Evagrius Ponticus, who identified seven or eight evil thoughts or spirits that one needed to overcome. Evagrius' pupil John Cassian, with his book The Institutes, brought the classification to Europe, where it became fundamental to Catholic confessional practices
· I RESENT it when God gives grace to others.
30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ Luke 15:30 (ESV)
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Mark 9:38-39 (ESV)
5) I completely miss the HEART of God.
31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” Luke 15:31-32 (ESV)
True Stories
Pt. 1: The Prodigal God, Luke 15:11-24
By Louie Marsh, 8-11-2024
What is a Parable?
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a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson.
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a statement or comment that conveys a meaning indirectly by the use of comparison, analogy, or the like.
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Jesus did not invent parables, they were a common Rabbinic teaching tool and had been used for centuries.
Introduction: I believe that it's essential every once in a while to return to our foundations. For the next two weeks we do so via a parable usually called the Prodigal Son. In reality it's really the parable of the Prodigal God, since prodigal means extravagant, lavish and unrestrained.
The father is the central character of this parable. He is our Father. Who is the father? The Father is God - the prodigal God.
This parable can have its intended impact on us only if we put ourselves into the shoes of both sons. Today we look at the son who left, and see what this, possibly the greatest parable of Jesus, tells us about what kind of God the Bible reveals to us.
1) God Is APPROACHABLE.
11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Luke 15:11-12 (ESV)
· I have direct access to God only in CHRIST.
5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2:5 (ESV)
Son went directly to him and asked for his inheritance - before he had any real right to it! Notice he didn't go through Mom, but right to Dad.
The son wasn't honest with his Father but...the Father gave to him anyway. That's the love of God.
Why Leave A Father Like This?
· It’s all about control and/or LORDSHIP.
Come Thou Fount – by Robert Robertson, 1757
Oh to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be Let your goodness like a fetter Bind my wandering heart to thee Jesus sought me while a stranger Wandering from the heart of God
· It’s all about my ego & EARNING IT.
16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" Matthew 19:16 (NIV)
Think about our inheritance from the Father. Everything we need to live fulfilled lives is given to us in Christ! And THAT is the problem!
We want to earn them ourselves! Not rely on God for them so we seek independence from God.
There is another reason too. We want to be like the Father, but we want to get that way by doing it ourselves.
· There’s a word for this - SIN.
3 In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard... Genesis 4:3-5a (ESV)
2) God loves me with UNRESTRAINED love.
13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” Luke 15:13-19 (ESV)
· God gives me free will so I may freely CHOOSE to love Him.
· The Far Country is where my heart is at HOME.
Where did the younger son go? There is one fascinating possibility that goes all the way back to Alexander the Great.
By the time Jesus told the story, Alexander had long since changed the landscape of the world. His Greek city-states had been planted throughout his empire, promoting a new educational philosophy, a new look at religion, and most strikingly, a new look at sexuality. Alexander didn’t force his way of life on the countries he captured. He simply built brand new cities within them, complete with theaters, gymnasiums, schools, and explicit nude statues .
For people who had never seen even one page of pornography, the naked statues and the anything-goes gymnasiums in those towns were a shocking contrast to their lives as Orthodox Jews.
And one of the largest of Alexander’s city states – the Decapolis – which means ten cities– was within walking distance of the very place where Jesus told the story. The Decapolis was a group of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire in the southeastern Levant in the first centuries BC and AD. The cities formed a group because of their language, culture, location, and political status, with each functioning as an autonomous city-state dependent on Rome. It was the center of Greek and Roman culture in that region.
The Rabbis hated it and everything it stood for. Who knows how many sermons were preached against it. Do you remember when people used to call Las Vegas “Sin City?” Well the Rabbi’s had a name for the Decapolis too. Believe it or not they called it “The Far Country.”
For us today:
The Realm of Rebellion - a condition of the soul. A rejection of God.
Relationships, priorities, etc. all focus on self. The Far Country is the Land of Self Will! What's MY Far Country?
· Leaving home is a PROCESS.
Notice that he took a little while to do it. We're like the son, little by little we drift away from God.
FIRST it's little things, like daily devotions, church attendance every Sunday.
SECOND it's our plans, soon it's our money. Before long it's our deepest relationships (God can't tell me how to treat my wife!).
FINALLY it's our hearts.
Prayer fades away, His guidance in our lives becomes irrelevant. After that we find ourselves uncomfortable around people who speak about God in a personal way.
· Apart from God’s grace it always ends in DESPAIR.
The glamour wears off - and the trouble starts! Now we see just how free liberated the self-willed life really is.
He was reduced to not only feeding hogs (unclean animals to Jews) but actually eating food the hogs didn’t want! He was totally degraded.
· The great blessing – his moment of CLAIRTY.
He woke up to what had happened to him. He saw that living without God is insane!
He rehearsed his confession, and decided that he would only ask to be a servant, wasn't good enough to be a son anymore.
3) God’s love is UNDYING.
20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. Luke 15:20-24 (ESV)
· Our Father is always WAITING & WATCHING.
God is constantly watching, waiting and longing for us to return to Him.
Look - God runs to meet you! He loves you enough to lose His dignity.
Whatever else you believe about God - don't miss this! He runs to us, out least response unleashes His complete response.
Eastern Proverb: (God speaking) "Who draws near to me an inch, I will draw near to him a mile, and whoso walks to meet me, I will leap to meet him."
· His Forgiveness is COMPLETE & PERMANENT.
The son tries to get his little speech out - but can't! The Father restores him to full sonship - and doesn't want to hear his speech.
Give your life to this God today!
Let Freedom Ring
Pt. 11: Free To Carry the Cross
By Louie Marsh, 8-4-2024
Show new sermon series logo on cue!
The Nigerian Voice: A husband walks home from church after a confession he made to the priest about his wife. He reaches home, calls out his wife and carries her in his arms. The woman is surprised and asks: Wife: Honey, did the priest tell u to be so romantic like this.Husband: No, he said I should come home and carry my cross.
Quotes:
“It is to the Cross that the Christian is challenged to follow his Master: no path of redemption can make a detour around it.” ― Hans Urs von Balthasar,
Paul’s Proof - “11See what large letters I am using to write to you with my own hand!” (Galatians 6:11, BSB)
Paul closes Galatians by focusing on the CROSS
“12Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ…“14But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:12, 14, BSB)
Carrying Jesus’ Cross
1) Sets me free from…
- MINDLESS religious conformity.
12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Galatians 6:12 (ESV)
- A HOLLOW FAITH
“13For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.” (Galatians 6:13, BSB)
- Cultural CAPTIVITY
“14But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14, BSB)
For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate. Galatians 6:14 (MSG)
10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,…14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it. 2 Timothy 3:10, 14 (ESV)
2) Sets me free to…
- FOCUS on the eternal things of God.
“15For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation. 16Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:15–16, BSB)
- PAY the price of following Jesus
17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. Galatians 6:17 (ESV)
- LIVE by grace.
“17From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” (Galatians 6:17, BSB)
“3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” (Galatians 1:3, BSB)
3) How do I carry my cross?
- UNDERSTAND what Jesus has done for me.
“13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” (Galatians 3:13–14, BSB)
- GIVE MY LIFE to Jesus as Leader & Forgiver.
Then Jesus said to the disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. Matthew 16:24-25 (NLT)
Let Freedom Ring
Pt. 9: Free To Live in Community
By Louie Marsh, 7-28-2024
1) The Underlying Principle of Community
- I REAP what I SOW.
“7Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” (Galatians 6:7, BSB)
o This is NOT KARMA.
Karma is impersonal -Reaping & Sowing are overseen by an all Wise & knowing God.
- Sowing to the flesh = DESTRUCTION
“8The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction…” (Galatians 6:8a, BSB)
- Sowing to the Spirit = LIFE
“8…but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8b, BSB)
2) Some Signs of a Free Christian Community
- RESTORATION
“1Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1, BSB)
Brothers and sisters, if a person gets trapped by wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should help that person turn away from doing wrong. Do it in a gentle way. At the same time watch yourself so that you also are not tempted. Galatians 6:1 (GW)
- OPENNESS
“2Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”… “6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.” (Galatians 6:2, 6, BSB)
Burden = Something far too heavy or large to one person to carry – my move last week!
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I need to share both the GOOD & the BAD
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COOPERATION
“3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else.” (Galatians 6:3–4, BSB)
o I must stop COMPARING myself to others.
- RESPONSIBILITY
“5For each one should carry his own load.” (Galatians 6:5, BSB)
Load = a normal load for a ship, animal or person to carry.
Assume your own responsibility. Galatians 6:5 (GW)
- PERSISTENCE
“9Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:9–10, BSB)
So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 (MSG)
Let Freedom Ring
Pt. 8: Free To Live by the Spirit
By Louie Marsh, 7-21-2024
ONE WEIRD WEEK!
1) There’s only TWO ways to live
“16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, BSB)
Ø By the HOLY SPIRIT
Ø By my SINFUL NATURE (flesh)
Talk about what flesh is and isn’t.
- I must choose between them CONSTANTLY.
“17For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:17–18, BSB)
We will live with this war as long as we live – no Louie Land ideal life of not being torn.
2) Results of following my sinful nature.
“19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19–21, BSB)
4 Areas:
- SEXUALITY
: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery
- FALSE WORSHIP
idolatry and witchcraft
- RELATIONSHIPS
hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;
- DRUNKENESS
drunkenness, orgies, and the like
3) Results of following the Holy Spirit
“22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:22–24, BSB)
- I live a life of LOVE
Love is the fruit of the Spirit – all the rest of the list define love! That’s critical in this day of having no idea what love really is!
4) So I must choose to…
“25Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.” (Galatians 5:25–26, BSB)
-
REFUSE to follow my sinful nature.
-
STAY IN STEP with the Holy Spirit.
Let Freedom Ring #7
Free To Be Free!, Galatians 5:1-15
By Louie Marsh, 7-29-2007
1) Jesus set me free to BE FREE!
“1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, BSB)
- Freedom has ETERNAL VALUE.
Why? What is that Value?
· You could say without it we can reach our full potential – true but not the real value
· Because it makes me happy and that’s what life is all about.
· Real Reason: We are make in God’s image, and are called to be like God, and God is Free!
The Two Components of Spiritual Freedom:
Free FROM & Free TO
3 Way this freedom works in my life
1) In my relationship with Jesus
Free From: SEEKING SECURITY which INVALIDATES Christ’s power in my life.
Free To: Live life TRUSTING God’s spirit alone.
“2Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness.” (Galatians 5:2–5, BSB)
2) In how I live out the truth.
“6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love. 7You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth? 8Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you. 9A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough. 10I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be. 11Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves!” (Galatians 5:6–12, BSB)
Why don't these agitators, obsessive as they are about circumcision, go all the way and castrate themselves! Galatians 5:12 (MSG)
Free From: DECEPTION
News Item: Giant Man-Eating Badgers in Basra
British military officials are denying reports that they released, we kid you not, "strange man-eating bear-like" badgers to sow fear among the residents of Basra, Iraq.
"We have not released giant badgers in Basra, and nor have we been collecting eggs and releasing serpents into the Shatt al-Arab river," Maj. David Gell tells reporters, according to The Guardian..
Free To: Live by FAITH through LOVE.
3) In how I view myself
“13For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”” (Galatians 5:13–14, BSB)
Free From: A SELF-CENTERED life
Free To: SERVE God & others
Let Freedom Ring
Pt. 6: Born Free
By Louie Marsh, 7-7-2025
Last slide – now I’m expensive
Allegory:
noun
- The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form.
- A story, picture, or play employing such representation. John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Herman Melville's Moby-Dick are allegories.
- A symbolic representation
Examples: “I shot the Rabbit of hope with my gun of despair!” For instance, a crooked banker might symbolize greed, while the character of Mr. Legality in the allegory Pilgrim's Progress symbolizes a viewpoint that prioritizes the law over faith in Jesus Christ.
Changed into his likeness book.
“21Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand what the law says?” (Galatians 4:21, BSB)
1) The Historical Choice: two SONS.
“22For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. (Galatians 4:22, BSB)
· Ismael – the son of a SLAVE.
23His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh,.. (Galatians 4:23a, BSB)
· Isaac – the son of a FREE woman.
23…but his son by the free woman was born through the promise.” (Galatians 4:22–23, BSB)
2) The Allegorical Choice: Two RELIGIONS.
“24These things serve as illustrations, for the women represent two covenants… (Galatians 4:24a BSB)
· Old Covenant – a religion of BONDAGE to the Law.
One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery: This is Hagar. 25Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present-day Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children… (Galatians 4:24b–25, BSB)
· New Covenant – a religion of authentic FREEDOM.
. 26But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.”” (Galatians 4:25–27, BSB)
3) The Personal Choice – Two WAYS to live.
“28Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29At that time, however, the son born by the flesh persecuted the son born by the Spirit. It is the same now. 30But what does the Scripture say? “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” 31Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.” (Galatians 4:28–31, BSB)
· I can trust in MYSELF.
· Or I can trust in JESUS.
Let Freedom Ring
Part 5: Freedom in Knowing God
By Louie Marsh 6-30-2024
Last slide – do something!
1) I can only KNOW God in Christ.
“8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.” (Galatians 4:8, BSB)
2) Knowing God is knowing I’m part of His KINGDOM.
“9But now that you know God, or rather are known by God…(Galatians 4:9a, BSB)
“17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth 19of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17–19, BSB)
Power = exosuia – power, right, authority.
3) Sin and legalism = SLAVERY.
…how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” (Galatians 4:9b, BSB)
· Legalism looks deep – but it really just EMPTY.
“Any existence deprived of freedom is a kind of death.” - Michel Aoun
“to other than the creator, we do not kneel.” - Michel Aoun
Michel Aoun, Former Lebanese president from 31 October 2016 until 30 October 2022
"Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." -- Pope John Paul II
4) I have the freedom to serve God SACRIFICIALLY.
“12I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. 13You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself. 15What then has become of your blessing? For I can testify that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:12–16, BSB)
· If I’m not sacrificing, am I SERVING at all?
5) So I’ll be able to know & live God’s PURPOSE.
“17Those people are zealous for you, but not in a good way. Instead, they want to isolate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. 18Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose—at any time, and not only when I am with you. 19My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.” (Galatians 4:17–20, BSB)
Let Freedom Ring
Part 5: Free to Live by Grace
By Louie Marsh, 6-23-2024
1) Why did God give the Law?
· Because of my SIN.
“19Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator. 20A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one. 21Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law.” (Galatians 3:19–21, BSB)
· To lead me to CHRIST
“22But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe. 23Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” (Galatians 3:22–25, BSB)
· To TEACH me what’s right.
“1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father. 3So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world.” (Galatians 4:1–3, BSB)
· To lead me to FREEDOM
“4But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4–5, BSB)
2) What does this freedom mean to me?
· I am a CHILD of God.
“4But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4–5, BSB)
“26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26–27, BSB)
· I’m UNITED with all believers
“28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:28–29, BSB)
- I’m an HEIR to God’s promises.
“6And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:6–7, BSB)
- I also have the HOLY SPIRIT living in me.
Let Freedom Ring
Part 3: Free to Live By Faith
By Louie Marsh, 6-16-2024
Believing the Gospel means two things:
1) I must choose one of two ways to live.
“1O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” (Galatians 3:1–2, BSB)
· Law – PERFORMANCE for acceptance
· The Spirit – living by the SPIRIT’S power
Let’s explore this – choosing to walk by the Spirit is a lot like this - We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable.
2) If I choose to live by faith then…
· I need to learn to work in the SPIRIT.
“3Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh? 4Have you suffered so much for nothing, if it really was for nothing? 5Does God lavish His Spirit on you and work miracles among you because you practice the law, or because you hear and believe?” (Galatians 3:3–5, BSB)
· UNDERSTAND that God has always worked this way.
“6So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 7Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. 8The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” (Galatians 3:6–9, BSB)
· NEVER FORGET the results of this choice!
“10All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” 12The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” 13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” (Galatians 3:10–14, BSB)
o Living by Law brings spiritual DEATH!
o Living by faith brings God’s PROMISE.
- PUT MY FAITH in Jesus who is the promised blessing!
“15Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended. 16The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ. 17What I mean is this: The law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted it to Abraham through a promise.” (Galatians 3:15–18, BSB)
Let Freedom Ring
Part 3: Free to Live By Faith
By Louie Marsh, 6-16-2024
Believing the Gospel means two things:
1) I must choose one of two ways to live.
“1O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” (Galatians 3:1–2, BSB)
· Law – PERFORMANCE for acceptance
· The Spirit – living by the SPIRIT’S power
Let’s explore this – choosing to walk by the Spirit is a lot like this - We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable.
2) If I choose to live by faith then…
· I need to learn to work in the SPIRIT.
“3Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh? 4Have you suffered so much for nothing, if it really was for nothing? 5Does God lavish His Spirit on you and work miracles among you because you practice the law, or because you hear and believe?” (Galatians 3:3–5, BSB)
· UNDERSTAND that God has always worked this way.
“6So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 7Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. 8The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” (Galatians 3:6–9, BSB)
· NEVER FORGET the results of this choice!
“10All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” 12The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” 13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” (Galatians 3:10–14, BSB)
o Living by Law brings spiritual DEATH!
o Living by faith brings God’s PROMISE.
- PUT MY FAITH in Jesus who is the promised blessing!
“15Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended. 16The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ. 17What I mean is this: The law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted it to Abraham through a promise.” (Galatians 3:15–18, BSB)
Let Freedom Ring
Part Two: Free to Follow God’s Call, Gal. 1:11-2:10
By Louie Marsh, 6-9-2024
Called: In 2014 the Selective Service System mistakenly sent notices to more than 14,000 Pennsylvania men born between 1893 and 1897, ordering them to register for the nation's military draft and warning that failure to do so is "punishable by a fine and imprisonment."
The agency realized the error when it began receiving calls from bewildered relatives last week.
Chuck Huey, 73, of Kingston, said he got a notice addressed to his late grandfather Bert Huey, a World War I veteran who was born in 1894 and died in 1995 at age 100.
"I said, `Geez, what is this about?' It said he was subject to heavy fines and imprisonment if he didn't sign up for the draft board," he said. "We were just totally dumbfounded."
God’s Call – farmer comes in excited, saw GPC in the sky, says to wife, God’s calling to preach the gospel, she says no it means go plow corn!
1) respond to GOD’S CALL – not man’s call!
“11For I certify to you, brothers, that the gospel I preached was not devised by man. 12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11–12, BSB)
2) dedicate myself WHOLEHEARTEDLY to Jesus!
“13For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.” (Galatians 1:13–14, BSB)
3) Remember two things:
- Jesus has a plan for MY LIFE.
“15But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased” (Galatians 1:15, BSB)
“4For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love” (Ephesians 1:4, BSB)
- I must STAY focused on Him.
“16to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to the apostles who came before me, but I went into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.” (Galatians 1:16–17, BSB)
4) Practice proper INDEPENDENCE.
“18Only after three years did I go up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days. 19But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20I assure you before God that what I am writing to you is no lie. 21Later I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22I was personally unknown, however, to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23They only heard the account: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24And they glorified God because of me.” (Galatians 1:18–24, BSB)
5) Practice real ACCOUNTABILITY.
“1Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, accompanied by Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain. 3Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. 4This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. 5We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.” (Galatians 2:1–5, BSB)
- Real accountability isn’t CONTROL
“6But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism —those leaders added nothing to me.” (Galatians 2:6, BSB)
- It’s being responsive with an OPEN HEART.
6) Serve God out of MY CALLING!
“7On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted to preach the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. 8For the One who was at work in Peter’s apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in my apostleship to the Gentiles. 9And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. 10They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” (Galatians 2:7–10, BSB)
- ENCOURAGE others to do the sam
Let Freedom Ring
Part One: Free to Serve Jesus, Gal. 1:1-10
By Louie Marsh, 6-2-2024
Intro – New Bible Trans – Map of Galatia,
To be free to serve Jesus I need to know 4 things:
1) Know WHERE my loyalties lie.
“1Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead— 2and all the brothers with me, To the churches of Galatia:” (Galatians 1:1–2, BSB)
- I serve GOD not MAN.
This gives me…
- AUTHORITY
1Paul, an Apostle, not from man or through men’s authority but directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father, the One who raised Him from among the corpses. 2And everyone with me, to the congregations in Galatia. Galatians 1:1-2 (LIV)
Not a translation or a paraphrase – but a Paralation!
- CONFIDENCE
- POWER
- PURPOSE
2) Know THE GOSPEL
“3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:3–5, BSB)
“3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve. 6After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–7, BSB)
3) Know the COUNTERFEITS
“6I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! 9As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!” (Galatians 1:6–9, BSB)
“4For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily.” (2 Corinthians 11:4, BSB)
4) Know that I can’t please EVERYONE.
“10Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, BSB)
- And I shouldn’t even be TRYING TOO.
So I must choose to please either…
- GOD or MAN.
The Gospel of Mark 1-8
Part 8: Lose the Leaven!
By Louie Marsh, 5-26-2024
Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.
The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.'
Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.'
Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.'"
1) To be like Jesus I must learn to THINK!
“14Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. (Mark 8:14–16, ESV)
They aren’t thinking, their reacting.
· Jesus rebukes them for not using the BRAINS God gave them.
17And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?” (Mark 8:17–18, ESV)
2) Then they understood SUBTLY change happens.
“12Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:12, ESV)
“33He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”” (Matthew 13:33, ESV)
3) The bad leaven also leads to HYPOCRISY.
“1In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Luke 12:1–2, ESV)
The man-made teachings of the Pharisees were as pervasive as yeast in a loaf of bread. Their corruption advanced in hardly perceptible ways, but it was extensive. The Pharisees displayed an outward conformity to the law, but their hearts were full of unbelief and sinfulness (Mark 7:6–13).
“27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:27–28, ESV)
What does this lead to – Drag Video
4) I must beware of what often seems like Godly LOVE.
“31And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”” (Mark 8:31–33, ESV)
· Love is good – but it is not ENOUGH.
“17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”” (John 21:17–18, ESV)
· I need GOD’S LOVE not human love, if I am do His will.
“26It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Matthew 20:26–28, ESV)
The Gospel of Mark 1-8
Part 7: Tradition!
By Louie Marsh, 5-19-2024
Last Slide – defining tradition.
1) Jesus didn’t CARE for mindless tradition.
“1Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, 2they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3(For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, 4and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.)” (Mark 7:1–4, ESV)
· This was done to be RITUALLY clean, no germaphobes!
· Washing is just one of Jewish 1st Century traditions.
2) Traditions aren’t necessarily GOOD OR BAD.
“8You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” 9And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! 10For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban” ’ (that is, given to God)— 12then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”” (Mark 7:8–13, ESV)
· Only God’s Word can be my AUTHORITY not tradition!
· Never use tradition as an EXCUSE to disobey God.
· The traditions I keep expose the true state of my HEART.
3) What comes out not what goes into me that DEFILES.
“17And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”” (Mark 7:17–23, ESV)
· This means my heart is INCLINED to evil without God.
· The natural state of the human heart is SELFISH.
4) There are COMMANDS from God, that are also called traditions.
“15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15, ESV)
· These “traditions” aren’t COMPARABLE to pot lucks.
5) I must dare to BREAK traditions & follow Jesus.
“26Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” 29And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.”” (Mark 7:26–29, ESV)
· A Gentile woman asks Jesus to deliver her daughter - non-traditional.
· Jesus speaks to her – non-traditional, calls her a dog which is traditional.
· She accepts her Gentile status – and still asks for deliverance – non-traditional.
· Jesus sees her faith and says the demon is gone.
The Gospel of Mark 1-8
Pt. 6: Being a Follower of Jesus
By Louie Marsh, 5-12-2024
Last slide – become what they want followers to become.
1) If I want to advance I’ve got to RETREAT.
“30The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.” (Mark 6:30–32, ESV)
Divert daily, withdraw weekly, Abandon annually
2) When I have a chance to minister – I should TAKE IT.
“33Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:33–34, ESV)
3) I must never trust in MYSELF.
“35And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” (Mark 6:35–37, ESV)
4) Don’t put God in a human sized BOX.
38And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.”” “39Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all.” (Mark 6:38–41, ESV)
Jesus DID MIRACLES in many different ways…
· He used CREATED materials.
“6Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud 7and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.” (John 9:6–7, ESV)
“23And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 25Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” (Mark 8:23–25, ESV)
· He simply SPOKE and a miracle happened.
“50Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way.” (John 4:50, ESV)
5) Trust God not only for today but for the FUTURE
“42And they all ate and were satisfied. 43And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.” (Mark 6:42–44, ESV)
The Gospel of Mark 1-8
Part 5: It’s Never Too Late
By Louie Marsh, 5-5-2024
Last Slide – God is never late
1) Above all else I must keep FOCUSED on Jesus.
“22Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him.” (Mark 5:22–24, ESV)
· Never be afraid to PRAY about anything!
“6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6, ESV)
· Staying focused on Christ isn’t EASY.
“25And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”” (Mark 5:25–28, ESV)
2) God keeps a deeply PERSONAL focus on me & my growth.
“29And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ”” (Mark 5:29–31, ESV)
· Jesus take time out of one ministry to personally ENCOURAGE her.
“33But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”” (Mark 5:33–34, ESV)
3) I’m bothered by BUMPS in the road – not Jesus.
“35While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” 37And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.” (Mark 5:35–37, ESV)
· They laughed at Jesus and will do WORSE to me.
“39And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40And they laughed at him… (Mark 5:39–40a, ESV)
· Jesus doesn’t waste time arguing, he ACTS.
…But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.” “41Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.” (Mark 5:40b–42, ESV)
4) Through it all, Christ is in CONTROL.
“43And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.” (Mark 5:43, ESV)
The Gospel of Mark 1-8
Pt 3 – Helping the Hard Hearted
By Louie Marsh, 4-21-2024
Last Slide – Elvis Quote
1) When I follow Jesus I should EXPECT opposition.
“1Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. 2And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him.” (Mark 3:1–2, ESV)
The Battle between Jesus and the Religious Establishment has already begun.
· People should always be treated as souls who Christ DIED to save.
The man with the withered hand was
A pawn in a religious/political battle for the Pharisees and Herodians
A hurting human being, made in God’s image, who needed help to Jesus.
2) Jesus puts people FIRST.
“3And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.”” “4And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent.” (Mark 3:3-4, ESV)
Jesus puts the man front and center to force the issue, Jesus forces the issue
· That room represented all that was wrong in the WORLD.
People suffering
Leaders not caring
Leaders being cowards and hard hearted
3) Jesus GRIEVES over my hard heart.
“5And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart…(Mark 3:5a, ESV)
· Jesus is both angry and grieving for the hard-hearted leaders.
Anger –
Only wrong conceptions of both God as a person and of what holy anger really is can lead to the denial of the divine anger. The fact that even in the case of Christians anger may be a holy indignation, without sin…R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Mark’s Gospel (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House, 1961), 135–136.
“26Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,” (Ephesians 4:26, ESV)
Grieved –
Jesus was distressed to see this πώρωσις. This word is used in Rom. 11:25 regarding Israel and really means the process by which something becomes more and more like stone; according to Armitage Robinson, in M.-M., the ancient translators and commentators described it as “obtuseness or intellectual blinding.” It is the obdurate and wilful resistance of the heart to the divine truth. R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Mark’s Gospel (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House, 1961), 136.
· A hard heart leads me into SIN.
“18They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” (Ephesians 4:18, ESV)
· I must FIGHT to keep my heart OPEN.
“8do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness,” (Hebrews 3:8, ESV)
“15See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;” (Hebrews 12:15, ESV)
4) Jesus heals in a way that does NO WORK.
“5… and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” (Mark 3:5b, ESV)
The leadership doesn’t rejoice in someone being helped and healed – instead they gather together to plot the destruction of Jesus.
The Gospel of Mark 1-8
Pt 2: Jesus’ Authority
By Louie Marsh, 4-14-2024
1) Like Jesus I need to see every moment as a TEACHING moment.
“2And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. (Mark 2:2–4, ESV)
· This is what true friendship LOOKS LIKE.
In Galilee, the ancient village of Qatzrin has been excavated and reconstructed. Although it was populated centuries after Jesus' time, scholars believe that the buildings and artifacts discovered there represent the practices of the first century.
A typical Galilean home was built of basalt (a dark volcanic rock) and had either one or two stories. A stonemason (sometimes translated as a "carpenter") used a wooden scaffold as he carefully squared the larger rocks and wedged smaller stones in between to provide stability and strength.
Sometimes walls were plastered with mud and straw. The doorframe was built of shaped stones and covered by a wooden door. A courtyard, located between various rooms of a family's housing complex, was paved with stones.
Roofs were flat and often made of wooden beams topped with tree branches and covered with clay. Many homes also used mats between the wooden beams to help hold the clay in place. When it rained, the clay absorbed water, sealing the roof, while the rest ran off. Sometimes people did their work on their roofs, which needed to be repaired every year.
Archaeological work has continued and has found that there were some homes during and after the time of Christ that had tiles on their roofs. So, it’s possible that the building Jesus was in during this incident could have had a tile roof as Luke reports.
Archaeologists in Israel say they have discovered the remains of a home from the time of Jesus in the heart of Nazareth. The Israeli Antiquities Authority said the find “sheds light on the way of life at the time of Jesus” in the Jewish settlement of Nazareth... The find marks the first time researchers have uncovered the remains of a home in Nazareth from that time period, the Israeli Antiquities Authority said in a statement.
In the excavation, a large, broad wall that dates to the 15th century was exposed. It was constructed on top of and used the walls of an ancient building…This earlier building — the one that dates to the time of Jesus — consisted of two rooms and a courtyard in which a rock-hewn cistern collected rainwater. Few artifacts were recovered from inside the building — mostly fragments of pottery vessels from the first and second centuries.
“19but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus.” (Luke 5:19, ESV)
· Jesus SAW their faith.
5And when Jesus saw their faith,… (Mark 2:5a, ESV)
“18But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18, ESV)
2) Jesus does the exact OPPOSITE of what we want.
5… he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”” (Mark 2:5b, ESV)
· The Scribes were right but they were WRONG!
“6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7“Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”” (Mark 2:6–7, ESV)
3) Jesus says NOTHING is hard much less impossible for God.
“8And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”” (Mark 2:8–11, ESV)
· It takes no more ENERGY to say one that the other.
· If Jesus can forgive sins which makes him GOD.
“25“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” (Isaiah 43:25, ESV)
4) Jesus CREATES another teaching moment.
· This would be legal if not for the SABBATH.
“23One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. 24And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”” (Mark 2:23–24, ESV)
· Jesus goes to the ORIGINAL INTENT of the Law with Scripture.
“25And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: 26how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?”” (Mark 2:25–26, ESV)
· Jesus is Lord, has AUTHORITY, over the Sabbath.
“27And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”” (Mark 2:27–28, ESV)
o So Jesus has authority over EVERYTHING!
“18And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18, ESV)
The Gospel of Mark, 2024
A Gospel Centered Gospel
By Louie Marsh, 4-7-2024
Last slide – understand the bad news
1) Mark’s Gospel isn’t a biography, it’s all about the GOSPEL.
“1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1, ESV)
· Mark says the Gospel is CENTERED on Jesus.
“8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,” (2 Timothy 2:8, NIV84)
· Mark unveils the identity of Jesus – the SON of God.
“9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”” (Mark 1:9–11, ESV)
2) John’s mission was to SOFTEN Israels heart.
“4John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mark 1:4, ESV)
· He does his by confronting their SINFUL behavior.
“5And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”” (Mark 1:5–8, ESV)
3) The Gospel begins & ends with JESUS.
“14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”” (Mark 1:14–15, ESV)
“38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38, ESV)
“38And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.” (Mark 1:38–39, ESV)
4) The Gospel survives even the WORST temptation.
“12The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.” (Mark 1:12–13, ESV)
5) The Gospel thrives when it’s PASSED ON to others.
“16Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him.” (Mark 1:16–18, ESV)
Easter 2024
Part 5: Best News Ever!
By Louie Marsh, 3-31-2024
1) RESPONSES to Christ’s resurrection.
“18Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.” (Acts 17:18, ESV)
“31because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” 32Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”” (Acts 17:31–32, ESV)
· Mocked – rejected it out of hand as impossible. THIS IS BAD – TODAY!
· Hear more – I’m not convinced but I’m open to more information. – THIS IS GOOD.
2) What if Christ is still DEAD?
· If you have faith, it’s a LIE
“17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile…(1 Corinthians 15:17, ESV)
· There’s NO FORGIVENESS for your sins.
and you are still in your sins. (1 Corinthians 15:17, ESV)
· There’s no hope of an AFTERLIFE.
who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19If in Christ we have hope in this life only (1 Corinthians 15:19, ESV)
· Christians are pitiful JERKS & LOSERS!
we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:19, ESV)
· Judgement awaits us for LYING about God!
15We are even found to be misrepresenting God (1 Corinthians 15:15, ESV)
3) What REALLY happened.
· The stone was MOVED.
“1When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him…3And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. (Mark 16:1–4, ESV)
Stone was 4-6 feet wide and at least a foot thick, probably weighed between one and two tons. Wealthy people had circular stones hewed for them, poor people did not. Moving a round stone while difficult was much easier than one was wasn’t round.
· The body was GONE but the burial cloths remained.
“6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself.” (John 20:6–7, ESV)
Shroud of Turin – a fake because it contradicts Scripture. Story of bright light and body passing through linen isn’t actually taught in Scripture, but made up by men.
· Jesus was PHYSICALLY resurrected from the dead.
“26Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”” (John 20:26–29, ESV)
4) What if Christ is really ALIVE?
Go over what you just did and reverse it – the opposite of all those things are now true!
“11If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11, ESV)
Easter 2024
Pt. 4: Serving Our Deepest Needs
By Louie Marsh, 3-24-2024
1) Jesus is ready to FINISH his work.
“1Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” “2During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,” (John 13:1–3, ESV)
2) Jesus chooses to serve and be MISUNDERSTOOD (again!).
“5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” “6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!”” (John 13:5–9, ESV)
3) Jesus tells them to also be SERVANT-LEADERS.
“12When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” (John 13:12–16, ESV)
4) Jesus COMMANDS self-sacrificial love.
“12“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:12–14, ESV)
· Jesus MODELED this service 24 hours later.
“1Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands.” (John 19:1–3, ESV)
5) Jesus BECOMES this kind of love by dying on the cross.
“10So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”” (John 19:10–11, ESV)
“34And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!”” (Luke 23:34–35, ESV)
Easter 2024
Godly Anger Draws a Line
By Louie Marsh, 3-17-2024
1) From broken-hearted to Godly ANGER.
“12And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. (Matthew 21:12, ESV)
· Jesus DRAWS a line between good & evil.
. 13He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”” (Matthew 21:13, ESV)
2) Jesus’ anger is CONTROLLED & serves God’s will.
“15And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” 17His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”” (John 2:15–17, ESV)
· He prepared Himself to act DECISIVELY.
· He struck animals & tables, not PEOPLE.
3) All anger is not SINFUL.
“25Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:25–27, ESV)
Anger management teacher story – true.
· But all anger is DANGEROUS.
“19And as soon as he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses’ anger burned hot, and he threw the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain.” (Exodus 32:19, ESV)
“8“Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle.” 9And Moses took the staff from before the Lord, as he commanded him. 10Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock.” (Numbers 20:8–11, ESV)
· Godly anger stems from a heart broken by SIN.
“45And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, 46saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” (Luke 19:45, ESV)
· Godly anger must be dealt with QUICKLY.
“31Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31–32, ESV)
· The devil loves to EXPLOIT my anger, so beware!
“4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. 5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.” (Proverbs 26:4–5, ESV)
Easter 2024
A Broken-Hearted Triumph
By Louie Marsh, 3-10-2024
Last slide – get over it!
1) Jesus DELIBERATELY fulfilled prophecy.
“1Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”” “4This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ”” (Matthew 21:1–5, ESV)
· He knew and LOVED the Scriptures.
· He did this to BUILD UP the disciples faith.
“16His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. (John 12:16, ESV)
2) Jesus saw Israel’s sin & was BROKEN-HEARTED.
“41And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.”” (Luke 19:41–42, ESV)
· How broken hearted? He wept PUBLICLY.
“35Jesus wept. 36So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”” (John 11:35–37, ESV)
Harry Douglass story – weeping over small town in AZ, probably Salome.
3) Why Did He Weep?
· Israel was HARD HEARTED.
“7My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all. 8How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. 9I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.” (Hosea 11:7–9, ESV)
· The crowds had a FALSE view of who Jesus is.
17The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”” (John 12:17–19, ESV)
10And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”” (Matthew 21:10-11, ESV)
· Jesus spoke an ominous PROPHECY.
. 43For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”” (Luke 19:43–44, ESV)
· The wages (payment for) sin is still DEATH.
“23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, ESV)
Easter 2024
Pt. 1: An Act of True Love
By Louie Marsh, 3-3-2024
Last slide Bob Maxwell
1) True love is COSTLY.
“1Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:1–3, ESV)
· Am I willing to PAY the price?
“21And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:21–22, ESV)
2) True love is often MISUNDERSTOOD.
“4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5“Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.” (John 12:4–6, ESV)
· Judas speaks for MANY.
“4There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.” (Mark 14:4–5, ESV)
· Judas uses this to make himself look COMPASSIONATE.
3) True love puts Jesus FIRST.
“7Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”” (John 12:7–8, ESV)
“7For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.” (Mark 14:7–8, ESV)
4) True love makes an impact that lasts FOREVER.
“9And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”” (Mark 14:9, ESV)
· True Love is never WASTED.
“4Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–7, ESV)
Never for Nothing by Margaret Becker, 1987
It's never for nothing When you love with no return It's never for nothing Light your candle in the darkness 'Cause it's never for nothing Your friends say you're the fool For loving with nothing to gain But they can't see the reward That you'll claim So, hold on to the holy promise (that says) "No labor of love is in vain" Precious tears are changed to jewels In the rain
- Margaret Becker, 1987
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
(1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
· I cannot see the END of my acts of love.
“8Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” (1 Corinthians 13:8–11, ESV)
Trusted & Trustworthy, a Biblical View of Stewardship
Pt. 7 – Stewardship is the Core of the Christian Life
By Louie Marsh, 2-25-2024
Last slide - Stewardship as a way of life.
SUMMING STEWARDSHIP UP:
1) Stewardship is the CORE of my life.
“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? 43Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.” (Luke 12:42–44, ESV)
2) This includes but is not limited to my FINANCES.
“1A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1, ESV)
3) There’s NOTHING in my life that shouldn’t be stewarded.
“47And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” (Luke 12:47–48, ESV)
With great power comes great responsibility – with great blessings comes great responsibility.
“26Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”” (Genesis 1:26, ESV)
HOW TO UP MY STEWARDSHIP GAME:
1) TAKE STOCK of my Stewardship over my life.
“31Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?” (Luke 14:31, ESV)
“15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV)
2) PRAYERFULLY choose which ones to work on first.
“1Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.” (Romans 10:1–2, ESV)
“2Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” (Proverbs 19:2, ESV)
3) FINISH one before STARTING another.
“28For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’” (Luke 14:28–30, ESV)
4) Do it ALL in the power of the Holy Spirit.
“1And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:1–5, ESV)
Trusted & Trustworthy, a Biblical View of Stewardship
Pt. 6 – A Good Steward Let’s God Use Their Weaknesses
By Louie Marsh, 2-18-2024
Last slide success
1) I must be a good steward of my WEAKNESSES.
“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)
“28And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (2 Corinthians 11:28–30, ESV)
My giving story!
2) God ALLOWS my weaknesses to show His power and glory.
“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)
· In my weakness I MUST trust God!
“8For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:8–9, ESV)
· This is how I allow Christ to LIVE through me.
“20as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:20–21, ESV)
3) This is why God deliberately CHOOSES weirdos as leaders.
“1Now 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. 2And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 4So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.” (Genesis 12:1–4, 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.” (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
4) My strengths are my WEAKNESSES.
“27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 28And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”” (Matthew 14:27–31, ESV)
Trusted & Trustworthy
Pt. 5 – A Steward Let’s God Use their Gifts
By Louie Marsh, 2-11-2024
1) I can’t be a good steward and IGNORE my gifts.
“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)
· This doesn’t mean I use all of them all the TIME.
“15But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.” (Galatians 1:15–17, ESV)
· But when I’m called, I GO!
“8And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” 9And he said, “Go, and say to this people: (Isaiah 6:8–9a, ESV)
2) A Good Steward REJECTS…
· PERSONAL exaltation.
“17Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” (James 5:17–18, ESV)
"Oh wow brother - you must really pray alot!" "My, you must sure be spiritual!"
· GIFT exaltation.
“17If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.” (1 Corinthians 12:17–20, ESV)
Whether it’s tongues, teaching or whatever…it’s wrong!
· Gift DELUSION
“3For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned…6Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;” (Romans 12:3–6, ESV)
· The wrong MOTIVATIONS for using my gifts.
“15Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, 16but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.” (2 Peter 2:15–16, ESV)
3) A good Steward EMBRACES…
· Using my gifts to SERVE others.
“7To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)
· Using my gifts to GLORIFY God.
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)
· Using my gifts when I don’t WANT TOO.
“1Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.” 3So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord.”… (Jonah 3:1–3a, ESV)
Trusted & Trustworthy
Part 4: A Steward is Mission Focused
By Louie Marsh, 2-4-2024
Last slide – My Mission
1) Jesus was MISSION FOCUSED.
26If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. 27“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” (John 12:26–27, ESV)
“34Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34, ESV)
“38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38, ESV)
2) What is my Mission from GOD?
“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 28:19–20, ESV)
Two Major Directions
· Outward – “Make Disciples” - OUTREACH.
“10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” (Luke 19:10, ESV)
· Inward – “Teaching them to Obey” - CHRISTLIKENESS.
“17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17–19, ESV)
“13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:13–15, ESV)
3) How can I do this?
· Put God’s TRUTH before everything!
“37Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”” (John 18:37, ESV)
· Let God make you an INFLUENCER for Jesus.
“49And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”” (Luke 2:49, ESV)
· Passionately pursue PERSONAL Christlikeness.
“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.” (Philippians 3:12–15, ESV)
· COMMIT to sharing the Gospel in everyway way possible.
“18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”” (Luke 4:18–19, ESV)
Trusted & Trustworthy
A Steward is Influential
By Louie Marsh, 1-28-2024
Last slide – most influential person of all time.
1) God wants me to be a good INFLUENCE on others.
“13“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. 14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In 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.” (Matthew 5:13–16, ESV)
Who Am I?
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Who am I? They often tell me
I stepped from my cell’s confinement
Calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
Like a squire from his country-house.
Who am I? They often tell me
I used to speak to my warders
Freely and friendly and clearly,
As though it were mine to command.
Who am I? They also tell me
I bore the days of misfortune
Equally, smilingly, proudly,
Like one accustomed to win.
Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself?
Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
Struggling for breath, as though hands were
compressing my throat,
Yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
Thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
Tossing in expectation of great events,
Powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
Weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
Faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?
Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, 0 God, I am Thine!
2) Odds are I have more influence than I KNOW.
“You – you alone are the salt of the earth…” Matt. 5:13 (RCH Lenski translation)
· God is using me to make others more like CHRIST.
- Salt changes the nature of what it’s applied too.
- Light changes how we perceive reality.
3) Being salt & light is what stewardship is – a CHOICE.
“15And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”” (Joshua 24:15, ESV)
Bob Dylan – You’ve gotta serve somebody.
· This can only be found within, where God’s Spirit CREATES it.
Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." Mark 9:50 (ESV)
4) Stewardship Influence is BOTH walk & talk.
“14What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (James 2:14–18, ESV)
· When the two don’t match I’m in danger of becoming a HYPOCRITE.
“25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. 27When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”” (Acts 16:25–30, ESV)
Example:
In 167- 168 AD Polycarp, the Bishop of the church in Smyrna, was killed for being a Christian. Smyrma, a city in Asia Minor (modern Izmir in Turkey) devoted to Roman worship. The account is in the form of a letter from eye-witnesses to other churches in the area. It is the earliest chronicle of a martyrdom outside the New Testament.
Polycarp was an old man, at least 86, and probably the last surviving person to have known an apostle, having been a disciple of St. John.
was happy to stay in the city, but eventually he was persuaded to leave. He went to friends in the nearby country, where as usual he spent the whole time, day and night, in prayer for all people and for the churches throughout the world. Three days before he was arrested, while he was praying, he had a vision of the pillow under his head in flames. He said prophetically to those who were with him, ” I will be burnt alive.”
As Polycarp was being taken into the arena, a voice came to him from heaven: “Be strong, Polycarp and play the man!” No one saw who had spoken, but our brothers who were there heard the voice. When the crowd heard that Polycarp had been captured, there was an uproar. The Proconsul asked him whether he was Polycarp. On hearing that he was, he tried to persuade him to apostatize, saying, “Have respect for your old age, swear by the fortune of Caesar. Repent, and say, ‘Down with the Atheists!’” Polycarp looked grimly at the wicked heathen multitude in the stadium, and gesturing towards them, he said, “Down with the Atheists!” “Swear,” urged the Proconsul, “reproach Christ, and I will set you free.” “86 years have I have served him,” Polycarp declared, “and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”
“I have wild animals here,” the Proconsul said. “I will throw you to them if you do not repent.” “Call them,” Polycarp replied. “It is unthinkable for me to repent from what is good to turn to what is evil. I will be glad though to be changed from evil to righteousness.” “If you despise the animals, I will have you burned.” “You threaten me with fire which burns for an hour, and is then extinguished, but you know nothing of the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly. Why are you waiting? Bring on whatever you want.”
Trusted & Trustworthy – Biblical Stewardship
Part 2: A Steward is Faithful
By Louie Marsh, 1-21-2024
1) Stewards MUST be faithful.
“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)
Required = sought for. This is what we’re looking for when we want a Steward, someone faithful. If they aren’t faithful then they aren’t right for the job.
2) Being Faithful Means….
· I put Christ over CULTURE.
“1For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:1–6, ESV)
· I put Christ over CAREER.
“18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.” (Mark 1:18–20, ESV)
· I put Christ over WEALTH.
“5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully… 8And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” (Luke 19:5–10, ESV)
· I put Christ over FAMILY.
“27Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:27–29, ESV)
· I put Christ over HEALTH.
“18Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”” (John 21:18–19, ESV)
· I put Christ over EGO.
“3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.”” (John 13:3–10, ESV)
o Ego is the most PERNICIOUS of them all!
Pernicious:
-
causing insidious harm or ruin; ruinous; injurious; hurtful:pernicious teachings;a pernicious lie.
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deadly; fatal:
Close with wrestling illustration.
Trusted & Trustworthy – A Biblical View of Stewardship
Part One: A Steward is a Servant
By Louie Marsh, 1-14-2024
1) When I come to Christ I become a SERVANT.
“1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,” (Romans 1:1, ESV)
This is a radical shift in how I understand and live my life
“14For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:14–15, ESV)
I become a servant and a steward:
“1This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 4:1 ESV)
2) This makes decisions SIMPLE.
“1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1–2, ESV)
o If God’s Word says no I say no – plain and simple
o If Bible says yes then I do it.
Doesn’t always work that way in life – it’s a theory – but still makes things simpler.
“15Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15–17, ESV)
3) It REORIENTS my entire view of reality.
No longer about me – finding joy or peace, or success or self actualization or whatever.
“23And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23, ESV)
“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.” (Philippians 2:4–7, ESV)
4) It frees me from the BURDEN of self
Life isn’t all about me – I’m free to be and do all that God has gifted me to do.
“16Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord: 17Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord. 18And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” 19Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?”” (2 Kings 20:16–19, ESV)
5) It UNVEILS the true purpose of my life.
When I let go of myself I find real self-satisfaction.
24For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:24–25, ESV)
“36For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.” (Acts 13:36–37, ESV)
The Messiah’s Mission
Pt. 5: To Give Me Life
By Louie Marsh, 1-7-2024
1) Jesus Came to Give Me LIFE.
“24Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24, ESV)
· Two words for life in the New Testament
o Bios - βίος - BIOLOGICAL life.
“17But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17, ESV)
o Zoe - ζωή - SPIRITUAL life.
· The Christian faith is LIVING like Jesus lived.
14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14 (ESV)
· I only come alive spiritually when I put my faith IN JESUS.
51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 6:51 (ESV)
· Jesus wants my life to be ABUNDANT.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 (ESV)
2) To Be Light:
THIS MEANS…
· If there’s light, then there’s also DARKNESS.
46 I have come into the world as light…John 12:46a (ESV)
· Jesus is the WAY OUT of the darkness.
…so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. John 12:46b (ESV)
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV)
· To be in the light I must accept and live by the TRUTH.
37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” John 18:37 (ESV)
· How will I WALK light in 2024?
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 (ESV)
The Messiah’s Mission
Part 3: Communicate the Gospel
By Louie Marsh, 12-31-2023
1) Jesus Came…To Preach:
1st PRINCIPLE – followers of Jesus are COMMUNICATORS.
38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” Mark 1:38 (ESV)
16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16 (ESV)
“29Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29, ESV)
THIS MEANS…
· I need to be AUDIO VISUAL
16 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. Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
· I need to communicate the RIGHT MESSAGE.
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God…14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, Mark 1:1,14 (ESV)
· The Gospel is GOOD NEWS.
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (ESV)
· The Gospel story is the DEATH, BURIAL & RESURRECTION of Jesus.
1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand…3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-5 (ESV)
· The Gospel is about FORGIVENESS & RECONCILIATION between God & man.
28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28 (NIV)
· The Gospel is also about everyday APPLICATION.
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (ESV)
3 to 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. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Isaiah 61:3-4 (ESV)
2) Jesus came …to Call Sinners:
THIS MEANS…
· I must be LOOKING for those who need Jesus.
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 (ESV)
· I must be UNDERSTAND my culture to reach the lost.
34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Luke 7:34 (ESV)
· I have to lovingly tell people the GOSPEL TRUTH.
17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 (ESV)
The Messiah’s Mission
Part 3: To Fulfill the Law
By Louie Marsh, 12-24-2023
Slides – happy when I work on Christmas
1) Jesus came to fulfill the Law
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Matthew 5:17-18 (ESV)
1st PRINCIPLE – I relate to God in an entirely new way.
Because the Law if fulfilled….
· I no long have to try & EARN God’s approval.
9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)
· If I don’t have to earn God’s approval then I don’t have to earn anyone else’s!
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7 (NIV)
· Everything in the Christian life operates by FAITH
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)
· I am saved by faith by GOD’S GRACE.
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 (ESV)
16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Romans 4:16-17 (ESV)
· I do EVERYTHING thru God’s Grace.
“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.” (2 Corinthians 12:8–9, ESV)
The Messiah’s Mission
Part 2: Loving the Truth
By Louie Marsh, 12-17-2023
Introduction: Last slide – to solve human equation
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone , was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. John 1:9-11 (ESV)
1) I came….to Divide.
1st: PRINCIPLE – Truth always DIVIDES
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.
37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:34-39 (ESV)
49 “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. Luke 12:49-51 (ESV)
Sounds bad but it’s good – the truth always divides.
Examples – The Flat Earth Society, Did men really walk on the moon? Did the CIA invent AIDS? Racial or tribal superiority. KJV only.
2ND PRINCPLE – To know the truth I must SEPARATE it from error.
17 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18 In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19 No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval. 1 Corinthians 11:17-19 (NIV)
“15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV)
“21but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21–22, ESV)
1ST APPLICATION – I must be sure I’m on the side of the TRUTH
39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” John 9:39 (ESV)
· I must deeply LOVE the truth.
“6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)
“10and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” (2 Thessalonians 2:10, ESV)
2ND APPLICATION – I must deal truthfully with those who err by…
· LOVING them like Jesus does.
21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Mark 10:21 (ESV)
· BEFRIENDING them as Jesus did.
19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Matthew 11:19 (ESV)
· SHARING the truth with them as wisely as possible.
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV)
“11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.”… “14But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”” (Galatians 2:11,14, ESV)
The Messiah’s Mission
Part 1: To Do God’s Will
By Louie Marsh, 12-10-2023
To Do God’s Will
38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. John 6:38 (ESV)
THE PRINCIPLE – Following Jesus is all about doing GOD’S WILL
“2so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:2, ESV)
1) Which means my EGO must die!
28 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. 29 I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” John 7:28-29 (ESV)
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV)
2) My PURPOSE must be to do God’s Will.
“7Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ ”” (Hebrews 10:7, ESV)
“20Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20–21, ESV)
THE APPLICATION – This means…
· I cannot be a PEOPLE PLEASER
“3For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” (1 Thessalonians 2:3–4, ESV)
“42Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” (John 12:42–43, ESV)
“29But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29, ESV)
· Jesus comes before EVERYTHING including family.
46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him…48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:46, 48-50 (ESV)
· Like Jesus I must serve God even to DEATH.
“10Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10, ESV)
Wise Up!
Part Seven: The Foolishness of God
by Louie Marsh, 12-3-2023
Foolishness – Strange Super Powers – SHOW PICS ON CUE
Today we want to talk about a kind of foolishness everyone needs to have in their life - the foolishness of God!!
1) Christianity appears to be FOOLISH.
“18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)
“14The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14, ESV)
2) God DESIGNED it that way.
“27But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:27–29, ESV)
· So I’ll trust Him & NOTHING ELSE!
· So He gets all the GLORY, not us!
· To show His Power DRAMATICALLY.
3) Three Examples of God’s Foolishness.
· NOAH
· ABRAHAM
· MOSES
4) Why God’s Wisdom Appears Foolish.
· It deals with the UNSEEN .
“7By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” (Hebrews 11:7, ESV)
· It sends me into the UNKNOWN.
“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.” (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
· It takes me BEYOND myself.
“11By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11, ESV)
· It requires great SACRIFICE.
“17By 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,” (Hebrews 11:17, ESV)
· It leads me into SUFFERING .
“36Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (Hebrews 11:36–38, ESV)
5) Why God’s Wisdom Isn’t Foolish
· Because God COMMENDS it.
“33who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” (Hebrews 11:33–34, ESV)
Wise Up!
Part 6: Wise In the End
by Louie Marsh, 11-26-2023
1) If I’m wise I’ll consider My DEATH
“12So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
I know that right now I’ve lost some of you - we run and hide from death - it’s not a fun topic - yet we must face and deal with it sooner or later.
There are good reasons for doing so - it pays off not only in the next life but in this one too!
2) Doing so give me the PROPER PERSEPCTIVE on life.
“5For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5, ESV)
The body ages in 7 year cycles - if you are 30 or over - your carcass is decaying at an ever increasing rate!! Oil of Schmolay, Oriental Pearl Dream, etc. won’t stop it - neither will the Psychic Hot Line!!
Of course everyone knows this - but most people avoid thinking about it and so end up wasting their life.
3) Wisdom’s Proper Perspective
On Myself…
· God made me for a REASON (PURPOSE)
“36For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption,” (Acts 13:36, ESV)
“10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
· This SHAPES my entire LIFE.
“12Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12–14, ESV)
· I Only Have So Much TIME to finish.
“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)
On Life…
· I Won’t Fear TROUBLE
“5Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,” (Psalm 49:5, ESV)
· Status & Power Won’t INTIMIDATE Me.
“Do not be overawed when a man grows rich… for he will take nothing with him when he dies”, Psalm 49:16-17
· I’ll Think & Live In The LONG TERM
“25choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” (Hebrews 11:25–26, ESV)
On God…
· After This Life I MEET GOD
“27And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27, ESV)
· The Only Way To God Is CHRIST
“6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)
· He Will REWARD What I’ve Done
“12Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:12–15, ESV)
Wise Up! #5
Part 5: “Acting Wise in Relationships”
by Louie Marsh, 11-19-2023
Intro. Last slide getting bored
“18And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18, ESV)
· Wisdom is a LIFESTYLE
“13Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13, ESV)
· Lack of wisdom causes CONFLICT
“14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” (James 3:14–16, ESV)
Relating Wisely To Others
- If I’m Wise I Won’t Compromise MY INTEGRITY
“17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, ESV)
“9Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)
“I once sent a dozen of my friends a telegram saying 'flee at once - all is discovered.' They all left town immediately.” ― Mark Twain
- If I’m Wise I Won’t Antagonize YOUR ANGER
“17But the wisdom from above is… peaceable… (James 3:17, ESV)
“3It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.” (Proverbs 20:3, ESV)
Good News: Any fool can start arguments, the wise thing to do is to stay out of them.”
“29Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” (Proverbs 14:29, ESV)
Living Bible: A wise man controls his temper, he knows that anger causes mistakes.
- If I’m Wise I Won’t Minimize YOUR FEELINGS
“17But the wisdom from above is…gentle… (James 3:17, ESV)
“4A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4, ESV)
- If I’m Wise I Won’t Criticize YOUR SUGGESTIONS
“17But the wisdom from above is … open to reason… (James 3:17, ESV)
Some versions read “submissive,” GK Means: “approachable, congenial, open to reason”
“15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15, ESV)
- If I’m Wise I Won’t Emphasize YOUR MISTAKES
“17But the wisdom from above is… full of mercy and good fruits…(James 3:17, ESV)
“9Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9, ESV)
“1Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1, ESV)
“1We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 15:1–2, ESV)
“3Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3, ESV)
- If I’m Wise I Won’t Disguise MY WEAKNESSES
“17But the wisdom from above is … impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, ESV)
Greek: Means: “Straightforward & without hypocrisy”
“13Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. 14Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” (Proverbs 28:13–14, ESV)
“2that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.” (Colossians 2:2–4, ESV)
Wise Up!
Part Four: Wisdom in Action
by Louie Marsh, 11-12-2023
Intro. Continuing our series on Wisdom. Need for wisdom shown this week by couple who were drinking and driving with some dynamite in car. Thought it would be funny to light it and throw it, drank more - if became funnier. Finally they lit and threw it - just one problem - they had forgotten to roll down the car window! They are expected to recover.
1) Get the FACTS
“14But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he railed at them. 15Yet the men were very good to us, and we suffered no harm, and we did not miss anything when we were in the fields, as long as we went with them. 16They were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. 17Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his house, and he is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him.”” (1 Samuel 25:14–17, ESV)
“28For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.” (Luke 14:28–32, ESV)
Remember…
1, You can’t make wise decisions without sound data.
2, You can’t always be fact gathering, you must make a decision sooner or later.
2) Make A PLAN
“18Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys. 19And she said to her young men, “Go on before me; behold, I come after you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.” (1 Samuel 25:18–19, ESV)
“3Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Remember…
1, Godly wisdom isn’t without thought & plans – God wants us to plan (and so be like Him!).
2, Time spent in creating a good plan is rarely wasted – but you can’t do this forever!
“A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow,” – George S. Patton Jr.
3) Take RESPONSIBILITY
“24She fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the guilt. Please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant.” (1 Samuel 25:24, ESV)
“20The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.” (Ezekiel 18:20, ESV)
· The Bible teaches that YOU are responsible for YOU!
· Don’t play the victim game - take responsibility!
4) Be Painfully HONEST
“25Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I your servant did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent.” (1 Samuel 25:25, ESV)
“15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15, ESV)
· It’s not always easy to tell the truth - but it’s the wise thing to do.
· This must have been painful for Abigail - but God blessed her for it
5) Ask For FORGIVENESS
“28Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live.” (1 Samuel 25:28, ESV)
“7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight” (Ephesians 1:7–8, ESV)
· Don’t be afraid to admit when you are wrong and ask for forgiveness
· This is the KEY to finding your way to God and receiving His blessings in your life!
6) Solve the PROBLEM
“33Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand!” (1 Samuel 25:33, ESV)
“6Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.” (Proverbs 4:6, ESV)
· Remember - Godly wisdom is practical - it is seen in good results!
· You must have the faith to act - “But what if I’m wrong?” What if you ARE?
· Go back to #1 - and work your way through this wisdom loop
7) Be REWARDED
“39When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the Lord who has avenged the insult I received at the hand of Nabal, and has kept back his servant from wrongdoing. The Lord has returned the evil of Nabal on his own head.” Then David sent and spoke to Abigail, to take her as his wife.” (1 Samuel 25:39, ESV)
“14Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 24:14, ESV)
· Living by God’s wisdom brings God’s blessings into your life.
· Ultimate blessing - salvation!
Wise Up!
Part 3: One S.H.A.R.P. Woman
by Louie Marsh, 11-5-2023
Intro. Biblical Wisdom is a moral rather than an intellectual quality. To be "foolish" is to be godless; wisdom is man's approach to life, arising out his life in the covenant bestowed by God... wisdom is the teaching of a personal God who is holy and just and who expects those who know him to exhibit his character in the many practical affairs of life.
Pictures – last one text about wise woman.
Biblical wisdom shown in a little know story about a wise woman in a difficult situation.
S - SEIZE the Initiative
“16Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’ ”” (2 Samuel 20:16, ESV)
“7a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;” (Ecclesiastes 3:7, ESV)
1) 2 extremes to avoid - speaking too soon - brashly shooting your mouth off
2) being to passive never saying anything!
H - HAVE a Respectful Attitude
“17And he came near her, and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Listen to the words of your servant.” And he answered, “I am listening.”” (2 Samuel 20:17, ESV)
“17Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17, ESV)
1) There is a time to be blunt, but it’s usually NOT when I want too!
2) The more I want to let someone have it - the less likely it is that that’s the wise choice!
A - APPRECIATE the Consequences
“18Then she said, “They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at Abel,’ and so they settled a matter. 19I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?”” (2 Samuel 20:18–19, ESV)
“7Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)
“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 4:17, ESV)
1) Remember the Law of Unintended Consequences!
R - RECOGNIZE the Real Issue
“21That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.”” (2 Samuel 20:21, ESV)
“21And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:21–22, ESV)
P - PRODUCE what’s Needed
“22Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.” (2 Samuel 20:22, ESV)
“5Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. 6For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him.” (Ecclesiastes 8:5–6, ESV)
S.H.A.R.P. towards PROBLEMS
S.H.A.R.P. towards RELATIONSHIPS
S.H.A.R.P. towards YOUR CHILDREN
I usually don’t say much about raising kids - since God in His infinite wisdom has seen fit to make sure I don’t pollute the gene pool! But in this case I will. Last 2 weeks we seen the best way to keep kids off drugs is to give them hope and church!
But many Baby Boomer parents report in surveys they feel hopeless about stopping their kids from using drugs! Not True! You can make a difference - if you’ll be S.H.A.R.P.!!
S.H.A.R.P. towards GOD
S - God has already taken the initiative - you must now seize the moment and respond!
H - Have a respectful attitude - that’s repentance for our sins!
A - Look at the consequences - both good and bad!
R - Recognize the real issue - It’s not politics, evolution, or a hundred other things - it’s our standing before God and our eternal destiny!
P - Produce what’s needed - by giving you life to Jesus Christ!!
Wise Up! #2
Being Wise & Happy
by Louie Marsh, 10-29-2023
Intro. Mr T last one.
1) What Wisdom Will Do For me.
“13Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, 14for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. 15She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. 16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.” (Proverbs 3:13–18, ESV)
· Wisdom Makes me HAPPY.
“13Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,” (Proverbs 3:13, ESV)
Word blessed is the closest word to happy in the Bible - it means being blessed or happy because God is working in your life. Lloyd John Ogilvie suggested “Congratulations.”
· Wisdom Makes me PROFITABLE .
“14for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. 15She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 3:14–15, ESV)
Hebrew word means a good return on a trade. This doesn’t mean wisdom makes your bank account fat. Wisdom will help us to get a good return on the work we do in our life. Wisdom makes our life worthwhile - not wasted. Therefore wisdom gives us a profitable life.
· Wisdom Makes me HONORABLE .
“16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.” (Proverbs 3:16, ESV)
The world could use more honorable people - that’s why we’re studying character on Tuesday nights. Being wise helps you understand how to be an honorable person.
· Wisdom Makes me COMPLETE/WHOLE .
“17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” (Proverbs 3:17, ESV)
The word here is Shalom - the Hebrew word for peace. But it means far more than just the absence of conflict. Instead it refers to the peace that comes from being whole - from having every part of your life in harmony with God, you and others.
· Wisdom Makes me SPIRITUALLY ALIVE .
“18She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.” (Proverbs 3:18, ESV)
The Tree of Life is a symbol of spiritual life - wisdom shows us how to take our Bible knowledge and turn it into reality - thus bring us spiritually alive.
2) How To Become Wise…
· ASK for It.
“5If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5, ESV)
Two important things to understand about this verse:
1, It doesn’t say HOW God will give wisdom
2, It doesn’t say WHEN He’ll do it!
· SEARCH for it.
“3yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,” (Proverbs 2:3–4, ESV)
This search for wisdom is a life long activity. Not just a quickie to get what I need now - Jesus said it well - Matt. 7:13-14. All written in the present tense - continual action.
“7“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7–8, ESV)
o Ask - we already covered that!
o Seek - like we said life long process.
o Knock - Bold requesting what you need.
· IDENTIFY it.
“5then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:5, ESV)
Biblical Wisdom is different from all others - because it is always linked to and flowing from God! We’ve got to understand that and never sever wisdom from God - He’s the source of all wisdom - so when we seek for wisdom we seek for Him!
· LIVE It.
“28And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’ ”” (Job 28:28, ESV)
Notice that wisdom is something that show in what you do not just in what you say. Notice also that wisdom is avoiding sin. A wise person is a someone who avoids sin.
3) Where Wisdom Begins…
· CHRIST Is Our Wisdom (1 Cor. 1:18,24)
“18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” … “24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18,24, ESV)
· RESULTS prove Him true.
“19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”” (Matthew 11:19, ESV)
· ACCEPTING Him Is the Wise Choice (Ecc. 8:5; 2 Cor 6:2)
“5Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.” (Ecclesiastes 8:5, ESV)
“20Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)
Wise Up! #1
God Calls Me to Be Wise
By Louie Marsh, 10-22-2023
Introduction:
10 Things It Took Me 50 Years to Learn 10) The main accomplishment of almost all organized protests is to annoy people who are not in them.
9) The one thing that unites all humans beings regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that deep down inside we ALL believe we are above average drivers.
8) There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 11.
7) You will never find anybody who can give you a clear compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
6) When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that person is crazy!
5) No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.
4) When God decides to deliver a message to mankind He WILL NOT use as His messenger a person on cable TV with a bad hairstyle.
3) There is a very fine line between “hobby” and “mental illness.”
2) If you had to identify why the human race has not achieved, and will never achieve, it’s full potential, that word would be – “meetings!”
1) Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night!
So what is Biblical wisdom - it’s not what you might think!
1) Biblical wisdom is PRACTICAL.
“19Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. 20Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, 21for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.” (Proverbs 23:19–21, ESV)
The word translated “Skill” of hakam.
The essential idea of hakam represents a manner of thinking and attitude concerning life's experiences; including matters of general interest and basic morality. The wisdom of the OT however, is quite distinct from other ancient world views...Reflected in OT wisdom is the teaching of a personal God who is holy and just and who expects those who know him to exhibit his character in the many practical affairs of life.... The emphasis of OT wisdom was that the human will, in the realm of practical matters, was to subject to divine causes. Therefore, Hebrew wisdom was not theoretical and speculative. It was practical, based on revealed principles of right and wrong to lived out in daily life.
“5Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. 6For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him.” (Ecclesiastes 8:5–6, ESV)
· It’s not THEORETICAL
“10If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.” (Ecclesiastes 10:10, ESV)
In the NT the Greek for Wisdom is Sophia. Sophia originally indicated unusual ability and knowledge in the practical sphere...but later concentrated on theoretical knowledge.
This is where we get our idea of wisdom as something beyond us from - climbing a mountain and finding a wizened old man sitting cross legged in a cave. You stumble to him and ask him what is the meaning of life. He replies, “Life means 3 things. 1, The world is real. 2, The world is unreal. 3, Therefore it is both yet it is neither.”
Impractical worldly wisdom shown in Solipsism - the belief nothing exists - proven wrong by the practical point that I’m here because you are talking to me!
2) Wisdom is DOING Not Knowing.
“5See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 6Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’” (Deuteronomy 4:5–6, ESV)
There’s a great need for wisdom in the world. Story of guy who decided to make some extra money by robbing a store, picked the pizza place he worked at, needed to hide face so he used his motorcycle helmet. Was picked up in a few minutes by cops - because his name was written on the front of his helmet!!
“43Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43, ESV)
· But learning is NECESSARY & life long.
“8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8, ESV)
· Wisdom focuses on the will not the INTELLECT.
“17Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, 18for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.” (Proverbs 22:17–18, ESV)
“22Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” (Romans 1:22–23, ESV)
“The ethical dynamic of Greek philosophy lay in the intellect...Knowledge was virtue”
But the Bible says - what you know doesn’t matter if you aren’t allowing it to impact your life.
Two extremes to avoid:
1, The Usual Evangelical One - thinking spiritual maturity and wisdom equals how much you know about God and the Bible.
A, Wrong - there are many knowledgeable yet carnal Christians!!
2, The Usual Fundamentalist One - thinking that knowledge isn’t important and developing an anti-intellectual attitude.
The Truth: The intellect is good - you must know to obey!! But knowledge without obedience is worthless - and foolish!
3) Wisdom Comes from God
“10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalm 111:10, ESV)
This is the theme of the entire Bible - and sets it apart from all other lit. of it’s time - Wisdom comes from God - and is a moral not simply intellectual character.
“7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7, ESV)
“Wisdom is accordingly connected with the fear of Yahweh...Here also is developed the distinctive aspect of the understanding of wisdom in Israel: wisdom is rooted in adherence to God...'This idea is among the most characteristic of Israelite religion. Non-Israelite wisdom is unaware of this kind of almost programmatic rooting of wisdom in the fear of God.' (Gerhard von Rad)”
“1The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.” (Psalm 14:1, ESV)
That’s why Ps. 14:1 is true - you can be the smartest most knowledgeable person in the world - but if you don’t believe in God you are foolish in the Biblical sense of the world.
Prove It - Defund the Police
4) Wisdom is Christ
“24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:24, ESV)
1 Cor. 1:24 - For the Christian who is searching for Wisdom - you need look no further than Christ. What He said, how he lived, what he did - these are wisdom incarnate!!
5) God is SEEKING to give me wisdom.
“20Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:” (Proverbs 1:20–21, ESV)
“1Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? 2On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; 3beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: 4“To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.” (Proverbs 8:1–4, ESV)
“1Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. 2She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town,” (Proverbs 9:1–3, ESV)
Unlike what most people think - wisdom isn’t all that hard to find.
God wants you to be wise - and will do all He can to help you be that way!
Revealed the Miracles of Jesus
Part Ten: Something Fishy Here
By Louie Marsh, 10-15-2023
1) Jesus gives a STRANGE command.
“5Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.” (John 21:5–6, ESV)
“3Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:3–7, ESV
· God loves to sound FOOLISH.
“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.” (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
· But His “foolishness” is actually the height of WISDOM.
“18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”” (1 Corinthians 1:18–19, ESV)
2) Peter has a REVELATION.
“7That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.” (John 21:7–8, ESV)
8But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:8–11, ESV)
3) Everyone FELLOWSHIP with Jesus.
“10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.” (John 21:10–12, ESV)
4) Jesus REAFFIRMS His Call on the Apostles.
“18While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” (Matthew 4:18–20, ESV)
“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 28:18–20, ESV)
Revealed: the Miracles of Jesus
Part 9: The Resurrection of Lazarus
By Louie Marsh, 10-8-2023
Possible Evidence of Life After Death:
The EEG scans of more than 500 patients who had suffered cardiac arrest were studied. Sadly, most of them were unable to be revived. But 53 patients were returned to life and consciousness. Of those, nearly a dozen reported memories of a “sense” of awareness while they were dead and six reported an NDE (Near Death Experience). But if the person has expired and their brain functions have essentially ceased, how are they storing any memories, to say nothing of experiencing something? Are we looking at medical proof of an afterlife?
The few scientists who have addressed these questions previously have typically attributed these memories to random synaptic firings in the brain as it’s in the process of dying. But these results seem to suggest something more may be going on.
1) Jesus SHAPES the scene.
“5Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.””…“14Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”” (John 11:5-7;14–15, ESV)
This miracle in the story of John.
“3So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. 5Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6“O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.” (Jeremiah 18:3–6, ESV)
“8But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8, ESV)
2) Jesus challenges us to make doctrine PERSONAL.
“23Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”” (John 11:23–27, ESV)
3) Jesus HATES death, suffering & pain.
“33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35Jesus wept. 36So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?” 38Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.” (John 11:33–38, ESV)
4) Jesus covered everything in PRAYER.
“41So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”” (John 11:41–42, ESV)
5) Jesus OVERPOWERS death with three little words.
“43When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”” (John 11:43–44, ESV)
6) Jesus shapes the FUTURE.
“45Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”” (John 11:45–48, ESV)
Revealed the Miracles of Jesus
Pt. 8 When Is a Tax Not a Tax?
By Louie Marsh, 10-1-2023
Pictures & video from Turkey Trip
1) Jesus shows me to LOOK beneath the surface.
“24When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” 25He said, “Yes.” (Matthew 17:24–25a, ESV)
In Moses’ time, each person over the age of 20 was to give a half-shekel offering (the equivalent of two Roman drachmas) for the support of the tabernacle (see Ex. 30:11–16). This practice was still being observed some 1,500 years later, in Jesus’ day, to maintain the temple.
2) The Temple Tax shows me my need…
· To be RANSOMED
“11The Lord said to Moses, 12“When you take the census of the people of Israel, then each shall give a ransom for his life to the Lord when you number them, that there be no plague among them when you number them.” (Exodus 30:11–12, ESV)
“43But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Mark 10:43–45, ESV)
· For ATONEMENT
“15The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when you give the Lord’s offering to make atonement for your lives. 16You shall take the atonement money from the people of Israel and shall give it for the service of the tent of meeting, that it may bring the people of Israel to remembrance before the Lord, so as to make atonement for your lives.”” (Exodus 30:15–16, ESV)
“22saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”” (Luke 9:22, ESV)
Jesus paid the ransom for many. His blood is our atonement for sin. That precious blood was of far greater value than a silver shekel. We owe God a debt we cannot pay. Jesus canceled out our debt of sin (Col 2:14). He is able, and He makes grace abound toward us. Exodus 30 teaches us what to look for in Matthew 17. It is not a moral or ethical lesson on paying taxes. It is not some disconnected fish tale.
3) We have been SET FREE in Christ.
And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” 26And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. (Matthew 17:25b-26, ESV)
“13And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Colossians 2:13–15, ESV)
4) Jesus gives us freedom to SERVE.
27However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”” (Matthew 17:24–27, ESV)
“42And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:42–44, ESV)
Revealed: The Miracles of Jesus
Part 5: Walking on Water
By Louie Marsh, 9-10-2023
1) God’s plan for my life includes HARDSHIPS.
“22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,” (Matthew 14:22–23, 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)
2) God KNOWS when I’m in trouble & responds at the right time.
“48And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them… (Mark 6:48a, ESV)
“24but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.” (Matthew 14:24–26, ESV)
3) God uses difficulties to CONQUER my fears.
“26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”” (Matthew 14:26–27, ESV)
“27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27, ESV)
4) I should CHALLENGE my experiences just like Peter.
“28And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.” (Matthew 14:28–29, ESV)
“19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecies, 21but test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21, ESV)
5) I must FOCUS on Jesus to overcome my fears.
“30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”” (Matthew 14:30, ESV)
6) No matter how often I fail, Jesus RESCUES me.
“31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.” (Matthew 14:31–32, ESV)
7) Both faith & reason affirm that Jesus is LORD!
“33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”” (Matthew 14:33, ESV)
“21Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” (John 6:21, ESV)
Revealed: The Miracles of Jesus
Pt. 4: Feeding Thousands
By Louie Marsh, 9-3-2023
1) I need to SEIZE opportunities God gives me.
Matthew sets the stage for one of Jesus most amazing miracles this way:
“30The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.”
So Jesus, like the good leader he was, wanted to take his handpicked men aside for a while to, as we would say today, “debrief them” on their mission trip experiences.
But as Mark shows us, things didn’t quite work out that way.
For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:30–34, ESV)
How on earth did all those people keep up with Jesus in a boat? Well Jesus and his disciples are on the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is approximately 33 miles in circumference, about 13 miles long, and eight miles wide.
The Apostle Luke in chapter 9:10 of his Gospel mentions the locality as being near to Bethsaida, i. e., Bethsaida Julias. That’s near the northern shore of the lake, not far from the entrance of the upper Jordan, which is so shallow at that point that it can easily be crossed by wading. So as you can see keeping up with the boat wouldn’t have been that much of a challenge.
· Never be afraid to be COMPASSIONATE.
When Jesus sees them waiting for him on the shore, he, “has compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” So Jesus did what he always did, he quickly improvised and used the situation they were in as a teachable moment. Far from this being a problem, Jesus saw it as an opportunity to teach a captive audience! I mean, where else were they going to go right?
“12Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:12–13, ESV)
“18Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 30:18, ESV)
2) God uses problems to EXPOSE how spiritually mature I really am.
We aren’t told what he preached or how long he talked. But from what Mark says I’m guessing he spoke for several hours at least. Now I know that sounds like an unbearably long time to listen to someone speak to us. But in those days, with no media of any kind, attention spans were much, much longer than they are today. So it would not have been unusual for a teacher to speak for that long.
· My FIRST thought should always be God.
“35And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”” (Mark 6:35–36, ESV)
With no shelter or food where they were, these people needed time to get to a place where they could find both. But, here again, Jesus does the unexpected.
Jesus takes this as an opportunity to test just how much they had learned and grown on their mission trip.
“37“You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?”” (Mark 6:37, ESV)
The Apostles are stymied by Jesus command. How could they feed such a huge crowd? Even if they found the money it was going to be a long walk to the supermarket!
3) God STEPS IN when humans fail.
So, again as usual, Jesus stepped in and spoke with authority.
“38And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties.” (Mark 6:38–40, ESV)
Jesus takes stock of their meager resources and then has the disciples organize the people. There’s no way you can know what to do or how to do it if you aren’t aware of what’s actually happening and what you have on hand to deal with it.
4) Jesus seeks God’s blessings & then ACTS.
Then once the people are seated in an organized fashion Jesus does what no one else thought of doing. He turns directly to his Heavenly Father to solve this seemingly insurmountable problem.
“41And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42And they all ate and were satisfied.” (Mark 6:41–42, ESV)
He looked up to heaven and then spoke a blessing over the loaves and fish. Jesus responds by seeking God’s blessing on what they are about to do. And with that the disciples began handing out the food, and they kept on handing it out and kept on handing it out and somehow they never ran out of it!
What they thought about this isn’t recorded. What the people sitting there were thinking isn’t spelled out for us either. But clearly when they began to catch on to what was happening, they had to have been absolutely amazed and more than a little awed to see God in action right before their eyes.
5) Don’t WASTE any of God’s blessings.
“17And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.” (Luke 9:17, ESV)
This miracle becomes even more amazing when you read what Mark says as he closes his account of it.
So, if there were 5000 men there then there must have been at least an equal amount of women, and probably a lot of children as well. So how many were fed? Only those there knows the answer, but you’d have to imagine that at least 15,000 people partook of the food, maybe more.
Now this miracle, like all of Jesus miracles, has seen many attempts to explain it away. The most well known of these failed attempts is the idea that when Jesus had the boy show his fish and bread, most of the people in the crowd were shamed and produced the food that they had been hiding. Then everyone shared together in a meal.
“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.” (2 Timothy 1:6–7, ESV)
Revealed the Miracles of Jesus
Part 3: Calming the Storm
By Louie Marsh, 8-27-2023
Last pic – don’t camp out in storms
1) God will LEAD ME into the heart of the storm.
“35On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. (Mark 4:35–38, ESV)
As always Andrew and Peter kept their eyes to the skies when they sailed. They had both seen storms come up seemingly out of nowhere. Storms that could, and often did, become killers with very little notice. So as sharp fishermen they scanned the horizon.
Mostly they looked toward what we call today the Golan Heights. That’s where the wind usually came from. Typically the winds would drive a line of low lying clouds before them. As the rain slashed down the winds would kick up the waves and batter any boats on the water. If the wind was strong enough it could pile up the waves so much that they moved from being bothersome to potential killers very quickly.
And they often happened in the late afternoon.
The boat they were on was designed to have around five crewmen and also a like number of passengers as well. So with 13 people on the ship it wasn’t over crowed but was comfortably full. The disciples had moved together to give Jesus room to stretch out and catch a nap. Everyone was happy but tired and looking forward to a nice relaxing evening.
For centuries nothing much at all was known about the boats used on the Sea of Galilea. Then in 1982 an ancient fishing boat from the 1st century AD was discovered on the Sea of Galilee’s north-west shore. The remains of the boat are 27 feet long, 7.5 feet wide with a maximum preserved height of 4.3 feet. It first appeared during a drought, when the waters of the Sea receded.
Show Boat Pics
But then the winds came. Down from Golan they gusted and blew up the waves. Soon water was flying before the wind, lightly spitting into the disciples faces as they watched the far shore disappear from sight as the storm developed.
Exchanging glances Peter and Andrew did what little they could. They could see the waves building and moving towards them and in mere moments the boat was being assailed by the waves. They kept trying to turn the bow into the waves but it was difficult as the waves seemed to have a mind of their own, frequently changing direction.
Peter knew this was a storm that could kill. Water was pouring over the sides of the wallowing ship. Peter motioned to Andrew to take the tiller and went to Jesus. Amazingly he was still sleeping. For a brief moment Peter wondered how this could be, but was shaken into action as the boat lurched and groaned.
Meanwhile the disciples had gotten into their boat. When it comes to the sea and ancient Israel there’s not a lot to be said. So little did the Israelites go to sea that there’s only one Hebrew word for fish, and it covered everything from minnows to whales. By the time of Christ however a small, flourishing fishing industry developed around the Sea of Galilee. The town of Magdala was a sardine-pickling center.
The job of a fisherman in those days and even to this day is difficult. Fishermen worked year-round in the heat of summer and the cold of winter, often at night. Several of Jesus’ disciples - Andrew, Peter, James, and John - knew the trade well.
One of the most important skills of fishermen was making and mending nets. Made of linen, a common fabric used in the ancient Near East, these nets had to be carefully cleaned and dried each day or they would quickly rot and wear out. The majority of a fisherman's life probably was spent mending nets. Net weights, small pieces of stone with holes drilled in them, were fastened to the bottom of the nets.
Show Myanmar net fixing pic: I’ve seen fishermen in Myanmar mending the huge nets they use. Like the fishermen of Jesus day, they sit for hours in the hot sun preparing the nets for that evening’s use.
“1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1, ESV)
2) God loves me IN & THRU the storms of life.
38But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38, ESV)
“5And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” 7It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:5–7, ESV)
3) Jesus stills the storm at just the right MOMENT.
39And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39, ESV)
“4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4–5, ESV)
“1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV)
4) I must CHOOSE between fear & faith.
40He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:39, ESV)
“1Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; 2my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly. 3When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:1–4, ESV)
5) Jesus reveals Himself to us THROUGH his words & deeds.
41And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”” (Mark 4:35–41, ESV)
· This is the real POINT of his miracles.
“37If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”” (John 10:37–38, ESV)
Revealed the Miracles of Jesus
Pt. 2: Long Distance Healing
By Louie Marsh, 8-20-2023
4 pics of distance healing
1) Jesus loves REJECTS.
“5When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6“Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” (Matthew 8:5–7, ESV)
During the New Testament era, a Roman centurion was a professional military officer commanding a platoon of troops called a “century.” This could be anywhere from nearly one hundred to several hundred men. Each Roman legion was composed of nearly 5,000 men, divided into multiple cohorts, each cohort composed of multiple centuries. As a result, a legion could contain as many as sixty centurions. Their importance was based on seniority, with the senior centurion in a legion being in a position of great prestige. Some historians have compared the top-level centurions to medieval knights. Roman centurions represented the bridge between enlisted troops and commissioned officers, in much the same way as warrant officers do in the modern U.S. military.
Soldiers were appointed as centurions by virtue of their bravery, loyalty, character, and prowess in battle. Centurions were held to high standards of conduct and were expected to fight on the front lines with their men. In fact, the centurion’s designated place in formation was at the end of the very front row. As a result, Roman centurions were well paid and held in high esteem, and they experienced high rates of injury and death during war. The combination of wealth, power, and prestige made them influential in society.
2) I can never be GOOD ENOUGH for God’s blessings.
3When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” (Luke 7:3–4, ESV)
“6We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” (Isaiah 64:6, ESV)
3) A SIMPLE view of faith.
8But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Matthew 8:8-9, ESV)
· His understanding of faith hinges on AUTHORITY.
“18For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the Lord, and there is no other. 19I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I the Lord speak the truth; I declare what is right.**” (Isaiah 45:18–19, ESV)
4) Simple faith is simply taking God at His WORD.
10When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. (Matthew 8:10, ESV)
· I honestly confess my CONFUSION.
“18Why has my pain been perpetual And my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will You indeed be to me like a deceptive stream With water that is unreliable? 19Therefore, thus says the Lord, “If you return, then I will restore you— Before Me you will stand; And if you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman…” (Jeremiah 15:18–19a, NASB95)
5) God WELCOMES faith not heritage.
11I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:11–12, ESV)
“6And 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 11:6, ESV)
6) Simple faith simply WORKS.
13And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.” (Matthew 8:13, ESV)
Revealed: the Miracles of Jesus
Part One: Water into Wine, John 2:1-11
By Louie Marsh, 8-13-2023
Last slide Jesus hand over jar.
1) A miracle is: something NATURALLY impossible.
Miracle
human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause. – Dictionary.com
dunamis (δύναμις, 1411), “power, inherent ability,” is used of works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means. It is translated “miracles” - W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 412.
- semeion (σημει̂ον, 4592), “a sign, mark, token” (akin to semaino, “to give a sign”; sema, “a sign”), is used of “miracles” and wonders as signs of divine authority - W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 412.
2) God moves when I LEAST expect it.
“1On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. (John 2:1–2, ESV)
In the New Testament era Jewish weddings were a very big deal. They didn’t just have a ceremony but a wedding feast. These feasts would go on for as long as the family could afford, sometimes even lasting a whole week!
Needless to say you stocked up well in advance for the event and there was one thing you absolutely could not run short of and that was wine. Unfortunately that’s exactly what happened at a wedding feast that Mary, Jesus and His disciples were attending.
3) Can you change God’s PLAN?
3When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:3-5, ESV)
Mary springs into action in a way that tells us a lot not only about her personality but about how women functioned in the real world of the first century as well.
Women were to be unobserved in public. The veil was one symbol that reflected this status in society. The veil was a requirement for every married woman. In addition to being a symbol of modesty and virtue, the veil also indicated a woman’s married status and subordination to her husband. In keeping with the idea that women were to be unobserved in public, men were not supposed to look at married women, converse with women in public, or even give a woman a greeting when they passed on the street. The oral law stated, “Let no one talk with a woman in the street, no, not with his own wife.” It was unusual for a Jewish teacher to converse with a woman in a public place. The rabbis taught that women were not to be saluted or spoken to in the streets, and not to be instructed in the law. Jewish women were not as restricted in public appearance as Greek women but did not have the freedom of first century Roman women.
Yet here is Mary taking charge. She’s a ball of fire and in spite of what her Divine Son says is absolutely sure he’s going to do something and so she orders the servants to stand by and do everything Jesus says! Clearly, within their own households and probably extended families, women wielded a great deal of influence, as they have done throughout human history.
4) Skip the fight – GET the point!
6Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. (John 2:6-8, ESV)
· Jesus ignores TRADITION
Jesus had the servants fill the ceremonial washing jars, which were used for washing the outside of the body according to the law and refilled them with something inside the body. That might not sound like a big deal to you, but to the pious Jews in attendance at the Feast it would have been. This demonstration is just the beginning of his countercultural teaching. Over and over he would come to challenge the ways of the religious leaders, and the thinking of the people.
· Jesus does the impossible – QUIETLY.
9When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” (John 2:9–10, ESV)
There was no dramatic pose or clever catch phrase like we would do today. No flashing lights, no earth shaking, no thunder or lightning. There was no nothing, and no time for anything either. The jars are filled, and Jesus says, take some and have it taste tested!
And just like that Jesus demonstrated both his authority and his power.
· Jesus shows his authority extends to the MOLECULAR LEVEL.
“3He 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. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Hebrews 1:3, ESV)
“17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17, ESV)
In changing the water into wine, Jesus demonstrated his authority over all things down to the molecular level. Whether Jesus made wine or grape juice remember this: it takes a miracle for either transformation to occur. Water doesn’t change its molecular makeup without the authority of the Creator.
Dr. Cliff Lewis explained it this way: At a molecular level, the water, basically hydrogen and oxygen, was changed into wine that contains sugars, yeast, and water, which contain carbon and nitrogen along with oxygen and hydrogen. Thus, by changing water into wine Jesus demonstrated his authority over even the atomic structure of atoms by commanding oxygen and hydrogen atoms to disassemble and reform into other atoms of different configurations.
The amount of energy it would take to perform this atomic deconstruction and reconstruction is staggering. This intermolecular energy being released is the source of the explosive energy from an atomic bomb. However, since Jesus caused the wine atoms to come back together, he would have to put this astronomical amount of energy into the atoms in order to have them reconstruct. To do so without any visible energy transformation of the liquid (John does not say anything about people noticing the transformation) indicates a mastery of natural law far beyond our current comprehension. And he accomplished it with no physical exertion.
Jesus didn’t have dehydrated wine! [picture].
5) This is a sign not an excuse to ARGUE.
And what happened? Well according to the Master of the Feast it was the best wine ever! If you translate the Greek literally here he basically said, “Most people wait till people are to drunk to know the difference and then bring out the bad wine. But you’ve saved the best for last!” The wedding feast is saved, everyone is happy, especially I’m sure, His Momma Mary!
There is some controversy around this miracle however. The question is was there alcohol in the wine or not? Debate can rage back and forth on this one. Occasionally people get pretty worked up over this. So let me say this as a complete teetotaler who’s never been buzzed much less drunk. I don’t know and neither do you or anyone else alive today. The only ones who know for sure are the people who were there that day and they aren’t talking!
“23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,” (2 Timothy 2:23–24, ESV)
6) The purpose was to help the disciples BELIEVE.
11This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:11, ESV)
· Am I a disciple of Jesus?
“30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30–31, ESV)
1st Peter, Living as Sojourners & Exiles
Pt. 10: When to Stand & When to Flee
By Louie Marsh, 8-6-2023
Last pic – fight or flight
1) Get myself RIGHT with God.
“6Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV)
2) I must have a CLEAR VIEW of my real enemy-Satan.
8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8, ESV).
· I must also be constantly VIGILANT.
“11so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (2 Corinthians 2:11, ESV)
“15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15, ESV)
3) I must stand firm and FIGHT BACK.
9Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (1 Peter 5:9, ESV)
· I STAND FIRM against Satan and his strategies.
“7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, ESV)
13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm... 16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; (Ephesians 6:13, 17, ESV)
· However, I FLEE temptation.
“13No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV)
“12she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.” (Genesis 39:12, ESV)
4) I will TRUST God to take care of me.
10And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:10-11, ESV)
5) I will strengthen my PERSONAL relationships.
12By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” (1 Peter 5:12-14, ESV)
· Also known as Silas, example of growth & HUMILITY.
1st Peter, Living as Sojourners & Exiles
Pt. 9: Serving God with Humility
By Louie Marsh, 7-30-2023
1) If your gift is leading – LEAD.
“1So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight…(1 Peter 5:1–2a, ESV)
· Biblical leadership is all about CHARACTER.
“7Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)
· Christ-like leadership is always marked by HUMILITY.
“30He must increase, but I must decrease.”” (John 3:30, ESV)
· Servant Leadership is BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP.
“26It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,” (Matthew 20:26, ESV)
· But SKILL has its place.
“29Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” (Proverbs 22:29, ESV)
2) Lead like JESUS, eager to please God.
…not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;” “3not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:2b–4, ESV)
· Jesus is the “Chief Shepherd,” I am only an UNDER-SHEPHERD.
“23And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd.” (Ezekiel 34:23, ESV)
· Eagerly = voluntarily
“1The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” (1 Timothy 3:1, ESV)
· My motive for leading should be to PLEASE GOD not money or other kinds of rewards.
“3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” (1 Timothy 3:3, ESV)
3) God is greatly pleased with the HUMBLE.
“5Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:5–7, ESV)
· Clothe yourselves with humility= Every part of me must be covered with a Christlike humility.
The kindred word ἐγκόμβωμα, from which the verb is directly formed, means a slave’s apron, under which the loose garments were girt up…the figure carries an exhortation to put on humility as a working virtue employed in ministry. This is apparent from the evident reminiscence of that scene in which Peter figured so prominently—the washing of the disciples’ feet by the Lord, when he girded himself with a towel as a servant, and gave them the lesson of ministry both by word and act. Bengel paraphrases, “Put on and wrap yourselves about with humility, so that the covering of humility cannot possibly be stripped from you.” - Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 1 (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887), 668.
“45For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Mark 10:45, ESV)
· GIVE UP my worries to God!
1st Peter
Pt. 8: Judgement & the House of God
By Louie Marsh, 7-23-2023
1) When I suffer for Christ, I should REJOICE!
“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. (1 Peter 4:12–14, ESV)
· It’s NORMAL for Christians to suffer.
· Tests are not punishment, but to help me see the TRUTH.
2) Am I a Christian? Do I BELONG TO CHRIST?
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. (1 Peter 4:15–16, ESV)
“26and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26, ESV)
· The word “Christian” changed it meaning over time.
Example – Gay [show video], Jesus Freak.
o Best literal translation is probably, “belonging to Christ” or “slave of Christ.”
“28And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”” (Acts 26:28, ESV)
· Christians viewed spiritual slavery to Jesus as FREEDOM.
“18and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”…“22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” (Romans 6:18,22, ESV)
3) Judgement begins with…ME?
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 4:17, ESV)
4) When I suffer I must TRUST God.
18And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:18–19, ESV)
“15Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.” (Job 13:15, ESV)
“16Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”” (Daniel 3:16–18, ESV)
1st Peter Living as Sojourners & Exiles
Pt. 7: Get a Grip – Use My Gifts!
By Louie Marsh, 7-16-2023
1) Let suffering show me the FUTILITY of sin.
“1Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1–2, ESV)
“4“O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! 5Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah” (Psalm 39:4–5, ESV)
2) Everyone will be held to ACCOUNT in the end.
“3For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” (1 Peter 4:3–5, ESV)
3) The Gospel must result in me living in the SPIRIT.
“6For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.” (1 Peter 4:6, ESV)
4) Get a GRIP!
“7The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7, ESV)
“3For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (Romans 12:3, ESV)
· Sober thinking increases LOVE.
“8Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)
5) Use the gifts that God has given you for His GLORY.
“9Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 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 4:9–11, ESV)
· God’s grace moves through my GIFTS.
“6Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6–8, ESV)
1st Peter – Living as Sojourners and Exiles
Pt. 6: Suffering for Jesus
By Louie Marsh, 7-9-2023
1) Serving Jesus means I BLESS those who curse me.
“8Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8–9, ESV)
“5“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5, ESV)
2) Serving Jesus means I WATCH my mouth & do good.
“10For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”” (1 Peter 3:10–12, ESV)
3) Serving Jesus means seeing BLESSING in suffering.
“13Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,” (1 Peter 3:13–14, ESV)
4) Serving Jesus means CHOOSING Jesus as Lord.
“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)
5) Serving Jesus means keeping my conscience CLEAN.
“16having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:16–17, ESV)
6) Serving Jesus means I SUFFER like He suffered.
“18For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.” (1 Peter 3:18–20, ESV)
7) Serving Jesus means calling out to him through BAPTISM.
“21Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.” (1 Peter 3:21–22, ESV)
“11In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:11–12, ESV)
1st Peter – Living as Sojourners and Exiles
Pt. 4: I Am a Servant
By Louie Marsh, 6-25-2023
1) Submission is the CORE of the Christian life.
“13Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” (1 Peter 2:13–14, ESV)
The words “submit yourselves” are the translation of a Greek military term meaning “to arrange in military fashion under the command of a leader.” One could translate, “put yourselves in the attitude of submission to.” The exhortation is not merely to obey ordinances, but to create and maintain that attitude of heart which will always lead one to obey them. - Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 60–61.
“1Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13:1–2, ESV)
· God created government because we NEED IT.
· I submit to God FIRST, everything else after that.
“28saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:28–31, ESV)
2) A submissive heart is the GOD’S WILL for me.
“15For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:15–17, ESV)
3) But I work for a jerk!
“18Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.” (1 Peter 2:18–19, ESV)
“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)
4) Following Jesus HURTS.
“20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:20–21, ESV)
5) Jesus suffered to SAVE ME.
“22He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:22–25, ESV)
1st Peter – Living as Sojourners and Exiles
Pt. 3: Find My True Calling
By Louie Marsh, 6-18-2023
Last one diagram.
1) It’s time to grow UP
“1So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:1–3, ESV)
put away = take off dirty clothes or cleanse yourself of defilements.
Slander = back biting, defamer, we might say running someone down.
“21assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:21–24, ESV)
· Off with the BAD & on with the GOOD.
2) I really do need to come to JESUS.
4As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4-5, ESV)
3) Everybody gets the STONE.
6For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. (1 Peter 2:6-8, ESV)
4) I have been CHOSEN by God to serve.
9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10, ESV)
“5Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”” (Exodus 19:5–6, ESV)
5) I’m chosen to be LIGHT in darkness.
11Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:11-12, ESV)
“16In 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.” (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
1st Peter -Living as Sojourners & Exiles
Part Two: Set Myself, 1 Peter 1: 13-25
By Louie Marsh, 6-11-2023
Last slide – success.
1) Set my HOPE.
“13Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)
“13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13, ESV)
2) Set my GOAL.
14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, *15but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”* (1 Peter 1:14-16, 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)
3) Set my WORLDVIEW.
17And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1:17-19, ESV)
4) Set my ASSURANCE.
20He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. . (1 Peter 1:17-19, ESV)
“13These 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. 14For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. *16But 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 11:13–16, ESV)
5) Set my love HIGHER.
“15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”” (John 21:15, ESV)
22Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; . (1 Peter 1:22-24, ESV)
6) Set my FOUNDATION.
24for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:13–25, ESV)
“16All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, ESV)
1st Peter – Living as Sojourners & Exiles
Part 1: Reborn to Obey
By Louie Marsh, 6-4-2023
Obedience quotes – last one less painful.
1) As a Christian I am part of the elect by the FOREKNOWLEDGE of God.
“1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” (1 Peter 1:1–2, ESV)
· Predestination is based on FOREKNOWLEDGE.
“4even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,” (Ephesians 1:4–5, ESV)
· Why? So that I will OBEY God.
2) My hope LIVES because Jesus rose from the dead.
“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3–5, ESV)
· My real inheritance is BEYOND this world.
“36Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”” (John 18:36, ESV)
· It can never be DESTROYED.
· God’s power, not my own, KEEPS me in Christ.
3) My faith is TESTED as I go through the fire.
“6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,” (1 Peter 1:6–8, ESV)
· My faith is based on God’s Word, not SIGHT.
“8Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8–9, ESV)
4) The Hebrew prophets SERVED us the Gospel.
“10Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.” (1 Peter 1:10–12, ESV)
The Gospel of John 15-21
Part 7 – The Elephant in the Room
By Louie Marsh, 5-29-2023
1) Jesus GOES THERE.
If you say there is an elephant in the room, you mean that there is an obvious problem or difficult situation that people do not want to talk about. - The Cambridge Dictionary
“15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? … (John 21:15a, ESV)
· He fully exposes Peter’s SINS.
“33Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”” (Matthew 26:33, ESV)
· Jesus does this because it’s what everyone NEEDS.
Jesus doesn’t leave elephants in the room, like most of us do and all of us wish, at times, that he would.
2) Jesus calls Peter to a HIGHER love.
“15…Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”” (John 21:15, ESV)
Jesus love is – agape. Used for God’s love, a love not driven by emotion but by what’s best for the object of your love. It’s being able to be calm and cool and do what’s right. It’s tough love.
· Agape in action:
“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.” (John 3:16, ESV)
· Philia in action:
“7That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.” (John 21:7, ESV)
Peter said that he had philia for Jesus. Brotherly love, a more common, emotional, type of love.
3) Why the REPETITION?
“16He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:16–17, ESV)
Peter uses Philia all the time and Jesus uses it the second and third times.
· To bring the total forgiveness & HEALING needed.
· To DRIVE HOME the aim of his ministry.
· To push Peter to keep on GROWING.
“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.” (2 Peter 1:5–7, ESV)
4) The end result of FOLLOWING Jesus.
“18Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) …(John 21:18–19a, ESV)
5) Knowing the truth, I must CHOOSE to follow Him anyway.
And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”” (John 21:19b, ESV)
“When Christ calls a man he calls him to die.” – Bonhoeffer
· Peter’s first act after rededicating himself to Christ – STAY FOCUSED!
“20Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them…he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”” (John 21:20–22, ESV)
Jesus uses Agape in vs. 15
Jesus asks if he loves him more than them first time. Holding Peter accountable for what he said during the Lord’s Supper.
Second and third time he asks if he loves him. Holding him accountable for what he said when Jesus was on trial, reminding him that was prophesied by Jesus himself.
Jesus says feed, tend and feed my sheep.
He says Peter will die in a way he doesn’t want too and then finally says follow me.
Jesus forgives Peter’s past but won’t ignore it. Why? Because he wants to 1) heal it, and 2) use it for his glory and to reach others.
The Gospel of John 15-21
Part 6: Seeing Isn’t Always Believing
By Louie Marsh, 5-21-2023
Intro – last slide Jesus quote
1) My EMOTIONAL STATE impacts me more than I think.
“2So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. (John 20:2–4, ESV)
2) EVIDENCE isn’t always conclusive.
5And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. (John 20:5-7, ESV)
3) I need more than sight, I need INSIGHT.
8Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.” (John 20:8–9, ESV)
4) When I’m not sure I shouldn’t stop PONDERING it.
“12But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.” (Luke 24:12, ESV)
5) More than an empty tomb, it’s about the LIVING LORD JESUS.
“15Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).” (John 20:15–16, ESV)
6) Jesus gives them the INDWELLING Holy Spirit.
Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit (John 20:19–22, ESV)
7) He gives us all the EVIDENCE we need.
“27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”” (John 20:27–29, ESV)
15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. (2 Peter 3:15-17, ESV)
The Gospel of John 15-21
Part 5: Love is the Fulfillment of Scripture
By Louie Marsh, 5-14-2023
Last slide – Christ fulfilled the Law
1) Jesus clearly knew WHO was in charge.
“9He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”” (John 19:9–11, ESV)
· He REJECTED worldly claims of authority over him.
“49And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”” (Luke 2:49, ESV)
· He AFFIRMED that God is always & only in control.
· He SUBMITTED himself to that authority regardless of the cost.
“8Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8, ESV)
2) We see God’s authority even in UNBELIEVERS.
“23When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things,” (John 19:23–24, ESV)
· The soldiers didn’t know it, but they were PROVING Christ’s identity.
[NOT ON OUTLINE] “30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 31Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him.
33But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”” (John 19:30–37, ESV)
3) Jesus clearly REVERED God’s Word & so should I.
28After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.” (John 19:28–29, ESV)
“21They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.” (Psalm 69:21, ESV)
· He did this at HEIGHT of his agony.
· Jesus didn’t settle, he drank ALL of his Father’s cup.
4) Jesus knew that GOD’S LOVE fulfills Scripture.
“26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:26–27, ESV)
· Not what I THINK is love.
· Not what my culture TELLS ME is love.
· Only what God says and shows me – that’s real LOVE.
The Gospel of John 15-21
Part Four – Speaking Truth to Power
By Louie Marsh, 5-7-2023
Intro – last week bad sermon – sorry no refunds! Last slide Sowell quote.
1) Jesus PROTECTED the disciples and suffered the consequences himself.
· He REINFORCES his identity.
4Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
· He FREES the disciples from any consequences.
7So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”
· He protects them from THEMSELVES.
10Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” 12So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him.
2) Jesus spoke PUBLICLY, he had no secret agenda.
19The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”
3) Jesus clearly DEFINED who & what he is.
33So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
· Jesus Kingdom CHANGES our focus & values.
4) Jesus came to speak and defend the TRUTH.
PILATE
Pontius Pilate is believed to have hailed from the Samnium region of central Italy. According to the traditional account of his life, Pilate was a Roman equestrian (knight) of the Samnite clan of the Pontii (hence his name Pontius.)
Pontius Pilate served as the prefect of Judaea from 26 to 36 A.D. Pilate died in 39 A.D. The cause of his death remains a mystery but the fact that he lived cannot be disputed. During a 1961 dig in Caesarea Maritima, Italian archeologist Dr. Antonio Frova uncovered a piece of limestone inscribed with Pontius Pilate’s name in Latin, linking Pilate to Emperor Tiberius’s reign.
In 26 A.D. the Roman Emperor Tiberius appointed Pontius Pilate prefect of the Roman provinces of Judaea, Samaria and Idumæa, although Pilate is best known for his leadership of Judaea. While the typical term for a Roman prefect was one to three years, Pilate was to hold his post as the fifth Roman procurator for 10 years. In assuming his position, Pontius Pilate succeeded Valerius Gratus.
Protected by Sejanus, Pilate incurred the enmity of Jews in Roman-occupied Palestine by insulting their religious sensibilities, as when he hung worship images of the emperor throughout Jerusalem and had coins bearing pagan religious symbols minted. This caused riots and eventually most of the shields bearing the Emperors likeness were taken down. But not all of them.
As a Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate was granted the power of a supreme judge, which meant that he had the sole authority to order a criminal’s execution. His duties as a prefect included such mundane tasks as tax collection and managing construction projects. But, perhaps his most crucial responsibility was that of maintaining law and order. Pontius Pilate attempted to do so by any means necessary. What he couldn’t negotiate he is said to have accomplished through brute force.
The circumstances surrounding Pontius Pilate’s death in circa 39 A.D. are something of a mystery and a source of contention. The Samaritans reported Pilate to Vitellius, legate of Syria, after he attacked them on Mount Gerizim in 36 AD. He was then ordered back to Rome to stand trial for cruelty and oppression, particularly on the charge that he had executed men without proper trial. According to Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History, Pilate killed himself on orders from the emperor Caligula. Other accounts say he was sent into exile and committed suicide of his own accord.
Some traditions assert that after he committed suicide, his body was thrown into the Tiber River. Still others believe Pontius Pilate’s fate involved his conversion to Christianity and subsequent canonization. Pontius Pilate is in fact considered a saint by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
According to the Biblical Archeology Society, “early Christians saw Pilate in a very different way. Augustine hailed Pilate as a convert. Eventually the Greek Orthodox and Coptic faiths, named Pilate and his wife saints. And when Pilate first shows up in Christian art in the mid-fourth century, he is juxtaposed with Abraham, Daniel and other great believers.”
The ancient historian Eusebius supports this claim by saying Pilate converted after seeing the many wonders that occurred after Jesus’ death, even reporting it to Tiberius. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church their feast day is June 25.
37Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.” (John 18:1–40, ESV)
· How badly do I want the truth?
The Gospel of John 15-21
Part 3: Your World Is Truth
By Louie Marsh, 4-30-2023
Graphics – last one Truth Exists – Only Lies are Invented.
1) Jesus prayed Himself FIRST!
"Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. John 17:1-5
· Jesus wants his imminent death to bring GLORY to God.
· This is NOT selfish!
“18praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:18–20, ESV)
Things I Pray for…
-
Anything & EVERYTHING
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That I’ll SEE MYSELF as I really am!
“5I 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)
- That I’ll FINISH THE WORK God gave me.
“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.” (Philippians 3:12, ESV)
2) He prayed for the APOSTLES next.
“13But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:13–18, ESV)
· That they be set apart by the truth of the SCRIPTURES.
Things I pray for…
- INSIGHT into Scripture.
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JOY
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PROTECTION from Satan.
3) I pray for the WHOLE/FUTURE church. "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me… May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me…Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am…Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." John 17:20-26
Things I pray for…
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UNITY
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CLOSENESS to Christ
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ASSURANCE of God’s love.
The Gospel of John 15-21
Pt. 2: I Have Overcome the World
By Louie Marsh, 4-23-2023
1) Jesus says be ALERT or I could fall away.
“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.” (John 16:1–3, ESV)
“17You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.” (2 Peter 3:17, ESV)
2) The Holy Spirit’s Ministry…
· To the world: CONVICTION of…
“8And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” (John 16:8–11, ESV)
o SIN
“4Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4, ESV)
o RIGHTEOUSNESS
“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—” (Philippians 3:9, ESV)
o JUDGEMENT
“13For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13, ESV)
· To the Believer: leading me to TRUTH.
“13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13–14, ESV)
3) Jesus turns my sorrow into JOY.
“20Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:20–22, ESV)
4) Jesus has OVERCOME the world.
“32Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” (John 16:32–33, ESV)
Be of good cheer (θαρσειτε [tharseite]). Imperative active from θαρσος [tharsos], courage (Acts 28:15). A word for courage in the face of danger, only here in John, but see Matt. 9:2, 22; Mark 10:49. I have overcome the world (ἐγω, νενικηκα τον κοσμον [egō, nenikēka ton kosmon]). Perfect active indicative of νικαω [nikaō], to be victorious, to conquer. Always of spiritual victory in the N. T. See 1 John 5:4f. This majestic proclamation of victory over death may be compared with
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Jn 16:33.
“4Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4, ESV)
“4For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4, ESV)
The Gospel of John 15-21
I Am the Vine
By Louie Marsh, 05-19-2023
Intro – Last slide fruit loops
1) I must FOCUS on remaining in Jesus, the only source of spiritual life.
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. John 15:1 (ESV)
2) I must COOPERATE with the Father as He cleanses me.
2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit…6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. John 15:2, 6 (ESV)
· Two major sources of spiritual dirt in my life:
o SELF
o SIN
9 For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9 (ESV)
· The Father disciplines me to make me FRUITFUL.
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” Hebrews 12:3-6 (ESV)
10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:10-11 (ESV)
3) Only by ABIDING IN JESUS can I bear fruit & please God.
3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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 15:3-5 (ESV)
· Abide (meno) = REMAIN where you’ve been placed
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:8 (ESV)
· Regardless of my past, I’ve been PLACED in Christ.
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Romans 11:17-18 (ESV)
· I can’t do ANYTHING that pleases God apart from Christ.
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:9-11 (ESV)
4 and these things we write, that our joy may be made full. 1 John 1:4 (ASV)
12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write them with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full. 2 John 1:12 (ASV)
Confronting Culture #6
No Stopping God
By Louie Marsh, 4-9-2023
Slides – last one the racist one.
1) I must DIE before I can be born again.
“8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:8, ESV)
“24For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:24, ESV)
· To Confront Culture like Christ I must die to what I want the most – LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, APPROVAL
2) The Resurrection of Jesus is a FACT.
“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. 8Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–8, ESV)
3) The TRINITY raised Christ from the dead.
“11If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11, ESV)
“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…according to the working of his great might 20that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,” (Ephesians 1:1a, 19b–20, ESV)
“19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.” (John 2:19–22, ESV)
4) Christ’s Resurrection EMPOWERS my witness to the culture.
9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9–11, ESV)
“14And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:14, ESV)
5) Death’s Defeat in Jesus is the ultimate message of HOPE.
“18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward.” (Romans 8:18, ASV)
“33Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” (Romans 8:33–35, ESV)
“37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37–39, ESV)
Confronting Culture #5
No Selfishness (Crucifixion)
By Louie Marsh, 4-2-2023
Intro - slides
1) Jesus calls me to live an UNSELFISH life.
“24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24–26, ESV)
2) Our culture demands I put myself FIRST.
“6In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6, ESV)
21For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Claiming to be wise, they became fools,” (Romans 1:21–22, ESV)
- The huge modern Christian
3) Selfishness is worshipping MYSELF.
“23Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23–24, ESV)
TO UNSELFISHLY FOLLOW JESUS…
4) I must be ruthlessly HONEST with myself.
“39And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”” (Matthew 26:39, ESV)
5) I must cultivate true HUMILITY in my heart.
“1So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:1–4, ESV)
6) I don’t put myself up or down, rather I FOCUS on Jesus.
“2looking 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)
“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 2:5–8, ESV)
7) I must live a life of service to OTHERS.
“28But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.” (Luke 23:28, ESV)
“26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:26–27, ESV)
“34And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.” (Luke 23:34, ESV)
“43And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”” (Luke 23:43, ESV)
Confronting Culture
Part Four: No Distractions
By Louie Marsh, 3-19-2023
1) To be a good witness I must be FOCUSED on Jesus.
“1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking 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 12:1–2, ESV)
Looking away from everything which may distract. - Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 4 (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887), 537–538.
· To look towards Jesus means looking AWAY from everything else.
2) To stay focused on Jesus I must REJECT all sin.
“1So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:1–3, ESV)
3) To stay focused on Jesus I must FORSAKE myself.
“1In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.” (2 Samuel 11:1, ESV)
“4But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”” (1 Kings 19:4, ESV)
4) To stay focused on Jesus I must DISCERN between good, better & best.
“38Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”” (Luke 10:38–42, ESV)
“4But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:4–5, ESV)
5) Staying focused on Jesus means I follow the Word NOT my FEELINGS.
“57As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”” (Luke 9:57–62, ESV)
Example of Super Spirituality Distraction
A few days ago, a sister in Christ posted a video entitled End Unrighteous Fellowship. It was about limiting time spent with non-Christians because of the spiritual effect they can have on us…we shouldn’t actively seek them out for fellowship/fun.
As soon as I heard the video, my mind instantly went to the three ladies I run with at work. We are all on the same team in public education. As such, we spend hours and hours together…Occasionally, we eat lunch together…The weird thing is, more often than not when I leave those meetings/lunches, I’m repenting for something I said or thought during that time. Sometimes, though, it’s not even anything I can name. It’s just a general feeling that I am out of sync with the Lord.
Then I got the object lesson. It was Sunday night, and just as I was putting on my boots for church, I got a phone call from one of my co-workers asking about something at school. When I was done talking, I put my phone on the arm of the couch and then forgot about it. When I got to church, I didn’t have my cell phone to record the night’s hymns for my YouTube channel playlist called Hymns With Hannah.
I was distracted, and I wasn’t able to do the job that I believe that God called me to do. I think He was showing me a physical example of what actually happens in the spiritual realm. Whether it is ungodliness or just worldliness, time spent with people who don’t have Jesus as their centerpiece can cause us to miss important details in the work that God has for us to do.
Confronting Culture
Pt. 3 – No Shame
By Louie Marsh, 3-12-2023
4 guilt cartoons
Don’t Be Shamed
1) Shame is the emotion you feel when you know you’re GUILTY.
“29For they shall be ashamed of the oaks that you desired; and you shall blush for the gardens that you have chosen.” (Isaiah 1:29, ESV)
What Guilt Is
1) Guilt is a state of being, an OBJECTIVE REALITY, before God.
10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. James 2:10 (ESV)
“The Bible words for guilt mean “criminal responsibility in the eyes of a court of law, whether that court is human or divine...in the OT & NT the concept of guild is personalized and radicalized through its association with Yahweh, the Father of Jesus Christ.” (DNTT Pg. 137)
2) Guilt is the consequence of my CHOOSING TO SIN.
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 (ESV)
3) Guilt is UNIVERSAL.
9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, Romans 3:9 (ESV)
What Guilt Isn’t
1) Guilt is NOT an emotion or bad.
Feelings of guilt are supposed to follow guilt but...
Guilt exists whether you feel it or not (My conversation with murder who didn’t feel guilty)
It’s not determined by feelings - because your feelings can be wrong!
True guilt vs. False guilt.
True Innocence Vs. False Innocence.
Is a problem when you have False Guilt - feeling guilty when you’ve done nothing wrong.
Children of divorce, spouses, children of alcoholics, etc. has this problem.
Is a problem when God forgives you but you won’t forgive yourself.
To know forgiveness, you must understand God and His Grace.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ Luke 15:17-19 (ESV)
Nietezche wrote, “Christianity needs sickness...Making sick is the true hidden objective of the Church’s whole system of salvation.”
Wrong! Guilt was designed by God for our own good.
Guilt is the moral and spiritual equivalent of pain. Pain isn’t bad, just uncomfortable - without pain you’d be in real trouble!
No guilt no recognition of sin, no return to God!
2) A Biblical View of Guilt & Guilt Feelings
3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah Psalm 32:3-5 (ESV)
Authentic Guilt
Guilt Feelings
True Guilt False Guilt
3) Don’t just deal with the SYMPTOMS
- Human attempts to deal with guilt - Below the Line
Below the line represents human attempts to deal with guilt. There have been many of course, but here’s two recent ones.
· Dr. Hobart Mowrer - Redefining the Problem
We must accept our sin, confess it to a group and make restitution.
He said to a Christian scholar, “Oh, we never talk about forgiveness.”
Why? Because sin is a breach of a contract, so you make restitution. Forgiveness isn’t needed.
How do you make restitution for murder, slander, etc.?
· Dr. Karl Menniger - Forgiveness without God
He wrote, “sin must be dealt with in the private courts of the human heart.” (Whatever Happened to Sin?)
How? Through repentance, reparation, restitution, atonement.
Again how to atone for murder? We cannot atone for sin only God can - and has - in the Cross of Christ.
Problems and Limitations Below the Line
Psychology is Limited!
Why? Because all “ologies” are limited!
Psychology is the study of the human mind & emotions, other “oligies” study the stars, earth, God, dinosaurs, etc.
Each one is limited because the people doing the studying are limited human beings!
Psychology cannot remove authentic guilt - only guilt feelings!.
We must accept and remember these limits!
In our culture psychology has become “The New Religion” with psychologists as the high priests!
Honest psychologists will tell you they aren’t adequate for that job!
There’s Danger in ignoring the limits.
Besides false guilt (which is bad) there’s also false innocence.
We have a lot of that now days – the Sex & Gender Wars, etc.
removing guilt feelings and leaving authentic guilt is a horrible perversion of God’s work in our world - with eternal consequences!
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. John 16:8-11 (ESV)
4) God HEALS THE DISEASE not just the symptoms – above the line.
My problem: - I have authentic guilt before God, and I can’t do a thing about it.
6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. 7 There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities. Isaiah 64:6-7 (ESV)
The Answer: - God does it for me!
22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Romans 3:22-24 (ESV)
5) How I can make this REALLY WORK in my life.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:7-10 (ESV)
· I must RECEIVE GOD’S FORGIVENESS in Christ.
· I must UNDERSTAND that guilt feelings flow from guilt
· I must be PATIENT and wait for my feelings to follow the facts of my forgiveness.
· I must REMEMBER that False Guilt is a LIE and doesn’t need forgiving.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:10-14 (ESV)
Confronting Culture
Part 2: No Fear
By Louie Marsh, 3-5-2023
Chat GPT:
Fear is a natural and normal human emotion that can serve a protective purpose in certain situations. However, if fear becomes excessive or irrational, it can interfere with our ability to lead a fulfilling life. Here are some strategies that may help reduce fear and anxiety:
1) Identify the source of your fear: Try to identify the specific source of your fear. Is it a concrete object or situation, or is it a more abstract worry? Once you identify the source, you can work to address it more directly.
2) Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga can help reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calmness.
3) Challenge your negative thoughts: Often, fear is the result of negative or catastrophic thinking patterns. Try to identify and challenge these thoughts with more realistic and balanced thinking.
4) Seek support: Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional can provide support and perspective on your fears.
5) Take action: Sometimes taking action to address the source of your fear can help reduce anxiety. This might involve seeking information, practicing skills, or taking steps to avoid or confront the feared situation.
Remember, living without fear completely is not realistic or even desirable, as some level of fear can be healthy and protective. The goal is to manage and reduce excessive or irrational fear to live a more fulfilling life.
1) God loves everyone EQUALLY.
“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.” (John 3:16, ESV)
· He’s not PLEASED with everyone.
· BIG QUESTION: Who do I love MORE; God or…?
"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
2) I shouldn’t fear people, but GOD instead.
“12“I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass,” (Isaiah 51:12, ESV)
“4“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” (Luke 12:4–5, ESV)
3) Fear feeds on LOSS, so I must focus on Christ.
“18There 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. 19We love because he first loved us. 20If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:18–20, ESV)
Kara Lynne was fired by Limited Run Games after trans activist 'Purple Tinker' accused her of following 'transphobic' accounts
“We are at the end of Christendom.” Archbishop Fulton Sheen said during a talk in 1947- 76 years ago!. Making clear he didn’t mean Christianity or the Church, he said, “Christendom is economic, political, social life as inspired by Christian principles. That is ending — we’ve seen it die. Look at the symptoms: the breakup of the family, divorce, abortion, immorality, general dishonesty.”
“The new era into which we are entering is what might be called the religious phase of human history.”
But he quickly said this didn’t mean men will “turn to God.” Rather, they’ll turn from indifference to having a passion for “an absolute.” The struggle will be “for the souls of men. … The conflict of the future is between the absolute who is the God-man and the absolute which is the man god; the God Who became man and the man who makes himself God; brothers in Christ and comrades in anti-Christ.”
“Evil must come to reject us, to despise us, to hate us, to persecute us, and then shall we define our loyalties, affirm our fidelities and state on whose side we stand. How shall the strong and weak trees be manifested unless the wind blows? Our quantity indeed will decrease, but our quality will increase. Then shall be verified the words of Our Master: whoever does not gather with me, scatters.” (Matthew 12:30)
“We tremble not that God may be dethroned, but that barbarism may reign; it is not Transubstantiation that may perish, but the home; not the sacraments that may fade away, but the moral law. The Church can have no different words for the weeping woman than those of Christ on the way to Calvary: Weep not over me; but weep for yourselves and for your children.” (Luke 23:28)
Over the centuries the Church has had its Good Fridays, he reminds us, but there’s always Easter Sundays “because Jesus promised the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And Behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.’ (Matthew 28:20)
As bleak as things may be, never has “there been such a strong argument for the need of Christianity, for men are now discovering that their misery and their woes, their wars and their revolutions increase in direct ratio and proportion to the neglect of Christianity. Evil is self-defeating; good alone is self-preserving.”
“The forces of evil are united; the forces of good are divided. We may not be able to meet in the same pew — would to God we did — but we can meet on our knees.”
4) Fear always EXAGGERATES the issue.
“14He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”” (1 Kings 19:14, ESV)
"Here is a paper with which, if I cannot whip Bobbie Lee, I will be willing to go home!" ~ George B. McClellan
· It naturally leads to LYING.
“10And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself…12The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”” (Genesis 3:10,12, ESV)
5) Fear allows me to RATIONALIZE anything.
“6And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” 7Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps, 8thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape.”” (Genesis 32:6–8, ESV)
6) I OVERCOME fear when I know God is with me.
“31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”…“35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:31-32,35–37, ESV)
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, ESV)
Confronting Culture
Pt. 1: No Compromise
By Louie Marsh, 2-26-2023
Intro.: Cartoons on compromise
How Can I Confront Culture?
1) Don’t Talk About it – NOT BIBLICAL.
“27Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, 28but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these:” (Daniel 2:27–28, ESV)
As Timothy Keller, who pastored in Manhattan for 30 years and reached thousands of secular skeptics, says, “not talking about this” is no longer an option. If anything, it’s counterproductive. At this point in history, it’s better to acknowledge out of the gate that we represent an entirely different kingdom with entirely different values and under an entirely different authority. Becoming a Christian in America means you’re not only going to have to drink a few cups of crazy milk; you’re going to have to buy the whole crazy cow.
“23For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,”…“32Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”” (Acts 17:23-24, 32, ESV)
“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 28:19–20, ESV)
Christian apologist Michael Green makes a distinction between “missionary” and “defender of orthodoxy”: “There is a fundamental difference between the defender of orthodoxy, who is anxious to maximize the gap between authentic Christianity and all deviations from it, and the apologist [read: missionary], who is concerned to minimize the gap between himself and his potential converts.”
We’re no longer primarily chaplains to a Christianized culture or merely custodians of doctrine. We need more pastor-missionaries. Our teaching on homosexuality should sound not only like a denunciation of immorality but also like an invitation to conversation.
In 21st century American Christians must posture themselves not only as guardians of the faith delivered once for all to the saints but also as missionaries to an increasingly pagan culture.
“3And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” 4He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”” (Matthew 19:3–6, ESV)
2) Removing the OFFENSE of the Cross divests It of its power
“23but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:23–24, ESV)
“1And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:1–2, ESV)
“24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24–25, ESV)
Christian missionaries seek to remove obstacles to faith, such choices should never involve muting, denying, or equivocating on anything the Bible teaches.
At the center of preaching the cross is repentance. And repentance, properly understood, is the truly offensive thing.
Becket Cook, a gay man who was working in Hollywood’s entertainment industry when he became a Christian, explains how much Jesus’s demand of self-denial cut against the grain of his soul: “All my life I’d been told to be true to myself.” But in reading the Bible, he saw that [the self] is corrupted by sin, so why be true to that? The whole idea of [choosing your sexuality] is bound to the exaltation of self. It carries the implication of making yourself your own god. Putting yourself and your desires on a pedestal and worshiping them. Being true to yourself is nothing short of idolatry.
Repentance means denying the premise behind not only alternate sexualities but also the premise undergirding the entire spirit of our age: “I know who I am, and I know what’s best for me.”
Rosaria Butterfield, who first heard the gospel as a practicing lesbian and professor of literature and women’s studies at Syracuse University in New York, argues the real focal point in repentance isn’t homosexuality or any other particular sin. It’s pride: “Proud people always feel that they can live independently from God and from other people. Proud people feel entitled to do what they want when they want to.”
The call to repentance isn’t just offensive to gay people. It’s offensive to us all.
To return to Green’s distinction, the church needs both missionaries and defenders of orthodoxy. Each church must maintain both emphases. Richard Lovelace compared this to the red and white blood cell counts in our bodies. Too many white blood cells (leukocytosis) and we can die; too many red blood cells (polycythaemia) and we can die. Attempting to be an entirely “red blood cell” (evangelistic zeal) church is just as unhealthy as attempting to be an entirely “white blood cell” (doctrinal fidelity) church.
3) Jesus Was Full of GRACE & TRUTH.
“5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…16For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:5,14, 16-17, ESV)
The light that couldn’t be overcome by the darkness was “full of grace and truth” (John 1:5, 14). John puts grace before truth, and the order isn’t accidental. Jesus led with grace—embracing others and drawing them close even as he told them the truth. He was so filled with grace that unbelievers flocked to be around him, and we should ask why they aren’t doing that with more of our churches.
Ambiguity on this issue isn’t kindness. Clarity is.
Churches today tend to gravitate toward one of the two. Fundamentalists like truth without grace. Liberals like grace without truth. To be effective as evangelists, we have to be full of both—more truthful than the fundamentalist and more graceful than the liberal.
A number of years ago, a lesbian couple started to attend our church. After several months, one of the two scheduled an appointment with me. Through tears, she said,
I need some advice—I prayed with you a few months ago at the end of a service to receive Christ, and now I don’t know what to do. When I started coming to this church, I was so excited about the God I was encountering each week that I invited my wife to come with me. She researched you and found out this church believes homosexuality is a sin, and she told me, ‘There’s no way I am going to that church. If you want God in our lives, fine. Let’s find a different church. A church where they accept us.’ So she found a liberal church in Raleigh and we started to go there.
“After attending there for a month,” she continued, “I told my wife that God was not in this church. He was, however, at The Summit. So, we had a choice. We could go to The Summit where God was and they didn’t accept ‘us,’ or go to this liberal church where they accepted us but God was not. ‘Do what you will, but I’m going to the church where God is.’”
She asked for baptism and began the painful process of severing her marriage ties. Shortly thereafter, we baptized her. Six more months went by, and I got a request from her former wife to meet. She told me,
After my wife was baptized, I finally worked up the courage to come and visit your church one weekend when she was out of town. When you introduced the subject matter for the morning, I couldn’t believe it. . . . I thought, ‘I knew it! This is all these bigots ever talk about. They are obsessed with us. I’ll just listen for 10 minutes and catalog all the hateful things he says so I can prove to my wife this is not the place for us.’
In five years, I’ve probably preached one message that was entirely and completely on the subject of homosexuality. That happened to be the weekend this woman chose to come.
She continued, “However, after 10 minutes, my column for ‘hateful things’ was blank, and I thought, #$%#! This is the most loving anti-gay message I’ve ever heard in my life. I’ve been attending or watching online every week since.” She broke down in tears and said, “I know this is all true and I want God in my life. What can I do?” A few weeks later, we had the privilege of seeing her profess faith in Christ in the waters of baptism. She said, “Thank you for not changing the message for me. It’s always been obvious, to both my partner and me, what the Bible says about this.”
My intention is to encourage those of us who’ve been entrusted with God’s Word for this generation not to shrink back in unbelief but instead to press on in faith
“27for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”…“31Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.” (Acts 20:27,31, ESV)
Fr Calvin Robinson, black Pastor in the Free Anglican Church because the Church of England refused to ordain him because he wouldn’t affirm that the church was full of “systemic racism.”
“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…7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:3–7, ESV)
“26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”” (Matthew 7:26–27, ESV)
Discovering Jesus in the New Testament
#7 Jesus My Lord
By Louie Marsh, 2-19-2023
1) Jesus didn’t come to take sides but to TAKE OVER.
“11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11, ESV)
“36Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”” (Acts 2:36, ESV)
“9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9–11, ESV)
2) The Lordship of Jesus is intensely PRACTICAL.
“21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21–23, ESV)
“46“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46, ESV)
3) I must focus on the truth in Jesus & BEWARE of deception.
“4For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 4, ESV)
“9But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.” (Galatians 4:9–11, ESV)
4) Being saved is my ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of Jesus as MY Lord.
“8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:8–9, ESV)
5) From there I RENEW that Lordship moment by moment.
“14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 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, 16having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:14–16, ESV)
6) This requires a Radical Realignment of EVERYTHING!
“5For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” (1 Corinthians 8:5–6, ESV)
Discovering Jesus in the New Testament
#6 Jesus My Advocate
By Louie Marsh, 2-12-2023
Last slide – cheap divorce.
1) The New Covenant of Jesus was PROPHESIED.
“60yet I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish for you an everlasting covenant.” (Ezekiel 16:60, ESV)
· God saw the NEED for a new covenant.
“31“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 31:31–32, ESV)
· It was to be an INDIVIDUAL not a national covenant.
33For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jeremiah 31:33, ESV)
· Sin would be forgiven FOREVER.
… For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”” (Jeremiah 31:34b, ESV)
2) Jesus established the new covenant by his FINISHED WORK on the cross.
“25In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”” (1 Corinthians 11:25, ESV)
3) Jesus MAINTAINS the covenant in heaven.
“1Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.” (Hebrews 8:1–2, ESV)
· Jesus REPRESENTS me before God.
“24For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, 26for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:24–28, ESV)
· Jesus DIED once to save me.
· I die ONCE & then face judgement.
“11For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:11–15, ESV)
4) Jesus ADVOCATES for me to His Father.
“1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1–2, ESV)
· When I sin, Jesus offers FORGIVENESS on my behalf.
24and 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)
Discovering Jesus in the New Testament
#5 Jesus My Savior
By Louie Marsh, 2-5-2023
There is something wrong with the human race,
A Century of Holocausts:
Armenian genocide in Turkey (1915-1917) 1.5 million
Japanese slaughter of civilians in China (1939-1945) 3.9 million
Stalin’s Holodomor (1932-1933) 5 million
Hitler’s Holocaust (1940-1945) 14 million
Mao’s killing millions in China (1949-1976) 40-80 million
Bangladesh Genocide (3-26-71 – 12/1971) 300,000 – 3 million
Killing Grounds in Cambodia (1975-1979) 1.5 – 3 million killed
Rwanda (7 April – 15 July 1994) 500,000-800,000
1) I need a SAVIOR whether I want one or not.
“11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11, ESV)
“10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” (Luke 19:10, ESV)
- Savior is one of the FIRST THINGS we’re told about Jesus.
“21She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”” (Matthew 1:21, ESV)
- Savior = deliverer, preserver.
2) Jesus came to deliver me from the GUILT of my sin.
“9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, ESV)
- My guilt EXISTS before God whether I feel it or not.
“14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:14, ESV)
- Only Jesus can REMOVE my gilt, sin and shame.
“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.” (1 Timothy 1:15, ESV)
3) Three main avenues this deliverance FLOWS THRU.
- FAITH
“13So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, ESV)
- HOPE
“4since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5because 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)
- LOVE
“3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3, ESV)
“41And many more believed because of his word. 42They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”” (John 4:41–42, ESV)
Discovering Jesus in the New Testament
#4 Jesus My Example
By Louie Marsh, 1-29-2023
Intro slides – last one Jesus hero, example…
1) Jesus is my iconoclastic EXAMPLE.
“3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:3–5, ESV)
- There’s no way we can understand just how SHOCKING this was.
2) Jesus is both SERVANT & LORD
“6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.”” (John 13:6–10, ESV)
3) Jesus EXPLAINS the true meaning of this.
“12When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:12–17, ESV)
Jesus Exemplifies…
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SERVANT LEADERSHIP.
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The EQUALITY OF MAN
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Knowledge is nothing without
4) Different Types of Examples
- BAD example
“6if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;” (2 Peter 2:6, ESV)
- DELIBERATE example
“2shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2–3, ESV)
“14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In 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.” (Matthew 5:14–16, ESV)
- ACCIDENTAL/SECRET example
“42And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.” (Mark 12:42–43, ESV)
- LEGACY example
“10As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:10–11, ESV)
Discovering Jesus in the New Testament
#03 Jesus My Iconoclast
By Louie Marsh, 1-22-2023
iconoclast
noun
a person who attacks cherished beliefs, traditional institutions, etc., as being based on error or superstition.
a breaker or destroyer of images, especially those set up for religious veneration.
The term originates from the Byzantine Iconoclasm, the struggles between proponents and opponents of religious icons in the Byzantine Empire from 726 to 842 AD. Degrees of iconoclasm vary greatly among religions and their branches, but are strongest in religions which oppose idolatry, including the Abrahamic religions. Outside of the religious context, iconoclasm can refer to movements for widespread destruction in symbols of an ideology or cause, such as the destruction of monarchist symbols during the French Revolution.
Pictures of Jesus
1) Jesus always spoke to the HEART of the matter.
- He tore things down to EXPOSE the idols of our hearts.
“1Then certain of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me. 2And the word of the Lord came to me: 3“Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts…(Ezekiel 14:1–3, ESV)
“5For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” (Ephesians 5:5, ESV)
2) I should FOLLOW Jesus not tradition.
“33“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:33–37, ESV)
3) Jesus forbids using God to MAKE MONEY.
“13The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” 17His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”” (John 2:13–17, ESV)
- Worship is not a means to an end, it’s an ENCOUNTER with God.
4) Jesus loves people not THINGS OR TRADITIONS.
“1At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” 3He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: 4how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 6I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. 7And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”” (Matthew 12:1–8, ESV)
During the 1952 Christmas season, C. S. Lewis invited Joy Davidman Gresham—an American with whom he had corresponded for over two years—to spend the holidays at his home, The Kilns. Joy asked Lewis to autograph her copy of his book, The Great Divorce. He wrote, "There are three images in my mind which I must continually forsake and replace by better ones: the false image of God, the false image of my neighbours, and the false image of myself. C. S. Lewis 30 December 1952 (from an unwritten chapter on Iconoclasm)."
5) Jesus doesn’t CONDEMN those struggling with faith.
Doubt. The Biblical word doubt stands between faith and unbelief. Both faith and unbelief have one thing in common, they are committed to a particular belief or point of view. Doubt isn’t. Doubt is the lack of commitment. When you aren’t sure, as the father here isn’t, you are doubting. Perhaps the best way to think of doubt is as a pendulum. It swings back and forth between two different poles. You can doubt and be very far from faith or very close to it. Jesus proved this when he said to a Scribe, “3…
“You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.” (Mark 12:34, ESV)
- Jesus PINPOINTS the problem.
“22And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:22-23, ESV)
- Jesus gives the doubters what they NEED to believe.
24Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”” (Mark 9:24–25, ESV)
The father knew he had doubt, but he didn’t know what to do about it. So again he turns to Jesus and exclaimed, “I believe; help my unbelief!” There you have it, belief and unbelief equal doubt. But a doubt that is very near to the Kingdom of God because the father wisely turns to Jesus for help with his doubt.
Today we hear many preachers railing against what they call, “Doubt and unbelief.” They condemn anyone who doesn’t have perfect faith like they supposedly have. But in fact, these men don’t know what faith is at all. Doubt is not in the same category as unbelief, as even a cursory glance at a lexicon or a dictionary would tell you.
Jesus does not condemn this man, any more than he would later with Thomas.
“27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”” (John 20:27–29, ESV)
Discovering Jesus In the New Testament
#02 – Jesus Is My Teacher
By Louie Marsh, 1-15-2023
1) Jesus is my TEACHER.
“13You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.” (John 13:13, ESV)
Of the 90 times Jesus is directly addressed in the Gospels, 60 of them use the title teacher.
“2This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”” (John 3:2, ESV)
- He wasn’t educated, had no degrees, and never stepped foot into a classroom.
Yet his teachings are revered and followed to this day.
“15The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” 16So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.” (John 7:15–17, ESV)
2) Jesus’ teachings are RADICAL.
“36“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”” (Matthew 22:36–40, ESV)
radical
adjective
rad·i·cal ˈra-di-kəl
1: of, relating to, or proceeding from a root: such as
a(1): of or growing from the root of a plant radical tubers
(2): growing from the base of a stem, from a rootlike stem, or from a stem that does not rise above the ground radical leaves
B : of, relating to, or constituting a linguistic root
C : of or relating to a mathematical root
D : designed to remove the root of a disease or all diseased and potentially diseased tissue
radical surgery radical mastectomy
2 : of or relating to the origin : FUNDAMENTAL
- The spirit not the letter of the Law
“5Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:5–6, ESV)
“9And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! 10For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban” ’ (that is, given to God)— 12then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”” (Mark 7:9–13, ESV)
- His DEITY
“56Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.” (John 8:56–59, ESV)
3) Jesus COMMANDS me to be radical.
- Don’t WORRY about anything.
“22And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” (Luke 12:22–23, ESV)
- REJOICE in persecution.
“22“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.” (Luke 6:22–23, ESV)
- LOVE my enemies.
“27“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,” (Luke 6:27, ESV)
- Everyone DOESN’T enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
“21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21–23, ESV)
4) Jesus COMMISSIONED me to be a radical teacher.
“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 28:19–20, ESV)
Discovering Jesus in the New Testament
#01 Jesus My Redeemer
By Louie Marsh, 1-8-2023
Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions
10) Spend More Time with family
9) Fall in love
8) Help others fulfill their dreams
7) Quit smoking
6) Learn Something exciting
5) Stay fit and healthy
4) Enjoy life to the fullest
3) Spend less, save more
2) Get organized
1) Lose weight!
1) Jesus came to BUY ME BACK out of slavery to sin.
Redemption = "a ransom or price of release," and was used of buying or setting free slaves.
“45For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Mark 10:45, ESV)
The word “ransom” is lutron (λυτρον) “the price for redeeming, the ransom paid for slaves - Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader
- This means apart from Jesus we are ALL SLAVES!
2) What am I redeemed from?
- Spiritual DEATH.
“4But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—” (Ephesians 2:4–5, ESV)
- MORAL
“13waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:13–14, ESV)
3) What was the PRICE of redemption?
- The Incarnation –
“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 2:6–8, ESV)
- His DEATH on the Cross.
“18knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:18–19, ESV)
- Jesus gave more than his life – he gave his SOUL to redeem me.
“45…and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Mark 10:45, ESV)
“life” = psuche = soul.
- Jesus took God’s WRATH so I don’t have too.
“24and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:24–26, ESV)
Emil Brunner wrote this daring sentence, "The wrath of God is the love of God."
4) The Results of Redemption
- God is NEVER angry at me!
“16So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18There 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 4:16–18, ESV)
- God WANTS me in His Forever Family!
“4even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,…7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” (Ephesians 1:4–7, ESV)
- God will never GIVE UP on me!
“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.(1 Peter 1:3–5, ESV)
“11The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:11–13, ESV)
Discovering Jesus in the New Testament
#00 The Eternal Christ
By Louie Marsh, 1-1-2023
Last cartoon Eden – then book, Spiritual Growth Campaign Promo.
1) Jesus the CREATOR
“26Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over… the earth.” 27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26–27, ESV)
2) Jesus the DELIVERER.
“7The angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.” 9The angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her.”” (Genesis 16:7–9, ESV)
- The Pre-incarnate Christ kept God’s Plan of Redemption on
10 The angel of the LORD also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the LORD said to her, “Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has listened to your affliction. 12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.” (Genesis 16:10–12, ESV)
- The Angel of the Lord is
“13So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” 14Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered.” (Genesis 16:13–14, ESV)
3) Jesus the REVELATOR
“2And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”” (Exodus 3:2–4, ESV)
- Jesus gave the GREATESTOld Testament revelation.
“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?” 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 3:13–14, ESV)
4) Jesus the ROCK
“7and the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 8“Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle.” 9And Moses took the staff from before the LORD, as he commanded him. 10Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. (Numbers 20:7–11, ESV)
4and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4, ESV)
- He is the sole foundation of TRUTH.
o Peter = petros = a rock
o This “rock” = petra – massive boulder
“16Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:16–18, ESV)
- I stand on Him ALONE.
“4As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7So the honor is for you who believe...” (1 Peter 2:4–7a, ESV)
5) Jesus stands WITH ME in the fire.
“24Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” 26Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire.” (Daniel 3:24–26, ESV)
The Reality of Christmas
Part Two: Death & Resurrection
By Louie Marsh, 12-18-2022
Intro. Last slide bad santa
“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 2:7–8, ESV)
1) Jesus became a SERVANT to save me.
“7but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:7, ESV)
2) He did this by BECOMING a human being.
. 8And being found in human form… (Philippians 2:8a ESV)
Notice the choice of the verb, not was, but became: entered into a new state. Likeness. The word does not imply the reality of our Lord’s humanity, as μορφή form implied the reality of His deity. That fact is stated in the form of a servant. Neither is εἰκών image employed, which, for our purposes, implies substantially the same as μορφή. See on Col. 1:15. As form of a servant exhibits the inmost reality of Christ’s condition as a servant—that He became really and essentially the servant of men. - Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 3 (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887), 433.
Verse 6 is written in Gk. to mean that Christ has always existed as God, but vs. 7 says "being found" which means came into existence - as a man!
“14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14, ESV)
3) So at Christmas God did the IMPOSSIBLE.
The reality of Christmas is that God became a man while remaining God!
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The incarnation is God ADDING to himself and becoming MORE THAN HE WAS!
-
if such a thought is conceivable!
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The incarnation is God PRACTICING what he preached.
Jesus served first – his whole earthly life, note the washing of the feet, and THEN he commanded us to serve!
4) Jesus calls me to be what he was – OBEDIENT TO DEATH.
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8b, ESV)
He humbled Himself - His whole life was one of humility.
He died for us - that we might be saved.
- He died the WORST WAY
Died EVEN on the cross.
“2looking 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)
The Jews hated the Cross so did the Romans.
Cicero wrote: "Let the very name of the cross be far away not only from the body of a Roman citizen, but even from his thoughts, his eyes, his ears."
5) Because of this God SUPER EXALTED Jesus!
“9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, (Philippians 2:9, ESV)
"exalted" = "to raise someone to the loftiest height" "To super-exalt."
Written in the Aorist tense - referring to a definite point in time - the resurrection!
6) There’s only one way to respond to this – CONFESS Jesus as my Lord!
10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10–11, ESV)
He Is Lord
His Name is above all names - and is the key to salvation
Notice the confessional formula in verse 11.
ALL scholars agree that "Jesus Christ is Lord" is the earliest form of confession in the church.
“23By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’” (Isaiah 45:23, ESV)
Becoming a Christian is committing yourself to live under Christ's LORDSHIP!!
THE REALITY OF CHRISTMAS
Part One: Christmas Is Serving, Phil. 2: 5-7a
By Louie Marsh, 12-11-2022
Last Intro slide – mustache!
Intro. Today we start our Christmas series of sermons by looking at what Christmas is supposed to be all about! Remember that when you look at Christmas from a Biblical point of view you aren't concerned with what day or month it took place - since we aren't told that. Instead you are concerned with what happened - and what it means.
CHRISTMAS = SERVICE
1) Christmas means I should THINK like Jesus
“5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 2:5, ESV)
“16“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16, ESV)
“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 12:2, ESV)
2) Christmas means I should ACT like Jesus.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:3-5 (NIV)
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My ego must
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I should think about others, not just
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I should strive to always have a CHRISTLIKE
HOW DID JESUS DO THIS?
1) Jesus was, is & always will be GOD.
“6who, though he was in the form of God…(Philippians 2:6a, ESV)
“in the form of God” or “In Very Nature God”
"very nature" (NIV) "form"(others) = Morphi, which is used only here and vs. 7 in the New Testament.
Used in classical Gk. "to signify a form which truly and fully expresses the being which underlies it."
Here it means "the essential nature and character of God."
“1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1, ESV)
“19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,” (Colossians 1:19, ESV)
This means that Christ was and is God and CANNOT exist apart from being God.
2) Jesus didn’t try and HOARD what was His.
“6… did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,” (Philippians 2:6b, ESV)
Not Grasping= means "the act of snatching, or acquisitiveness."
Our thoughts about being God assumes that being God means always getting what you want - of always having your own way.
Jesus' attitude toward being God (and being God-like) was essentially giving.
God's true nature isn't one of selfish grabbing but of open handed giving! To be like God - is to give!
3) He EMPTIED HIMSELF to save us all.
“7but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:7, ESV)
Poured Himself Out -some translate this "made himself nothing" literally means "to pour out."
Christ didn't hold on to Himself but poured out the riches of His grace and love to enrich all of us!
“form of a man” Like I said, Jesus was, is and ever will be God, but he also became a man. The ultimate act of humility and service.
“9But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:9, ESV)
3 Tough Questions Part 3
Did Jesus REALLY Rise From the Dead?
By Louie Marsh, 12-4-2022
Christmas series - slides
“11and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”” (Acts 1:11, ESV)
1) ASK the right questions.
“18“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18, ESV)
- Is there LIFE AFTER DEATH?
“19For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. 20All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. 21Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?” (Ecclesiastes 3:19–21, ESV)
2) REALIZE that this is personal!
“10and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” (2 Timothy 1:10, ESV)
“The Easter event…is fact; and guarantees each believer’s own reembodiement by Resurrection in the world to come.” – J.I. Packer
3) EXAMINE the evidence of History.
“I say unequivocally that the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is so overwhelming that it compels acceptance by proof which leaves absolutely no room for doubt.” – Sir Lionel Luckhoo
- Did Jesus Really DIE ?
“50And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.” (Matthew 27:50, ESV)
- Was the Tomb Really EMPTY ?
“2And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” (Luke 24:2–3, ESV)
- What did the EYEWITNESSES say?
“1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—” (1 John 1:1, ESV)
- Is there any extra-Biblical EVIDENCE?
Habermas an authority on ancient lit has compiled a list of 22 ancient documents that mention Jesus death and 13 that refer to His resurrection.
Darkness – the Bible says darkness fell over the land, well a 1st century Greek historian named Thallus, who wasn’t a Christian, wrote in 52 AD that there was a sudden darkness over the whole eastern Mediterranean – and tried to explain it away as an eclipse even tho we know that isn’t true.
4) ACCEPT the verdict of History.
“13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13, ESV)
5) GIVE your life to Christ.
“21And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” (Acts 2:21, ESV)
3 Tough Questions
#2 Is Jesus the ONLY Way?
By Louie Marsh – 11-27-2022
Today we’re going to talk about the ONE thing about Christianity that bothers people the most today! Nice religious teachings are ok – but saying Jesus is the only way to God – That’s offensive! So lets look at it!
“6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)
1) Do All Roads LEAD TO GOD?
Today the Politically Correct thing to say is YES – but that’s not what Jesus said – and that breaks the one sacred rule in our culture – you must never be intolerant!! Why does Jesus Say this – why are we told to worship the one true God – not the mush God of popular culture?
- Other Religions say, "I'll show you how to find the truth."
Jesus says, "I AM the truth!"
- Other Religions say, "I'll show you the way to salvation."
Jesus says, "I AM the way to salvation!"
- Other Religions say, "I'll show you how to become enlightened.”
Jesus says, "I AM the light of the world!"
“12Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” (John 8:12, ESV)
Other religions are built around moral teachings, things to be done or not done, but the Christian faith is built around a PERSON – Jesus – He is Who we believe in – Not a set of doctrines!
2) Do verses DONE
“30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30, ESV)
“29Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”” (John 6:29, ESV)
The message of Grace is ONLY found in the Christian faith –
EXAMPLE – Both Christ and Buddha told a similar story – about a son who take his inheritance, leaves home, wastes it and finally returns home. You know how Jesus ended the story – The father RAN to the son, forgave and restored him.
In the Buddhist story the son must work off his years of misdeeds by spending years as a slave.
“The parables seem very different, but somehow the same. In one story the greatness is outside of ourselves in the form of God. In the other story, our own true nature is already great. But in both stories, we find peace and love and belonging.” - Ryusenflowingfountain
- Only One Way Because God Isn't SCHIZOPHRENIC
3) If the Evidence Fits You Must BELIEVE IT!
“44Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”” (Luke 24:44, ESV)
“37If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me;” (John 10:37, ESV)
“22He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22, ESV)
4) Yeah But What About Those Who HAVENT’ HEARD?
“25Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”” (Genesis 18:25, ESV)
“29“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29, ESV)
“5Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5, ESV)
5) Don't Take My Word For It CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF!
“5You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.” (1 John 3:5, ESV)
“21And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”” (Mark 9:21–24, ESV)
3 Tough Questions
Why Does God Allow Evil?
Louie Marsh, 11-20-2022
Mao Zedung
Born: December 26, 1893
Died: September 9, 1976, Beijing,
Responsible for between 40 and 80 million deaths – most scholars settle around 65 million deaths.
Joseph Stalin
Born: December 18,1878
Died: March 5, 1953, Kuntsevo Dacha, Moscow
Responsible for between 6 and 23 million people dying.
Adolph Hitler
Born: April 20, 1889,
Died: April 30, 1945, Berlin, Nazi Germany
Responsible for at least 17 million deaths.
TOTAL – OVER 100 MILLION!
HOW CAN YOU BELIEVE IN A GOD WHO LET’S THIS HAPPEN?
Where Does Evil Come From?
1) Satan decided to REBEL against God.
“13You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’” (Isaiah 14:13–14, ESV)
2) We have DECIDED to go our own way.
“4But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:4–6, ESV)
3) God decided to ALLOW us to experience the consequences.
“17And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;” (Genesis 3:17, ESV)
Why Doesn’t God End Evil?
1) The Argument Against God.
- If a good, eternal and all powerful God exists, He could annihilate evil at will, and thus end all pain and suffering.
- A Being who had the power to do this, is cruel and unjust not to exercise this power and thus end all evil and it’s consequences.
- Theism (the belief in one God – Christianity is Theistic) affirms the all powerful, loving God we have just described; Who never the less does not annihilate evil.
- Therefore: He is cruel and unjust, or He does not exist!
2) What’s Wrong with the Argument?
- It places a restriction on the nature of God, something you can NEVER do!
- It presupposes that our reasoning processes are equal or superior to God’s, and that our solution must be the right one!
- It doesn’t work when you try and apply it practically.
Have Someone MAKE THE DECREE!!
God Allows Evil Because… 1) He is GOD!
“8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8–9, ESV)
He knows far more than we do – and has chosen not to end evil by destroying everything, but to work it out – through what the Bible calls Redemption – bringing everything back to Him.
- Because He is God I must BELIEVE IN HIM.
2) He is GOOD!
“18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,” (Luke 4:18, ESV)
“17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17, ESV)
“1For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, ESV)
He is GOOD – and values FREEDOM! Our freedom, it would be evil to make us obey – evil and of no value what so ever!
- Because He is good I must TRUST HIM.
3) He is LOVE!
“7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7–8, ESV)
Love cannot be forced, it must be a FREE choice! Proposing with a gun example!
God allows evil because He has to if He is to give us the moral freedom we all need to choose to either love Him or reject Him!
- Because He is Love I must LOVE HIM.
4) He wants to bring us BACK TO HIM.
“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.” (John 3:16, ESV)
God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change. 2 Peter 3:9 (Mes)
Life Under the Sun
Part 12: The End of the Matter
By Louie Marsh, 11-13-2022
1) SERVE GOD while you can.
“1Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;” (Ecclesiastes 12:1, ESV)
George Gallup has pointed out that if you were born in 1900 you would barely outlive your midlife crises - the average lifespan then was 47 years old! The father born in 1940 found the odds against his making it to retirement as the average life span was 63 years of age. But if you were born in 1980 you can expect to live until you are 73 years of age
“35So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.” (John 12:35, ESV)
2) GET READY to deal with the challenges of aging.
“2before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, 3in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, 4and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low— 5they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets—” (Ecclesiastes 12:2–5, ESV)
It will be too late then to remember him, when the light of the sun and moon and stars is dim to your old eyes, and there is no silver lining left among the clouds. Your limbs will tremble with age, and your strong legs will grow weak. Your teeth will be too few to do their work, and you will be blind, too. And when your teeth are gone, keep your lips tightly closed when you eat! Even the chirping of birds will wake you up. But you yourself will be deaf and tuneless, with a quavering voice. You will be afraid of heights and of falling, white-haired and withered, dragging along without any sexual desire. You will be standing at death's door. And as you near your everlasting home, the mourners will walk along the streets. Eccl. 12:2-5 (NLT)
TRADITIONAL FEELINGS AMONG THE AGED:
- Uselessness
- Feelings of guilt and regret
Sometimes
By Thomas S. Jones Jr.
Across the fields of yesterday
He sometimes comes to me
The little lad just back from play
The boy I used to be.
He smiles at me so wistfully
When once he’s crept within
It is as though he had hoped to see
The man I might have been
- Bitterness and resentment
- Self-pity
- Fear
3) REJOICE that God is waiting for you.
“6before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, 7and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:6–7, ESV)
How To Establish A Spiritual B.A.S.I.S. for Living
B = Believe Jesus died on the Cross for me and showed He was God by coming back to life again.
A = Accept Christ as Lord of My life and His free forgiveness of my sins.
S = Switch to God’s Plan for my life.
I = Inform others of your decision.
S = Submerge yourself in Christ.
4) CAREFULLY PREPARE to share what you’ve learned.
“9Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. 10The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.” (Ecclesiastes 12:9–10, ESV)
5) Don’t ever quit LEARNING.
“11The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. 12My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:11–12, ESV)
- Choose what you read & watch & hear
It’s okay to read some junk, just make sure that’s not all you read/see/take in
6) THE BOTTOM LINE:
“13The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, ESV)
- Take God SERIOUSLY!
- OBEY Him!
- Remember you are ACCOUNTABLE to God.
Life Under the Sun
Part 12: The End of the Matter
By Louie Marsh, 11-13-2022
1) SERVE GOD while you can.
“1Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;” (Ecclesiastes 12:1, ESV)
George Gallup has pointed out that if you were born in 1900 you would barely outlive your midlife crises - the average lifespan then was 47 years old! The father born in 1940 found the odds against his making it to retirement as the average life span was 63 years of age. But if you were born in 1980 you can expect to live until you are 73 years of age
“35So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.” (John 12:35, ESV)
2) GET READY to deal with the challenges of aging.
“2before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, 3in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, 4and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low— 5they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets—” (Ecclesiastes 12:2–5, ESV)
It will be too late then to remember him, when the light of the sun and moon and stars is dim to your old eyes, and there is no silver lining left among the clouds. Your limbs will tremble with age, and your strong legs will grow weak. Your teeth will be too few to do their work, and you will be blind, too. And when your teeth are gone, keep your lips tightly closed when you eat! Even the chirping of birds will wake you up. But you yourself will be deaf and tuneless, with a quavering voice. You will be afraid of heights and of falling, white-haired and withered, dragging along without any sexual desire. You will be standing at death's door. And as you near your everlasting home, the mourners will walk along the streets. Eccl. 12:2-5 (NLT)
TRADITIONAL FEELINGS AMONG THE AGED:
- Uselessness
- Feelings of guilt and regret
Sometimes
By Thomas S. Jones Jr.
Across the fields of yesterday
He sometimes comes to me
The little lad just back from play
The boy I used to be.
He smiles at me so wistfully
When once he’s crept within
It is as though he had hoped to see
The man I might have been
- Bitterness and resentment
- Self-pity
- Fear
3) REJOICE that God is waiting for you.
“6before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, 7and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:6–7, ESV)
How To Establish A Spiritual B.A.S.I.S. for Living
B = Believe Jesus died on the Cross for me and showed He was God by coming back to life again.
A = Accept Christ as Lord of My life and His free forgiveness of my sins.
S = Switch to God’s Plan for my life.
I = Inform others of your decision.
S = Submerge yourself in Christ.
4) CAREFULLY PREPARE to share what you’ve learned.
“9Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. 10The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.” (Ecclesiastes 12:9–10, ESV)
5) Don’t ever quit LEARNING.
“11The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. 12My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:11–12, ESV)
- Choose what you read & watch & hear
It’s okay to read some junk, just make sure that’s not all you read/see/take in
6) THE BOTTOM LINE:
“13The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, ESV)
- Take God SERIOUSLY!
- OBEY Him!
- Remember you are ACCOUNTABLE to God.
Life Under the Sun, Pt. 11
How to Enjoy a Meaningful Life
By Louie Marsh, 11-6-2022
I Need to Be…
- Be BOLD
- Be JOYFUL
- Be GODLY
How to Enjoy a Meaningful Life
1) Instead of trying to control everything – GIVE CONTROL to God.
“1Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1, ESV)
2) Instead of being a tightwad – be GENEROUS!
“2Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:2, ESV)
3) Instead of drifting – be PURPOSEFUL!
“3If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth, and if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie. 4He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” (Ecclesiastes 11:3–4, ESV)
4) Instead of Doubting God – DOUBT YOUR DOUBTS!
“5As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. 6In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” (Ecclesiastes 11:5–6, ESV)
5) Instead of Moping around – ENJOY LIFE!
“7Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. 8So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all… (Ecclesiastes 11:7–8a, ESV)
6) Instead of Ignoring God – LISTEN!
8…but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 11:7–8, ESV)
7) Instead of waiting for what’s next – REJOICE where you are!
“9Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. 10Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9–10, ESV)
Life Under the Sun, Pt. 11
How to Enjoy a Meaningful Life
By Louie Marsh, 11-6-2022
I Need to Be…
- Be BOLD
- Be JOYFUL
- Be GODLY
How to Enjoy a Meaningful Life
1) Instead of trying to control everything – GIVE CONTROL to God.
“1Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1, ESV)
2) Instead of being a tightwad – be GENEROUS!
“2Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:2, ESV)
3) Instead of drifting – be PURPOSEFUL!
“3If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth, and if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie. 4He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” (Ecclesiastes 11:3–4, ESV)
4) Instead of Doubting God – DOUBT YOUR DOUBTS!
“5As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. 6In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” (Ecclesiastes 11:5–6, ESV)
5) Instead of Moping around – ENJOY LIFE!
“7Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. 8So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all… (Ecclesiastes 11:7–8a, ESV)
6) Instead of Ignoring God – LISTEN!
8…but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 11:7–8, ESV)
7) Instead of waiting for what’s next – REJOICE where you are!
“9Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. 10Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9–10, ESV)
Life Under the Sun, Pt. 10
Steps to Christlikeness
By Louie Marsh, 10-30-2022
- Drop Kick Me Jesus (Through The Goal Posts Of Life.) Written by Paul Charles Craft
- I Don't Care if it Rains or Freezes 'Long as I Have My Plastic Jesus Sittin' on the Dashboard of my Car a.k.a. "Plastic Jesus" by Ernie Marrs
- I've Been Roped And Throwed By Jesus In The Holy Ghost Corral.
- I Went Back to My Fourth Wife for the Third Time and Gave Her a Second Chance to Make a First Class Fool Out of Me by Rev. Billy C. Wirtz
- Hand me the Pool Cue and Call Yourself an Ambulance (- it’s not real)
Things aren’t always what they seem. The same is true of us.
A story from American Indian folk lore – a brave one day found an eagle’s egg had fallen out of its nest, since he couldn’t reach the nest he decided to put the egg in the next of a prairie chicken. After a while the eagle hatched and was raised by the mother prairie chicken to be one of her brood.
The eagle lived his life thinking and acting just like a prairie chicken, not knowing anything else. He scratched in the dirt for insects to eat, he clucked and cackled, and flew no more than a few feet in a hurried thrashing of wings, just like all the other prairie chickens did.
Then one day he looked up and saw an eagle soaring high above. It was magnificent as it soared on the thermals through the cloudless sky. The young eagle asked his mother what is that bird that looks so wonderful?
That’s a eagle, chief of the birds, she said, but don’t give it a second thought, you could never be like him.” So the eagle lived out his life as a chicken, never knowing the greatness he had been born too.
Christians are very often just like that! Made to soar into the heaven’s with our Father, we scratch in the dirt, accepting a ho-hum life of mediocrity when God wants us to be world changers!
1) Always PURSUE GOD in my heart.
“2A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left.” (Ecclesiastes 10:2, ESV)
One commentator suggested this should be the slogan of the Republican party – NOT!! Actually right refers to the place of God’s pleasure.
“Christianity is a religion of the heart.” - DLMoody
“30And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ (Mark 12:30, ESV)
Jesus told us to love God with all our hearts- making our faith a thing of the heart and not just the head.
Example:
IN his Sunday sermon a preacher’s subject was “Forgive your enemies.” After the sermon he asked how many present we willing to forgive – about half held up their hands.
No satisfied he harangued the congregation for another 20 minutes and repeated the question. About 80% raised their hands, so he lectured them for another 15 minutes and then repeated the question.
All but one elderly man raised his hand.
“My Jones,” the preacher asked, “are you not willing to forgive your enemies?”
“I don’t have any,” he said.
“Mr, Jones, that is very unusual, how old are you?”
86 he said
“Would you please come down in front and tell the congregation how a man can live to be 86 and not have an enemy in the world?”
The old man shuffled to the front, turned to the congregation and with smile he said, “I outlived every last one of ‘em!”
Cute story – but it misses the point – it’s a great example of surface level, Pharisee type Christianity not heart deep Christianity.
2) Remember: There’s no such thing as a SAFE SIN!
“1Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.” (Ecclesiastes 10:1, ESV)
Seemingly little things can destroy your life and spoil your reputation. A few flies can destroy a wonderful perfume. A few moments of folly can ruin or severely damage your life.
Illustrations: Nixon and Watergate, Clinton and Monica.
3) When opposed STAND FIRM & REMAIN CALM.
“4If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.” (Ecclesiastes 10:4, ESV)
It’s in the nature of a chicken to quit and run away when the going gets tough. But if we are to be eagles then we’ll be firm in our convictions – and calm and loving at the same time.
Don’t yell and scream – you’ll get much more respect if you remain calm and speak as calmly as possible about whatever the issue is. People don’t respect quitters, yellers etc. They DO respect people who stand by their beliefs and don’t run people who disagree.
4) Risk is good – but I must think STRATEGICALLY!
“8He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.” (Ecclesiastes 10:8, ESV)
5) SKILL succeeds where strength fails.
“10If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success.” (Ecclesiastes 10:10, NASB95)
6) My speech should be KIND & THOUGHTFUL.
“12The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.” (Ecclesiastes 10:12, ESV)
7) TRUST GOD – only He knows the future.
“14A fool multiplies words, though no man knows what is to be, and who can tell him what will be after him?” (Ecclesiastes 10:14, ESV)
Life Under the Sun Pt. 9
Living a Life that Works!
By Louie Marsh, 10-23-2022
4 PHILOSOPHIES OF LIFE THAT DON’T WORK:
- MATERIALISM
- WOKE
- HUMANISM
- FATALISM
GOD’S WAY DOES WORK!
1) God is there & HE CARES for me!
“1But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him.” (Ecclesiastes 9:1, ESV)
2) God has only given me so much TIME.
“2It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. 3This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all (Ecclesiastes 9:2–3a, ESV)
3) God says evil lurks in MYHEART.
. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.” (Ecclesiastes 9:3b, ESV)
4) There is hope for the living in the LIVING GOD.
“4But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” (Ecclesiastes 9:4, ESV)
HOW TO ENJOY YOUR LIFE:
1) Live HAPPILY where ever you are!
“7Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7, ESV)
Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes – God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Eccl. 9:7 (Mes)
2) Live in PURITY & THE POWER of the Spirit!
“8Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. 9Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9:8–9, ESV)
3) Throw yourself completely into WHATEVER!
“10Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, ESV)
4) Remember: MY ABILITY doesn’t guarantee my success.
“11Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11, ESV)
5) God’s Wisdom is more EFFECTIVE than my strength.
“15But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.” (Ecclesiastes 9:15–16, ESV)
Life Under the Sun Pt. 9
Living a Life that Works!
By Louie Marsh, 10-23-2022
4 PHILOSOPHIES OF LIFE THAT DON’T WORK:
- MATERIALISM
- WOKE
- HUMANISM
- FATALISM
GOD’S WAY DOES WORK!
1) God is there & HE CARES for me!
“1But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him.” (Ecclesiastes 9:1, ESV)
2) God has only given me so much TIME.
“2It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. 3This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all (Ecclesiastes 9:2–3a, ESV)
3) God says evil lurks in MYHEART.
. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.” (Ecclesiastes 9:3b, ESV)
4) There is hope for the living in the LIVING GOD.
“4But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” (Ecclesiastes 9:4, ESV)
HOW TO ENJOY YOUR LIFE:
1) Live HAPPILY where ever you are!
“7Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7, ESV)
Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes – God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Eccl. 9:7 (Mes)
2) Live in PURITY & THE POWER of the Spirit!
“8Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. 9Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9:8–9, ESV)
3) Throw yourself completely into WHATEVER!
“10Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, ESV)
4) Remember: MY ABILITY doesn’t guarantee my success.
“11Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11, ESV)
5) God’s Wisdom is more EFFECTIVE than my strength.
“15But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.” (Ecclesiastes 9:15–16, ESV)
Life Under the Sun, Pt. 8
How To Influence People Wisely
By Louie Marsh, 10-16-2022
1) I’ll keep my mind CLEAR by focusing on Christ.
“1Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing?... (Ecclesiastes 8:1a, ESV)
There’s nothing better than being wise. Knowing how to interpret the meaning of life. Eccl. 8: 1a (Mes)
Example of Unclear Mind that needs focus on Christ –
The Scales of Good and Evil Cliff Pickover
Clifford A. Pickover received his Ph.D. from Yale University's Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. He graduated first in his class from Franklin and Marshall College, after completing the four-year undergraduate program in three years. His many books have been translated into Italian, German, Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Polish.
The Good! 1. Buddha 2. Baha'u'llah - Baha'is 3. Dalai Lama 4. Jesus Christ 5. Moses 6. Mother Theresa 7. Abraham Lincoln 8. Martin Luther King 9. Mohandas Gandhi 10. Carl Djerassi -- "Father of the birth control pill."
2) I must have the JOY of the Lord!
“1…A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.” (Ecclesiastes 8:1b, ESV)
Joy is the real source of strength – The Joy of the Lord is My Strength!
3) I need to WATCH my mouth!
“2I say: Keep the king’s command, because of God’s oath to him. 3Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. 4For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?”” (Ecclesiastes 8:2–4, ESV)
Because we have freedom of speech we sometimes tend to think that makes it okay to shoot off our mouths any old time we want too! WRONG!!
4) I’ll develop KEEN JUDGEMENT with God’s help.
“5Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. 6For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him. 7For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be?” (Ecclesiastes 8:5–7, ESV)
Yes there’s a right time and way for everything, even though, unfortunately, we miss it for the most part. Eccl. 8:6 (Mes)
- Good sense of TIMING
Theodore Roosevelt said, “Nine tenths of wisdom is being wise at the right time.”
- Mapping out WISE STRATEGY
Knowing what to do is often easy – knowing HOW to do it is another story!
- Remaining calm & decisive UNDER PRESSURE.
When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout! – That’s NOT the wise way to influence people!
- Possessing INDEPENDENT INTUITION.
Do you think things through and really think about it? Or do you just listen to others, or just think about things the way you always have or were taught in the past? Real leaders, people who are influential think independently and have a good sense of what to do!
5) I should possess a CHRIST-LIKE HUMILITY.
“8No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.” (Ecclesiastes 8:8, ESV)
We need to be more humble when we deal with everyone, especially people who are hurting and sinning.
How George Washington stopped the Newburgh Conspiracy. In 1783 many officers in the Continental Army were unhappy after the Revolutionary war was over. They hadn’t been paid in years and the congress was going to cut their rewards after war too.
Washington heard about this and met with all his officers on March 13, 1783. If he failed to talk them out of it they would march on Congress, force them to pay them –and our country would not be what it is today.
After reasoning with them for a long time Washington hadn’t made any head way – and as a last resort decided to read a letter from Congressman Joseph Jones of Virginia. As he pulled out the letter he convinced them in an instant without reading letter.
Did he yell, argue, demand or order? No. Washington, a big, strong, and very formal man let down his guard in an act of humility for just a moment and saved the republic by doing so.
He hesitated and then pulled out his glasses – up to that time only his closest aides had seen him wear them. “Gentleman, You will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in your service.”
A wave of emotion swept the room, many men openly weeping! Washington read the letter, they voted their thanks to Washington and the matter ended.
6) I won’t take UNFAIR ADVANTAGE over others.
“9All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt.” (Ecclesiastes 8:9, ESV)
The Clergy sexual abuse epidemic is one example of this – over the last 10 years the number of complaints PER WEEK against Protestant churches for sexual abuse was 70! 25% of those were against the Pastor.
7) I admit that I don’t KNOW EVERYTHING only God does!
“16When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one’s eyes see sleep, 17then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.” (Ecclesiastes 8:16–17, ESV)
You and I don’t know everything! And guess what? It’s no secret to all your friends and family that you don’t know everything. So go ahead and admit it – cause we already know it!
3 Mysteries:
1) UNJUST TRIUMPH
“10Then I saw the wicked buried. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. This also is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 8:10, ESV)
2) UNFAIR CONSEQUENCES
“14There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 8:14, ESV)
3) UNTIMELY PLEASURE
“15And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15, ESV)
Life Under the Sun
Part 7: Some Wise Advice
By Louie Marsh, 10/9/2022
Intro – pics – last one church pic
How To Follow Jesus
1) I should focus on my CHARACTER not my appearance.
“1A good name is better than expensive perfume… (Ecclesiastes 7:1, GW)
This is hard – story of my dirty shirt in college and the solution!
Appearance means not your clothes but the way you appear outwardly – station in life, looks, job, titles, society, etc.
2) Being with God is better than BEING HERE!
“1…the day of death than the day of birth. 2It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:1–2, ESV)
…the day you die is better than the day you are born. It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time. Eccl. 7:1b-2 (NLT)
I'm torn between two desires: Sometimes I want to live, and sometimes I long to go and be with Christ. That would be far better for me, but it is better for you that I live. Phil. 1:23-24 (NLT)
The more mature we grow in Christ the more we’ll agree with this – it’s a tough one for me personally because I’m allergic to death! I really want to go to heaven, I just don’t want to have to die to get there!!
3) I learn more from HARD TIMES than happy ones.
“3Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. 4The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.” (Ecclesiastes 7:3–4, ESV)
A wise person thinks much about death, while the fool thinks only about having a good time now. Eccles. 7:4 (NLT)
I think almost everyone know this is true – but isn’t it amazing how hard we work at denying it’s truth in our lives! How we focus on having fun and feeling good as if that’s the end all and be all of life – it’s NOT!!
- Do don’t just go through things – GROW through them!
4) Learning from the wise is better than laughing with LOSERS!
“5It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. 6For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 7:5–6, ESV)
It is better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool! Indeed, a fool's laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless. Eccl. 7:5-6 (NLT)
- Play things DOWN not up!
5) How we FINISH is more important than how we begin.
“8Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8, ESV)
It is better to finish something than to start it Eccl. 7:8a (NCV)
How many projects have you started and then let go unfinished? It’s easy to get excited about things and jump into them – it’s not so easy to finish them!
REMEMBER: It’s not how you start that counts – it’s how you finish!
6) REMAINING CALM accomplishes more than anger.
9Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. 10Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9–10, ESV)
Patience is better than pride. Don't be quick-tempered, for anger is the friend of fools. Don't long for "the good old days," for you don't know whether they were any better than today. Eccl. 7:8-10 (NLT)
Why get upset all the time? Or if you are upset – don’t blurt things out – stay quiet and calm and let God do His Work!
Don’t get upset over thing changing, the good old days weren’t that good – and things have to change – it’s the nature of the world God created and the nature He’s given each one of us!
Two Major Benefits of Wisdom!
1) It keeps me from SELF-INFLICTED wounds.
“11Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun. 12For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.” (Ecclesiastes 7:11–12, ESV)
The majority of my problems in life are self-inflicted wounds – the more of God’s Wisdom I have, the fewer of those I’ll suffer!
2) It gives me God’s PERSPECTIVE on life.
“13Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? 14In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.” (Ecclesiastes 7:13–14, ESV)
“13See the way God does things and fall into line. Don’t fight the facts of nature. Who can straighten what he has made crooked? 14Enjoy prosperity whenever you can, and when hard times strike, realize that God gives one as well as the other—so that everyone will realize that nothing is certain in this life.” (Ecclesiastes 7:13–14, The Living Bible)
Life Under the Sun, Pt. 6
When Things Are Going Well…
By Louie Marsh, 10-2-2022
Introduction – Malawi Trip
In the Old Testament when did Israel get into the most trouble? When things were going well, not when things were going bad. There’s a lesson there!
1) REMEMBER God is in Control!
“1There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: 2a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil.” (Ecclesiastes 6:1–2, ESV)
2) RECOGNIZE that enjoyment is a gift of God.
“7All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied.” (Ecclesiastes 6:7, ESV)
We work to feed out appetites; Meanwhile our souls go hungry. Eccl. 6:7 (Mes)
3) RESIST complacency.
Without God Truth is…
- DEBATABLE
“8For what advantage has the wise man over the fool? And what does the poor man have who knows how to conduct himself before the living?” (Ecclesiastes 6:8, ESV)
- ELUSIVE
“9Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.” (Ecclesiastes 6:9, ESV)
- Beyond my power to CHANGE
“10Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he.” (Ecclesiastes 6:10, ESV)
- Beyond my ability to PREDICT
“12For who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain life, which he passes like a shadow? For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 6:12, ESV)
4) REJOICE in God’s gifts!
- ENJOYMENT
“19Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:19, ESV)
- SALVATION
“8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8–10, ESV)
The first sermon in a three-part sermon series from Hebrews 11. This sermon focuses on Sarah and her story in Genesis 11-25.
Life Under the Sun
Part 5: How to Really Grow Spiritually
By Louie Marsh, 9-4-2022
Malawi pics = last one hand washing.
TO REALLY GROW SPIRITUALLY I MUST DO 5 THINGS
1) Drew near & LISTEN.
“1Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.” (Ecclesiastes 5:1, ESV)
- WHY? Because God is
“14For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it.” (Job 33:14, ESV)
“Everything happening, great or small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message.” - Malcolm Muggeridge
“19Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19, ESV)
“Everything difficult indicates something more than our theory of life yet embraces.”
- George MacDonald
2) Speak less, LISTEN more!
“2Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2, ESV)
Don’t shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think. Don’t be too quick to tell God what you think he wants to hear. God’s in charge, not you – the less you speak the better. Eccl. 5:2 (Mes)
- WHY? Because God hears THE INAUDIBLE & sees THE INVISIBLE.
“21would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart.” (Psalm 44:21, ESV)
3) Let my ACTIONS speak louder than words.
“3For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words…“7For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.” (Ecclesiastes 5:3,7, ESV)
- WHY? Because God takes me SERIOUSLY!
“15No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15, ESV)
4) If you make a commitment to God – KEEP IT!
“4When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. 5It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands?” (Ecclesiastes 5:4–6, ESV)
- WHY? Because God takes my DECISIONS
“15And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”” (Joshua 24:15, ESV)
“20loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”” (Deuteronomy 30:20, ESV)
5) Eventually I must ACCEPT or REJECT Jesus as Lord.
“23Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Luke 11:23, ESV)
- WHY? Because God can only be found THROUGH HIM.
“6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)
Life Under the Sun
Part 4: Focus on What Really Counts
By Louie Marsh, 8-28-2022
Opening slides – last one coffee machine.
THREE OPENING QUESTIONS:
1) Am I telling myself THETRUTH about possessions?
“1Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 4:1–3, ESV)
“15And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”” (Luke 12:15, ESV)
2) Am I heeding GOD’S WARNINGS about priorities?
“4Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. 5The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. 6Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:4–6, ESV)
“33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
It might help to remember Yussif, the Terrible Turk! Yussif was the three-hundred-and-fifty-pound wrestling champion in Europe a little over two generations ago. After he won the European championship, he sailed to the United States to beat our champ, whose name was Strangles Lewis-- a little guy, by comparison, who weighed just a shade over two hundred pounds.
Although he wasn't huge, Strangler had a simple plan for defeating his opponents. It had never failed to work. He'd put that massive arm of his around the neck of his opponent. He'd pump up that bicep and cut the oxygen off, right up there near the Adam's apple. Many an opponent had passed out in the ring with Strangler Lewis.
The problem he had when it came to fighting the Turk was that the European giant didn't have a neck! His body just went from his head to those massive shoulders. Lewis could never get the hold, so it wasn't long before Yussif flipped Lewis down on the mat and pinned him.
After winning the championship, the Turk demanded all five thousand dollars in gold. After he wrapped the championship belt around his vast middle, he stuffed the gold into the belt and boarded the next ship back to Europe. He was now the possessor of America's glory and gold. He had won it all... all except immortality. He set sail on the SS Bourgogne . Halfway across the Atlantic, a storm struck and the ship began to sink.
Yussif went over the side with his gold still strapped around his body. The added weight was too much for the Turk, and he sank like an iron anvil before they could get to him with the lifeboats He was never seen again.
3) Am I getting THE SUPPORT I need?
“7Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business.” (Ecclesiastes 4:7–8, ESV)
“66After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”” (John 6:66–69, ESV)
ONE POWERFUL FACT:
Two Are Better Than One!
“9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, ESV)
WHY IS THIS TRUE?
- Mutual ENCOURAGEMENT when I’m weak.
“10For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:10, ESV)
“21And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.” (1 Kings 19:21, ESV)
- Mutual SUPPORT when I’m vulnerable.
“11Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?” (Ecclesiastes 4:11, ESV)
“16But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16, ESV)
- Mutual PROTECTION when I’m attacked.
“12And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12, ESV)
“3But David vowed again, saying, “Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he thinks, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.’ But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.” 4Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”” (1 Samuel 20:3–4, ESV)
THREE WAYS TO RESPOND:
- MEMBERSHIP IN A LOCAL CHURCH
- ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN A BIBLE STUDY
- MAKING CHRIST YOUR ULTIMATE FRIEND!
“24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, ESV)
Life Under the Sun
Part 4: Focus on What Really Counts
By Louie Marsh, 8-28-2022
Opening slides – last one coffee machine.
THREE OPENING QUESTIONS:
1) Am I telling myself THETRUTH about possessions?
“1Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 4:1–3, ESV)
“15And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”” (Luke 12:15, ESV)
2) Am I heeding GOD’S WARNINGS about priorities?
“4Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. 5The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. 6Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:4–6, ESV)
“33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
It might help to remember Yussif, the Terrible Turk! Yussif was the three-hundred-and-fifty-pound wrestling champion in Europe a little over two generations ago. After he won the European championship, he sailed to the United States to beat our champ, whose name was Strangles Lewis-- a little guy, by comparison, who weighed just a shade over two hundred pounds.
Although he wasn't huge, Strangler had a simple plan for defeating his opponents. It had never failed to work. He'd put that massive arm of his around the neck of his opponent. He'd pump up that bicep and cut the oxygen off, right up there near the Adam's apple. Many an opponent had passed out in the ring with Strangler Lewis.
The problem he had when it came to fighting the Turk was that the European giant didn't have a neck! His body just went from his head to those massive shoulders. Lewis could never get the hold, so it wasn't long before Yussif flipped Lewis down on the mat and pinned him.
After winning the championship, the Turk demanded all five thousand dollars in gold. After he wrapped the championship belt around his vast middle, he stuffed the gold into the belt and boarded the next ship back to Europe. He was now the possessor of America's glory and gold. He had won it all... all except immortality. He set sail on the SS Bourgogne . Halfway across the Atlantic, a storm struck and the ship began to sink.
Yussif went over the side with his gold still strapped around his body. The added weight was too much for the Turk, and he sank like an iron anvil before they could get to him with the lifeboats He was never seen again.
3) Am I getting THE SUPPORT I need?
“7Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business.” (Ecclesiastes 4:7–8, ESV)
“66After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”” (John 6:66–69, ESV)
ONE POWERFUL FACT:
Two Are Better Than One!
“9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, ESV)
WHY IS THIS TRUE?
- Mutual ENCOURAGEMENT when I’m weak.
“10For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:10, ESV)
“21And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.” (1 Kings 19:21, ESV)
- Mutual SUPPORT when I’m vulnerable.
“11Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?” (Ecclesiastes 4:11, ESV)
“16But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16, ESV)
- Mutual PROTECTION when I’m attacked.
“12And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12, ESV)
“3But David vowed again, saying, “Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he thinks, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.’ But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.” 4Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”” (1 Samuel 20:3–4, ESV)
THREE WAYS TO RESPOND:
- MEMBERSHIP IN A LOCAL CHURCH
- ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN A BIBLE STUDY
- MAKING CHRIST YOUR ULTIMATE FRIEND!
“24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, ESV)
Life Under the Sun
Part 2: Breaking Bad Connections
By Louie Marsh, 8-14-2022
Intro. In order to make our lives more meaningful we need to connect to certain things and break our connections with other ways of thinking. Today I want to take a look at some of the more important connection we need to break and make to find true meaning in our lives.
BAD CONNECTIONS TO BREAK:
1) Break the connection between TEMPORARY pleasure & lasting happiness.
“1I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. 2I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life.” (Ecclesiastes 2:1–3, ESV)
It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be treated as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God's people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. Hebrews 11:24-25 (NLT)
2) Break the connection between your CIRCUMSTANCES & your character.
“8I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man. 9So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil.” (Ecclesiastes 2:8–10, ESV)
3) Break the connection between what you DO & who you ARE.
“4I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem.” (Ecclesiastes 2:4–7, ESV)
“21because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? 23For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 2:21–23, ESV)
Meaning is An INSIDE JOB!
“17Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 18yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17–18, ESV)
CONNECTIONS I NEED TO MAKE:
4) GRASP God’s gift of contentment.
“24There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, 25for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? 26For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24–26, 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)
5) SUBMIT to God’s discipline, His way of living.
Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Psalm 119:35 (NLT)
"Happy are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! Proverbs 8:34 (NLT)
Life Under the Sun
Part 1: Ask the Right Questions
By Louie Marsh, 8-7-2022
Everything I Need To Know About Life, I Learned From Noah's Ark.
One: Don't miss the boat.
Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six: Build your future on high ground.
Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine: When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
1) ASK the right questions.
“3What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? 4A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. 5The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. 6The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. 7All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. 8All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 9What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. 10Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us. 11There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after.” (Ecclesiastes 1:3–11, ESV)
- The truth is: much of life is DULL!
“The basic fact about human experience is not that it is a tragedy, but that it is a bore. It is not that it is predominantly painful, but that it is lacking in any sense.” - H.L. Mencken
“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.” - Thoreau
“The craft we call modern; the crimes that we call new; John Bunyan had them typed and filed in 1682.” - Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)
2) EMBRACE the ugly truth.
“12I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 14I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. 15What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.” (Ecclesiastes 1:12–15, ESV)
- Seek = “investigate the roots of the matter.” (research)
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Search Out = “to examine all sides.” (Experimentation)
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EMBRACE IT = ACCEPT IT, FIND GOD IN IT, THEN WORK TO CHANGE IT FROM THERE.
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The sensual lure of something better tomorrow robs us of the joys offered today.
- The personal temptation to escape is always stronger than the realization of its consequences.
3) LEARN your limitations.
“16I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” 17And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. 18For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” (Ecclesiastes 1:16–18, ESV)
“A man’s got to know his limitations.” – Dirty Harry (Clint Eastwood)
”Education – that great mumbo jumbo and fraud of the ages – purports to equip us to live and is prescribed as a universal remedy for everything from juvenile delinquency to premature senility. For the most part it serves to enlarge stupidity, inflate conceit, enhance credulity, and put those subjected to it at the mercy of brainwashers with printing presses, radio, and television at their disposal.” - Malcolm Muggeridge, (1903-1990), Jesus Rediscovered,
4) LOOK above the sun!
“1The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. 3What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 1:1–3, ESV)
- Meaningless = used 35 times in the book – from a word for breath, means hollow, vain, useless.
- Under the sun – used 29 times, refers to life WITHOUT God –
- Under heaven – used 3 times – means same thing.
3 Truths To Help Us Get Started:
- The final destination, if God is absent, will NOT satisfy!
- If there’s nothing meaningful under the sun – our only hope must be above it!
- If a man who had and tried everything visible was left unsatisfied – the one thing needed must be invisible!
Errol Flynn, My Wicked, Wicked Ways, Introduction (20 June 1909 – 14 October 1959)
I was without faith. Full of regret that I could not believe in God. I was upset with people who said to me, "What? You don't believe? You don’t have faith? Well if you don't have it, you just don't know," in a very upsetting, smart-alecky tone that many people have. They give it to you in a very superior way. They are in touch with God, you are not! If you don't know, old man, it's your tough luck. I doubt these people. Maybe they don't look at life hard enough and deeply enough. Maybe they Iet the barriers down at a certain point, and don't resist, and they let something rush in that they call God.
I'm too hardheaded for that. I have been in rebellion against God and Government ever since I can remember. As a result I am tormented, as it I have been missing something that others have. You can have fame, fortune, be an international character, and wonder whether some little guy who has faith has something bigger than anything you have ever had.
But I had my vodka—and had faith in that. It came in cases. I got up in the morning and reached. I hawked, coughed around a while, took another drink, started the day.
SHIFT #8
SHIFT My Fears
By Louie Marsh, 7-31-2022
“12in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.” (Ephesians 3:12, ESV)
Do you know….
1st word the angel said after Jesus rose from the dead?
1st word Jesus said after he rose
1st disciple’s heard Jesus say after he rose - don’t be afraid
IF we could project your hidden fears on our screen this morning– what would they be? Lose job, marriage, your children, afraid about health, afraid of being stuck in Parker forever!
One pastor was driving and his son looked up and said Daddy, are you afraid of spiders, no, afraid of thunder, no, afraid of ghosts, no, afraid of robbers, no. Then I guess Mommy is the only thing you are afraid of!
Fear has many names – worry, tension, stress, uptight. A recent study of 500 people found 7000 different fears – 14 fears per person!
A ACCEPT God’s Love For Me.
“18There 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)
The Opposite of fear is LOVE.
Bible says the opposite of love is fear – they cannot co-exist together
The Three Levels Of Fear:
- SURFACE
Not able to pay bills, might run out of gas, no clean underwear – might see you shop at WalMart
- PERSONAL
Things below the surface, the fear of failure, rejection, abandonment, losing control, being found out, not being adequate to the task
- The SOUL
A singular – the one fear that all others spring from – it’s the tap root, and until you deal with this deepest level of your life, you won’t be able to deal with the others.
Our Deepest Need – To be completely, totally, unconditionally LOVED.
If you get nothing else please get this – Only God can love you with the kind of love you need!! Nothing else will do – nothing or no one can substitute for God’s love in your life!
If you try to get from other people or things, then you will be disappointed because it won’t work.
If you just be religious, or never get to know God, or drift away from being close to Him – you will deal with these fear issues for the rest of your life!!
“39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39, ESV)
“7Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7, ESV)
1st step is to accept God’s love – because there’s no fear there and only He can fill your need for love.
Irony – when you need God’s love the most you run from him – because your guilt makes you run from God. If you feel far from God – guess who moved?
B BELIEVE Christ Died & Rose For Me.
“14Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it’s logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil’s hold on death 15and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death.” (Hebrews 2:14–15, The Message)
“15and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” (Hebrews 2:15, ESV)
“11For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” (Romans 10:11, ESV)
Believe IN NOT believe (or Know) ABOUT.
Circle ME – it’s one thing to believe(know) about something another to believe in something. I believe about Howard Stern, & Osama Bin Laden but I don’t believe IN them!
Believe – In Gk – trust in etc.
I believe in Hitler but I’m not a Nazi, I believe in Stalin but I’m not a Communist – I believe in Jesus but I AM a Christian, Why? Because I’ve committed myself to Him!
Belief in Jesus means I can stop being afraid of death!
Pastor was doing some witnessing – asked a bum if he wanted to go to heaven, guy said no! Why? I thought you were taking a bus load right now!
You need Christ not because you are going to die today but because you’ve got to live tomorrow!
C CHALLENGE my fears.
“11Do not fear the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid. Do not fear him, declares the Lord, for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand. 12I will grant you mercy, that he may have mercy on you and let you remain in your own land. 13But if you say, ‘We will not remain in this land,’ disobeying the voice of the Lord your God 14and saying, ‘No, we will go to the land of Egypt, where we shall not see war or hear the sound of the trumpet or be hungry for bread, and we will dwell there,’ 15then hear the word of the Lord, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: If you set your faces to enter Egypt and go to live there, 16then the sword that you fear shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine of which you are afraid shall follow close after you to Egypt, and there you shall die.” (Jeremiah 42:11–16, ESV)
C COMMIT My Fears & My Life To Christ.
“14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 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 3:14–15, ESV)
CHANGE IN PRINTED OUTLINE – FILL IN GOES BELOW THESE VERSES!
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
“18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18, ESV)
The resurrection life you’ve received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike, “What’s next, Papa?” Romans 8:18 (Message)
Outwardly people are hurting – success isn’t a substitute for God, People have their DVD player, their BMW and the MBA but they are S A D.
How many of us know the 10 commandments? Can say them? Have seen the movie???
The first commandment is – No other god’s before Me. That’s idolatry? When you put something in God’s place you are setting yourself up for fear. Why?
Anything but God is #1 – it can be taken from you so you develop fear of losing it.
If having people’s approval is the most important thing to you – then you will develop a fear of losing it.
If making money – fear of losing it. Marriage – fear of not marrying or losing it. Success – fear of failure.
Idolatry = FEAR .
Fear = CONTROL
Jesus is NOT Lord of all if I hold onto my fears!
Think about what makes you afraid. And then let me ask you a question: Is there any chance that thing could be competing with God in your life?
By making Christ Lord – and the only one you have to please – makes you life simpler!
Resign as General Manager of the universe and let God be God – you just be you and things will be so much better!
Shift #7
Shift My Dreams
by Louie Marsh, 7-24-2022
Some Dream Related Quotes
Insomniacs don't sleep because they worry about it, and they worry about it because they don't sleep.---Franklin Adams
My life's dream has been a perpetual nightmare. ---Voltaire
A professor is someone who talk's in someone else's sleep.---Wystan Auden
A man of sixty has spent twenty years in bed and over three years eating.---Arnold Bennett
The only time most women give their orating husbands undivided attention is when the old boys mumble in their sleep.---Wilson Mizner
Sleep is an excellent way of listening to an opera. ---James Stephens
I never sleep comfortably except when I am at a sermon.---Rabelais
1) God wants me to DREAM
" 'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; Acts 2:17 (ESV)
What dreams has God put in your heart?
I want to stir you up to dare to dream. To pursue the dream God put in your heart.
To rediscover dreams that may have been dormant. What’s your dream?
- Most of our dreams are to BORING/SMALL!
CS Lewis said, “Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak.”
Survey by CareerBuilder.com revealed nearly four out of five U.S. workers (84 percent) are not currently in their dream job
Across all professions, police and firefighters reported the highest incidence of feeling they have their dream jobs (35 percent). They are followed closely by teachers (32 percent), real estate professionals (28 percent) and engineers (25 percent). Those in travel and nurses also ranked near the top at 22 percent and 18 percent respectively.
Those professions with the least amount of workers feeling they have their dream jobs include accommodations/food services (9 percent), manufacturing (9 percent) and retail (10 percent).
Key Dream Job Attributes
Salary was one of the least important factors in determining a dream job. Money ranked third (12 percent) compared to having fun at work (39 percent) which topped the list, followed by making a difference in society (17 percent).
TOP 10 CHILDHOOD DREAM JOBS…
OVER ALL
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Doctor
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Teacher
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Veterinarian
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Musician
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Movie star
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Professional athlete
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Artist
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Business owner
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Writer
-
Police officer
FOR AMERICAN MEN
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Professional athlete
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Doctor
-
Musician
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Police officer
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Business owner
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Superhero
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Teacher
-
Movie star
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Architect
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Firefighter
FOR AMERICAN WOMEN
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Teacher
-
Doctor
-
Veterinarian
-
Movie star
-
Writer
-
Artist
-
Fashion designer
-
Musician
-
Business owner
-
Chef
HOW DOES A GOD-GIVEN DREAM DEVELOP?
STAGE 1: God gives me a DREAM
God gives you a dream.. .an idea, goal, or ambition. Every great accomplishment first began as a God-given dream in someone’s mind
“20Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” (Ephesians 3:20, ESV)
Wayne Cordeiro wrote in "Dream Releasers":
“The richest spot on the face of the earth cannot be found in the diamond mines of South Africa, or in… the oil fields of Saudi Arabia. No, the richest plot of land is in your very own neighborhood… It’s the cemetery. That’s right! The graveyard is the wealthiest place in all of creation. Beneath those rectangular pieces of sod lie countless unsung melodies and unwritten poems. The grassy plots overflow with brilliant ideas that could have transformed entire communities… Our burial grounds reek with unattained successes and unrealized dreams.”
Now Joseph had a dream... Genesis 37:5a (ESV)
STAGE 2: I must CHOOSE to follow it.
A dream is worthless until you decide to do something about it. For every 10 dreamers, there’s only 1 decision-maker. This is the moment of truth where you decide to invest your time, money, energy, and reputation and to let go of security. If you want to walk on water -you must get out of the boat!
"Vision without action is daydream; action without vision is nightmare."
“5… and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more.” (Genesis 37:5b, ESV)
STAGE 3: My God-given dream is DELAYED.
There is ALWAYS a time lapse before your dream becomes reality. God uses this waiting period to teach us to trust Him. Remember, a delay is not a denial. Maturity is understanding the difference between “no” and “not yet.”
“19They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer.”…“23So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. 24And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it…“28Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt.” (Genesis 37:19, 23-24, 28, ESV)
“3For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)
‘These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” Hab. 2:3 (LB)
STAGE 4: Things get even MORE DIFFICULT!
Now the problems start popping up. The 2 most common types: critics and circumstances. Don’t worry. It’s all a part of God’s plan
“12she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.” (Genesis 39:12, ESV)
“6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6–7, ESV)
Hudson Taylor said: "It does not matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure lies- whether it comes between you and God, or whether it presses you nearer His heart."
STAGE 5: I finally come to a DEADEND!
Your situation will deteriorate from difficult to IMPOSSIBLE! You are backed into a corner, you reach the end of your rope, it looks hopeless. Congratulations! You are on the edge of a miracle. Trust God
“13In three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office, and you shall place Pharaoh’s cup in his hand as formerly, when you were his cupbearer. 14Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house…23Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.” (Genesis 40:13-13,23, ESV)
“8For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:8–9, ESV)
Joseph was 17 when he started to dream. God usually starts birthing dreams in us while we’re young. Sometimes as people get older they abandon the dreams In Genesis 37 - Joseph is thrown into a PIT
In Genesis 39 - Joseph is a slave working for POTIPHAR
In Genesis 40 - Joseph is in PRISON
In Genesis 41 - Joseph finally arrives in the PALACE
STAGE 6: God brings about my DELIVERANCE!
God provides a supernatural answer. Miraculously, things fall into place! God loves to turn crucifixions into resurrections so you can see His greatness
“9Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “I remember my offenses today.” (Genesis 41:9, ESV)
“13I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!” (Psalm 27:13, ESV)
Shift!
Part 6: Shift My Thinking
by Louie Marsh, 7-10-2022
1) Biblical thinking is focused on Jesus & HIS WORD.
Starts with and is focused on Christ and the truth. Jesus is the way, truth and life, therefore our thinking process must always begin with Him, His Word and truth.
“6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)
“31So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31–32, ESV)
2) My mind desperately needs to be RENEWED.
The Bible teaches us that our minds need to be renewed (Rom. 12:2) because our minds are naturally hostile to God (Rom. 8:5-8) and cannot please God.
“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 12:2, ESV)
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
“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)
3) I can and must CONTROL & FOCUS my thoughts.
We can control what we think about (Phil. 4:8; Heb. 3:1) with the help of God.
“7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:7–8, ESV)
“1Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession,” (Hebrews 3:1, ESV)
4) I should let Jesus SHAPE my life & thoughts.
We must take hold of our thoughts and begin to think the way God wants us to think (2 Cor. 10:5).
“5We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:5, ESV)
We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (MSG)
5) What should my thought process be?
- Check with GOD,
“6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6, ESV)
- Check with GOD’S WORD,
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalms 119:105 (ESV)
- Check with MANY COUNSELORS
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
“22Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22, ESV)
“6for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 24:6, ESV)
“24Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.” (Psalm 119:24, ESV)
- Focus on the TRUTH –
always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:7 (ESV)
- The 7 Hat Approach –
Order In Which I Reveal the Hats
- Objective
- Positive
- Negative
- Creative
- Intuitive
- Process
| Six Thinking Hats A Proposal Analysis Tool by Edward de Bono1 | | The proposal is read out and then everyone puts one the following hats in turn: 1. The White Hat is the information hat. This covers facts, figures, information needs and gaps. People can ask for more information or data to help analyze the proposal. 2. The Red Hat represents emotions. This covers intuition, feelings and emotions. People have to say how this proposal makes them feel emotionally: scared, threatened, excited, energized, etc. It is important to get the feelings expressed, as they can be hidden reasons why people would oppose or support a proposal. 3. The Yellow Hat is the hat of optimism. This is the logical positive: why something will work and why it will offer benefits. Everyone in turn has to say what is good about the proposal. Even if you think the idea stinks you have to find some good points and redeeming qualities about it. 4. The Black Hat is the pessimism hat. This is the hat of judgment and caution. Everyone has to find fault with the idea. Even if it was your idea and you are very proud of it you have to point out some drawbacks and disadvantages. 5. The Green Hat is the hat of growth and possibilities. This is the hat of creativity, alternatives, proposals, what is interesting, provocations and changes. Everyone has to suggest ways in which the idea could be adapted or improved to make it work better. 6. The Blue Hat is the process hat. This is the overview or process control hat. It looks not at the subject itself but at the 'thinking' about the subject. It is used to check if the process is working well. When you wear it, you discuss whether you are using the method in the most effective way. |
SHOW MESSY PIC!
7th Hat – Faith in God!
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)
Shift
Part 5: Shift My Motivations
by Louie Marsh, 7-3-2022
Two Motivation pics – then Old Dr. Boyce Quote, Don’t do the right thing for the wrong reason.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? - SHOW PIC ON CUE!
Who is this Guy? BTK killer – Dennis Rader. Between 1974 and 1991, he killed ten people in Wichita and Park City, Kansas, and sent taunting letters to police and newspapers describing the details of his crime
He was also an active member and leader in his church and community!
3 Things to Remember
1) I can’t deal with my motives without GOD’S HELP.
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalms 139:23-24 (ESV)
2) All of my motives will never be 100% PURE.
“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.” (Philippians 3:12, ESV)
3) Other people’s motives are THEIR PROBLEM not mine!
“15Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,” (Philippians 1:15–18, ESV)
SHOW PIC ON CUE!
KEWASKUM, Wis. -- It's not usually news when a police officer writes a ticket -- unless it's the chief and he gives the ticket to himself.
Village of Kewaskum Police Chief Richard Knoebel said he was driving to work when he became distracted by a truck stopping on one side of the street.
He said he didn't see a school bus with its lights flashing and a stop sign out on the other side of the four-lane road.
The chief said he didn't know he had passed the stopped bus until it was too late.
When he realized what he had done, he issued himself a $235 ticket.
"When we get someone for not stopping for a flashing school bus we give them a citation. So I shouldn't be any different so I did," Knoebel said.
Not only did the chief have to pay a hefty fine, he gave himself a four-point penalty on his license
4 Motivations to be Wary of
1) PEOPLE PLEASING
“12For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.” (Galatians 2:12, ESV)
2) SELF-SEEKING
“1“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1, ESV)
“1What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” (James 4:1–3, ESV)
Example – show pic on cue and read his description A picture of my wife and me around the time of my story. Yes, I was wearing those giant glasses and that stylish moustache. And, yes, I was wearing shorts that short. I'm glad some things change, though I'd be happy to have all that brown hair again.
For example, several years ago my wife and I were going through a difficult time in our marriage. Linda was pretty unhappy with our relationship. I, on the contrary, was fairly satisfied with how things were going, except for her unhappiness. If she would just cheer up, I thought, we'd be doing fine. Linda, however, wanted outside help. She asked if we might go to a Christian marriage counselor together. I rejected her request, arguing my case with an impressive array of facts and theories: not really needed; not enough time; can't afford it; can't find a good counselor, etc. (Of course I wasn't willing to admit that my real hesitations were pride and fear.)
I won the argument, not by convincing Linda of the folly of seeking counseling, but by virtue of the fact that if I wouldn't go with her, we weren't going at all. But then I made the "mistake" of sharing my victory over Linda with my small group of Christian men. After I finished my proud tale they asked simply, "Why don't you just go to counseling with her?" Again I paraded my arguments, which they shot down with ease. I knew I was dead when my best defense, "I'm not sure we can afford it," was shattered with their offer, "Oh, we'll pay for you to go if that's the problem." The jig was up. My goose was cooked.
Looking back on that experience, I now know where it led. Linda and I did see a wonderful Christian counselor. Not only did he help us develop a much healthier and happier marriage, but also he was used by the Holy Spirit to bring healing to deep wounds within my soul, wounds that hindered far more than my capacity for intimacy in marriage. I continue to overflow with thanks to God for those three brothers in Christ who helped me to discern God's will when I was so blind and hard-hearted.
3) LEGALISM/GUILT
O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— Galatians 3:1-5 (ESV)
4) CONTROL
“9I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.” (3 John 9–10, ESV)
My Major Motivation: LOVE
- Love of GOD
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
- Love of OTHERS
“17But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:17–18, ESV)
How to Discern My Real Motivations
1) PRAY – only God can show me my heart.
All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Proverbs 16:2 (NIV)
“2Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:2–5, ESV)
2) LISTEN to people I trust & who know me well.
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Acts 18:26 (ESV)
3) STAY OPEN to God.
“3For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” (1 Thessalonians 2:3–4, ESV)
Shift!
Part 4: Shift My Service
by Louie Marsh, 6-26-2022
Pics – last one Lord help me change.
To Serve Jesus in a deeper way I need to Shift how I…
1) SEE my serving Jesus.
- As a part of GOD’S PLAN
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14 (NIV)
- As a PRIVILEGE
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)
2) I must make the CHOICE to serve.
- As a response to being CALLED to serve.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
- As an act of LOVE
"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good? Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (ESV)
- To bring God glory not make me feel GOOD!
Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 (NLT)
3) SHAPE my service to Jesus.
S PIRITUAL GIFTS
"... Each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." 1 Cor. 7:7b
WHAT AM I GIFTED TO DO?
HEART
"For it is God who works in you, inspiring both the will and the deed, for his own chosen purpose!" Phil. 2:13 (NEB)
WHAT DO I LOVE TO DO?
A BILITIES
"I (God)... have given him skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts..." Exodus 31:3
WHAT NATURAL TALENTS AND SKILLS DO I HAVE?
P ERSONALITY
"No one can really know what anyone else is thinking or what he is really like, except that person himself." 1 Cor. 2:11 (LB)
WHERE DOES MY PERSONALITY BEST SUIT ME TO SERVE?
E XPERIENCES
4) STRENGTHEN my service to Jesus.
Through this world of toil and snares, If I falter, Lord, who cares? Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee. - Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalms 20:7 (NIV)
5) REJECT fear & CHOOSE to serve by faith.
- Personal INFERIORITY
But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Exodus 3:10-11 (NIV)
- Fear of IGNORANCE.
Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" Exodus 3:13 (NIV)
- Fear of PEOPLE’S OPINIONS
Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The LORD did not appear to you'?" Exodus 4:1 (NIV)
- Fear of INABILITY
Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." Exodus 4:10 (NIV)
- UNWILLINGNESS
But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." Exodus 4:13 (NIV)
6) SPEND myself in service to Jesus.
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:17-18 (NIV)
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)
Shift!
Part 3: Shift My Heart
by Louie Marsh, 6-19-2022
Pics – last one punch someone
1) Everything starts in & from the HEART.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV)
3 Reasons My Heart is Critical:
- It brings me to SALVATION.
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
- It is the WELLSPRING of life
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
- It’s crucial to my OBEDIENCE to God.
“14But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” (Deuteronomy 30:14, ESV)
2) KNOW the differences between my heart & soul.
SHOW CIRCLES ON CUE – SOCIAL (things that impact my worldview), BODY (won’t talk about much, but important), SOUL.
Soul = mind, will, emotion
| Heart = | · Mind –Eph. 1:18 | | · Will – Jeremiah 18:12 | | · Emotion – 2 Cor. 2:4 |
Mind –
“8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight” (Ephesians 1:8, ESV)
Will –
“12“But they say, ‘That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’” (Jeremiah 18:12, ESV)
Emotion –
“4For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.” (2 Corinthians 2:4, ESV)
So What’s The Difference?
- I am “A LIVING SOUL”
Soul used of person – we are souls
- I have A HEART
Never used of whole person, but of something the person possesses, used in the sense of conscience – the Hebrew has no word for conscience.
- My heart is the CENTER of my soul.
It’s the Nexus – or the controller or the Flux Capacitor of the soul!
SHOW PIC ON CUE!
3) How does my heart get MESSED UP?
- Because I’m a FALLEN SOUL.
“9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV)
- Because I make BAD CHOICES.
“3And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?”” (2 Samuel 11:3, ESV)
SHOW GRAPHICS OF HOW THE HEART GETS OFF COURSE ON CUE!
#1 – The Control Freak
#2 – The Emotional Soul
#3 – The Intellectual
4) How Can I Get My Heart Right Again?
- Pray for God to TEST MY HEART
“3The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.” (Proverbs 17:3, ESV)
- Learn to avoid COMPARTMENTALIZATION
“11Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11, ESV)
- Let God BREAK my heart.
“8For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:8–9, ESV)
“17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17, ESV)
- INTEGRATE my life in Christ.
“9making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” (Ephesians 1:9–10, ESV)
“11Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11, ESV)
…Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear. Psalms 86:11 (MSG)
-
Learn to do two things with what hurts me
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FEEL it.
“3For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 5I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah” (Psalm 32:3–5, ESV)
- LET IT GO to God.
“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;” (Isaiah 61:1, ESV)
Shift #2
Shift My Allegiances
By Louie Marsh, 6-12-2022
Cartoons to open, last one Hate Sunday Mornings.
Allegiance = loyalty or devotion to some person, group, cause, or the like.
Synonym - Commitment
To Shift My Allegiances I Need To
1) SEE IT as the vital issue it is.
“33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
- Jesus says this should be my FIRST PRIORITY!
2) KNOW WHY it’s a critical issue.
-
Because my commitments take my time & energy they shape & control:
-
My
-
My SELF
-
My SERVING JESUS
3) ADOPT the Jesus Approach to commitments.
“33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
Kingdom = CHRIST’S RULE IN MY LIFE
Righteousness = LIVING THAT RULE IN A CHRIST-LIKE MANNER
4) LIVE OUT the Kingdom of God.
you should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12 (GW)
Choose my commitments from a Kingdom Perspective
- My Nation
- Other human institutions
- Relationships
- Feelings/experiences/ideals
Example of Missing the Point!
A few years ago I read a pledge of allegiance that a lady in Santa Barbara had written called “A moral rearmament pledge worldwide.” It reads:
I pledge allegiance to the Ten Commandments
And, to the humanity for which they stand;
One world united in harmony,
With liberty and justice for all.
She had placed an asterisk beside the words Ten Commandments, and at the bottom of the page, the asterisk noted these words: “Ten Commandments or the moral equivalent in each of the world’s religious traditions.”
5) Accept that making commitments is a MORAL/SPIRITUAL choice.
“21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light…! 24“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:21,24, ESV)
When I deliberately overload my schedule or start cutting back on what I do for God to do some other things I’ve taken on, I’m doing one thing – SINNING.
It’s a sin because it hurts me (physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally), it hurts others and it hurts the ministries God has called me too.
6) REMEMBER – Kingdom living is a constant activity.
But be seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness, and these things, all of them, shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (WuestNT)
Shift #1
Shift My Worldview
6-5-2022, by Louie Marsh
To SHIFT my worldview I need to…
1) UNDERSTAND what it is.
world·view
n. In both senses also called Weltanschauung. [Origin: 1855–60; trans. of G Weltanschauung] a comprehensive conception or image of the universe and of humanity's relation to it.
What is the dominant religion of pastors filling pulpits of “Christian” churches across the US? A new study from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University found that a staggering 62% of pastors don’t have a biblical worldview. Instead, they have a worldview of syncretism—in other words, a little bit of this and a little bit of that, mixed together with Christianity.
The researchers described syncretism this way:
Their prevailing worldview is best described as Syncretism, the blending of ideas and applications from a variety of holistic worldviews into a unique but inconsistent combination that represents their personal preferences. More than six out of 10 pastors (62%) have a predominantly syncretistic worldview.
Rather than building their thinking on God’s Word, the majority of pastors are basing their beliefs on “personal preferences.
The study asked the pastors (including senior, associate, teaching, children’s, youth, and executive pastors—more on that below) a series of 54 worldview-related questions and discovered these low percentages of those with a biblical worldview:
- only 47% of the pastors have a biblical worldview regarding family and the value of life;
- 44% concerning issues related to God, creation, and history (personally, I wonder if this number is actually much lower, depending on how specific the survey questions were regarding Genesis chapters 1-11, creation, and history”);
- 43% in relation to personal faith practices;
- 43% when it comes to matters of sin, salvation, and one's relationship with God;
- 40% pertaining to human character and human nature;
- and 40% when it comes to measures of lifestyle, personal behavior, and relationships.
As researcher George Barna pointed out: A person's worldview primarily develops before the age of 13, then goes through a period of refinement during their teens and twenties.
From a worldview perspective, a church’s most important ministers are the children’s pastor and the youth pastor.
2) BELIEVE that it’s vital.
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. Colossians 2:8 (NIV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)
3) EMBRACE a Biblical worldview.
| Contrasting Worldviews | | Cultural Worldview | Christian Worldview | | 1. God is loving and tolerant | 1. God is loving & holy. | | 2. People are basically good | 2. People are basically sinful. | | 3. People can & must earn God’s favor. | 3. People can do nothing to earn God’s favor. | | 4. People create their own purpose. | 4. Our purpose comes from God. |
Worldview must start with God:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7 (GW)
Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. Proverbs 1:7 (MSG)
4) TEST MYSELF with God’s Word.
God Is Holy NOT Tolerant!
“4For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.” (Psalm 5:4, ESV)
There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven that are disgusting to him…. Proverbs 6:16 (GW)
People basically tend towards sin.
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)
We can do nothing to earn God’s Favor or Forgiveness.
Although you wash yourself with soda and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me," declares the Sovereign LORD. Jeremiah 2:22 (NIV)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 (NIV)
Our Purpose Comes From God:
I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalms 57:2 (ESV)
5) AVOID these common pitfalls
- God wants me to be HAPPY
It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NIV)
- Cultural INFLUENCES.
6) Make sure JESUS shapes my worldview.
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV)
This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. 1 Peter 2:21-22 (NLT)
The Gospel of John 8-14
Part Six: The Road, the Truth & the Life
Louie Marsh, 5-29-2022
“5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:5–6, ESV)
“5Thomas said, “Master, we have no idea where you’re going. How do you expect us to know the road?” 6Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me.” (John 14:5–6, The Message)
1) Everyone is trying to find their OWN WAY through life.
“6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6, ESV)
- A way to SUCCEED
“16And I looked, and behold, you had sinned against the Lord your God. You had made yourselves a golden calf. You had turned aside quickly from the way that the Lord had commanded you.” (Deuteronomy 9:16, ESV)
- A way out of TROUBLE.
“8The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths; they have made their roads crooked; no one who treads on them knows peace.” (Isaiah 59:8, ESV)
2) We miss it because we’re looking for the WRONG THING.
“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)
-
The Way is not….
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DOCTRINE
- PHILOSOPHY
- KNOWLEDGE
- WISDOM
-
POWER
-
The Way is JESUS
“17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17, ESV)
- He is the ONLY WAY to God.
“8“And to this people you shall say: ‘Thus says the Lord: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.” (Jeremiah 21:8, ESV)
3) Jesus answers life’s most IMPORTANT question:
“37…Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” … (John 18:37–38, ESV)
- Jesus is
“Truth” = “undistorted reality.”
- LIVE OUT the truth
“24Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:24–25, ESV)
“15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15, ESV)
Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi that I recited daily for sustenance and guidance:
Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's creature. What you are in His sight is what you are and nothing more. Do not let worldly cares and anxieties or the pressures of office blot out the divine life within you or the voice of God's spirit guiding you in your great task of leading humanity to wholeness. Open yourself to God and his plan printed deeply in your heart, God will open Himself to you.
- WORSHIP in truth.
“23But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”” (John 4:23–24, ESV)
Jesus IS the truth – Paul Tillich: “In Him the true, the genuine, the ultimate reality is present, or in other words, God Himself is present, unveiled, undistorted in his infinite depth in his magnificent mystery.”
4) God gives us two primary sources of truth:
- His WORD – THE BIBLE
“17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17, ESV)
- His SPIRIT – WHO HELPS US UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE.
“13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth...” (John 16:13, ESV)
5) REALIZE there are two kinds of life
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βίος, bios = BIOLOGICAL LIFE
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ζωή, zōē = THE LIFE OF GOD, SPIRITUAL LIFE
-
Zoe ends in JOY.
“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.” (Lamentations 3:21–23, ESV)
- Bios ends in BOREDOM
4 Facts About Boredom:
- It’s symptomatic
- It’s self-inflicted
- It’s blaming others instead of blessing them
- It’s feeling trapped with nowhere to go
6) CHOOSE LIFE!
- Focus on faith not FEELINGS!
for through faith we are ordering our manner of life, not by something seen. 2 Cor. 5:7 (WuestNT)
- Embrace discipline as my FRIEND.
“3Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:3–5, ESV)
- Invest myself OUTSIDE MYSELF!
“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–5, ESV)
The Gospel of John 8-14
Part Five: The Serving Savior
By Louie Marsh, 5-22-2022
Intro – Ad for next series – cartoons, last one slap upside head
If I Really Want To Follow Jesus…
1) I must find joy in being a SERVANT.
“3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:3–5, ESV)
2) I must allow & encourage others to SERVE me.
“6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.”” (John 13:6–10, ESV)
3) I must live by whole life as an EXAMPLE to others.
“12When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:12–17, ESV)
4) I must love as JESUS LOVED.
“34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”” (John 13:34–35, ESV)
- He told us the WHOLE
“48I am the bread of life. 49Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” 52The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”” (John 6:48–52, ESV)
- He didn’t try to be
“59To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”” (Luke 9:59–60, ESV)
- He sacrificed himself to meet our GREATEST NEED.
“25But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Matthew 20:25–28, ESV)
The Gospel Of John 8-14
Part 4: I AM the Resurrection & the Life
By Louie Marsh, 5-15-2022
3 slides, last one explaining
1) ACCEPT that God’s timing isn’t mine.
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”…
11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:5-7; 11-16 (ESV)
2) Jesus is about more than just correct DOCTRINE.
21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” John 11:21-24 (ESV)
3) BELIEVE that Jesus is the Resurrection & life.
25 Jesus said to her, “I AM the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” John 11:25-27 (ESV)
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Only IN & THRU him can resurrection happen.
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Jesus ALONE can grant me eternal life.
12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (ESV)
4) Neither death nor time is a PROBLEM to Jesus.
32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. John 11:32-35 (ESV)
- Do I live this way when my plans are upset?
41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:41-44 (ESV)
Resurrection is no longer an event, a date or even an historical event. It is all three of things and yet it is still more. For in saying this Jesus personalizes both the resurrection and spiritual life. He IS both, you cannot find or experience them in anyone or anything else. Period.
Resurrection isn’t just a series of events that brings life where death once stood. It is now a person who not only performs the resurrection or provides the life but is himself each and both simultaneously.
Welcome to the mystery of bring “in Christ.” Welcome to real spirituality.
The Gospel of John 8-14
Part Three: The God Shepherd
By Louie Marsh, 5-8-2022
Slides – last one Bad Shepherd game.
Jesus Reveals Himself to Be…
1) I AM the DOOR of the sheep.
“7So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
- I AM, the sacred NAME of God.
13 Then 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?” 14 God 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 3:13-15 (ESV)
The personal name of Israel's God, Yahweh (usually rendered Lord is built from the Hebrew verb "to be."
The name Yahweh for the Israelite God is attested outside the Old Testament in the Mesha Inscription, the Arad Ostraca, the Lachish letters and inscriptions from Khirbet el-Qom and Kuntillat Ajrud, to name a few of the more prominent places
"I am that I am," and designated Himself by this name as the absolute God of the fathers, acting with unfettered liberty and self-dependence. This name precluded any comparison between the God of the Israelites and the deities of the Egyptians and other nations.
- Spiritual life can only be found by GOING THRU the door.
10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
All other ways to God are false!
2) I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD.
11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
12He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:7–15, ESV)
3) I AM has the AUTHORITY to lay down his life & take it up again.
“17For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”” (John 10:17–18, ESV)
4) Jesus is GOD.
“24So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, 26but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30I and the Father are one.”” (John 10:24–30, ESV)
The Gospel of John 8-14
Part Two: Believing Is Seeing
By Louie Marsh, 5-1-2022
Slides -last one Believing is seeing book cover.
THE 1ST ENCOUNTER:
“1As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.” (John 9:1, ESV)
What They Saw:
- The Disciples saw a theological CONUNDRUM.
Theodicy is the technical term for trying to understand God and evil.
- Jesus saw a HURTING soul.
What They Said:
- Disciples: Who’s FAULT is this?
“2And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”” (John 9:2, ESV)
- Jesus – God is MOVING here!
“3Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:3–4, ESV)
What It Means:
1) God is not PUNISHING ME for my sins.
“1There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”” (Luke 13:1–5, ESV)
“20The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.” (Ezekiel 18:20, ESV)
Why Bad Things Happen:
- Fallen World-
- Satan-
- My bad decisions
- No bodies’ fault!
THE REACTION:
1) God’s work always stirs up TROUBLE!
“16Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”
18The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.”
22(His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.) 23Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.”” (John 9:16–24, ESV)
2) My TESTIMONY is my best witness.
“25He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?”
28And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”
34They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.” (John 9:25–34, ESV)
THE 2ND ENCOUNTER:
1) I need to be TEACHABLE.
“35Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.”” (John 9:35–37, ESV)
2) True spiritual knowledge results in WORSHIPPING Jesus.
“38He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.” (John 9:38, ESV)
3) Knowledge results in either FAITH or JUDGMENT.
“39Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.” (John 9:39–41, ESV)
The Gospel of John, 8-14
Part One: Four Christlike Characteristics
By Louie Marsh, 4-24-2022
Pictures of Jesus – last one sacred heart.
If I want to be like Jesus I must…
1) Always and FREELY offer forgiveness.
- They were USED this woman.
“3The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him…(John 8:3–6a, ESV)
- Jesus LOVED her & set her free
“6 …Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”” (John 8:6–11, ESV)
- No one knows what Jesus wrote on the ground.
- His love shamed them into leaving.
- He gave her freedom with boundaries.
2) Always LIVE in the light of life.
“12Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” (John 8:12, ESV)
- To do this I must be
“21So he said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” 22So the Jews said, “Will he kill himself, since he says…“24I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” 25So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning. 26I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.”” (John 8:21-22a; 24–26, ESV)
- Jesus died that we might
“28So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.” (John 8:28, ESV)
3) Always abide in the TRUTH of Jesus.
“31So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31–32, ESV)
- Sin always & only
“33They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” 34Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you.” (John 8:33–37, ESV)
- Abiding in truth means SPEAKING unpopular realities.
“43Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”” (John 8:43–47, ESV)
4) Always affirm that Jesus is GOD.
“56Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.” (John 8:56–59, ESV)
- Jesus is God in human
“15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created…17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:15–20, ESV)
The Road to the Resurrection
Part Four: The End of the Road -Resurrection!
By Louie Marsh, 4-17-2022
Funny pics – last one “Good morning”
WHAT WAS BEHIND THE STONE?
1) A Dead BODY.
Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. Mark 15:44-45 (NIV)
“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.” (1 Corinthians 15:1–6, ESV)
2) A Dead RELIGION.
Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." John 6:28-29 (NIV)
3) A Dead way of SALVATION.
“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)
EXCERPT FROM TALES FROM THE SCRYPT
Jesus was dead…John and the women slowly walked off the hill called Calvary and back to where they were staying. None of them could remember the trip. They moved like wind up toys, to stunned and shocked to really comprehend what had happened. Mary the Mother of Jesus was tended too, and John left her with the women and went in search of the other disciples so that he too could grieve.
Like him they were all in shock…The man they called Master was gone. The one they had followed for over three years was dead, and worse than that, had died on a cross like a common criminal. The one who they had hoped and believed to be Messiah was dead. How could they have been so wrong? They had seen the miracles and could not explain this even to themselves.
It was dark outside now. A new day had begun according to the traditional Jewish calendar… The horror of Jesus death was beginning to take root in their minds. But now new horrors arose. What would they do? Where would they go? And how could they stay safe?
Peter did not know. The big fisherman sat alone staring into the darkness. As black as the night was it did not even begin to rival the darkness of his heart. How he had loved Jesus and believed in him. Peter recalled all the miracles he had seen. He remembered the miracles he had taken part in. Even now he could feel the water beneath his feet as he walked on the Sea of Galilee. For just a moment he faintly smiled as he remembered the joy of those fleeting moments when he walked on the water just like Jesus.
He shook his head ruefully remembering how fear had taken the place of faith causing him to slip into the waters. And then deep gratitude as he saw himself being pulled up out of the water again by Jesus. Jesus stood on the water that day as naturally and as easily as Peter did on the beach before putting out to sea.
But now it was all over. The hope of Israel had been killed and it had all happened so suddenly. In a day and a half Jesus was arrested, tried, condemned, crucified and killed. Just like that the light of Peter’s life had been snuffed out. Three and a half years of traveling, teaching, learning and serving wiped out and gone as if it had never happened.
His mind was filled with verses from the Psalms he had learned as a child. 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? The Sons of Korah had written, Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and 6 my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon--from Mount Mizar. Psalm 42:5-6
Why, why, why? The word kept echoing in his mind and he could find no answer to it. He also recalled the words of Jeremiah the Prophet when he wrote: 18 Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? Will you be to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails? Jeremiah 15:18
Bitter words indeed in Peter’s mind. Had God failed him, or was this some sort of test like the one that Job when though? Had Jesus been deceptive, saying he was God’s Son when he really wasn’t? How could this be? He spoke like no man had ever spoke, did what no man could ever do, and yet he died just like every other man who had been crucified.
Or could it be, Peter wondered, if his own base betrayal of his Lord was the cause of all this? Was God punishing him and others because of his lack of faith? Guilt rose up like a dark tidal wave and threatened to drown the forlorn fisherman.
But Peter had missed the key to all this. He had forgotten the words that Jesus had addressed to them over and over again when he said,18 "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!" Matthew 20:18-19
THE MOVING STONE
1) Only GOD could have moved it!
And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:2-3 (ESV)
2) Why was it moved?
- Not to let Christ OUT.
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." John 20:26 (ESV)
- But to let us IN!
But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:5-6 (ESV)
THREE POSSIBLE REACTIONS
1) UNBELIEF
While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.' Matthew 28:11-13 (ESV)
2) WONDERING
Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. Luke 24:12 (NIV)
3) BELIEF
Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. John 20:8 (NIV)
How To Establish A Spiritual B.A.S.I.S. for Living
B = Believe Jesus died on the Cross for me and showed He was God by coming back to life again.
(1 Cor. 15:2-4)
A = Accept Christ as Lord of My life and His free forgiveness of my sins.
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- (John 1:12)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Eph. 1:7)
S = Switch to God’s Plan for my life.
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)
I = Inform others of your decision.
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
S = Submerge yourself in Christ.
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27
The Road to Resurrection
Pt. 3: The Road Thru Betrayal, Luke 22-23
By Louie Marsh, 4-10-2022
Intro. Famous betrayers – Judas last.
1) I should always EXPECT Satan to be working, because he is.
1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. 3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. Luke 22:1-6 (ESV)
- Betrayal is so painful because it’s an INSIDE JOB.
Author Harold Philby said, “ To betray you must first belong.”
John LeCarre’, (pseudonym of David John Moore Cornwell) “Betrayal can only happen if you love.”
“I used to advertise my loyalty and I don't believe there is a single person I loved that I didn't eventually betray.” ― Albert Camus, The Fall
So an attack from the outside …an enemy is not betrayal….only family, a loved one, a friend …someone that we have more than a casual relationship can actually betray us.
Judas, trusted as treasurer, how many kids do you know named Judas?
Peter, is the leader of the church and is designated a "saint. " (How many kids do you know named Peter?)
23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. 24 And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. Genesis 37:23-24 (ESV)
Show picture of Joseph statue.
2) I need to learn to DISCERN what’s going on around me.
20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.” Matthew 26:20-25 (ESV)
3) The more I UNDERSTAND PEOPLE, the better prepared I am for betrayal.
54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.. Luke 22:54-60 (ESV)
“24But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.” (John 2:24–25, ESV)
16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (ESV)
4) I must NEVER FORGET that Jesus doesn’t betray or desert me.
32 I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; 33 but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. 34 I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Psalm 89:32-34 (NIV)
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39 (ESV)
5) When I’m the betrayer I should FOLLOW Peter’s example.
61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61-62 (ESV)
The Road to Resurrection,
Part Two: The Road Through Corruption
By Louie Marsh, 4-3-2022
Corruption examples – last one old age.
1) Jesus calls me to speak to people in their LANGUAGE.
35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Luke 19:35-40 (ESV)
The Triumphal Entry
Jesus publicly confronts the leaders in a language that they and everyone understood. There no doubt who he’s claiming to be, and because it’s such a huge public event they can’t avoid taking action for long.
- He does this publicly to FORCE the issue.
2) My interactions with people must always be focused on JESUS
41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” Luke 19:41-44 (ESV)
Weeps over Jerusalem
Jesus never forgets the real issue is the spiritual condition of Israel. They were corrupted, in spiritual entropy, and he had come to change all that. He weeps because he knows most won’t listen. He is profoundly saddened by their sin and blindness.
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I must always REMEMBER just how far from Jesus the world is.
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GRIEF not anger should be my dominant emotion.
Cleanses Temple
He confronts the corruption in another public act that cannot be ignored. First he speaks to the people in the Entry, now he strikes at their pocket book, and stands in their temple and challenges their teachings.
3) Jesus fought against SIN not people.
45 And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” 47 And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him, 48 but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words. Luke 19:45-48 (ESV)
- Again Jesus is IN CONTROL.
Authority Challenged
Jesus plays coy with them because he knows his time hasn’t quite come. He teaches with authority and then turns their questions back on them. They are afraid to answer because they are corrupt, live by the fear of man, and have much to hide. Then he nails them with the parable of the wicked tenants.
4) Being like Jesus means I take the initiative at the RIGHT MOMENT.
1 One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up 2 and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” 3 He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, 4 was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” 5 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered that they did not know where it came from. 8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Luke 20:1-8 (ESV)
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Jesus exposes their TRUE MOTIVES.
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Uses a parable to do it.
“9And he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. 10When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. 13Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ 14But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!” 17But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written: “ ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? 18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”” (Luke 20:9–18, ESV)
The Road to Resurrection, Pt. 1
The Road Thru Culture
By Louie Marsh, 3-27-2022
Slides intro – last one undecided
On The Road To Resurrection…
1) I need to see what’s REALLY GOING ON.
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. Luke 9:51-53 (ESV)
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God has a plan even when I can’t SEE IT.
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God has a good outcome even when I can’t BELIEVE IT.
2) I need to LEARN HOW to make firm decisions.
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. Luke 9:51 (ESV)
17 At that time Hazael king of Syria went up and fought against Gath and took it. But when Hazael set his face to go up against Jerusalem, 2 Kings 12:17 (ESV)
- Take time to get the FACTS
“11So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode. 13I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire.” (Nehemiah 2:11–13, ESV)
- But then MAKE that decision!
“17Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.”” (Nehemiah 2:17, ESV)
3) I need to FOLLOW THROUGH on those decisions.
7 But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. 8 He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. 9 Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up. Isaiah 50:7-9 (ESV)
4) I need to FIRMLY BELIEVE that Jesus is in control.
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem
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)
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Philippians 3:12-15 (ESV)
Philemon
Part Two: Follow Christ Not Culture
By Louie Marsh, 3-13-2022
Pictures – last one parenting trouble.
How to Follow Christ Not Culture
1) I’m willing & able to CONTRADICT culture.
“8Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— 10I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11(Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.)” (Philemon 8–11, ESV)
- Onesimus = “useful”
In Colossians 4:9 a person of this name is identified as a Christian accompanying Tychicus to visit the Christians in Colossae; nothing else is stated about him in this context. He may well be the freed Onesimus from the Epistle to Philemon.
He may also be the same Onesimus named by Ignatius of Antioch as bishop in Ephesus which would put Onesimus's death closer to 95. If so, Onesimus went from slave to brother to bishop.
During the reign of Roman emperor Domitian and the persecution of Trajan, Onesimus was imprisoned in Rome and may have been martyred by stoning (although some sources claim that he was beheaded). However, since the reign of Domitian was from 81 AD to 96 AD, then Onesimus' death would have to fall within these years and not 68 AD as stated above.
- Slavery
2) I RESPECT people’s choices.
“12I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 13I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.” (Philemon 12–14, ESV)
- Paul loved them both
- Paul wanted Philemon to make the right
“7Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
3) I LEAVE ROOM for God’s sovereignty.
“15For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.” (Philemon 15–16, ESV)
- Paul indirectly urges Philemon to FREE
“21Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.)” (1 Corinthians 7:21, ESV)
4) I freely and continually FORGIVE.
“17So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 20Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.” (Philemon 17–20, ESV)
- Paul turns UP the heat throughout.
“21Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you. 23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. 25The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Philemon 21–25, ESV)
Philemon
Week One: Love Is Always a Choice
By Louie Marsh, 3-6-2022
In Troubled Times…
1) I should REMEMBER my roots.
“1Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker 2and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philemon 1–3, ESV)
- Grace brings
“8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8, ESV)
- Grace gives me
2) I should THANK GOD for what He’s done.
“4I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.**” (Philemon 4–7, ESV)
3) I should strive to MEASURE UP to God’s Call.
“8Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required,” “9yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—(Philemon 8,9a, ESV)
- “required” = “to have arrived at, reached to, pertained to,” came to denote “what is due to a person, one’s duty, what is befitting.”
4) God calls me to GROW UP into His Will.
“18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” (Colossians 3:18, ESV)
“4Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4, ESV)
NOT ON OUTLINE: “15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15, ESV)
5) When I fail, He does not FORCE me.
“20And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:20–22, ESV)
6) God’s Love always give me a CHOICE & ACCOUNTABILIITY.
Two ways to move people forward:
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Force of Law
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Command of Love
“7Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7–8, ESV)
“24Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24, ESV)
Hey Jude
Part Two: The Long & Winding Road
By Louie Marsh, 2-27-2022
CONTINUING FROM LAST WEEK…
1) The further I go from God the HARDER my heart gets.
“12These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.” (Jude 12–13, ESV)
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Hidden reefs – it’s not easy to
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Feeding themselves – I become more & more SELFISH
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Waterless…fruitless – I have nothing to give
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Waves…wandering stars- I’m
2) Remember God will hold me ACCOUNTABLE for my sins.
“14It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.” (Jude 14–16, ESV)
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I’m accountable for everything I DO & HOW I do them.
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I’m accountable for everything I
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God doesn’t approve of my BAD ATTITUDE.
“17But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. (Jude 17-19)
HOW DO I COPE WITH THIS?
1) Focus on my spiritual GROWTH.
20But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. (Jude 20–21, ESV)
- Strong faith
- Pray in the Spirit
- Stay in God’s Love
- Wait upon the Lord & His mercy.
2) Always act like JESUS.
22And have mercy on those who doubt; 23save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” (Jude 20–23, ESV)
3) Keep my life Christ CENTERED.
“24Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 24–25, ESV)
- It’s all about HIM – not me!
Hey Jude
Part One: A Balanced Gospel
By Louie Marsh, 2-20-2022
Intro – Who’s Jude?
“1Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: 2Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” (Jude 1–2, NIV84)
Jude was the brother of James (probably “James the Lord’s brother,” Gal. 1:19). He likely wrote sometime between a.d. 65 and 80. Tradition states that Jude, along with Simon the Zealot, was beaten to death and then beheaded in Persia sometime in the first century. The precise date is not known, estimates range from 65-80 AD.
1) I need a HEALTHY approach to sharing the Gospel.
“3Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation… (Jude 3, ESV)
- But I can’t IGNORE
…I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3, ESV)
2) I must OPPOSE those who pervert God’s grace.
“4For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 4, ESV)
3) BEWARE of the two ways God’s grace is perverted.
- Sensuality = license – antinomianism
“1What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1–2, ESV)
- Sensuality = moralism - legalism
“23Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” (Colossians 2:23, NIV84)
4) Everyone will eventually be held ACCOUNTABLE.
“5Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— 7just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” (Jude 5–7, ESV)
5) Always treat those who oppose you with RESPECT.
“8Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. 9But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”” (Jude 8–9, ESV)
6) Sin eventually leads us against REASON.
“10But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. 11Woe to them!... (Jude 10–11a, ESV)
“15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV84)
- That is the pathway to
11Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion.” (Jude 11, ESV)
- Cain – Murderer – Genesis 4:8
- Balaam – rebelled against God (Numbers 22)
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Korah – (Numbers 16:3)
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Christ is the way to
“5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”” (John 14:5–7, NIV84)
Finding Jesus in the Old Testament
Week Six: Jesus the Encourager
By Louie Marsh, 2-13-2022
Intro – future series – cartoons last one about the son
1) Jesus comes to me in my deepest FEARS.
“11Now 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.**” (Judges 6:11, ESV)
2) His form of encouragement is UNUSUAL.
“12And 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)
- This is Godly
“27And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” 28And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. 29And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.” (1 Kings 18:27–29, ESV)
- Be extremely CAREFUL with it.
“4For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:4, ESV)
3) God doesn’t owe me ANSWERS to my questions.
“13And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”” (Judges 6:13–14, ESV)
- In the Bible God never EXPLAINS
“23Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever! 24Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?” (Psalm 44:23–24, ESV)
- Probably because I’m not capable of UNDERSTANDING
“2“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. 4“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?” (Job 38:2–5, ESV)
4) Jesus gives me HOPE of a future deliverance.
“3And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. 4Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, 5for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”” (Judges 13:3–5, ESV)
5) Jesus stands WITH ME in the fire.
“24Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” 26Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire.” (Daniel 3:24–26, ESV)
“16At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! *17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.*” (2 Timothy 4:16–17, ESV
Finding Jesus in the Old Testament
Week 5:Jesus the Lord
By Louie Marsh, 2-6-2022
Next Series – Boss jokes, last one Didn’t see you coming.
1) Always maintain SITUATIONAL awareness.
“12And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.” (Joshua 5:12, ESV)
- FOLLOW the Spirit’s direction.
“6And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.” (Acts 16:6–8, ESV)
- LOOK for critical moments.
“13As Joshua was sizing up the city of Jericho…” (Joshua 5:13a, The Living Bible)
2) RECOGNIZE Jesus when you see Him
“13… 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 Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped* and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?”” (Joshua 5:13b–14b, ESV)
- Who is this guy? CHRIST!
“15And 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 5:15, ESV)
- Don’t let the chapters & verses FOOL YOU.
“2And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. 3You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. 4Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5And when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.”” (Joshua 6:2–5, ESV)
3) No, God’s NOT on your side.
14And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” (Joshua 5:14a, ESV)
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The question is: Am I on GOD’S SIDE?
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I am when my actions CONFORM with my faith.
14…And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?”” (Joshua 5:13b–14b, ESV)
“21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21–23, ESV)
4) EVERYTHING hinges on this question.
- Lordship determines
“20So 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)
- Lordship determines my
“5… The Lord is at hand; 6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. *7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus*.” (Philippians 4:5–7, ESV)
- Lordship determines my
“6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)
Finding Jesus in the Old Testament
Week Four: Jesus the Judge
By Louie Marsh, 1-30-2022
Intro – 4 slides, last one can you blame me?
1) I must BELIEVE in Christ the Rock
“7and the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 8“Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle.” 9And Moses took the staff from before the Lord, as he commanded him. 10Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. (Numbers 20:7–11, ESV)
“1For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3and all ate the same spiritual food, 4and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.**” (1 Corinthians 10:1–4, ESV)
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He is the sole foundation of TRUTH.
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Peter = petros = a rock
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This “rock” = petra – massive boulder
“16Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:16–18, ESV)
- I stand on Him
“4As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7So the honor is for you who believe...” (1 Peter 2:4–7a, ESV)
2) The Rock causes many to STUMBLE.
but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.” (1 Peter 2:7b-8, ESV)
3) The Rock’s purity brings JUDGEMENT.
12And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”” (Numbers 20:12, ESV)
“32Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”” (Romans 9:32–33, ESV)
- This judgement is deep &
“12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12–13, ESV)
4) Jesus judges man’s ANGER.
10Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice,**
- Godly anger is GOOD.
“5And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” (Mark 3:5, ESV)
- Human anger is DANGEROUS.
“19Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19–20, ESV)
- All anger must be dealt with
“26Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26–27, ESV)
Finding Jesus in the Old Testament
Week Three: Jesus the Revelator
By Louie Marsh, 3-23-2022
Intro. Picture, Info and reading from Kay Mielenz’s book, Exodus clip
1) Jesus REVEALS Himself to Moses.
“2And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”” (Exodus 3:2–4, ESV)
- He promises the EXODUS from Egypt.
“6And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. 7Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, 8and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.” (Exodus 3:6–8, ESV)
2) Then Jesus gives the GREATEST revelation.
“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?” 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 3:13–14, ESV)
- The true NATURE of God
“15God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.” (Exodus 3:15, ESV)
And God furthermore said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name from generation to generation. (Exodus 3:15, LSB)
- This sets Yahweh APART from all others.
3) In the New Testament Jesus IS the great revelation.
“14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth… 16For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; **grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” (John 1:14–18, ESV)
- Jesus is GOD in human flesh.
“26Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28Thomas answered him, **“My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”” (John 20:26–29, ESV)
4) Jesus alone is our HOPE.
“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.**” (Colossians 1:25–27, ESV)
5) Jesus is the KEY to all God’s blessings.
“18As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. 19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes.” (2 Corinthians 1:18–19, ESV)
6) Jesus gives our lives their ultimate PURPOSE.
“21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”” (John 20:21, ESV)
“20Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)
Finding Jesus In the Old Testament
Week Two: Jesus the Savior
By Louie Marsh, 1-16-2022
1) Jesus finds me in my weakness and DELIVERS me.
“7The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.” 9The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her.”” (Genesis 16:7–9, ESV)
- Deliverance is not always
2) The Pre-incarnate Christ kept God’s Plan of Redemption on TRACK.
10 The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction. 12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.” (Genesis 16:10–12, ESV)
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Nothing SURPRISES
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Sometimes He even uses my IMPROVEMENTS for His Glory.
3) The Angel of the Lord is GOD.
“13So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” 14Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered.” (Genesis 16:13–14, ESV)
4) Jesus calls me to times of TESTING.
“1After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2He 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.” 3So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.” (Genesis 22:1–3, ESV)
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Jesus tests – He does not
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The most common test –
“23Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23–24, ESV)
“3“Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them? 4Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Any one of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and sets the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer him as he comes with the multitude of his idols,” (Ezekiel 14:3–4, ESV)
5) Jesus gives me back what I WILLINGLY surrender to Him.
“9When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.” “11But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”” (Genesis 22:9–12, ESV)
6) Having taken me thru the test – Jesus can now bless & USE me.
“14So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” 15And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies,” (Genesis 22:14–17, ESV)
Finding Jesus In the Old Testament
Week 1: Jesus the Creator
By Louie Marsh, 1-9-2022
Intro.
Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.
The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.'
Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.'
Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.'"
Show Graph
1) God SPOKE the universe into existence.
“26Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over… the earth.” 27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26–27, ESV)
- Who’s us?
“1Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3He 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. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Hebrews 1:1–3, ESV)
2) The Word was God & made EVERYTHING.
“1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:1–4, ESV)
3) Christ is creator & SUSTAINER.
“15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:15–20, ESV)
- Firstborn =
“51Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh… 52The name of the second he called Ephraim… (Genesis 41:51–52, ESV)
“9…for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.” (Jeremiah 31:9, ESV)
- Jesus then is the uncreated, eternal, all powerful
4) This is One the world REJECTS.
“9The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.(John 1:9–11, ESV)
5) This is how he can give us ETERNAL LIFE.
12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:12–14, ESV)
Living By Faith In a Faithless World
Pt. 8: A Faith Saturated Life
By Louie Marsh, 1-2-2022
Baba Vanga’s predictions for 2022
1) An increase in catastrophes, including earthquakes and tsunamis
The famous psychic predicted the 2004 tsunami and revealed that a huge wave would cover the coast and people would perish. The Bulgarian predicted that in 2022, several Asian countries, along with Australia, will be struck by intense bouts of floods.
2) The discovery of a lethal virus in Siberia
A team of researchers will discover a lethal virus in Siberia that was, up until now, frozen. Due to the catastrophic effects of global warming, said virus will be released and could quickly spin out of control…
3) A lack of drinking water
Many cities can expect to be hit by a shortage of drinking water this year. Population increases and the pollution of rivers will see many of us struggle to hydrate ourselves. In fact, many states will be forced to find other solutions to find new sources.
5) Attack of the locusts in India
Baba Vanga predicts apocalyptic scenes in India and pointed out that the temperatures there will reach a whopping 50° Celsius. Locusts will then attack crops and agricultural plots, causing an immense famine.
4) An alien ship will attack Earth
An asteroid known as ‘Oumuamua’ will be sent by aliens to seek out life on Earth, and the unearthly beings could even take prisoners when they touch down!
TO LIVE A LIFE OF FAITH I MUST LIVE…
IN FAITH - IMMERSE MYSELF in faith.
IN = To put into or onto: encapsulate. To go into or onto
“5Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” (James 2:5, ESV)
Notice that Faith isn’t alone in my life, these other issues will naturally grow and take over unless I stop them! They’ll never vanish – but can be reduced by centering all of life in faith in Christ.
When you see faith getting bigger in these diagrams it doesn’t necessarily mean you need more faith. Most of you have enough faith – what you need to do is stop trying to get more – as if God were a shopping mall and I want to buy more faith! – and START APPLYING YOUR FAITH IN EVERY AREA OF YOUR LIFE!
“7rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:7, ESV)
OF FAITH – Let Faith be my PRIMARY motivator.
OF = Derived or coming from; originating at or from; caused by
“8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);” (Romans 10:8, ESV)
I need to deal with all these issues, and gradually over time make faith, not any of them, my motivation for acting and living.
“27And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” (Acts 14:27, ESV)
THROUGH FAITH – Make Faith my main DETERMINANT.
THROUGH = Among or between; in the midst of
Determinant actually is a real word – it means - An influencing or determining element or factor. In other words, make faith the major factor in all my decisions.
“16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;” (Ephesians 6:16, ESV)
Yes – I know it says shield OF faith – but the point I want you to see is that faith can be a shield, or even better in this context think of it as a grid or a screen. A way to look at life and strain out what’s selfish or ungodly and let through what’s driven by faith!
“23But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23, ESV)
“12in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.” (Ephesians 3:12, ESV)
Things need to be screened out – otherwise sin will enter, rule and ruin my life!
WITH FAITH – Partner Faith to EVERYTHING.
WITH =In the company of; accompanying, Next to; alongside of
“2For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.” (Hebrews 4:2, ESV)
BY FAITH – Let Faith answer EVERY QUESTION.
BY - Close to; next to; With the use or help of; through:
“9and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:9, ESV)
It’s by faith – believing God, that our hearts can become pure, that we grow into Christlikeness!
“7for we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)
The Christian life is lived BY faith – that how it’s done – or it’s not lived at all!
“3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3, ESV)
“16And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:16, ESV)
Living By Faith In a Faithless World
Part 7: Finishing Well
By Louie Marsh, 12-26-2021
Letter To The Wrong Wife
A couple from Minneapolis decided to go to Florida for a long weekend to thaw out during one particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the very same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years ago. Because both had jobs, they found it difficult coordinating their travel schedules. It was decided that the husband would fly to Florida on a Thursday, and his wife would follow him the next day.
Upon arriving as planned, the husband checked into the hotel. In his room there was a computer, so he decided to send his wife an E-mail back in Minneapolis. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her address, and sent the e-mail without realizing his error.
In Houston, a widow had just returned from her husband's funeral. The dearly departed was a minister of many years who had been called home to glory following a heart attack. The widow checked her e-mail, expecting messages from relatives and friends. Upon reading the first message, she fainted. The widow's son ran into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:
To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived.
I know you are surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send e-mail to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then!
Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.
P.S. Sure is hot down here
TO FINISH WELL I MUST…
1) Learn to mourn my loved ones death FAITHFULLY.
- FULLY express my grief.
Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven years old. She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her. Genesis 23:1-2 (NIV)
- View the experience as an OPPORTUNITY to grow.
Then Abraham rose from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. He said, "I am an alien and a stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead." Genesis 23:3-4 (NIV)
- Recover and then LIVE AGAIN.
He bought the plot of land belonging to Ephron at Machpelah, near Mamre. This included the field, the cave that was in it, and all the trees nearby. They became Abraham's permanent possession by the agreement made in the presence of the Hittite elders at the city gate. So Abraham buried Sarah there in Canaan… Genesis 23:17-19 (NLT)
People who are totally crushed for the rest of their lives by a loved ones death – or they own impending death, need to look carefully at what we talked about last week – putting people or things in place of God.
- Move ahead – no TURNING BACK!
Abraham was now a very old man, and the LORD had blessed him in every way. One day Abraham said to the man in charge of his household, who was his oldest servant, "Swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not let my son marry one of these local Canaanite women. Genesis 24:1-3 (NLT)
2) Remember God’s Plan is LARGER than my life.
- PLAN beyond my lifetime.
Ephron was sitting there among the others, and he answered Abraham as the others listened, speaking publicly before all the elders of the town. "No, sir," he said to Abraham, "please listen to me. I will give you the cave and the field. Here in the presence of my people, I give it to you. Go and bury your dead." Abraham bowed again to the people of the land, and he replied to Ephron as everyone listened. "No, listen to me," he insisted. "I will buy it from you. Let me pay the full price for the field so I can bury my dead there." Genesis 23:10-13 (NLT)
- Help PREPARE the next generation -
I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that you alone are just and good. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I have constantly told others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Psalms 71:16-18 (NLT)
- WISELY DELEGATE my resources to continue God’s work when I’m dead.
Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. But while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east. Genesis 25:5-6 (NIV)
I’m not just talking about money or wealth here. How about a spiritual journal you could pass on, sharing your insights and experiences? Be creative and leave things that will have an eternal impact behind you after you’ve gone.
3) Live till I DIE!
- Keep finding NEW THINGS to do!
Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. Genesis 25:1-2 (NIV)
- Stay involved in COMMUNITY.
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. Psalms 133:1-2 (NIV)
- Don’t give into FEAR.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4 (NIV)
A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?" Queried the man.
The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside.
He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing...
I know my Master is there and that is enough."
Too many older people give into fear and live their last years driven by fear. I know you have to be more careful in terms of health and physical safety as you age, but to finish your life living by fear instead of living by faith – is a tragic legacy to leave!
- Remember – death is a NEW BEGINNING in Christ!
Altogether, Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, Genesis 25:7-9 (NIV)
The Rev. Jack Arnold, 69, was nearing the end of his sermon Sunday at Covenant Presbyterian Church in this Orlando suburb in 2005. Arnold quoted the 18th century Bible scholar, John Wesley, who said, "Until my work on this earth is done, I am immortal. But when my work for Christ is done ... I go to be with Jesus," Then he said, "And when I go to heaven ...," when he grabbed the podium before falling to the floor.
Several members of the congregation with medical backgrounds tried to revive the minister and paramedics were called, but Arnold appeared to die instantly.
Arnold had been the senior minister at the church until the late 1990s when he began traveling to Africa and the Middle East to teach pastors. The cause of death was believed to be cardiac arrest. He had bypass surgery five years earlier.
"We were stunned," Beates said. "It was traumatic, but how wonderful it was he died in his own church among the people he loved the most."
How To Live By Faith, Pt. 6
Sacrificing My Hearts Desire – Heb. 11:17-19
By Louie Marsh, 12-19-2021
Intro. 4 cartoons, Dinos last.
The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. Genesis 12:1 (NIV)
1) Faith demands that I MOVE FORWARD.
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15 (NIV)
- The journey is: long, hard & not taken
2) Living by faith is following what God has ALREADY DONE.
“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 2:6–8, ESV)
3) Living by faith forces the critical question upon me -
- Which do I love more? the GIFT or the GIVER?
“17By 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, 18of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19He 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)
“2He 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 22:2, ESV)
REMEMBER: Issac was God’s gift – a blessing – BUT if God’s gifts become more important than God – we are in trouble!
- This is the CRITICAL TEST for all Christ followers.
"Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple. Luke 14:33 (MSG)
“33So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33, ESV)
- It shows me who or what’s really NUMBER ONE in my life.
“5Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.”” (Genesis 22:5, ESV)
- Am I really serving (worshipping) God or…
5) This test also forces me to trust GOD ALONE for the impossible.
“8Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together. 9When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.” (Genesis 22:8–13, ESV)
19He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” (Hebrews 11:19, ESV)
6) Once I surrender God’s gift back to Him, this allows God to USE ME more.
“15And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”” (Genesis 22:15–18, ESV)
Living By Faith In a Faithless World,
Part 5: Living the Impossible, Heb. 11:11-12
By Louie Marsh, 12-12-2021
Living the Impossible Puns
They say nothing is impossible…But i do nothing every day
Why is it impossible to hold a race in Finland? Because in Finland, every line is a Finnish line. . .
The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.
The little girl said, “When I get to Heaven, I will ask Jonah.”
The teacher asked, “What if Jonah went to Hell?” The little girl replied, “Then you ask him.”
WHEN I LIVE BY FAITH…
1) God will challenge me to BELIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE.
“11By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12Therefore 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)
Impossible Things Christians Believe:
- The All Powerful Creator of the Universe cares about us.
- God became a man.
- God in human flesh allowed Himself to be tortured and killed.
- He did this to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins
- After being dead for three days, He came back to life in His physical body!
- He gives us salvation as a gift of His Grace because of Christ’s death, burial & resurrection.
- He answers prayer, changes lives, and gives us his power today!
2) God will challenge me to DO the impossible.
SHOW SLIDE: In WW 2 the "Seabees" had as their slogan, "If it’s difficult, it will take a day or two. If it’s impossible, it will take a little longer." Here’s an example…
SHOW SLIDE: It was October 1958. Legson Kayira was sixteen or seventeen, his mother wasn't sure. His parents were illiterate and didn't know exactly where America was or how far. But they reluctantly gave their blessing to him to make a journey.
He possessed a five-day supply of food, a Bible and Pilgrim's Progress (his two treasures), a small ax for protection, and a blanket. With these, Legson Kayira eagerly set out on the journey of his life. He was going to walk from his tribal village in Nyasaland, north across the wilderness of East Africa to Cairo, where he would board a ship to America to get a college education.
Like his role models, Abraham Lincoln and Booker T. Washington, Legson wanted to serve mankind, to make a difference in the world. To realize his goal, he needed a first-rate education. He knew the best place to get it was in America.
Forget that Legson didn't have a penny to his name or a way to pay for his ship fare.
Forget that he had no idea what college he would attend or if he would even be accepted.
Forget that Cairo was 3,000 miles away and in between were hundreds of tribes that spoke more than fifty strange languages, none of which Legson knew.
He hadn't always been so determined. As a young boy, he sometimes used his poverty as an excuse for not doing his best at school or for not accomplishing something. Like many of his friends in the village, it was easy for Legson to believe that studying was a waste of time for a poor boy. Then, in books provided by missionaries, he discovered Abraham Lincoln and Booker T. Washington. Their stories inspired him to envision more for his life, and he realized that an education was the first step.
After five full days of trekking across the rugged African terrain, Legson had covered only 25 miles. He was already out of food, his water was running out, and he had no money. To travel the distance of 2,975 additional miles seemed impossible. He promised himself that he would not stop until he reached America. Or until I die trying.
Sometimes he walked with strangers. Most of the time he walked alone. He entered each new village cautiously, not knowing whether the natives were hostile or friendly. Sometimes he found work and shelter. Many nights he slept under the stars. He foraged for wild fruits and berries and other edible plants. He became thin and weak. A fever struck him and he fell gravely ill. Kind strangers treated him with herbal medicines and offered him a place to rest and convalesce. Weary and demoralized, Legson considered turning back
Instead, Legson turned to his two books, reading the familiar words that renewed his faith. He continued on. On January 19, 1960, fifteen months after he began he had crossed nearly a thousand miles to Kampala, the capital of Uganda. He was now growing stronger in body and wiser in the ways of survival. He remained in Kampala for six months, working at odd jobs and spending every spare moment in the library, reading voraciously.
In that library he came across an illustrated directory of American colleges. One illustration in particular caught his eye. It was of a stately, yet friendly looking institution, Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, Washington, became the first concrete image in Legson's seemingly impossible quest. He wrote immediately to the school's dean explaining his situation and asking for a scholarship.
The dean at Skagit was so impressed with Legson's determination he not only granted him admission but also offered him a scholarship and a job that would pay his room and board.
Another piece of Legson's dream had fallen into place - yet still more obstacles blocked his path. Legson needed a passport and a visa, but to get a passport, he had to provide the government with a verified birth date. Worse yet, to get a visa he needed the round-trip fare to the United States. Again, he picked up pen and paper and wrote to the missionaries who had taught him since childhood. They helped to push the passport through government channels. However, Legson still lacked the airfare required for a visa.
Undeterred, Legson continued his journey to Cairo believing he would somehow get the money he needed. He was so confident he spent the last of his savings on a pair of shoes so he wouldn't have to walk through the door of Skagit Valley College barefoot.
Months passed, and word of his courageous journey began to spread. By the time he reached Khartoum, penniless and exhausted, the legend of Legson Kayira had spanned the ocean between the African continent and Mount Vernon, Washington. The students of Skagit Valley College, with the help of local citizens, sent $650 to cover Legson's fare to America.
In December 1960, more than two years after his journey began, Legson Kayira arrived at Skagit Valley College. Carrying his two treasured books, he proudly passed through the towering entrance of the institution.
But Legson Kayira didn't stop once he graduated. Continuing his academic journey, he became a professor of political science at Cambridge University in England and a widely respected author.
"I learned I was not, as most Africans believed, the victim of my circumstances but the master of them." --Legson Kayira
Excerpted from "Unstoppable" Copyright 1998 by Cynthia Kersey
“29By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” (Hebrews 11:29–30, ESV)
SHOW SLIDE:
Impossible things God has done at River Church!
- This church was said to be impossible by and “expert” in church planting!
- Many people told me that adding a full time staff member was impossible.
- Our church has touched lives all over the world!
SHOW SLIDE:
Impossible Things He’s calling us to do now!
- Forgiving and loving those who’ve hurt you, abused you, opposed you and maybe still do
- To overcome life long fears.
- To triumph over the persistent fears that have crippled me all the life.
- To make an eternal difference in the world today.
HOW SHOULD I REACT TO ALL THIS? LAUGH!
1) The laughter of ASTONISHED FAITH.
“15And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 17Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” 19God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.” (Genesis 17:15–19, ESV)
What did Abraham do?
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He WORSHIPPED.
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He laughed – he reacted HONESTLY.
What Did God do?
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He made a bold, UNBELIEVABLE promise.
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He reminded Abraham to BELIEVE it.
2) The laughter of DISGUISED DOUBT.
“10The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”” (Genesis 18:10–15, ESV)
What is Doubt?
One of the common Greek words = “to stand in two ways.”
Doubt is NOT UNBELIEF!
- Doubt is to be UNSURE of something.
|__________________|______________________|
Unbelief Doubt Faith
How do we often handle doubt?
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We FEAR IT.
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WE DENY AND LIE about it.
How does God handle doubt?
“22And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”” (Mark 9:22–25, ESV)
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He CONFRONTS it.
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He CHALLENGES it.
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He CHANGES it.
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He does not CONDEMN it.
THE RESULTS OF THIS KIND OF FAITH
1) God makes the impossible POSSIBLE AND TRUE in my life.
And so a whole nation came from this one man, Abraham, who was too old to have any children—a nation with so many people that, like the stars of the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them. Hebrews 11:12 (NLT)
It's not often that God speaks through the guy in the next shower stall. But that's exactly what Charif Haddad said happened to him.
Haddad, pastor of a new church among people of Middle Eastern descent in Dearborn, Mich., says he struggled with his call to ministry as a teenager in his native Lebanon. During a shower after a soccer game one day, he found himself thinking of all the reasons he couldn't obey: He had a family to raise, a plan to become an engineer, and the obstacles were just too great.
"It's impossible to do it financially," he told God. "It's impossible for me to change people's hearts."
Then his friend in the next stall, a non-Christian who had not heard his silent prayers, shouted out loud: "What is impossible to man is possible to God."
"It made the hair on my neck stand up," Haddad said. "I said, 'Sam, where did those words come from.' He said, 'I don't know. They just came to mind, so I blurted them out.'"
That was the beginning of God's intervention, Haddad said. Later he felt God wanted him to serve in the United States, but he didn't see a way for it to happen. "I said, 'Lord, if you want me to serve you, send me to the States. I don't have the visa, I don't have the resources, I don't even have the desire to go."
The next day, he received a letter from a church in the United States offering to sponsor him as he pursued his education and ministry. Eventually - after Bible college and seminary - God called him to his current work in Dearborn, Mich.
Obedience to God's call also is central to this type of work, says North American Mission Board President Robert E. Reccord: "Answer his call, tell his story and change your world."
"When you answer his call, you will inevitably have the opportunity to tell his story," Reccord says. "And when you unapologetically do that, you will change your world." The Christian journey can be seen as an adventure, something that involves risk - and potentially tremendous joy and excitement.
"What would your life be like if there were no adventure in it?" he asks. "What would your life be like if there weren't any risk involved in it? Would you ever have learned how to walk?"
"Jesus Christ wants you to be a follower who blasts into the future on a flame of the Holy Spirit to chart the unknown, where you have never been before," Reccord says. " Are you ready? Because if you aren't, you're going to miss the great things in life he has for you."
"I think we have set up a dualism that's not biblical," he says. "Here's what we've made it sound like: If you are a missionary or if you are minister, you can be called of God. But if you're a plain old laywoman or layman, how can God call you? There is nothing more inaccurate than that."
"My question to you," Reccord asks, "is, Are you doing what you're doing because God called you do it?"
HOMEWORK:
- What impossible truth about God am I struggling to believe?
- How well am I dealing with doubt?
- What impossible thing is God calling me to do?
- What can I do this week to begin obeying God’s call?
How To Live By Faith In a Faithless World
Pt. 4: Taking the Long View, Heb. 11:10
By Louie Marsh, 12-5-2021
for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10 (NASB)
“Faith is the will to avoid knowing what is true.” - Friedrich Nietzsche
1) I should always be LOOKING FORWARD.
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10 (NIV)
2) I’m focused on ETERNAL THINGS.
Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God. Hebrews 11:10 (MSG)
3) I recognize life is only FOUND in God.
Abraham was waiting for the city that God had designed and built, the city with permanent foundations. Hebrews 11:10 (GW)
- Architect = technitēs – a craftsman or skilled builder
God is the Architect of the universe – He has a plan all laid out for everything, and a good one for you! You can trust Him with your life – so give your life to Christ!
- Builder = artisan, artistic builder
He’s not only a planner, but a builder as well. Most people are only good at one – but God does both perfectly! Trust Him to build your life along perfect lines when you follow Him in faith!
SOME RESULTS OF TAKING THE LONG VIEW OF LIFE
1) I’m encouraged to view life as ONE JOURNEY to God.
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:39-40 (NIV)
The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (MSG)
Many don’t like this – and try to isolate themselves, so that no one can bring them down or stop them from growing. That’s the coward’s way out! The way of courage and faith is to become involved with your brothers and sisters, and accept all the up and downsides that come with such involvement. If you try and live a sterile, ivory tower type Christian life, you will find it is neither truly Christian nor alive in the final analysis.
2) I’m fortified against DISCOURAGEMENT.
Billy Graham – “The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.' “
Discouragement is when we lose the desire and motivation for something in life and are filled with hopelessness. A disappointment is an emotional response to some failed expectation, some desire that we have. Discouragement is what happens when we don't resolve the disappointments in our hearts, which leads to feelings of hopelessness that threaten our relationship with the Lord.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
3) I’m more willing to PAY THE PRICE to grow spiritually.
We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (GW)
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. Hebrews 12:2 (MSG)
4) It puts life in the PROPER PERSPECTIVE.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3 (NIV)
WE must learn to look at things in the long view, not to just think short term, but realize this is an eternal journey we are on, that God isn’t in a hurry to make us like Christ, and that in the long run, everything will make sense even tho it doesn’t now!
Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things. Colossians 3:2 (GW)
Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. Colossians 3:2 (MSG)
SOME PROPER PERSPECTIVES ON LIFE:
- Life is short – don’t WASTE IT.
We need to all we can while we can because we don’t know how long we have! Most of us look back and think – “How much I’ve wasted!” That’s true for most of us – but NOW is the time to use your time, talents and treasure for the Lord!
REMEMBER: It’s not how you start the race that counts – IT’S HOW YOU FINISH! Make it your life goal to finish well!
On February 1, 2005 the annual race up the 1 576 steps, or about a third of a kilometer Empire State Building was held. New records were set by the women, but coming in last was Chico Scimone, it took him an hour to finish. So what? Scimone is a 94-year-old Italian musician.
Scimone is busy practicing in, Sicily, where he lives, by running up the 140 steps of a parking garage four times a day. Scimone, who also competes regularly in the Mediterranean Supermarathon in Palermo, attributes his feats to a regular life -- up at 6am, followed by a dip in the ocean, a simple breakfast of bread and milk, a long walk, a lunch of cheese and vegetables gathered in his own garden and a beef steak and salad in the evening.
- Life is temporary, don’t live in FEAR.
Don’t live in fear of what can happen to you – after all the worst thing is death – which for a Christ follower only ushers you into the Lord’s presence. Or as Mr. Spock once said, “I’ve been dead before, it’s over rated.”
- Life is preparation for eternity – DON’T FORGET IT.
What do here for God and with and to others isn’t just for time, but is preparing us the greatest adventure that you can’t imagine – eternity with God!
- Life is a gift – USE IT!
We are accountable to God for how we use all His gifts, especially the gift of life!
Living By Faith In a Faithless World, Pt. 3
Living Life As A Journey, Hebrews 11:9
By Louie Marsh, 11-28-2021
Thoughts About Life:
- Good Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.
- Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.
- Some people are like Slinkies......not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.
- Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.
- Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.
- All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.
- Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut saves you thirty cents?
- In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.
LIVING BY FAITH IS …VIEWING LIFE AS A JOURNEY
All of our life is a journey – in facts is many journeys, career, marriage, relationships with others, God, etc. Dealing with hurts, hang ups and habits. A very different journey that the one you hear about all the time now days when people say life is a journey.
By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents*, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.* Hebrews 11:9 (NIV)
We ARE strangers in this world, living in a foreign land and we ought to view our lives that way – that’s why Abraham lived in tents, so he could move at a moments notice and would never forget his status as a pilgrim.
“9I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:9–10, ESV)
THE TWO PHASES OF THE JOURNEY
1) I am MADE RIGHT with God through faith in Christ.
“23But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” (Romans 4:23–25, ESV)
- This is called JUSTIFICATION.
Justification refers to God's act of restoring our relationship with Him. It is being made right with God. It is the point in time when a sinner--someone guilty, someone condemned, someone who is a enemy of God--it is that point in time when a sinner is made right with God completely and solely because of faith in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
2) I spend my entire life BEING TRANSFORMED into Christ’s image.
“13But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13, ESV)
- This is called SANCTIFICATION.
Sanctification points to restoring the image of God within us. It results in being transformed to be like Jesus. It is a process. From the day you become a forgiven child of God until your last second on earth, God is working on you. It’s not a cookie-cutter process. It is customized for you.
Justification takes place in an instant. You are made right with God. Just like there was an instant....a physical day on the calendar....an actual time on the clock when you were born into this world. So there was a pinpoint in time when you were made right with God.
Sanctification is ongoing. As long as you live on this earth, God intends to be transforming you.
Both justification (the in-an-instant restoring of our relationship with God) AND sanctification (the all-of-our Christian-life process of restoring the image of God)--both of these are wholly and completely the work of God through Jesus Christ.
Martin Luther – Commentary on Galatians, Pg. 123: “Grace does not so change the faithful that by-and-by they become perfect in all things; but certain dregs of their old and natural corruption remain. If a man who is naturally prone to anger is converted to Christ, although he is mollified by grace (the Holy Spirit so framing his heart, that he is now more meek and gentle), yet his natural vice is not utterly quenched in his flesh…Thus the Spirit of God, being poured into diverse vessels, does not quench at once the vices of nature; but little by little during this life, He purges that sin which is rooted, not only in the Galatians, but also in all men of all nations.”
3) MY JOURNEY IS…
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Becoming what I ALREADY AM!
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Life long because every ending in Christ is also a new BEGINNING.
4) Things I Need To Avoid:
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Putting people on a PEDESTAL
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I do this further the illusion that it all depends on ME.
What this really is – IDOLATRY!
“3“Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them? 4Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Any one of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and sets the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer him as he comes with the multitude of his idols, 5that I may lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, who are all estranged from me through their idols.” (Ezekiel 14:3–5, ESV)
If THEY are there, then I can do it too!
Examples of great Christians with flaws – CS Lewis, Dr. Walter Martin
They used to teach Ministers in Bible College not to make friends in church – why? Because they were caught up in this “having arrived” mentality!
I found out early in my ministry some of the truth behind this – people say they want to get to know you – what they really want is to get to know you and see that you do indeed live up to their unrealistic standards!!
When you don’t – anger, resentment, etc.
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Believing that KNOWLEDGE is the goal
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Real goal is CHRIST- LIKENESS!
5) THINGS I NEED TO MAKE THE JOURNEY
- Food – WORD OF GOD
Jesus answered, “Scripture says, ‘A person cannot live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks.'” Matthew 4:4 (GW)
- Drink – THE HOLY SPIRIT
“37On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:37–39, ESV)
- Community – CHURCH, SMALL GROUPS
“9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil…“12And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9,12, ESV)
Living By Faith In a Faithless World
Part Two: Not Knowing Where I’m Going Heb. 11:8
By Louie Marsh, 11-21-2021
Intro – Cartoons
…If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. Isaiah 7:9 (NIV)
“17For 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)
Living by faith is accepting as FACT the truth that we cannot touch, feel or see, and then ACTING on it!
1) God is calling me to FOLLOW & SERVE Him.
“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.” (1 Corinthians 12:4–6, ESV)
2) Like Abraham I don’t know for sure WHERE I’ll end up.
By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God's call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 (MSG)
3) The question is: Will I or won’t I OBEY GOD.
“26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” (Matthew 7:26, ESV)
Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." "Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." Acts 10:13-15 (NIV)
A guy named Frank finds himself in dire straits. His business has gone bust and he's in serious financial trouble. He's so desperate that he decides to ask God for help. He begins to pray: "God, please help me. I've lost my business and if I don't get some money, I'm going to lose my house as well. Please let me win the lottery." Lottery night comes, and somebody else wins it. Frank again prays: "God, please let me win the lotto! I've lost my business, my house and I'm going to lose my car as well." Lotto night comes, and Frank still has no luck.
Once again, he prays: "My God, why have you forsaken me? I've lost my business, my house, and my car. My wife and children are starving. I don't often ask you for help, and I have always been a good servant to you. PLEASE just let me win the lottery this one time so I can get my life back in order." Suddenly there is a blinding flash of light as the heavens open and Frank is confronted by the voice of God Himself:
"Frank, meet me halfway on this: Go buy a ticket."
ONCE I’M WILLING TO OBEY I FIND THAT…
Chapter 11 has some great examples of how Faith empowers us – here they are…
1) Faith empowers me to get RIGHT WITH GOD through Jesus!
“4By 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. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.” (Hebrews 11:4, ESV)
2) Faith empowers me to PLEASE GOD by consistently following Jesus.
“5By 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.” (Hebrews 11:5, ESV)
3) Faith empowers me to stand against the crowd – BE DIFFERENT!
“7By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” (Hebrews 11:7, ESV)
4) Faith empowers me to TAKE RISKS for God!
“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.” (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
Living By Faith In a Faithless World #1
Faith Is: Believing When I Don’t See It
By Louie Marsh, 11-14-2021
Faith Quotes
The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift. - --Albert Einstein
Enthusiasm is nothing more or less than faith in action. --Henry Chester
All effort is in the last analysis sustained by the faith that it is worth making. --Ordway Tead
You can do very little with faith, but you can do nothing without it. --Samuel Butler
He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses much more, He who loses faith, loses all. --Eleanor Roosevelt
Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light. --Helen Keller
Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
--Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible. --Mary McLeod Bethune
To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. --St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
A faith that cannot survive collision with the truth is not worth many regrets. --Arthur C. Clarke
1) Faith Is…
“39But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” “1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 10:39 – 11:1, ESV)
- BELIEVING as real fact what is not completely revealed to the senses.
Faith apprehends as a real fact what is not revealed to the senses. It rests on that fact, acts upon it, and is upheld by it in the face of all that seems to contradict it. Faith is a real seeing.
- Faith then is a way of SEEING all of life.
“13These 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.” (Hebrews 11:13, ESV)
“27By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27, ESV)
- BEING CONVINCED the unseen is really true.
Assurance gives the true idea. It is the firm grasp of faith on unseen fact.
The word often signifies a process of proof or demonstration. So von Soden: "a being convinced. Therefore not a rash, feebly-grounded hypothesis, a dream of hope, the child of a wish." NOT like a child’s belief in Santa Claus.
Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe. -
Augustine
2) Faith is a way of VIEWING everything.
“2For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3By 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)
Literally – “were testified too”
God bore witness to them in the victory of their faith over all obstacles, and their characters and deeds as men of faith were recorded in Scripture. —Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament
Faith is also a way of viewing all experience since it is the way in which believers see the universe (tous aionas, lit., “the ages,” also rendered “the universe” in 1:2) for what it is—a creation by God. – Bible Background Commentary
Faith gives believers confidence to see more clearly. Faith is like putting on…
- fisherman's sunglasses that remove much of the glare so that you can see the fish better. Faith enables you to perceive realities most people cannot because they can't see beneath the surface; they are blinded by the glare of sinful attractions.
- night-vision lenses that penetrate the darkness surrounding you, enabling you to identify enemies or see danger ahead. Faith enables you to follow God's clear leading, even though Satan attempts to deceive you and places pitfalls in your path.
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corrective lenses that compensate for weaknesses in your eyes. Faith corrects your perception so that God's teaching makes sense to you, and you can see his leading in your daily activities.
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Viewing & Living By Faith provides proof that God is REAL. (vs. 2)
3) Biblical Faith Means I understand that…
- There is one God who CREATED the universe.
Famed atheist sees evidence for God, cites recent discoveries
Antony Flew, a legendary British philosopher and atheist, has changed his mind about the existence of God in light of recent scientific evidence.
Flew -- a prolific author has argued against the existence of God and the claims of Christianity for more than 50 years.
Flew said he is now best described as a deist -- a person who believes God created the universe but is not actively involved in people's lives today.
"I don't believe in the God of any revelatory system, although I am open to that," Flew. But it seems to me that the case for ... [a] God who has the characteristics of power and also intelligence is now much stronger than it ever was before."
Flew credits his newfound belief in God to arguments from design such as those espoused by the "intelligent design" (ID) movement. "I think that the most impressive arguments for God's existence are those that are supported by recent scientific discoveries," Flew said. "... I think the argument to Intelligent Design is enormously stronger than it was when I first met it."
Although many atheists appeal to naturalistic evolution as a method by which the world could have come into existence apart from God, Charles Darwin himself acknowledged that the process of evolution requires a creator to start the process, Flew said.
"Darwin himself, in the fourteenth chapter of The Origin of Species, pointed out that his whole argument began with a being which already possessed reproductive powers," Flew said. "This is the creature the evolution of which a truly comprehensive theory of evolution must give some account. Darwin himself was well aware that he had not produced such an account."
While Flew said he does not believe in a God who is active in the lives of humans, he is "open to" the possibility of divine revelation. He also believes that Christians are intellectually justified in holding to their religion and that the resurrection of Jesus has more evidential support than any other reported miracle in history.
"The evidence for the resurrection is better than for claimed miracles in any other religion," Flew said. "It's outstandingly different in quality and quantity, I think, from the evidence offered for the occurrence of most other supposedly miraculous events."
Despite his belief in the existence of God, Flew said it is unlikely that he will ever become a Christian. The major evidence against the God of Christianity is the problem of evil, Flew said.
"The problem of evil is a problem ... for Christians," Flew said. "The thesis that the universe was created and is sustained by a Being of infinite power and goodness is flatly incompatible with the occurrence of massive undeniable and undenied evils in that universe."
Flew also argues that God does not have "any preferences ... about or any intentions concerning human behavior or about the eternal destinies of human beings."
- He creates because HE LOVES.
God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. John 3:16 (GW)
- There is a PLAN & PURPOSE for my life
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
This means –
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I am SIGNIFICANT to God.
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Through Christ I can make an ETERNAL difference.
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There are no RANDOM EVENTS in my life.
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)
reTHINK #10
The Golden Rule
By Louie Marsh 11-7-2021
12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. 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. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:12-14 (ESV)
Where did it come from?
“What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.” – Confucius 500 BC
“Do not do to your neighbor what you would take ill from him.” Pittacus, 600 BC (Gk. Philosopher)
“One should never do that to another which one regards as injurious to one’s own self. This, in brief, is the rule of dharma. Other behavior is due to selfish desires.” - Mahabharata, 150 BC (Hindu holy book)
“None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” - Hadith, 632 AD (Islamic collection or oral traditions from the life of Mohammad.
The Golden Rule – Princeton University Website:
The Golden Rule or ethic or reciprocity is a maxim, an ethical code, or a morality, that essentially states the following:
The Golden Rule is arguably the most essential basis for the modern concept of human rights, in which each individual has a right to just treatment, and a reciprocal responsibility to ensure justice for others. A key element of the Golden Rule is that a person attempting to live by this rule treats all people with consideration, not just members of his or her in-group. The Golden Rule has its roots in a wide range of world cultures, and is a standard that different cultures use to resolve conflicts.”
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia:
“Many single sayings like the Golden Rule and the lovely word about a cup of cold water given in the name of Christ (Matt. 10:42) are revolutionary in the ethical experience of mankind.”
The Golden Rule = Evangelism
1) The Golden Rule is both ETHICAL & EVANGELISTIC.
- It tells me WHAT to do.
44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:44-45 (ESV)
- It tells me WHY I should do it.
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:5-6 (ESV)
Barna says there are 180 to 190 million people in America who are born-again Christians. The Superdome seats about 72,000 people, you could fill it 2,638 times with all the lost people in America.
Every year in America about 7000 churches close their doors for the last time.
2) The Golden Rule is both ACTIONS & WORDS.
23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them…1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. Matthew 4:23-24; 5:1 (ESV)
3) What does the Golden Rule teach me?
- That Evangelism is loving people
“16By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 3:16, ESV)
Relationships
Relationships are the key to reaching lost people. Someone has defined evangelism as, “an intentional relationship through which someone is introduced to Jesus.”
A few years ago the survey was taken of 10,000 people, they were asked what was most responsible for your coming to Christ and your church? 79% said a friend or relative invited me.
- The relationship is authentic, but it’s also INTENTIONAL & focused on
“16In 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.” (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
“I’ve always said that I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, and you think that it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward ... how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? ... I mean, if I believed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that.” - Penn Jilette
- It doesn’t take a lot of
Geoff Suratt asked this question: Which of the following would influence you to consider converting to Islam?
Clever, graphically appealing Islamic mailers sent to you?
A great coffee shop in the local mosque?
Amazing rock band playing during prayers at the mosque?
A persuasive, relatable Iman teaching from the Koran?
Great children’s ministry at the mosque?
Islamic neighbors handing out water bottles and fliers at your child’s soccer match?
Great youth group at the mosque?
Islamic services broadcast on cable?
Islamic neighbors knocking on your door inviting you to attend prayers with them on Friday night?
- It’s something I am CALLED to do.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
The 4 Step Plan most Christians Use:
1) Invite non-Christian friend to church.
2) If they enjoy it get the Pastor to talk to them.
3) He answers all questions and baptizes them into Christ!
4) Rinse and repeat!
Remember the 180 – 190 million lost? If you set out to save these people and could win 1000 a day – it would still take you 521 years to save them all. However, if you and I could bring to Christ just one person by the end of the year, and they brought one person a year, in 40 years you’d have 1,099,511,627,776 – this is roughly 153 times the current population of the world!!
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 (ESV)
reTHINK #9
Life After Death
By Louie Marsh, 10-31-2021
6 pictures
1) God has always offered the HOPE of life after death.
7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7 (ESV)
23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” 2 Samuel 12:23 (ESV)
2) Life after death CENTERS on Jesus.
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:12-14 (ESV)
- Death is an ABERRATION caused by the fall & repaired by Jesus resurrection.
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (ESV)
10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 2 Timothy 1:10 (ESV)
3) Where do I go?
19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ Luke 16:19-24 (ESV)
- PARADISE
42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:42-43 (ESV)
- Until the Believers Judgment – which is
12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (ESV)
- Then we are RESURRECTED & live forever in the new heavens & earth.
51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (ESV)
4) The bottom Line – After a believer dies they are with JESUS – period.
20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. Philippians 1:20-23 (ESV)
Christ Centered Discipleship –
Forgiveness, Matt. 6:12
By Louie Marsh, 10-17-2021
Forgiving = giving up MYSELF
SHOW 6 PICTURES ABOUT FORGIVENESS
Disciples of Jesus Forgive…
- As Jesus COMMANDED
12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12 (ESV)
Why Do We Forgive?
- Today we are told we forgive FOR OURSELVES.
Remember, you don't forgive someone for his or her sake - you forgive them for your sake.
Front Porch Blog
Mayo Clinic
What are the benefits of forgiving someone?
Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:
- Healthier relationships
- Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
- Less anxiety, stress and hostility
- Lower blood pressure
- Fewer symptoms of depression
- Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse
PICTURE OF JOYCE MYERS BOOK – AND PIC OF ME!
What Does the New Testament Say?
- Because GOD has forgiven me.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:30-32 (ESV)
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” - CS Lewis
- To MODEL Jesus before the world.
35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:35-36 (ESV)
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 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. Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:20-23 (ESV)
The Essence of Discipleship:
- FORSAKING self & BECOMING LIKE
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
My Natural Perspective On Life: PPT
A Kingdom Perspective: PPT
A Kingdom Perspective on Discipleship: PPT
Two Paths To Forgiving:
- The path of human motivation: FOR MYSELF
- The path of Discipleship: To help me become MORE LIKE JESUS
Forgiving is a Spiritual Discipline
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It’s main goal is to MAKE ME MORE LIKE JESUS
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All the good it brings to me are BENEFITS NOT MOTIVES.
Much of our teaching is self-centered NOT Christ (Gospel) centered.
- We are producing MORALISTS not DISCIPLES
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Moralist– Definition:
: one who leads a moral life
: a philosopher or writer concerned with moral principles and problems
: one concerned with regulating the morals of others
- Are we unknowingly doing this?
4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 2 Timothy 3:4-5 (ESV)
Conceit = to envelop with smoke, i.e. (figurative) to inflate with self-conceit :- high-minded, be lifted up with pride, be proud.
Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
A Challenge to Us All
- Take a close look at your entire life.
- Where are you trusting God & where are you relying on self instead?
- Determine today to become more like Jesus, to forsake myself, take up my cross and follow Jesus!
ReTHINK #6,
Self & Image
By Louie Marsh, 10-10-2021
3 funny church signs
Quotes about Self & Selfishness
“To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others.” ― Albert Camus
“I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Notes from Underground
“Almost every sinful action ever committed can be traced back to a selfish motive. It is a trait we hate in other people but justify in ourselves. ” ― Stephen Kendrick, The Love Dare
Self-Image = fuhgeddaboudit
Forget About It
Intro:
What are the marks of a heart that has been radically changed by the grace of God? I want to look at what our hearts should look like as we follow Jesus and He changes us into his image.
Up until the twentieth century, traditional cultures (and this is still true of most cultures in the world) always believed that too high a view of yourself was the root cause of all the evil in the world.
Top of Form
But, in our modern western culture, we have developed an utterly opposite cultural consensus. Top of Form
Our belief today – and it is deeply rooted in everything – is that people misbehave for lack of self-esteem and because they have too low a view of themselves.
You see, the thing about the ‘low self-esteem theory of misbehavior’ is that it is very attractive. You do not have to make any moral judgments in order to deal with society’s problems. All you have to do is support people and build them up. In traditional cultures, the way you dealt with these problems was that you clamped down on people and convicted them and called them bad!
The interesting thing about this passage from 1 Corinthians is that it gives us a new approach to how we regard ourselves, one that is different from both the traditional and the modern/postmodern approach.
21 So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23 and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. 1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. 6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? 1 Corinthians 3:21-4:7 (ESV)
- DISCOVER the natural condition of the human ego.
6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 1 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV)
The word translated “puffed up” is not the normal hubris word for pride (hubris), but physioõ.
Top of Form
Paul uses it here and another five times in this particular book and once in Colossians 2. You will not find it anywhere else in the Bible as it is used only by Paul. It literally means to be overinflated, swollen, distended beyond its proper size. It is related to the word for ‘bellows’.
The human ego is:
- Empty
Soren Keirkegaard, in Sickness Unto Death, says the normal state of the human heart is to try and build its identity around something besides God. The human heart is an idol factory, constantly seeking to fill itself it’s emptiness with God substitutes.
- Busy
The human heart is busy doing two things – comparing and boasting. Vs. 6 – “you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.”
In Mere Christianity CS Lewis says – “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next person. We say the people are proud of being rich, or clever, or good looking, but they are not. They are proud of being richer, or cleverer or better-looking than others. If everyone else became equally rich, or clever, or good-looking there would be nothing to be proud about.”
- Fragile
It’s like an over inflated balloon – very, very easy to burst it and deflate it completely.
2) SEE what the transformed sense of self is.
- My identity is INDEPENDENT of others and myself.
1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 1 Corinthians 4:1-4 (ESV)
Paul doesn’t care –
- What the Corinthians think
- What he thinks – My Opinion Doesn’t Matter!
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV)
Paul says he’s aware of his sin and aware of his accomplishments, but he doesn’t connect any of those with himself. He refuses to play that game. He doesn’t let sin destroy his sense of self, and he doesn’t let his accomplishments inflate his ego. He will not make that connection.
-
My identity is ANCHORED in Jesus alone!
-
My opinion or yours isn’t relevant, only GOD’S OPINION counts!
4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. 1 Corinthians 4:4-5 (ESV)
- I’m forgiven of my SIN & free from
22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Romans 4:22-25 (ESV)
3) BEGIN the process of transformation.
- I must BELIEVE that Jesus has forgiven & accepted me.
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
- I no longer have to PERFORM FOR ACCEPTANCE, because I am accepted in Christ!
27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:27-30 (ESV)
- I must DIE to myself.
“38And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38–39, ESV)
- When I doubt – I RETURN TO THE GOSPEL over & over again.
12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13 (ESV)
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
Here’s the Bottom Line:
I shouldn’t hate myself – I should simply FOCUS on God & others more & more.
“25For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25–26, ESV)
The best moments of your life are when you are so in the moment you forget about yourself.
Video from the Camino
reTHINK #5
Faith
by Louie Marsh, 10-3-2021
Read story, then show slide.
Brenda was a young woman who was invited to go rock climbing. Well, she got to a ledge where she could take a breather. As she was hanging on there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens.
Here she was, far from home, her sight now blurry. She was desperate and began to get upset, so she prayed to the Lord to help her to find it.
When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but there was no contact lens to be found. She sat down, despondent, with the rest of the party, waiting for the rest of them to make it up the face of the cliff.
She looked out across range after range of mountains, thinking of that verse that says, "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth." She thought, "Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me."
Finally, they walked down the trail to the bottom. At the bottom there was a new party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, "Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?"
Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across the face of the rock, carrying it on it's back.
Her father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a picture
QUOTES:
The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift. - --Albert Einstein
All effort is in the last analysis sustained by the faith that it is worth making. --Ordway Tead
Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. --Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. --St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
A faith that cannot survive collision with the truth is not worth many regrets. --Arthur C. Clarke
Faith is NECESSARY & NORMAL.
“I don't think scientists mind being proven wrong…I think any good scientist would love it. I love that no faith is needed in science. I believe something until it's proven wrong and then I believe that.” She is expressing her faith that scientists are super human people with no attachments to their beliefs (wrong).
1) Faith Is…
Now faith is the title deed of things hoped for, proof of things which are not being seen. For by means of this [namely, faith] the elders had witness borne them. By means of faith we perceive that the material universe and the God-appointed ages of time were equipped and fitted by God's word for the purpose for which they were intended, and it follows therefore that which we see did not come into being out of which is visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 (Wuest’s Expanded Trans.)
-
My Assurance of Stability
-
My Conviction That The Unseen Is Real.
…It's our handle on what we can't see. Hebrews 11:1b (MSG)
Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe. - Augustine
“27By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27, ESV)
TO BE FAITHFUL MY LIFE MUST BE…
IN FAITH - CENTER MYSELF in faith.
1) IN = To put into or onto: encapsulate. To go into or onto
“5Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” (James 2:5, ESV)
| FAITH |
| ACCEPTANCE |
| APPETITES |
| MATERIALISM |
| FEAR |
| HURTS & HABITS |
| EGO |
Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
2) OF FAITH – Let Faith be my PRIMARY MOTIVATOR.
OF = Derived or coming from; originating at or from; caused by
“8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);” (Romans 10:8, ESV)
| FEAR |
| MATERIALISM |
| HURTS & HABITS |
| EGO |
| FAITH |
“27And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” (Acts 14:27, ESV)
3) THROUGH FAITH – Make Faith my MAIN DETERMINER.
THROUGH = Among or between; in the midst of
14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith…26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. Galatians 3:14, 26 (ESV)
12 … but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises…33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Hebrews 6: 12b; 11:33 (ESV)
… take up the shield of faith…. Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)
| FAITH |
| EGO |
| HURTS & HABITS |
| FEAR |
| OBEDIENCE TO GOD |
| GOD’S WILL |
- If it doesn’t get THROUGH my faith, then it doesn’t get TO
4) WITH FAITH – Partner Faith to EVERYTHING IN MY LIFE
WITH =In the company of; accompanying, Next to; alongside of
For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Hebrews 4:2 (NIV)
| CHILD RAISING |
| SPENDING HABITS |
| JOB |
| FAITH |
| FAITH |
| FAITH |
| FAITH |
| RECREATION |
5) BY FAITH – Let Faith answer EVERY QUESTION.
BY - Close to; next to; With the use or help of; through:
“9and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:9, ESV)
We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
“3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3, ESV)
“16And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:16, ESV)
reTHINK #4
Suffering
By Louie Marsh, 9-26-2021
Big vs. Small Picture:
Today I’ll be talking about the big picture of suffering not the smaller more personal one. The Bible gives us a framework to understand how a good and loving God can allow suffering in this world. It does not explain why certain things happen to certain people. No one can answer that question, and if someone says they can – run away!!
The Big Picture
One day, in the middle of a small but hard-fought ground war, there is a small squad of soldiers sitting on a hill.
A radio message comes in, and is taken by the communications officer, a sergeant. He says, "Right, men! We have to take that hill over there!"And so they start fighting to take the hill. They fight all day and all night, and most of the next day, and eventually they take the hill.
Just as soon as they've taken it, they receive another message on the radio. The sergeant takes the message, and then says, "Right men! Retreat back to that hill!" And so they retreat back to the hill that they came from.
When they're safely dug back in on their original hill, one of the men goes to his sergeant, and says, "Excuse me, sir, but why did we fight all day and all night to take that hill, only to have to retreat again immediately? It seems bloody idiotic, if you ask me."
The sergeant frowns, and says, "Well, you see, you don't get to see the big picture. If you saw the big picture, you'd understand."
The soldier starts thinking, and works hard, and after a while he eventually gets promoted to corporal, and then to sergeant. On his first day as a new sergeant, he asks one of his fellow NCOs, "So, what is the big picture, then?"
The other sergeant looks at him, and says, "Well, you don't really get to see the big picture at this level. It's only the captain that gets to see this big picture."
So the soldier decides that he's going to find out what the big picture is. He works his way up the ranks and finally becomes a General. He asks the other Generals what the big picture is and they say, "Well, of course we don't see the big picture. We get our orders from the politicians. They're the ones who really see the big picture."
So, the soldier looks for opportunities to enter politics. He joins a political party, and becomes active in his local branch of the party. He gets elected to Parliament. On his first day, he's sitting in the Commons' Bar, and asks a fellow MP, "In the military, they said that Parliament gets to see the big picture. So -- what is the big picture?"
The MP looks at him, and says, "Well, as a backbencher, you don't get to see much, really. It's only the cabinet that really see the big picture. You'll have to ask them."
So our (now retired) soldier starts working to become a cabinet minister. At his first cabinet meeting, he sits through the meeting quietly, and afterwards he asks one of the more senior ministers, "So, what was the big picture? I didn't get it from that meeting."
The minister replies, "Well, it's not that easy to see from here. You see, we only handle the political side of things. There's all the economic stuff as well -- and you only really get that in industry. You'll have to ask the economists in industry."
At this point, he announces his retirement from politics, and, as a result of the contacts that he's made from being in politics, he manages to get himself a place on the board of one of the big city corporations.
At the first full board meeting, he puts his hand up, and says, "So, what is the big picture?"
And the treasurer of the company looks at him in horror, and says, "Oh, NO! Don't tell me you were on that bloody hill, too!"
The Small Picture
But there are two scriptures we must rely to help us as we deal with the smaller picture and they are not on your outline so please write them down:
1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:1-5 (ESV)
45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45 (ESV)
God allows suffering because … GOD IS LOVE
1) God made humans in His IMAGE.
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV)
- Us = trinity
- Image - Human life was created in (lit., “as,” meaning “in essence as”) the image of God ( 27). This image was imparted only to humans (2:7). “Image” (ṣelem) is used figuratively here, for God does not have a human form. Being in God’s image means that humans share, though imperfectly and finitely, in God’s nature, that is, in His communicable attributes (life, personality, truth, wisdom, love, holiness, justice), and so have the capacity for spiritual fellowship with Him
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.
2) God made us to LOVE HIM.
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV)
3) Love cannot be forced but only FREELY CHOSEN.
20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. 21 When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. Genesis 9:20-21 (NIV)
- God gave us real choices in a real universe.
- Therefore he had to allow us to choose evil over good.
- Adam & Eve did, and so has everyone of their off spring save one – Jesus!
4) But God will hold us accountable on JUDGMENT DAY.
34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37 (ESV)
So, eternal love – God – allows evil to exist now to honor our sovereign free will and so that we can, if we choose, freely love Him and others. However, because He is just, there will be a judgment day where all wrongs will be righted.
How Then Should I Respond to Suffering?
1) I need to ACCEPT that suffering will happen to me and mine.
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19 (ESV)
2) I need to REMEMBER that God is active in my suffering.
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20 (ESV)
3) I need to EMBRACE suffering as part of my spiritual growth.
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (ESV)
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ …10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Philippians 3:8, 10 (ESV)
reTHINK #3
Sex & Sexuality
By Louie Marsh, 9-19-2021
“We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love.”
― Tom Robbins
“Why should we take advice on sex from the pope? If he knows anything about it, he shouldn't!”
― George Bernard Shaw
“Boys and girls in America have such a sad time together; sophistication demands that they submit to sex immediately without proper preliminary talk. Not courting talk — real straight talk about souls, for life is holy and every moment is precious.” ― Jack Kerouac, On the Road
Sex - IT’S SACRED
The average male loses his virginity at age 16.9; females average slightly older, at 17.4.
About one out of 10 married adults — 12 percent — say that they typically sleep alone
Two-thirds of college students have been in a "friends with benefits" relationship, citing the lack of commitment required as the main advantage to such an arrangement.
According to a survey of adults aged 20 to 59, women have an average of four sex partners during their lifetime; men have an average of seven.
36% of women have lied to a man they were sleeping with about the number of sex partners they've had. 49% of men have lied about the number of sexual partners they've had.
Sex & Marriage:
- About 3% of Americans wait until marriage to have sex (1 in 30).
- In highly religious groups it’s up to 20% that wait till marriage.
- More women wait than men – 60% of those who wait are women, 40% men.
- More people waited in the 1950’s but not as many as you’d think.
- 1954-1963 – 11%
- 1994-2003 – 3%
1) I live within GOD’S SEXUAL BOUNDARIES.
3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 (ESV)
NIV, NLT, MESSAGE all say Body, Wife- LB and GW, Vessel – NAS, ASV, NKJ.
Greek is vessel – Paul either means spouse, or body – there’s equal weight for each one.
- God’s Sexual Context – HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
Christian belief in heterosexual marriage and that homosexually is wrong, does not stem from the Law or Paul – but from the very creation of mankind. Moses and Paul simply follow what Jesus shows us – that it was from the beginning that we were made that way.
2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. 7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. 8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 1 Corinthians 7:2-9 (ESV)
- God’s Sexual Style –
4 that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who know not God; 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5 (ASV)
The Christian view of sex within marriage is that BOTH spouses put the pleasure of their spouse before their own – thus insuring fulfillment for both IF they keep this ideal! You don’t just demand your own way or wishes – that’s wrong even in marriage.
2) I REJECT LUST – and all it leads me to do.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. Matthew 5:27-30 (NIV)
The present participle βλέπων characterizes the man by his act of continued looking. The construction πρὸς τό with the infinitive denotes purpose (not result), it is somewhat like our phrase, "with a view to," etc. (R. 1003, 1075); the aorist infinitive is effective, referring to accomplished lusting; verbs of desire govern the genitive. Jesus does not say that by the accomplished lusting or by and during the act of looking at the woman the man in question commits adultery. The aorist ἐμοίχευσεν, with ἤδη emphasizing the feature of the time, precedes these acts. The man who casts lustful looks is an adulterer to begin with. The sin is already "in his heart" and only comes out in his lustful look. If the heart were pure, without adultery, no lustful look would be possible. Hence Jesus does not state how the guilty man can free himself of the sin as did the man mentioned in v. 23, 24. The man's very heart and nature must be so changed by divine grace that lustful looks will become impossible for him.
It ought to be understood that what is thus said of a man (πᾶς ὁ, masculine) is equally true of a woman. Likewise, "every man" is general and cannot be restricted to married men; and γυναῖκα cannot refer only to a married woman who belongs to another man. A bachelor's lustful look upon a maid is certainly as adulterous as the lustful look of a married man upon another man's wife. - Lenski New Testament Commentary - Lenski Interpretation of St. Matthew's Gospel.
- To do this I must THINK like God does.
“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!” (Isaiah 5:20–21, ESV)
“21For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 24Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,” (Romans 1:21–24, ESV)
3) I live to PLEASE GOD first.
1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3 (ESV)
4) I live a life of LOVE.
9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 (ESV)
reTHINK #3
Gender & Sanity
By Louie Marsh, 9-12-2021
Intro: Terminology
Cisgender - denoting a person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex. A cisgender person can be heterosexual or homosexual. bisexual or asexual.
LGTBQ - stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (or queer). LGBTQQ = queer questioning.
LGBTQ+ = plus + Pansexual + Agender + Gender Queer + Bigender + Gender Variant + Pangender
Agender: A term for people whose gender identity and expression does not align with man, woman, or any other gender. A similar term used by some is gender-neutral.
Bigender: Someone whose gender identity encompasses both man and woman. Some may feel that one side or the other is stronger, but both sides are present.
Binary: The gender binary is a system of viewing gender as consisting solely of two identities and sexes, man and woman or male and female.
Gender fluid: A person who does not identify with a single fixed gender, and expresses a fluid or unfixed gender identity. One’s expression of identity is likely to shift and change depending on context.
Genderqueer: A person who rejects static categories of gender and embraces a fluidity of gender identity and often, though not always, sexual orientation. People who identify as genderqueer may see themselves as being both male and female, neither male nor female or as falling completely outside these categories.
Two Gender Charts
The Biblical & Scientific Truth
- There are only TWOgenders
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
You are born as a male or as a female and there is no other option. There is no third, fourth, or fifth gender. It does not exist. You shouldn't be able to identify as whatever you please. The set of chromosomes that you are born with, either XX or XY is what dictates your gender. Your gender is determined far before the development of the fetus begins, and that's all there is to it.
Gender Dysphoria (which used to be called gender identity disorder, but is now an offensive term) directly correlates with depression and anxiety, which are both mental disorders. Although the two of those are mental disorders, we as a society are not allowed to call Gender Dysphoria a mental disorder. Follow this carefully: (Study by the American Academy of Pediatrics) More than half of transgender male teens who participated in the survey reported attempting suicide in their lifetime, while 29.9 percent of transgender female teens said they attempted suicide. Among non-binary youth, 41.8 percent of respondents stated that they had attempted suicide at some point in their lives.
A massive part of the population says that this is because of the discrimination against transgenders. You cannot attribute the transgender suicide rate to discrimination because if that was the case, the suicide rate for blacks would be higher than it is due to the amount of discrimination they face. The black suicide rate is lower than the white suicide rate, and that alone destroys Gender Dysphoria not being a mental disorder... this is a prime example of society ignoring facts and the truth while conforming to the trans-society.
hermaphrodite or “intersex” person – very rare – birth defect as a result of the Fall – need our compassion and help
- It is IMPOSSIBLE to change my gender.
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV)
Show graphic of male and female skeletons.
Gender is carved into your DNA and can’t be changed – it’s in your bones
In males, the jaw bone is generally larger and more pronounced, and the brow is taller. Male skeletons also generally have longer, thicker bones in the arms, legs and fingers. ... This major difference between men and women is the cause of the biggest hallmark feature of a female vs. male skeleton, the pelvis.
With that being said, you cannot wake up one day and decide that you want to be a fish, can you? You cannot decide that you are going to grow scales, breathe underwater, and live as a fish for the rest of your life, can you? Could you legally register yourself as a fish? No, you can not do that. You also can't randomly decide that you want to be 21. You aren't allowed to wake up and say I feel 21 today if your real age is 18, and then go buy alcohol. It should be the same exact way with "gender reassignment."
In reality there is no such thing as gender reassignment surgery. It’s only masking or hiding or camouflaging your gender. A woman can be made to LOOK like a man and a man can be made to LOOK like a woman, but that’s all.
3) God made men & women DIFFERENT.
18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18 (ESV)
Helper = ʿāzar generally indicates military assistance
4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. Psalm 54:4 (ESV)
Adam was made incomplete. God did this deliberately for He knew male needed female and both would need God. Adam needed help that was similar to him YET DIFFERENT!
Some differences between the genders:
Male brains utilize nearly seven times more gray matter for activity while female brains utilize nearly ten times more white matter. What does this mean?
Gray matter areas of the brain are localized. They are information- and action-processing centers in specific splotches in a specific area of the brain. This can translate to a kind of tunnel vision when they are doing something.
White matter is the networking grid that connects the brain’s gray matter and other processing centers with one another. This profound brain-processing difference is probably one reason you may have noticed that girls tend to more quickly transition between tasks than boys do. The gray-white matter difference may explain why, in adulthood, females are great multi-taskers, while men excel in highly task-focused projects.
Male and female brains process the same neurochemicals but to different degrees and through gender-specific body-brain connections. Some dominant neurochemicals are serotonin, which, among other things, helps us sit still; testosterone, our sex and aggression chemical; estrogen, a female growth and reproductive chemical; and oxytocin, a bonding-relationship chemical.
The right and left hemispheres of the male and female brains are not set up exactly the same way. For instance, females tend to have verbal centers on both sides of the brain, while males tend to have verbal centers on only the left hemisphere. This is a significant difference. Girls tend to use more words when discussing or describing incidence, story, person, object, feeling, or place. Males not only have fewer verbal centers in general but also, often, have less connectivity between their word centers and their memories or feelings.
History:
"In April 1944 a proposal to ensure women's suffrage and equality was presented to the French parliament. The presenter gave a lengthy speech, trying to emphasize the idea that women and men are actually the same. There is only one small difference. He never finished the thought, because everyone in parliament started to shout: "Long live that difference!" (Vive la différence!)"
The measure passed by the way. Although the measure was signed into law on April 21, 1944 under a provisional government led by Gen. Charles de Gaulle, French women did not actually cast their ballot for the first time until April 29, 1945, in what were the country’s first general elections since it was liberated from German occupation.
4) God made men & women EQUAL.
11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; 12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. 1 Corinthians 11:11-12 (ESV)
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV)
5) What’s happening isn’t NEW.
“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!” (Isaiah 5:20–21, ESV)
“21For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 24Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,” (Romans 1:21–24, ESV)
So that they are (εἰς τὸ εἶναι). The A. V. expresses result; but the sense is rather purpose. The revelation of God’s power and divinity is given, so that, if, after being enlightened, they fall into sin, they may be without defence.
Without excuse (ἀναπολογήτους). See on answer, 1 Pet. 3:15. Only here and ch. 2:1.
Became vain (ἐματαιώθησαν). Vain things (μάταια) was the Jews’ name for idols. Compare Acts 4:25. Their ideas and conceptions of God had no intrinsic value corresponding with the truth. “The understanding was reduced to work in vacuo. It rendered itself in a way futile” (Godet).
Imaginations (διαλογισμοῖς). Rev., better, reasonings. See on Matt. 15:19; Mark 7:21; Jas. 2:4.
Foolish (ἀσύνετος). See on συνετός prudent, Matt. 11:25, and the kindred word σύνεσις understanding, Mark 12:33; Luke 2:47. They did not combine the facts which were patent to their observation.
Heart (καρδία). The heart is, first, the physical organ, the centre of the circulation of the blood. Hence, the seat and centre of physical life. In the former sense it does not occur in the New Testament. As denoting the vigor and sense of physical life, see Acts. 14:17; Jas. 5:5; Luke 21:34. It is used fifty-two times by Paul.
Never used like ψυχή soul, to denote the individual subject of personal life, so that it can be exchanged with the personal pronoun (Acts 2:43; 3:23; Rom. 13:1); nor like πνεῦμα spirit, to denote the divinely-given principle of life.
It is the central seat and organ of the personal life (ψυχή) of man regarded in and by himself, Hence it is commonly accompanied with the possessive pronouns, my, his, thy, etc.
- Professing (φάσκοντες). The verb is used of unfounded assertion, Acts 24:9; 25:19; Apoc. 2:2.
Wise, they became fools. Another oxymoron; see on ver. 20. Compare Horace, insaniens sapientia raving wisdom. Plato uses the phrase μάταιον δοξοσοφίαν vain-glorying of wisdom (“Sophist,” 231).
6) The real issue today isn’t gender it’s absolute AUTONOMY.
4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5 (ESV)
2 “Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre, Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god, I sit in the seat of the gods, in the heart of the seas,’ yet you are but a man, and no god, though you make your heart like the heart of a god— Ezekiel 28:2 (ESV)
What could be more godlike than to say you can change everything we looked at today, by simply saying your now a different gender? God created the world by fiat, and now we think we can change things the same way.
Show Lesbians jpgs, man nursing baby.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7 (ESV)
reThink #1
Why reThink?
By Louie Marsh, 9-5-2021
God Doesn’t Want….
- Me to be
“15The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15, ESV)
2) Me to be BLIND to the issues.
“11Does not the ear test words as the palate tastes food?” (Job 12:11, ESV)
“15For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,” (Ephesians 1:15, ESV)
3) Me to WITHDRAW from or BLAME the world.
“11He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”” (Genesis 3:11–13, ESV)
He Is Calling Me To…
1) UNDERSTAND the times & culture I’m living in.
“32From the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their relatives under their command.” (1 Chronicles 12:32, CSB)
“11Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11, ESV)
2) Have the courage to TEST EVERYTHING
“21but test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV)
“7Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” (2 Timothy 2:7, ESV)
“17The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17, ESV)
“18“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18, ESV)
What stops me from rethinking?
“18“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18, ESV)
“11Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11, ESV)
- Blindness to the issue
- Pride
- Peer pressure
- Comfort zone
3) Be COMMITTED to Christ not methodology.
“28Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:28–30, ESV)
Ministry Moves On
By Louie Marsh, 8-29-2021
1) Remember the Ministry is GOD’S NOT MINE.
“2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Luke 3:2–3, ESV)
“1The word of the Lord that came to Hosea…(Hosea 1:1, ESV)
- The Gospel belongs to
“1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1, ESV)
- The abilities I use in ministry are NOT MINE.
“7To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)
2) Accept that we’re all TEMPORARY.
“15As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. 17But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children,” (Psalm 103:15–17, ESV)
“24But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.” (Acts 20:24–25, ESV)
- I must have EMPTY HANDS to receive new ministry.
“7Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! 8Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. 9For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. 10In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. 11But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” (Psalm 37:7–11, ESV)
3) The key to moving on is LETTING GO.
“15As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:15–16, ESV)
“35The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”” (John 1:35–38, ESV)
- Ownership is good, only if it’s
“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.” (2 Timothy 4:6–7, ESV)
“62Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”” (Luke 9:62, ESV)
Life As It Was Meant To Be
Part 11: Praying To Win!
By Louie Marsh, 8-22-2021
4 Pics – last one race.
I Need To Pray For:
1) Myself – that I help spread GOD’S WORD.
“1Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,” (2 Thessalonians 3:1, ESV)
- In Myself – GROWTH
- In Others - EVANGELISM
2) Christ’s STRENGTH.
“3But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you...” (2 Thessalonians 3:3a, ESV)
3) Christ’s PROTECTION.
“3But the Lord is faithful. He will…guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV)
4) CONFIDENCE in Christ.
“4And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command.” (2 Thessalonians 3:4, ESV)
5) God’s LOVE.
“5May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God...” (2 Thessalonians 3:5a, ESV)
- Remember this is God’s TOUGH
“6Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6–12, ESV)
6) Christ’s PERSERVANCE.
“5May the Lord direct your hearts … to the steadfastness of Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5, ESV)
“13As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13–15, ESV)
7) Complete PEACE.
“16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, ESV)
May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you! 2 Thes. 3:16 (Mes)
8) God’s GRACE.
“17I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:17–18, ESV)
Life As It Was Meant to Be
Part 10: Living Out the Gospel
Louie Marsh, 9-15-2021
The slave driver of the Roman trireme leered down at his galley slaves and bellowed, "I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that you'll be getting double rations tonight!" The murmuring of the surprised slaves as they struggled with their oars was interrupted by the slave driver. "The bad news is that this afternoon the commander's son wants to water-ski."
1) REST in God’s Peace.
“1Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 2not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,” (2 Thessalonians 2:1–3, ESV)
AS believers we don’t have to get all upset over things, yet we so often do! The return of Christ is GOOD news!! If all the silly rumors, etc. upset you and throw you into a tizzy – that’s a sign you don’t understand and live in God’s peace.
2) RECOGNIZE you must confront evil.
“16Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16–17, ESV)
As believers we cannot just ignore the evil around and within us! WE must confront it, fight it, and overcome it through the power of God!
Saying what is good IS confronting evil – and takes lots of courage!
Basic Truths About Evil:
- Satan is REAL.
“9The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders,” (2 Thessalonians 2:9, ESV)
“14And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14, ESV)
Pictures of Jim Jones, Himmler and Pol Pot.
- The battlefield is my SOUL.
“31“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”” (Luke 22:31–32, ESV)
You’ve got to understand that this is one thing that sets the Bible apart – it teaches us that God is a personal being – and so is the devil!! No impersonal force here!
You’ve also got to understand THIS IS PERSONAL!! Evil is alive, lead by a person – and is after YOU!
- Jesus will PROTECT me from Satan.
“18We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” (1 John 5:18, ESV)
Satan can hassle us, tempt us, put us through all kinds of trouble, but he can’t posses us, enter us, or control us!
- Jesus Name is my WEAPON!
“30while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”” (Acts 4:30, ESV)
Basic Things to Do:
- Act COURAGEOUSLY
- Hang on to my HOPE IN CHRIST
- Find my encouragement in
- Receive His STRENGTH
- DO AND SAY what is good.
3) REJOICE in Christ’s Victory!
“8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.”…“13But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8,13–14, ESV)
Things to Be Thankful For:
- In the end – GOD WINS!
- God loves ME!
- Christ died to save ME.
- I share in Christ’s GLORY.
Life As It Was Meant To Be
Part 9: Dealing with Life’s Difficulties
Louie Marsh, 8-8-2021
4 slides as intro.
1) BE THANKFUL to God
“3We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers…(2 Thessalonians 1:3a, ESV)
2) VIEW TROUBLE as an opportunity to:
… because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3b, ESV)
- STRENGTHEN my faith
“22strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22, ESV)
putting muscle and sinew in the lives of the disciples, urging them to stick with what they had begun to believe and not quit, making it clear to them that it wouldn't be easy: "Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times." Acts 14:22 (Mes)
- DEEPEN my love
“8Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)
3) RECEIVE God’s comfort.
“7It is also right for God to give all of us relief from our suffering. He will do this when the Lord Jesus is revealed, ⌊coming⌋ from heaven with his mighty angels in a blazing fire.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7, GW)
“7We have confidence in you. We know that as you share our sufferings, you also share our comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:7, GW)
4) STAY FOCUSED on God’s Purpose for you!
“11To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,” (2 Thessalonians 1:11, ESV)
“26So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.” (1 Corinthians 9:26, ESV)
5) GLORIFY God in my troubles.
“12so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:12, ESV)
“4But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”” (John 11:4, ESV)
6) TRUST GOD to bring justice at the right time.
“6since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,… “9They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.” (2 Thessalonians 1:6, 9–10, ESV)
- Don’t ask Why? – ask WHAT?
Life As It Was Meant To Be
Part 8: Letting God Finish the Work
Louie Marsh, 8-1-2021
Intro - pictures of unfinished buildings - story of house in Mom & Dad’s neighborhood.
“23Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24, ESV)
I Must Develop the Proper Perspective on…
- My PROBLEMS
“14 … What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:14b, ESV)
- My ACHIEVEMENTS
“5I 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)
- My HEART
"The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT)
- The TRUTH
“32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:32, ESV)
Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. John 14:6 (Mes)
Martin Luther – wrote this about the Peasants Revolt, in the tract, “Against the Murderous and Thieving Hordes of Peasants.”
Picture of Luther’s Tract
If the peasant is in open rebellion then he is outside the law of God…Therefore let everyone who can, smite, slay, and stab, secretly or openly, remembering that nothing can be more poisonous, hurtful or devilish than a rebel… Therefore dear sirs, fire here, save there, stab, smite, strangle them, whoever can. If your death result, very well, you can never attain to a more blessed death.”
- My RELATIONSHIPS
“10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10, ESV)
“5he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,” (Ephesians 1:5, ESV)
“12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12–13, ESV)
I Allow God to Finish the Work When I…
“23Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24, ESV)
1) Understand God’s goal for my life – CHRIST-LIKENESS.
2) Let God give me His PEACE.
3) Find SPIRITUAL WHOLENESS in Christ!
“24God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”” (John 4:24, ESV)
4) Let Christ bring wholeness to my SOUL!
My soul is my –
- MIND
“20Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.” (1 Corinthians 14:20, ESV)
- WILL
“24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24, ESV)
- EMOTIONS
“16My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right.” (Proverbs 23:16, ESV)
5) Realize this – God wants my BODY!!
“19Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,” (1 Corinthians 6:19, ESV)
“2By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,” (1 John 4:2, ESV)
1) Do what’s best for EVERYONE.
“15See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15, ESV)
Imagine how different this could make your work, friendships, marriage, etc.
“10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10, ESV)
2) Always have a JOYFUL attitude.
“16Rejoice always,” (1 Thessalonians 5:16, ESV)
“12Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12, ESV)
If you or I were to make an effort to be just 10% more joyful this week than last, what kind of a difference do you think that would make?
Remember this joy is a fruit of the Spirit – not just the result of gritting our teeth and trying to make it happen!!
3) Talk to Christ CONSTANTLY.
“17pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV)
Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. Luke 18:1 (Mes)
Constant prayer is good – but keep you eyes open! – otherwise you’ll end up like the Bloody Pharisees!!
4) Always GIVE THANKS to God.
“18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)
Ever wonder why Paul is always harping on this? Try it and see! This is one way to really have JOY! And it’s part of praying constantly! It’s part of that dialogue God wants to have with us!
“17saying, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.” (Revelation 11:17, ESV)
5) LIVE through the Spirit’s power.
“19Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19, ESV)
“18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” (Ephesians 5:18, ESV)
The only way to live by the Spirit’s power is to be filled with Him – but what does that mean?? Does than mean people who are filled with the Spirit have MORE of Him than others?? If so then fat folks like me are lucky cause we can have more of the Spirit that you skinny people!! J
No – it doesn’t mean that – it means CONTROL!
6) LISTEN for God’s message to you.
“20Do not despise prophecies,” (1 Thessalonians 5:20, ESV)
The word contempt means to count as nothing.
How eager are you to hear from God? Many aren’t – happy with their little life the way it is. If you look at the Bible when God speaks things get messy – and a lot of us don’t want that – we have a disease the late Dr. Walter Martin called “Non Rock-a-Boatus!”
“11I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11, ESV)
In the Bible – people who loved God wanted to hear Him, and memorized what they knew He had said!
“16I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. 17Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.” (Psalm 119:16–17, ESV)
Wanting to hear from God means you are willing to do what He says!
7) TEST everything – KEEP what’s good!
“21but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21–22, ESV)
On the other hand, don't be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what's good. Throw out anything tainted with evil. 1 Thes. 5:21-22 (Mes)
God commands us to test EVERYTHING we hear – not just believe it because someone says it’s true or because that’s what some book says!
Example - GEN. LOUIS H. WILSON, then commandant of the Marine Corps, had decided that anyone overweight had to get in shape. He was giving a speech one day stressing the importance of a balanced diet and physical fitness. During the question-and-answer period, a paunchy gunnery sergeant rose and asked, "Sir, if there is a difference of opinion between a troop commander and a medical officer as to whether a Marine is overweight, who has final authority?" The general looked down at him and said, "I do. You are. Sit down."
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 1 John 4:1 (NLT)
“1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1, ESV)
How do we test? What standards do we use?
NOT – what my parents say, my preacher say, my old church said, my culture says, OR HOW I FEEL ABOUT IT!!
We test by GOD’S OBJECTIVE STANDARD – THE BIBLE!!
Then you reject and throw out the bad – AND HANG ON TO THE GOOD!!
“1Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying,” (Jonah 3:1, ESV)
This is a great verse – one of my favorites – because it’s speaks to the second, third, fourth – etc chances that God will give you – even if you’ve failed to test in the past, He’s still willing to use you if you’ll let Him!
Example of how being different like this works in real life!
A man entered my father's diesel-repair shop, said he was a driver from a trucking fleet and suggested, "How about adding a few extra parts to the bill? We'll let the company pay for it, and you and I can split the difference." Dad refused, but the customer was insistent. "I come through here a lot," the man continued. "We could make quite a bit of money." Dad said that wasn't how he operated. "Everyone does it!" The man yelled. "Are you some kind of fool?" Burning mad, Dad asked him to leave and take his business elsewhere. Suddenly the man smiled and extended his hand for a
handshake. "I own a trucking company," he said. "I've been looking for a mechanic I can trust, and I'm
Life As It Was Meant to Be
Part 6: How to Have Hope
Louie Marsh, 7-21-2021
Slide of “new” old series!
TWO QUOTES:
“What oxygen is for the lungs, such is hope for the meaning of life.” - Emil Brunner
“Hopes are for the living, the dead are without hope. – Theocritus
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” ― Epicurus
“Hope is a waking dream.” ― Aristotle
1) FIND IT in Christ alone!
“13But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14, ESV)
- Christ is God – so my hope is RELIABLE!
- Jesus is alive so my hope is ALIVE
- He’s coming back – my hope extends beyond this
2) GRASP Hope’s full extent.
“15For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15–18, ESV)
- Hope is for the living & the
- Hope lasts
- Hope brings me BACK to Christ.
3) LIVE OUT hope’s implications by…
- FOCUSING on what I’m doing.
“5For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5–6, ESV)
- UNDERSTANDING my new nature.
“4But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.”…“8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4, 8, ESV)
- LIVING by faith.
But let us who live in the light think clearly, protected by the body armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 1 Thes. 5:8 (NLT)
- ACTING in love.
But not us! Since we're creatures of Day, let's act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation. 1 Thes. 5:8 (Mes)
4) COMPREHENDING my true destiny!
“9For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9–11, ESV)
God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master… 1 Thes. 5:9 (Mes)
Your purpose in life is to serve God in a special way!!! Not to be a object of wrath – but part of His family!
Life As It Was Meant to Be
Part 5: How To Be Different – Please God!
Louie Marsh, 7-11-2021
"All progress occurs because people dare to be different." -Harry Millner
"To change and to change for the better are two different things." -German proverb
1) Living to please God (spirituality)
I put the word spirituality in there because we hear this word all the time – and it means either nothing at all – or whatever the speaker wants it to mean. That’s rubbish – from a Biblical perspective true spirituality is living to please God! We should always look at it from that perspective.
“1Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1–2, ESV)
… please God, not in a dogged religious plod, but in a living, spirited dance. (1 Thess 4:1–2, Mes)
- Is freedom FROM & TO.
This is really important – and we’ll probably revisit topic in a year or so. When you become a Christian you aren’t just set free FROM things – tho you are and this is what we usually think of.
You are also set free TO things, that’s true of all true freedom. It’s not just negative – away from something, but it’s positive – TOWARDS something!
- Is all about FOLLOWING Jesus.
The Christian life is composed of positive ethical commitments, to DO things, it’s not just or even primarily a list of things you DON’T do!
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Is committed to DOING God’s will.
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Is recognized by the CHARACTER of Christ.
The Fruit of the Spirit which we just finished talking about a few weeks ago – if they way you are acting is full of that fruit – then your doing well.
2) God’s Will for me – be LIKE CHRIST!
“3For this is the will of God, your sanctification… (1 Thessalonians 4:3a, ESV)
3) I must be Christ-like in my SEXUALITY.
“3…that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3b–7, ESV)
- This is LEARNED BEHAVIOR.
In spite of what many will tell you and what a lot of you feel – the Bible says over and over again that you and I must LEARN how to live in God pleasing way!
- It is focused on CHRIST!
Like I said a minute ago, it’s a positive focus! I nearly ended up in despair in my early Christian life because of two huge mistakes I made.
- I thought it was wrong to have sexual feelings and urges – that is COMPLETELY WRONG!! God made them, gave them to you and they are good!
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My focus was almost totally negative – don’t lust, don’t look, don’t touch!! I missed the liberating truth that if I focus as much as possible on doing what God wants me to do – that reduces the amount of time I have to spend on the negative end of things. I will still do both – but my focus should be primarily positive – focused on what God wants me TO DO – not what He DOESN’T want!
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There’s no DOUBLE STANDARD.
Here’s what the first Century Greek culture said about sexuality, from Demosthenes; “We keep mistresses for pleasure, concubines for our day-to-day bodily needs, but we have wives to produce legitimate children and serve as trustworthy guardians of our homes.”
Women of course – were not allowed to act in any such manner!! The Bible holds up the same standard for men and women – and today that’s completely destroyed in our culture.
4) I must ACCEPT this is from God & it’s GOOD.
“8Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” (1 Thessalonians 4:8, ESV)
If you don’t agree with this – you don’t have a problem with me, or even Paul – you have a problem with God! There’s no Church Police here – we don’t run around trying to make you behave! This is an issue you must work out with God, because He NOT me or anyone else – has given us these commands.
5) LOVE my brothers and sisters.
“9Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,” (1 Thessalonians 4:9–10, ESV)
Notice how important love is that it continually pops up all over the place in the Bible!! Real spirituality must be in love or it’s nothing.
6) LEAD a quiet life.
“11and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12, ESV)
Quiet does NOT mean boring – it means live an exciting life that doesn’t always get you in trouble or isn’t constantly filled with drama that you and others create though your own actions!
- MIND my own business.
- STAY busy.
- Be a GOOD witness.
- Become SECURE.
Paul wants us to be as independent as we can – this doesn’t mean you don’t ask for help – it means you don’t mooch off people constantly!
Life As It Was Meant To Be
Part 4: Building Great Relationships
Louie Marsh, 7-4-2021
1) PUT OTHERS ahead of myself.
“1Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,” (1 Thessalonians 3:1–2, ESV)
Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Philip. 2:3 (NLT)
Not Neurotic living of performance for acceptance, which we’ve talked about last week, but being humble – CHOOSING to serve others because of the love of Christ!
2) Focus on ENCOURAGING others.
“2and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.” (1 Thessalonians 3:2–3, ESV)
Remember Paul was in JAIL – he had his own problems yet was concerned about others too!
“9He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:9, ESV)
Encouragement comes in many forms – teaching (doctrine) is one, but only one way to encourage those around you – you discover what kind of encouragement to use NOT by checking with how YOU feel or what YOU think – but by discovering THEIR condition and then responding appropriately.
3) TELL the whole ugly truth!
“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)
Paul was honest – the truth isn’t always ugly – but it often is, we must tell it like it is, with love!
“18“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18, ESV)
Jesus was honest, at times brutally honest – let’s not sugar coat the truth – but tell it truthfully and skillfully.
4) OPENLY SHARE my struggles.
“7for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.” (1 Thessalonians 3:7, ESV)
Paul didn’t make the mistake we often do – thinking we must remain stoic, not revealing our trouble so we can help others! A generation ago Ministers were actually taught never to let their members see them without a tie on!! That’s not a biblical approach – instead honest openness is what we need if we are to build real relationships.
5) FREELY EXPRESS my deepest feelings.
“8For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 3:8, ESV)
Paul wasn’t embarrassed to open his heart and let them know how much he cared for them. How about us??
“1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” (2 Timothy 1:1–2, ESV)
Timothy wasn’t his son, yet he loved him like one and was afraid to say so in a very public forum!
…and the secret ingredient is…
PRAYER that is…
- THANKFUL
“9For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,” (1 Thessalonians 3:9, ESV)
- INTENSE
“10as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?” (1 Thessalonians 3:10, ESV)
Story of boy having to say his prayers, and his “Ditto” prayer!
- RELATIONAL
“11Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you,” (1 Thessalonians 3:11, ESV)
- DEEP
“12and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you,” (1 Thessalonians 3:12, ESV)
- CHRIST Centered & ETERNITY minded.
“13so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” (1 Thessalonians 3:13, ESV)
Life As It Was Meant To Be
Part 3: Love As It Was Meant To Be
Louie Marsh, 6-22-2021
The Critical Command:
LIVE a Life WORTHY of God!
“12we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:12, ESV)
“4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” (1 Thessalonians 2:4, ESV)
By saying they are approved Paul seems to be saying he’s living worthy – but how is this possible??
“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;” (Colossians 1:10, ESV)
As you can see this is a common command in the Bible!
Worthy - “the measure or weight that balances the scale.”
Imagine a big scale, on the one side is everything God has done and is – Christ’s death on the cross, His Grace, Love, forgiveness, etc. Now what about my end?? How is it possible to do this ??? By getting to the heart of the command!
- What is at the heart of this command? –
37And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”” (Matthew 22:37–40, ESV)
Love is the heart of the Christian life and is the only way I can even come close to living worthy of God! All the Scriptures hang on this!
“1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1–2, ESV)
Without love it doesn’t matter what else you do – LOVE is the only way to live like God wants you too – so let’s look at how we can love like God wants us too.
Four Steps In Living Worthy of God:
1) LOOK to Christ as my source of love.
“1For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.” (1 Thessalonians 2:1–2, ESV)
Paul had a rough time in Phillippi – he was persecuted, jailed, and eventually ran out of town! What did he do? Take time off to heal his wounded spirit, get depressed because he was over stressed?
Nope! He took right off, went over the mountains to Thessalonica to preach the Gospel there!!
How did he do that??
“13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, ESV)
Paul looked to Christ as the source of His love!! He didn’t depend on love from others to keep him going – although it doesn’t hurt either!! But bottom line for Paul – Christ was his source of the love that matters!
This Means:
- I don’t BROOD over past suffering.
- I don’t HARDEN MY HEART to protect myself.
- I don’t RELY on people’s love & acceptance to keep going.
2) MAKE God be my audience of one.
“4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel…6Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 2:4, 6, ESV)
“10For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, ESV)
- I must live to PLEASE God alone!
We’ve talked a lot about this – but it’s so important – if you live for an Audience of one – your life will be so much more peaceful and happy!
- This frees me from being a PEOPLE PLEASER.
Here’s the truth – remember this – YOU CAN’T REALLY LOVE PEOPLE AS LONG AS WE NEED THEM!! The truth is when a lot of us say I love you what we really mean is I need you!! That needy, clinging, controlling, confining spirit so many people think of as love isn’t!!
Once I’m free of need, I’m really free to give myself to others!
- It allows me to have REAL, HEALTHY relationships.
Now I relate to you on a healthy basis – not on the basis of what you do for me or what I do for you!
3) LIBERATE myself from impure motives.
5For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. (1 Thessalonians 2:5, ESV)
To do this I must…
- LIVE by the standards in God’s word.
You DON’T use your standards – they will either be too high or low, and you DON’T go by your feelings!!
- LISTEN to others who are wise and mature.
People can help you – and often see things about yourself you can’t! * RELY on God’s help!
DO NOT try and do this yourself – you will go crazy!! Why did I think that, what were my motives, and why am I asking why? AHHHHHHH!!!!
“23Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23–24, ESV)
grievous way = way of an idol.
“39then hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways (for you, you only, know the hearts of all the children of mankind),” (1 Kings 8:39, ESV)
Only God knows your heart – so go to Him!!
“11For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:11, ESV)
4) LEARN to give my soul to others in Christ.
“7But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”…“11For you know how, like a father with his children, 12we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8,11–12, ESV)
The word for self or lives here is the word Psyche, soul! Real love is giving the deepest part of you to others.
This Requires:
- A personal and long lasting COMMITMENT to others.
- The willingness to be OPEN to others.
Life As It Was Meant To Be
Part Two: U Turn Required!
Louie Marsh, 6-20-2021
A Picture of Maturity:
“3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3, ESV)
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A Faith that PRODUCES WORK.
Faith without work is dead – and the more faith we have the more it’ll be obvious to all. -
A Love that PROMPTS TOIL.
The Greek word here is slightly different from the one above, it mean toil, things that need doing that you don’t like, that are a pain but need doing – it’s love that impels us to do that! -
A Hope that enables me to ENDURE.
Hope – the absolutely essential quality to life! Without hope you’ll die, either spiritually, emotionally or even physically! You’ve gotta have hope, and if you do you won’t quit!!
That’s how things SHOULD BE – look for a moment at those 3 things and ask how true are they in your life? Okay – now let’s see how to make some progress towards maturity!
How To Get There:
1) You must MAKE A U TURN!
“9For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thessalonians 1:9–10, ESV)
This is the essential act that we must take if we are to grow spiritually and achieve the kind of life we want.
I don’t think most Christians really understand this – AA and other 12 step programs have done a much better job than the church has of explaining and practicing this.
We MUST turn, in every area of our life!
This U Turn Involves Two Turns:
- Turning FROM whatever is hurting you.
This is what most of us think of when we hear this – it’s important alright but not all of it! - Turning TO CHRIST.
This is the positive side of things – you’ve got to have both or you don’t have much!
“22to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,” (Ephesians 4:22–23, ESV)
Paul’s putting off and putting on is a good example of this – turning is not just a negative thing, it’s a positive thing too, and it must be done over and over and over again as we try and move forward!
This is a CRITICAL part of the Christian life!
2) Make sure your faith is more than just TALK.
“5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5, ESV)
Talk can be cheap – and if you don’t walk the walk then PLEASE don’t talk the talk! However….
- RECOGNIZE you do have a responsibility to talk!
“14How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14, ESV)
I know a lot of people who say, “My witness is how I live, I don’t need to tell others about Christ.” BALONEY!! This is a cop out!
- RELY on God’s Power.
because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. 1 Thess. 1:5
These three things are KEY to the kind of powerful Spiritual life seen in the NT.
“16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16, ESV)
The Gospel is God’s Power – we’ve got to rely on it, believe it, share it and live it!
“5so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:5, ESV)
What does YOUR faith rest on – really? Tradition? Family? Friends? * REST in the Holy Spirit.
“4and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” (1 Corinthians 2:4, ESV)
When we share our faith, in either words or acts, we must rely on God’s power – and encourage others to do so too! Not on anything else!
“5Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,” (2 Corinthians 3:5, ESV)
When we trust the Spirit what we share comes alive, have you ever heard a sermon or lesson that was doctrinally correct but dead as a doornail? It is the Spirit who gives life – that’s why we must rest in Him!
- REVEAL your deepest convictions.
An opinion is something you’ll argue over, a conviction is something you’ll die for!
How many convictions do you have? A real danger in our post modern society is the lack of real convictions. Poll showing many college students said NOTHING was worth dying for – if that’s true then NOTHING is worth living for either!
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
“14For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;” (2 Corinthians 5:14, ESV)
When you look at the early Christians it’s clear they had convictions – in fact look at any life worth living and you’ll find strong unshakable convictions!
3) MODEL your life after mature believers.
“6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,” (1 Thessalonians 1:6, ESV)
You might think Paul was conceited but he wasn’t, just acknowledging the truth. We all need models – but be sure to do the following!
- Pick them carefully – make sure they are following Christ.
- Be wise – you don’t make yourself into a carbon copy – you pick and choose things from their lives that you see a need for in yours! You do NOT become a clone!
- Make sure you have more than one – that helps keeps you balanced since no one is perfect.
“16I urge you, then, be imitators of me.” (1 Corinthians 4:16, ESV)
Some of my role models: C.S. Lewis, Francis Shaeffer, Dr. Walter Martin, Rick Warren, Dr. John Stott, Dr. Tim Keller among others.
4) BECOME a good model for others to follow.
“7so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” (1 Thessalonians 1:7, ESV)
If you begin to live the dynamic Christian life you WILL become a role model whether you like it or not!
Charles Barkley and Brittany Spears among many other have said they aren’t role models, but whether they like it or not they ARE role models, the only question is are they good ones or bad ones!
And the same is true of you and me! Our kids look to us, our unchurched friends look to us to see what a Christian really is. It does no good to piously say, “Oh don’t look at me just look at Jesus!”
For many people we are the only Jesus they are ever going to see!! So it’s up to us to do the best we can, and stop running from the truth!
“9It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.” (2 Thessalonians 3:9, ESV)
1st Thessalonians: Life as It Was Meant to Be
Part One: First Things First!
Louie Marsh, 6-13-2021
“1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1, ESV)
God’s Grace Allows Me To…
1) Enter God’s Family by COMMITTING my life to Christ.
“11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,” (Titus 2:11, ESV)
“6But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 11:6, ESV)
Paul says that the Christian faith turns how you look at things on its head! Normally we start by working hard and then eventually reach our goal. Not so here – you start by accepting the gift of salvation and THEN work hard because of the joy the gift brings! Otherwise grace isn’t grace!
“5he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:5–7, ESV)
If you think you are supposed to get good enough or get it together enough and then come to Christ – you are wrong!! First to receive the gift – then you get it together – by His power!
2) Enter into God’s Presence through PRAYER.
“18O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy.” (Daniel 9:18, ESV)
God hears and answers our prayers because of His Grace - He doesn't have too!
“16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)
Because of Grace we can be bold with God - He isn't going to squash us if we ask for the wrong thing!
3) Enter into God’s Purpose through SERVICE.
“12I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:12–14, ESV)
I'm so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were invective and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn't know what I was doing—didn't know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus. 1 Tim. 1:12-14 (Mes)
Grace is the door way to finding and fulfilling our purpose in life! What’s that? It’s serving God and others in that special way the He made you for! If you are not serving God, you are cheating everyone, and cheating yourself most of all!
4) Enter into God’s Power through FAITH.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 Cor. 15:10
See the mystery – Paul worked BUT it was really Christ working in Him, it’s hard to tell who’s doing who when we are one with Christ!
But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I'm not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven't I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn't amount to all that much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it. 1 Cor. 15:10 (Mes)
and then he told me, "My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness." Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become 2 Cor. 12:9-10 (Mes)
Weakness becomes opportunity and strength when we really rely on Christ’s GRACE and not our own puny strength!
God’s Peace
1) Is a result of God’s GRACE.
“27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV)
No grace – no peace!
2) Will help me REMAIN faithful.
“7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, ESV)
Without peace of mind and soul I won’t be able to stay faithful to God or anyone else!
“33I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” (John 16:33, ESV)
Jesus says we’ll suffer in this life – BUT with His peace and presence we’ll make it through!
3) Is a critical part of my SPIRITUAL LIFE.
“17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17, ESV)
Peace is part of the foundation of the Kingdom of God – which means it’s a vital part of our spiritual life!
4) Gives me the HOPE I need to live!
“13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13, ESV)
The Gospel of John 1-7:
Part 8: Judge Like Jesus Judges
By Louie Marsh, 6-6-2021
1) Judge PROPERLY
- Not SUPERFICIALLY
“24Do not judge by appearances… (John 7:24a, ESV)
Appearance (ὄψιν). Primarily, seeing or sight. In 11:44; Apoc. 1:16, face, and hence external appearance. The word occurs only in the three passages cited.
“1“Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1, ESV)
- Use a TRUE STANDARD of judgement.
…but judge with right judgment.”” (John 7:24b, ESV)
. 2For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:2, ESV)
- EXAMINE yourself first, then others
3Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3, ESV)
- APPLY it to yourself before giving others advice or criticism
4Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? (Matthew 7:4, ESV)
2) To do otherwise is HYPOCRISY
5You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:5, ESV)
Without judgement there is no…
- TRUTH
“57“And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison.” (Luke 12:57–58, ESV)
- JUSTICE
“15“You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.” (Leviticus 19:15, ESV)
- PEACE
“13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13, ESV)
- ASSURANCE
“12Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:12–13, ESV)
3) To follow Jesus you must JUDGE.
- Otherwise I can’t DISCERN good from evil.
6“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” (Matthew 7:6, ESV)
- I can’t OBEY Scripture without proper judgement.
“1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,” (1 John 4:1–2, ESV)
The Gospel of John 1-7
Pt. 7: When the Going Gets Tough…John 6:54-69
By Louie Marsh, 5-30-2021
Intro – next series and 4 cartoons.
1) Jesus deliberately CHALLENGES my faith.
56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” John 6:56-60 (ESV)
- To REFOCUS me on Christ.
47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. John 6:47 (ESV)
- So I’ll CONFRONT my sins & problems.
11 Ephraim was a trained calf that loved to thresh, and I spared her fair neck; but I will put Ephraim to the yoke; Judah must plow; Jacob must harrow for himself. 12 Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.** Hosea 10:11-12 (ESV)
2) Tough times prepare us for the TOUGHER TIMES ahead!
61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) John 6:61-64 (ESV)
3) Tough times SEPARATE the surface from the serious disciple.
66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. John 6:66 (ESV)
- They also REVEAL the heart of Jesus to me.
67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” John 6:67 (ESV)
4) How should I respond to tough times?
- Reaffirm my commitment to CHRIST.
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68-69 (ESV)
- Ask God to help me SEE what’s really going on.
15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 (ESV)
Tough Times Prayer: “Lord open my eyes to see You in my life.”
- Look carefully for where Jesus is HIDDEN in my life.
As they sat down to eat, he took a small loaf of bread, asked God's blessing on it, broke it, then gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, "Didn't our hearts feel strangely warm as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" Luke 24:30-32 (NLT)
8 “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; 9 on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. 10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job 23:8-10 (ESV)
- Choose to keep going & MOVE THROUGH the pain.
70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him. 1 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. John 6:70 – 7:1 (ESV)
The Gospel of John 1-7
Pt. 6: Do I Want to Get Well? John 5:2-9
By Louie Marsh, 5-23-2021
Intro: 4 Lame excuses slides
Charles J. O’Byrne, the top aide to New York governor David Paterson, neglected to file tax returns for five years. “Neglected” is really the wrong word, says his lawyer: O’Byrne couldn’t pay his taxes.
The lame excuse: He suffers from a medical condition called late-filing syndrome, which is caused by depression. And even though this depression did not stop him from being a highly functional professional or enjoying an active social life, it did seem to affect his ability to pay taxes—five years in a row.
Marco Fella of England admitted attacking his girlfriend with a dog toy and, another time, biting her finger. But it wasn’t his fault.
The lame excuse: “My client’s temper snapped because he felt his partner was not making enough effort in the relationship,” said his lawyer.
The lamer excuse: She wore baggy pants instead of the sexy thong he preferred.
The lamerer excuse: Biting and assault with a pet toy aside, Fella is not really violent—he just hadn’t had his fill of Mars bars. See, Fella is a sugar addict and has a ten-Mars-bars-a-day habit.
New York congressman Vito Fossella was pulled over in Alexandria, Virginia, by a cop and blew a 0.17 on the Breathalyzer—more than twice the legal limit. After the hangover, Fossella knew he’d better start thinking fast.
The lame excuse: His high blood alcohol level was a result of the alcohol-based hand sanitizer he’d used.
Lame Excuses actually used to get out of going to work:
Lame excuse: “A bear is in my yard and I’m afraid to come outside.”
Lame excuse: “I ate a toothpick in my food at a restaurant.”
Lame excuse: “I broke my arm while wrestling a female bodybuilder.”
Lame excuse: “My dog swallowed my car keys and I’m waiting for them to come out.”
Lame excuse: “I don’t have enough money for gas.”
Lame excuse: “I had to reschedule a new manicure because some of my artificial nails fell off.”
Lame excuse: “I left my clothes at the laundry mat.”
1) Do I REALLY WANT to get well?
5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" John 5:5-6 (NIV)
This may be the most profound question in the entire Bible. If it’s not then it’s certainly one of the most important and profound.
It seems like such a silly question to ask. Surely a man who had been disabled for that many years would love to be healed.
But the truth is, that many of us grow so accustomed to being sick or needy and the attention that it brings them that I’m not really sure that they want things to be any different.
Christ’s question to all of us this morning is “Do you want to get well?”
Some of us here today face serious physical illness. But many of us are not physically ill but have allowed other things to ruin our lives. Whether that’s alcohol abuse, drug abuse, sexual sin, pornography, greed, people pleasing, fear, etc. We all have to answer this question – Do I really want to get well, or have I become comfortable in my dysfunction and sin?
I have to move beyond just wanting the pain and discomfort to end. What Jesus wants to know is do I want to be well? Do I want to start down the road to becoming like Christ, the real road to recovery.
Is THAT what I want? Or do I just want a little relief from my pain?
2) SOME SIGNS I’M NOT SERIOUS ABOUT GETTING WELL.
- I practice BLAME SHIFTING
7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” John 5:7 (ESV)
12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:12-13 (ESV)
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I make EXCUSES.
-
I have NO TALENT OR ABILITY.
But Moses pleaded with the LORD, "O Lord, I'm just not a good speaker. I never have been, and I'm not now, even after you have spoken to me. I'm clumsy with words." Exodus 4:10 (NLT)
- It’s TO HARD/DON’T KNOW HOW.
6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” Jeremiah 1:6 (ESV)
- I’m too BUSY.
21 Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Matthew 8:21 (ESV)
- I use the GOD DODGE.
12 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” 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 6:12-13 (ESV)
- I play the VICTIIM (FEEL SORRY FOR MYSELF.)
2 And he prayed to the LORD and said, “O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. 3 Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:2-3 (ESV)
3) GOD’S OPINION OF MY EXCUSES.
- He is able even when I’M NOT!
7 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 1:7-8 (ESV)
- I must always put Christ FIRST.
22 And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” Matthew 8:22 (ESV)
- This isn’t ROCKET SCIENCE!
11 “For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 14 But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 (ESV)
4) HOW TO KNOW I REALLY WANT TO GET WELL.
- I admit I’m OUT OF CONTROL!
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. Romans 7:18-19 (NLT)
- I’m willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to get well
25 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. 26 She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. 28 For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition. Mark 5:25-29 (NLT)
Remember Naaman in the Old Testament, the commander of the Syrian army. He had leprosy and he is told of a prophet named Elisha who could heal him. When we think of this story we always remember how Elisha told him to go dip himself in the Jordan seven times and he would be made well and that Naaman was angry because he expected some hocus pocus kind of ritual. He expected something different than to be told to go dip himself in a river. He was not a happy camper. But his companion talked him into obeying and of course he was healed. But the positive thing about Naaman was that he went through great lengths to be healed
It’s all about desire. And Jesus wanted to know if this man really desired to have a different life. Jesus wanted to know if the despair of his situation had so overtaken him that he no longer had any aspiration for things to be different.
The Gospel of John 1-7
Part 5: Jesus Loves Outsiders
By Louie Marsh, 5-16-2021
Open with slides of church signs last one uncurched!
1) Jesus wants me to cross all BARRIERS.
7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” John 4:7-10 (ESV)
| The Differences Between John 3 & 4 | | A Man | A Woman | | The City | The Country | | An Insider | An Outsider | | A Professional | A Non-professional | | A Respected Man | A Disreputable Woman | | Orthodox | Heretic | | Takes the Initiative (Active) | Passive | | Named | Anonymous | | Human Reputation at Risk | Divine Reputation at Risk |
2) Jesus wants me to speak freely about SPIRITUAL THINGS.
10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” John 4:10-15 (ESV)
3) Jesus wants me to be HONEST about my sins.
16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” 19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” John 4:16-20 (ESV)
4) Jesus shows me it’s all about SPIRIT.
21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” John 4:21-26 (ESV)
- Spirit is always tied to TRUTH!
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:12-13 (ESV)
- Don’t MAJOR ON MINORS!
27 Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” John 4:27 (ESV)
5) Jesus wants me to SEE the need around me.
28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him. 31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. John 4:28-35 (ESV)
6) Jesus wants my TESTIMONY to reap a harvest!
39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 4:39-42 (ESV)
What got them to Jesus was her testimony, what kept them with Him was their personal faith in him.
The Gospel of John 1-7
Jesus Challenges Me, John 3:1-21
By Louie Marsh, 5-9-2021
Some “Dumb Questions”
- A stitch in time saves nine what?
- Since there is a speed of light and a speed of sound, is there a speed of smell?
- What is the speed of dark?
- Before they invented drawing boards, what did they go back to?
- What do people in China call their good plates?
- What happens if you go on a survival course - and you don't pass?
- Do hummingbirds hum because they don't know the words?
- How can someone "draw a blank"?
- What was the best thing before sliced bread?
Nicodemus: Meaning: the people is victor, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin
He is first noticed as visiting Jesus by night (John 3:1-21) for the purpose of learning more of his doctrines, which our Lord then unfolded to him, giving prominence to the necessity of being "born again."
He is next met with in the Sanhedrin (7:50-52), where he protested against the course they were taking in plotting against Christ.
Once more he is mentioned as taking part in the preparation for the anointing and burial of the body of Christ (John 19:39).
Jesus Challenges Me
1) To choose between LIGHT & DARKNESS.
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” John 3:1-2 (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. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:19-21 (ESV)
2) To start all OVER AGAIN.
3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” John 3:3-4 (ESV)
3) To know there are only TWO ways to live.
5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:5-6 (ESV)
63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63 (ESV)
17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:17 (ESV)
4) To choose the road LESS CERTAIN.
8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV)
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. Hebrews 11:8 (ESV)
Child of the Wind By Bruce Cockburn
There’s roads and there’s roads
And they call, can’t you hear it?
Roads of the earth
And roads of the spirit
The best roads of all
Are the ones that aren’t certain
One of those is where you’ll find me
Till they drop the big curtain
I’m too old for the term
But I’ll use it anyway
I’ll be a child of the wind
Till the end of my days
Little round planet
In a big universe
Sometimes it looks blessed
Sometimes it looks cursed
Depends on what you look at obviously
But even more it depends on the way that you see
5) To trust Him ALONE.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-15 (ESV)
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— Philippians 3:3 (ESV)
6) To see His CENTRALITY.
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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever 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. John 3:16-18 (ESV)
God Loves & Creates
Man Rejects God and Falls
Christ Sacrifices to provide Redemption
Christ Rises from the Dead
Response – BASIS
BELIEVE Jesus is God, died on the cross to forgive my sins, rose from the dead and lives today.
ACCEPT His grace & forgiveness for ME, realize I can do nothing without Christ.
SWITCH – Turn away from self and sin to turn to Christ alone.
INFORM – let everyone know I’m a Christ follower!
SUBMERGE – be baptized into Christ as the sign of this new relationship with God.
The Gospel of John 1-7, Pt. 3
The Sign of the Son
By Louie Marsh, 5-2-2021
Intro:
Signs
The 5 Man Electrical Band
lyrics as recorded by The Five Man Electrical Band in 1971
And the sign said, "Everybody welcome. Come in, kneel down and pray"
But when they passed around the plate at the end of it all, I didn't have a
penny to pay
So I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign
I said, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me. I'm alive and doin' fine."
Wooo!
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?
5 picture Slides, last one the gas pump!
The story of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana is found only in the Gospel of John.
1) I need to PAY ATTENTION to the Sign!
“11This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:11, ESV)
John said that it was through this “sign” that Jesus revealed his glory for the first time. John saw glory in Jesus. Glory is a big word meaning honor, dignity, and splendor. These words point to the deity of Jesus. It’s interesting how quietly this miracle took place but how many divine attributes of Jesus can be seen.
- Focusing on whether there was alcohol in the wine is an ABUSE the text.
2) Jesus shows me I must live HONORING others.
“1On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”” (John 2:1–5, ESV)
Some say Jesus did this miracle simply to appease his mother. Or, as some have put it, he obeyed her. But Jesus was an adult and was no longer subject to her authority. To this, they may respond that he was honoring her. Or could it be that she exhibited faith with her words, “do whatever he tells you,” and he honored her faith? Either way, we see honor.
3) Jesus shows me His way is always COUNTERCULTURAL.
“6Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.” (John 2:6–7, ESV)
Jesus had the servants fill the ceremonial washing jars, which were used for washing the outside of the body according to the law, and refilled them with something inside the body. This demonstration is just the beginning of his counterculture teaching. Over and over he would come to challenge the ways of the religious leaders, and the thinking of the people.
“8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8, ESV)
4) Jesus shows me His unmatched AUTHORITY.
8And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.” (John 2:8, ESV)
In changing the water into wine, Jesus demonstrated his authority over all things down to the molecular level. Some argue he didn’t turn water into wine but into grape juice. This is simply ridiculous, but just to humor such criticism, it takes a miracle for either transformation to occur. Water doesn’t change its molecular makeup without the authority of the Creator.
Dr. Cliff Lewis explains:
At a molecular level, the water, basically hydrogen and oxygen, was changed into wine that contains sugars, yeast, and water, which contain carbon and nitrogen along with oxygen and hydrogen. Thus, by changing water into wine Jesus demonstrated his authority over even the atomic structure of atoms by commanding oxygen and hydrogen atoms to disassemble and reform into other atoms of different configurations.
The amount of energy it would take to perform this atomic deconstruction and reconstruction is staggering. This intermolecular energy being released is the source of the explosive energy from an atomic bomb. However, since Jesus caused the wine atoms to come back together, he would have to put this astronomical amount of energy into the atoms in order to have them reconstruct. To do so without any visible energy transformation of the liquid (John does not say anything about people noticing the transformation) indicates a mastery of natural law far beyond our current comprehension. And he accomplished it with no physical exertion.
5) Jesus shows me His unmatched POWER.
“9When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”” (John 2:9–10, ESV)
Changing water into wine requires demonstrating power over time and space. Wine requires many processes that cover a long period of time. The growth of the plant. The maturation of the grape. Harvesting the grape. Treading the grapes into juice. The aging time required for fermentation. Great wine takes a long time to ferment. Jesus bypassed the entire timeframe in moments, which only God can do.
6) Jesus teaches me to trust God not PEOPLE.
“23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.” (John 2:23–25, ESV)
“26Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” (Proverbs 28:26, ESV)
“8It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. 9It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:8–9, ESV)
The Gospel of John 2021
The Catalytic Christ, John 1:35-50
By Louie Marsh, 4-25-2021
One encounter with Jesus Christ is enough to change you, instantly, forever. - Luis Palau
"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." – C.T. Studd
"People change when they hurt enough they have to change, learn enough they want to change, receive enough and are able to change." – Tim Goad
“You have to be in the light to see the darkness in yourself.” – Unknown pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago
“The Christian life is participation in the encounter of Christ with the world.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Ethics
When I encounter the Catalytic Christ
What’s a Catalyst?
Chemistry. A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process.
One that precipitates a process or event, especially without being involved in or changed by the consequences
1) I experience of joy of being FOUND.
35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” John 1:35-36 (ESV)
John uses the word found throughout this passage and it shows us some very important things.
- God purposefully SEEKS me out!
4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:4-7 (ESV)
- Why? Because he loves me & wants to SAVE & TRANSFORM ME.
Do you live with the confident knowledge that God is always looking for you?
Do you live knowing He wants to work through you?
2) My entire life is radically REARRANGED!
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” John 1:43 (ESV)
I don’t know what Phillip’s plans for that day were, but hiking all the way to Galilee wasn’t one of them! That would have taken several days walking at least.
When you encounter Christ – prepare to have your entire life shake up and rearranged!
3) I’m called to a HIGHER PURPOSE.
51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 1:51 (ESV)
None of these men had ever dreamed of being part of such huge cosmic events. They were simple men, living out their quiet little lives. JUST LIKE YOU AND ME!
We are all called to a higher purpose – and EVERYTHING in your life feeds into that purpose!
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Recently a lot of us have had some tough times, and our nation and world are going through tough times as well. Do I believe God wants to take that and make the good that will come from it part of His plan for my life?
4) Christ becomes the DRIVING FORCE of my life.
45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” John 1:45-49 (ESV)
By making that confession Phillip was telling Nathanael his entire life was changed. No longer would he be driven by profit or comfort or popularity. Now his life would be driven by following the Son of God, the Messiah!
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and 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— Philippians 3:7-9 (ESV)
Ditto for Paul – EVERYTHING changed when he encountered Christ!
- The big question for me: Is that TRUE For Me?
5) I’m compelled to TELL OTHERS.
40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). John 1:40-42 (ESV)
All of these men began reaching out to others after they had encountered the Catalyst Christ!
The Gospel of John 2021
Part One: The Glory of the Son
By Louie Marsh, 4-18-2021
Intro – 4 cartoons – last one robbed left with bad sheet.
The Glory of Jesus:
1) Jesus is eternally GOD.
“1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1–3, ESV)
In the beginning (ἐν ἀρχῃ [en archēi]). Ἀρχη [Archē] is definite, though anarthrous like our at home, in town, and the similar Hebrew be reshith [bərēʾšîṯ; בְּרֵאשִׁית] in Gen. 1:1. There is no argument here to prove the existence of God any more than in Genesis. Three times in this sentence John uses this imperfect of εἰμι [eimi] to be which conveys no idea of origin for God or for the Logos, simply continuous existence.
The Word (ὁ λογος [ho logos]).
- old word in Homer to lay by, to collect, to put words side by side, to speak, to express an opinion. Λογος [Logos] is common for reason as well as speech.
- Heraclitus used it for the principle which controls the universe.
- The Stoics employed it for the soul of the world (ἀνιμα μυνδι [anima mundi])
- Marcus Aurelius used σπερματικος λογος [spermatikos logos] for the generative principle in nature.
At any rate John’s standpoint is that of the Old Testament and not that of the Stoics nor even of Philo who uses the term Λογος [Logos]
It therefore signifies both the outward form by which the inward thought is expressed, and the inward thought itself, the Latin oratio and ratio: compare the Italian ragionare, “to think” and “to speak.”
As signifying the outward form it is never used in the merely grammatical sense, as simply the name of a thing or act (ἔπος, ὄνομα, ῥῆμα), but means a word as the thing referred to: the material, not the formal part: a word as embodying a conception or idea
As signifying the inward thought, it denotes the faculty of thinking and reasoning (Heb. 4:12); regard or consideration (Acts 20:24); reckoning, account (Philip. 4:15, 17; Heb. 4:13); cause or reason (Acts 10:29).
Vincent (1887) sums this up nicely for us:
As Logos has the double meaning of thought and speech, so Christ is related to God as the word to the idea, the word being not merely a name for the idea, but the idea itself expressed. The thought is the inward word...
The Logos of John is the real, personal God (1:1), the Word, who was originally before the creation with God, and was God, one in essence and nature, yet personally distinct (1:1, 18); the revealer and interpreter of the hidden being of God; the reflection and visible image of God, and the organ of all His manifestations to the world...
He made all things, proceeding personally from God for the accomplishment of the act of creation (1:3), and became man in the person of Jesus Christ, accomplishing the redemption of the world. -
With God (προς τον θεον [pros ton theon]). Though existing eternally with God the Logos was in perfect fellowship with God. Προς [Pros] with the accusative presents a plane of equality and intimacy, face to face with each other.
And the Word was God (και θεος ἠν ὁ λογος [kai theos ēn ho logos]). By exact and careful language John denied Sabellianism by not saying ὁ θεος ἠν ὁ λογος [ho theos ēn ho logos]. The subject is made plain by the article (ὁ λογος [ho logos]) and the predicate without it (θεος [theos]) just as in John 4:24 πνευμα ὁ θεος [pneuma ho theos] can only mean “God is spirit,” not “spirit is God.” So in 1 John 4:16 ὁ θεος ἀγαπη ἐστιν [ho theos agapē estin] can only mean “God is love,” not “love is God” as a so-called Christian scientist would confusedly say. For the article with the predicate see Robertson, Grammar, pp. 767f. So in John 1:14 ὁ Λογος σαρξ ἐγενετο [ho Logos sarx egeneto], “the Word became flesh,” not “the flesh became Word.”
2) Jesus is the CREATOR of the universe.
3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3, ESV)
3) Jesus is the LIFE & LIGHT of all people.
“4In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:4–9, ESV)
- Jesus is our
“10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:10–13, ESV)
- Jesus alone reveals who & what GOD
“14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15(John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) 16For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” (John 1:14–18, ESV)
4) Jesus is the core all true Christian TESTIMONY.
“29The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”” (John 1:29–31, ESV)
The Road to the Resurrection #4
Looking To Jesus
By Louie Marsh, 3-23-2021
Slide One: Look at things from a distance – or look at things close up
Slide Two: You can look at things from a vantage point – or you can just look up
Slide Three: You can peek to look secretly – or look publicly
Slide Four – You can look ahead or you can look behind.
Slide Five – Looking Unto Jesus.
1) I must not let anything distract me from JESUS.
“2looking 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)
The word “looking” is aphorao (ἀφοραο) “to turn the eyes away from other things and fix them on something.” The word also means “to turn one’s mind to a certain thing.” Both meanings are applicable here, the spiritual vision turned away from all else and together with the mind, concentrated on Jesus. – Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament
The minute the Greek runner in the stadium takes his attention away from the race course and the goal to which he is speeding, and turns it upon the onlooking crowds, his speed is slackened. It is so with the Christian. – Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament
Looking (ἀφορῶντως). Only here and Philip. 2:23. In LXX see 4 Macc. 17:10. Looking away from everything which may distract. – Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 4, pp. 537–538). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.
10 they won justice for their nation by fixing their eyes on God and enduring torture to the point of death. 4 Maccabees 17:10
2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, [a]disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. (Hebrews 12:2, Amp.)
-
Don’t focus on my
-
Don’t focus on my
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Remember: focus takes
2) I must follow Jesus the true TRAIL BLAZER.
“2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…(Hebrews 12:2a, ESV)
The author (τον ἀρχηγον [ton archēgon]). Old compound word (ἀρχη [archē] and ἀγω [agō]) one leading off, leader or prince as in Acts 5:31, one blazing the way, a pioneer (Dods) in faith (Heb. 12:2), author (Acts 3:15). Either sense suits here, though author best (verse 9). Jesus is the author of salvation, the leader of the sons of God, the Elder Brother of us all (Rom. 8:29) - Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament
“31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:31, ESV)
- Jesus will MAKE A WAY through my mess!
“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.” (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
- His way will involve SUFFERING.
“21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21, ESV)
- His way might seem STRANGE.
“27But 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 1:27, ESV)
3) I must let Jesus CHANGE me.
…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 12:2b, ESV)
Perfecter (τελειωτην [teleiōtēn]). A word apparently coined by the writer from τελειοω [teleioō] as it has been found nowhere else. Vulgate has consummator. - Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament
- He changes what I
“18But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18, ESV)
- He changes what I
“2For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” (James 3:2, ESV)
- He changes HOW I do both.
“15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15, ESV)
4) I must do it all for JOY.
…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 12:2b, ESV)
“2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4, ESV)
The Road To the Resurrection Pt 3
I AM the Resurrection & the Life
By Louie Marsh, 3-21-2021
1) Jesus exposes His TRUE IDENTITY.
“25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life…(John 11:25–26, ESV)
Jesus says ego eimi – I AM This is the Greek version of what first said to Moses
- Jesus clearly says He is
“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?” 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 3:13–14, ESV)
2) The resurrection is more than a historical event – it’s only meaningful in CHRIST.
“25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life…(John 11:25–26, ESV)
- Resurrection = “rising up from among the corpses”
“9We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.” (Romans 6:9, ESV)
3) Jesus embodies authentic spiritual LIFE.
“25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life…(John 11:25–26, ESV)
Two big words for life in the NT – bios – biological life, and Zoe – spiritual life. As you can see about 3/4s of the time the word life is Zoe.
“The Resurrection is one manifestation of the Life: it is involved in the Life” (Westcott). Note the article with both ἀναστασις [anastasis] and ζωη [zōē]. Jesus had taught the future resurrection often (6:39), but here he means more, even that Lazarus is now alive. Though he die (καν ἀποθανῃ [kan apothanēi]). “Even if he die,” condition (concession) of third class with και ἐαν [kai ean] (καν [kan]) and the second aorist active subjunctive of ἀποθνησκω [apothnēskō] (physical death, he means). Yet shall he live (ζησεται [zēsetai]). Future middle of ζαω [zaō] (spiritual life, of course - Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament
4) This DEMANDS a response of faith from me.
“25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”*” “27She said to him, “Yes, Lord;* I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”” (John 11:25–27, ESV)
“24Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25“Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:24–29, ESV)
5) This demands I live DIFFERENTLY because of it.
“35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35–37, ESV)
The Road to the Resurrection Pt 2
Dealing with the Truth
By Louie Marsh, 3-14-2021
Intro – Last slide “So painful for the ego…”
Why did the Apostles approach the first Easter negatively when we always approach it positively. It’s joy, pure joy for us, but not for them? Why and could we be missing?
1) The truth is HARD.
“21From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. (Matthew 16:21, ESV)
“13This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” (Matthew 13:13, ESV)
Some hard Biblical truths:
- Feelings DON’T determine truth.
“12There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12, ESV)
- Fitting into your culture isn’t
“44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Matthew 5:44–47, ESV)
- Following Jesus comes before EVERYTHING
“22And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”” (Matthew 8:22, ESV)
2) The greatest rejector of hard truth is human LOVE.
22And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” (Matthew 16:22 ESV)
“46“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46, ESV)
- Human love vs. Christian (tough) love.
“14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” (Romans 12:14, ESV)
- Human love – SHORT TERM - God’s love – LONG TERM.
“24By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” (Hebrews 11:24–25, ESV)
3) REFUSING the truth puts me on Satan’s side!
23But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”” (Matthew 16:23, ESV)
“4And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”” (Matthew 17:4, ESV)
“5He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
6When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.”” (Matthew 17:5–7, ESV)
“14But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”” (Galatians 2:14, ESV)
The Road to the Resurrection
Looking For A Sign, Matthew 12:38-40
By Louie Marsh, 3-7-2021
Intro – 6 slides, last one laxative sign
1) People demanded a MIRACLE from Jesus
“38Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” (Matthew 12:38, ESV)
“48So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.”” (John 4:48, ESV)
2) Everyone was looking for a SIGNAL from God that they approved.
“22For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:22–24, ESV)
3) People are still looking for signs today.
“1And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.” (Matthew 16:1, ESV)
Signs we look for today:
- Miracles
- Solving personal problems
- An Easy Out
4) What happens when I don’t GET ONE?
” 39But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. (Matthew 12:39 ESV)
Jesus a Great Example of this:
“14When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”” (John 6:14, ESV)
“58This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”… 60When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this?
62Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?” “66After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.” (John 6:58–62, 66, ESV)
Meanwhile, where is God? This is one of the most disquieting symptoms. When you are happy, so happy that you have no sense of needing Him, so happy that you are tempted to feel His claims upon you as an interruption, if you remember yourself and turn to Him with gratitude and praise, you will be—or so it feels—welcomed with open arms. But go to Him when your need is desperate, when all other help is vain, and what do you find? A door slammed in your face, and a sound of bolting and double bolting on the inside. After that, silence. You may as well turn away. The longer you wait, the more emphatic the silence will become. There are no lights in the windows. It might be an empty house. Was it ever inhabited? It seemed so once. And that seeming was as strong as this. What can this mean? Why is He so present a commander in our time of prosperity and so very absent a help in time of trouble? - A Grief Observed, C. S. Lewis
I’m tempted to turn to popular idols
- Moralism
- Intoxicants
- Sex & Sexuality
- Self
5) God gives me the one I NEED.
” 39But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:39–40, ESV)
“21Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”
25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”” (John 11:21–27, ESV)
Upon This Rock #7
Thank God for the Bible!
By Louie Marsh, 2-28-2021
Intro. 5 Cartoons, last one zombie apocalypse.
1) The Bible is INSPIRED by God.
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
2) The main purpose of the Bible is show me SALVATION.
“15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15, ESV)
“30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30–31, ESV)
“12There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12, ESV)
- I value what’s outward & visible, God cherishes the INWARD/INVISIBLE.
“7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”” (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV)
3) I must understand the Bible by…
“11“For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. 12It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 13Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?” (Deuteronomy 30:11–13, ESV)
EXPLAIN READING THE BIBLE IN A YEAR CHALLENGE!!
- Reading it SYSTEMATICALLY
“4For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4, ESV)
- STUDYING
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19, ESV)
“An old Greek word. Placing together for comparison. Mary would go over each detail in the words of Gabriel and of the shepherds and compare the sayings with the facts so far developed and brood over it all with a mother’s high hopes and joy.” - Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.
- MEDITATING on it
“2but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2, ESV)
- Like a Cow CHEWING CUD.
“6when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;” (Psalm 63:6, ESV)
- Learning how to think
God calls disciples to think Biblically not culturally and not to simply follow my feelings or to go by my instincts. No, God calls all disciples to think clearly, critically (I mean analytically not to be critical of others).
21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (ESV)
4) Then I must deliberately APPLY God’s Word.
14But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” (Deuteronomy 30:14, ESV)
- Start
- Make it MEASURABLE
- When you fail don’t
“24For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:24–25, ESV)
Upon This Rock, #5
Applying the Bible to My Life
By Louie Marsh, 2-21-2021
Intro:
A gray-haired old lady, long a member of her community and church, shook hands with the minister after the service one Sunday morning. "That was a wonderful sermon," she told him, "-- just wonderful. Everything you said applies to someone I know."
It is not what men eat but what they digest that makes them strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; not what we preach but what we practice that makes us Christians. - Francis Bacon.
Unused truth becomes as useless as an unused muscle. - A.W. Tozer
Booker’s Law: An ounce of application is worth a pound of abstraction.
Once I gain God’s perspective, internalize the Scripture and begin to think Biblically it’s time to begin seriously applying God’s Word to my life.
1) Application begins with ENGAGING the text.
“18But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, ASV 1901)
Only here in the New Testament. The verb in the active voice means to shew in a mirror; to cause to be reflected. In the middle voice, to look at or behold one’s self in a mirror. - Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 3, p. 309).
Reflecting as in a mirror (κατοπτριζομενοι [katoptrizomenoi]). Present middle participle of κατοπτριζω [katoptrizō], late verb from κατοπτρον [katoptron], mirror (κατα, ὀπτρον [kata, optron], a thing to see with). In Philo (Legis Alleg. iii. 33) the word means beholding as in a mirror and that idea suits also the figure in 1 Cor. 13:12. There is an inscription of third century B.C. with ἐγκατοπτρισασθαι εἰς το ὑδωρ [egkatoptrisasthai eis to hudōr], to look at one’s reflection in the water. Plutarch uses the active for mirroring or reflecting and Chrysostom takes it so here. Either makes good sense.
Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (2 Co 3:18).
2) What Is the Mirror? – THE BIBLE
“4In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4, ESV)
- What are the results of this engagement? CHRIST-LIKENESS
“18As all of us reflect the Lord’s glory with faces that are not covered with veils, we are being changed into his image with ever-increasing glory. This comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, GW)
3) How To Apply God’s Word
“24For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:24–25, ESV)
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LOOK at it.
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REMEMBER
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DO
4) How does this life-change happen? APPLICATION!
- What is application? ACTING on God’s Word.
“11so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11, ESV)
“32men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;” (1 Chronicles 12:32, NIV84)
- To do this I must become a BRIDGE-BUILDER.
Bible text----------------------->APPLICATION <-------------------People’s needs
THE WORD THE WORLD
Past Revelation where lives change Current Situation
THEN NOW
What was What is
INTERPRETATION IMPLICATION PERSONALIZATION
Commentators Communicators
like to live here like to live here
“24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”” (Matthew 7:24–27, NIV84)
Upon This Rock #5
Thinking Biblically
By Louie Marsh, 2-14-2021
1) God wants to reason TOGETHER with me.
18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Isaiah 1:18 (ESV)
Notice the invitation – this is something God wants to do – to THINK with us, not just feel with us.
2) To do this I must think MATURELY.
“20Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.” (1 Corinthians 14:20, ESV)
“8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8–9, ESV)
Three Ways Not to Think:
- Tribally
- Emotionally
- Faddishly
3) I need to learn how to think BIBLICALLY.
God calls disciples to think Biblically not culturally and not to simply follow my feelings or to go by my instincts. No, God calls all disciples to think clearly, critically (I mean analytically not to be critical of others).
21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (ESV)
Our first impulse should not be to either accept or reject but to test!
Word test here is one of Paul’s favorites. It was used of testing coins or metals in order to see whether they were genuine and of full weight.
Test everything – especially things that make me feel good while sending me off in a slightly different direction in life.
This kind of testing, comparing everything to Scripture – needs to become a deeply ingrained habit that the disciple does automatically!
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 (ESV)
4) When I think Biblically…
- I shouldn’t expect everyone to AGREE with me.
“20Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
23but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Corinthians 1:20–25, ESV)
The foolishness (τὸ μωρὸν). Lit., the foolish thing. More specific than the abstract μωρία foolishness (vv. 18, 21), and pointing to the fact of Christ crucified. - Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 3, p. 193). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.
Stumbling-block (σκανδαλον [skandalon]). Papyri examples mean trap or snare which here tripped the Jews who wanted a conquering Messiah with a world empire, not a condemned and crucified one (Matt. 27:42; Luke 24:21). Foolishness (μωριαν [mōrian]). Folly… - Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (1 Co 1:23). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.
- I should expect to CHANGE a lot.
“26If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” (James 1:26, ESV)
“7Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” (2 Timothy 2:7, ESV)
- I’ll always base my thinking on Biblical
“14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 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 3:14–15, ESV)
Reason is logon in Greek – a form of logos – and is reason, meaning or purpose.
5) Jesus is the ULTIMATE example of thinking Biblically.
“33“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:33–37, ESV)
Upon This Rock #4
Internalizing the Bible
By Louie Marsh, 2-7-2021
Intro – graphics – last one circle.
1) The Primary way to internalize Scripture is MEDITATION.
“but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:2–3, ESV)
2) What Is Biblical Meditation?
NOT this – pic of full Buddha in full lotus stance.
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It is: Reflection, devotion, prayer, musing, marinating.
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Pondering Scripture
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8, ESV)
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Specific passages or verses
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General doctrines or truths
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Pondering God’s WORK & PLANS
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.” (Psalm 143:5, ESV)
“1Oh 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)
3) How Does It Work?
- A DETAILED examination of things.
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19, ESV)
“An old Greek word. Placing together for comparison. Mary would go over each detail in the words of Gabriel and of the shepherds and compare the sayings with the facts so far developed and brood over it all with a mother’s high hopes and joy.” - Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.
- Like a Cow CHEWING CUD.
“6when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;” (Psalm 63:6, ESV)
“6I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search:” (Psalm 77:6, ESV)
4) Results of Meditation
- A new & deeper UNDERSTANDING of God.
“3My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.” (Psalm 49:3, ESV)
- Wisdom BEYOND what I’ve had before.
“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.” (Psalm 119:97–99, ESV)
“15Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” (Philippians 3:15, ESV)
- My life will be more PLEASING TO GOD.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, ESV)
Upon This Rock #3
Life From God’s Perspective
By Louie Marsh, 1-31-2021
Intro: last quote Thoreau
Perspective is everything when you are experiencing the challenges of life. - Joni Eareckson Tada
When your perspective is preloaded with the Word of God, lies lose their power over your life. -Steven Furtick
The Bible interprets life from its particular perspective; it does not record in a factual way the human journey through history. - John Shelby Spong
It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see. – David Henry Thoreau
The next 3 sermons are closely linked together and form the heart of what I’m trying to communicate to you on Sunday mornings during this campaign.
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I) God Sees Life Very Differently Than I Do:
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He deals in absolute truth – I deal in
“25In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25, ESV)
Show Shootist Video with John Wayne and Ron Howard.
“12There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12, ESV)
- I value what’s outward & visible, God cherishes the INWARD/INVISIBLE.
“15When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:15–17, ESV)
“7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”” (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV)
- II) Examples of How We See Life Differently Than God:
1) Jesus says I must LOVE my enemies?
“44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44–45, ESV)
2) God actually expects me to FORGIVE everyone who hurts me?
“21Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21–22, ESV)
3) I’m supposed to pray for and BLESS those who persecute me?
“14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” (Romans 12:14, ESV)
4) God COMMANDS me to be sexually pure?
“27“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27–28, ESV)
5) Jesus says my highest calling is to be a SERVANT?
“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)
Upon This Rock #2
What Is the Bible’s Message?
By Louie Marsh, 1-24-2021
Intro. 6 billboards that don’t make sense.
1) God has a PURPOSE for everything He does.
“10declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’” (Isaiah 46:10, ESV)
- This means that EVERYTHING in existence has a purpose.
“4The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” (Proverbs 16:4, ESV)
- That includes ME!
2) God inspired the Bible for a REASON.
“10“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10–11, ESV)
33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:33-34 (ESV)
19 And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. Ezekiel 11:19-20 (ESV)
3) The main purpose of the Bible is setting forth SALVATION.
“15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15, ESV)
“30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30–31, ESV)
4) So the main theme of the Bible is JESUS.
“15I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”” (Genesis 3:15, ESV)
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV)
7 To 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. Colossians 1:27 (ESV)
Upon the Rock #1
Can the Bible Be Trusted?
By Louie Marsh, 1-17-2021
Quotes about the Bible:
“The Bible has noble poetry in it... and some good morals and a wealth of obscenity, and upwards of a thousand lies.” ― Mark Twain
“The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly.” ― Søren Kierkegaard,
“The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.” ― Richard Dawkins
“Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived.” ― Isaac Asimov
“It is impossible to enslave, mentally or socially, a bible-reading people. The principles of the bible are the groundwork of human freedom.” ― Horace Greeley
The Bible Says…
- It’s INSPIRED by God.
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
2) I must OBEY IT.
17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:17 (ESV)
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
3) It Is 100% TRUE.
17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 (ESV)
13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13 (ESV)
- It Has the key to ETERNAL LIFE.
39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. John 5:39-40 (ESV)
How Do I Know That The Bible Is True?
1) EYE WITNESS_ authority.
14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” Exodus 17:14 (ESV)
8 And now, go, write it before them on a tablet and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come as a witness forever. Isaiah 30:8 (ESV)
“1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—”…“3that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:1,3, ESV)
2) FULFILLED Prophecy.
“2But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2, ESV)
Messianic prophecies picture.
3) UNRIVIALED HISTORICAL Accuracy.
7 Abraham rose and bowed to the Hittites, the people of the land. Genesis 23:7 (ESV)
Hittite picture map and picture.
12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” John 19:12 (ESV)
Pic of Pilate stone, Pilate coin.
God & History
Last CCR Sunday
By Louie Marsh, 1-10-2021
Show History Quotes – 5 slides.
1) God LOVES history!
- He CREATED
“1In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, ESV)
“1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1–3, ESV)
2) He GUIDES & SUSTAINS it.
“21He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” (Daniel 2:21, ESV)
The grand difference between the ancient view of history and that found in Scripture is the difference between what is called “cyclical” and “linear-progressive.” A cyclical view indicates that there was no beginning to the universe and no goal for it; rather, history creates itself and eventually repeats itself—forever.
SHOW SLIDE WITH QUOTE THEN - History does not repeat itself – people do!
“8From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord.” (Genesis 12:8, ESV)
3) He USES history in our lives.
- To help us REMEMBER Him & His work.
“4Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. 5And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, 6that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ 7then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”” (Joshua 4:4–7, ESV)
Show Baptisms slide – 83 names, these don’t count those baptized in the 5 years I was gone, a few years where I kept bad records, those baptized at the jail, etc.
- To TEACH us how to act.
“4But he did not put their children to death, according to what is written in the Law, in the Book of Moses, where the Lord commanded, “Fathers shall not die because of their children, nor children die because of their fathers, but each one shall die for his own sin.”” (2 Chronicles 25:4, ESV)
- To BLESS us & show us His love.
“8This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8, ESV)
- To ENCOURAGE us to keep on going.
“4For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4, ESV)
4) God and the GOSPEL are rooted & grounded in history.
“16So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. 17The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.” (Acts 13:16–17, ESV)
“28And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30But God raised him from the dead, 31and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people.” (Acts 13:28–31, ESV)
Choose To Make It A Great New Year! Louie Marsh, 1-3-2021
INTRO: Three slides of polls, top 5 Resolutions - 3
1) I choose to FORGIVE ALL who wrong me.
“34And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”” (Matthew 18:34–35, ESV)
“While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us.” - Ben Franklin
2) I choose to FOCUS ON what’s really important.
No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. Philip. 3:13-14 (NLT)
3) I choose to FIND GOD in every situation.
“2looking 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)
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:1-3 (Mes)
I can be a …
- PESSIMIST
- OPTIMIST
- REALIST
- or I can be a CHRISTIAN
“8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8, ESV)
4) I must choose to DEAL WITH my flaws.
“8But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Colossians 3:8–10, ESV)
But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk. Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Col. 3:8-10 (Mes)
5) I must choose to FOLLOW JESUS no matter what!
“23And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, ESV)
1 The 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; 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to 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. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 (ESV)
God’s Call to All Disciples: To Proclaim…
- The GOOD NEWS
- LIBERTY to the Captives
- SIGHT for the blind
- The Lord’s Favor & Judgment –
- To COMFORT those who mourn
- To STRENGTHEN them to maturity
- To RESTORE what has been devastated
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Hebrews 12:3-4 (ESV)
You have to keep working for the Lord through this process. He will bring healing and understanding to you through the work you do for him.
1) Do I have a HARD HEART because of 2020? Yes ____ No ____
3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.
2) Am I so consumed by this world I have no room to GO DEEP in Jesus? Yes ____ No ____
5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away.
3) Is my heart TOO CROWDED to live strong for Jesus? Yes ____ No ____
7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
4) Do I DARE TO BELIEVE that God can make my heart good soil? Yes ____ No ____
8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
5) Am I LISTENING to Jesus with all my heart? Yes ____ No ____
9 He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:3-9 (ESV)
Advancing Thru Adversity, Pt. 3
Rejoice In It
By Louie Marsh, 12-13-2020
1) REJOICE IN A RECAP!
| Know It | Admit It | Submit It | Move Thru It |
Cycle Illustration
- What drives this cycle? PRAISE
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:18 (NIV)
2) WHAT ARE SOME BENEFITS OF PRAISE?
We should be always wearing the garment of praise, not just waving a palm branch now and then. Andrew Bonar —Life Application Bible Commentary
- It brings me JOY & STRENGTH.
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:9-10 (ESV)
- It PLEASES GOD.
23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” Psalm 50:23 (ESV)
- It’s a GREAT WITNESS!
The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. Psalms 19:1-2 (NLT)
3) WHY IS PRAISE CALLED A SACRIFICE?
- It’s NOT NATURAL.
“Why do you complain about me? All of you have rebelled against me,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 2:29 (GW)
- It can be PAINFUL.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17 (ESV)
- It’s an ACT OF THE WILL.
6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good. Psalm 54:6 (ESV)
4) HOW CAN MY LIFE BE A SACRIFICE OF PRAISE?
- By MAKING JESUS LORD of my life.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)
- By serving Christ thru SERVING OTHERS.
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need… 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. Philippians 2:25,29-30 (ESV)
- By taking up my cross EVERYDAY.
And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23 (ASV)
Advancing Thru Adversity, Pt. 3
Move Thru It!
By Louie Marsh, 12-6-2020
1) These aren’t steps but part of an ongoing CYCLE.
“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.” (Philippians 3:12, ESV)
“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)
2) TRUST that God has a way for me.
“8“ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8, ESV)
- Remember God is the WAY MAKER.
“7“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.” (Revelation 3:7, ESV)
3) REMEMBER: my weaknesses can’t stop God’s plan.
“11I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.” (Revelation 3:11–12, ESV)
“11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11–13, ESV)
- God wants to WORK THRU my weaknesses.
“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)
Advancing Thru Adversity Pt. 2
Submit It!
By Louie Marsh, 11-29-2020
1) Submit VS. COMMIT
“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.” (Romans 8:7, ESV)
“7For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.” (Romans 8:7, NLT)
2) I must submit what I ADMIT.
“17“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’” (Luke 15:17–19, ESV)
3) Submitting it means…
- I truly understand & accept this is
“13The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13, ESV)
“17do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the Lord.”” (Zechariah 8:17, ESV)
- I’m WILLING to be very specific.
“5I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah” (Psalm 32:5, ESV)
- I’m deeply SORRY for this sin.
“9As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. 10For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9–10, ESV)
- I’m ready & willing to give up
“10“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”” (Psalm 46:10, NASB95)
4) Submitting it is working the LORDSHIP of Jesus deeper into my soul.
“38Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”” (Luke 10:38–42, ESV)
Advancing Thru Adversity
Pt. 2 Admit It!
By Louie Marsh, 11-22-2020
Intro – Admit It pics -
1) Admit that I need JESUS.
“20And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.” (Matthew 9:20–22, ESV)
2) Admit that I’ve got a PROBLEM.
“2Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 5I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah” (Psalm 32:2–5, ESV)
3) Admit that I can’t solve it WITHOUT JESUS.
“5For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”” (Genesis 3:5, ESV)
“4Abide 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. 5I 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. 6If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” (John 15:4–6, ESV)
“15For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18For 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.” (Romans 7:15–18, ESV)
4) Admit that this healing isn’t going to be EASY.
“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)
“28Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:28–30, ESV)
The rabbis used yoke for school as many pupils find it now a yoke. The English word “school” is Greek for leisure (σχολη [scholē*]). But Jesus offers refreshment (ἀναπαυσιν [anapausin]) in his school and promises to make the burden light, for he is a meek and humble teacher. Humility was not a virtue among the ancients. It was ranked with servility. Jesus has made a virtue of this vice. He has glorified this attitude so that Paul urges it (Phil. 2:3), “in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself.” In portions of Europe today people place yokes on the shoulders to make the burden easier to carry. Jesus promises that we shall find the yoke kindly and the burden lightened by his help. “Easy” is a poor translation of χρηστος [chrēstos]. Moffatt puts it “kindly.” That is the meaning in the Septuagint for persons. We have no adjective that quite carries the notion of kind and good. The yoke of Christ is useful, good, and kindly. - [1] Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament* (Mt 11:29). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.
5) Admit that God has a PURPOSE for my life.
“28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, ESV)
“10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
“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 1:9, ESV)
Advancing Thru Adversity #0
Know It – Who I Am
By Louie Marsh, 11-15-2020
A college student was unhappy that he had to take a course in ornithology, which is a study of birds. This class had the reputation of being the most difficult class in the whole curriculum. And the professor was an extremely difficult professor. Everybody feared him. But it was a required course.
As the course began, the professor announced there would be a test in 40 days & it would compose a large portion of the grade. Everybody studied. They took copious notes. They made sure they understood everything the professor said.
On the 40th day the students filed into the lecture hall extremely nervous. On the stage was a table with 5 cages on it. Each cage had a cover & beneath the cover they could see the feet & spindly legs of a bird.
At the sound of the bell, the professor addressed the students, “Here’s the test. You can see there are 5 birds & they’re all covered except for their feet & legs. You must tell me the identity of each of those 5 birds by looking only at their feet & legs.”
Everyone had studied long & hard, but no one had anticipated such a test. And they were all sweating, trying to remember something, anything, that could help them pass the test.
Finally, one student stood up & said, “This is ridiculous. This is the craziest test I have every seen, & you’re the worst professor in this whole school.” He said, “I quit. I‘m out of here. I’m not going to take this test.” And he turned & walked toward the door.
“Just a minute young man.” said the professor. “Who are you? I demand your name right now.” The young man stopped, took a long look at the professor & then pulling up both of his pant legs said, “You tell me."
1) START with a big question: WHO AM I?
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
SHOW BONHOEFFER PICTURE & POEM
Who Am I?
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Who am I? They often tell me
I stepped from my cell’s confinement
Calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
Like a squire from his country-house.
Who am I? They often tell me
I used to speak to my warders
Freely and friendly and clearly,
As though it were mine to command.
Who am I? They also tell me
I bore the days of misfortune
Equally, smilingly, proudly,
Like one accustomed to win.
Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself?
Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
Struggling for breath, as though hands were
compressing my throat,
Yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
Thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
Tossing in expectation of great events,
Powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
Weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
Faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?
Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, 0 God, I am Thine!
Bablyon 5 – Vorlons & Shadows – The Shadows always asked, “What do you want?”
Vorlon’s always asked, “Who are you?”
2) UNDERSTAND what Jesus said.
“You – you alone are the salt of the earth…” Matt. 5:13 (RCH Lenski translation)
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ONLY BELIEVERS are Salt & Light
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I AM Salt & Light!
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Not SHOULD, COULD, OUGHT
SHOW YODA PIC/QUOTE
Do, or do not. There is no 'try.' - Yoda (Fictional Star Wars Thing/Dude
- Salt changes the nature of what it’s applied too.
- Light changes how we perceive reality.
3) CHOOSE to believe Jesus.
But if you don't want to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Even if you choose the gods your ancestors served on the other side of the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live, my family and I will still serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (GW)
Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." Mark 9:50 (ESV)
4) REFUSE to be discouraged.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (ESV)
Throughout Western history, Christianity has endured seasons when our faith should have been forever defeated, if not obliterated. The church of Jesus Christ should have had a funeral with the fall of the Roman Empire, the spread of Islamic armies, the Enlightenment, political upheaval in Europe, or the philosophical attacks led by Marx, Darwin, Hume, Nietzsche, and Freud. But God brings dead things to life, and at the heart of our faith is belief in resurrection. InRead more at location 2979
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The truth is, the world we live in today is a lot like the first-century context in which Christianity flourished. The Romans worshiped their nation and political leader; Pontius Pilate asked, “What is truth?”[234]; Paul encountered an “unknown god”[235]; the Greeks were openly pro-gay; the Ephesians were converted from witchcraft and demonic spirituality; and the Corinthian Christians needed to stop their cross-dressing and cancel their memberships at the pagan temples. But the gospel—the same gospel that’s alive and well today—transformed lives and spread despite all the conflict.
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
In order to do ministry in the odd world of intolerant tolerance, Bible-believing Christians will need to toughen up and turn the other cheek—rather than crumple in a heap—when slapped with words like hateful, bigoted, intolerant, shameful, cruel, unloving, homophobic, prejudiced, discriminatory, and more. Jesus told us to love our enemies; his assumption was that we would have enemies to love.
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The tolerant god is curiously tolerant of everyone and everything except the real God—because the tolerant god is the same serpent who appeared in the Garden so long ago
5) PROVE I believe it.
14 My brothers and sisters, what good does it do if someone claims to have faith but doesn't do any good things? Can this kind of faith save him? 15 Suppose a believer, whether a man or a woman, needs clothes or food 16 and one of you tells that person, “God be with you! Stay warm, and make sure you eat enough.” If you don't provide for that person's physical needs, what good does it do? 17 In the same way, faith by itself is dead if it doesn't cause you to do any good things. 18 Another person might say, “You have faith, but I do good things.” Show me your faith apart from the good things you do. I will show you my faith by the good things I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. That's fine! The demons also believe that, and they tremble with fear. James 2:14-19 (GW)
Dealing with Doubt
By Louie Marsh, 11-8-2020
Introduction: 4 pictures then…
2 out of every 3 Christians admit to experiencing a season of spiritual doubt. More than a quarter of Christ-followers still find themselves doubting. The most common response to spiritual doubt? Quit attending church (46%)
Look around you this morning. 1 out of every 4 people you see is struggling with spiritual doubt – right now.
1) Doubt is a fairly COMMON experience.
“17And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17, ESV)
- What is doubt?
Faith - Committed to affirming something is true
Unbelief – Committed to denying something is true
Doubt – No commitment because I’m not sure.
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Doubt is being UNSURE about something.
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Jesus didn’t CONDEMN believes who had doubts.
“27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”” (John 20:27, ESV)
2) I need to recognize and deal with it IMMEDIATELY.
“6But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6, ESV)
“26Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26–27, ESV)
“23So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23–24, ESV)
3) You deal with doubt by RUNNING TOWARDS God, not away from Him!
“Wrong Way” Riegels
On January 1, 1929, the Golden Bears faced the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, USA. Midway through the second quarter, Riegels, who played center on both offensive and defensive lines and who was then playing in a role similar to that of the modern defensive nose guard or nose tackle, picked up a fumble by Tech's Jack "Stumpy" Thomason. Just 30 yards away from the Yellow Jackets' end zone, Riegels was somehow turned around and ran 69 yards in the wrong direction. The following describes what transpired from Riegels perspective:
I was running toward the sidelines when I picked up the ball," Riegels told The Associated Press. "I started to turn to my left toward Tech's goal. Somebody shoved me and I bounded right off into a tackler. In pivoting to get away from him, I completely lost my bearings.” — Roy Riegels
“22And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”” (Mark 9:22–25, ESV)
“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)
Renewal – Life Lessons From Nehemiah, #8
Continuing – Neh. 13
By Louie Marsh, 11-1-2020
“6While this was taking place, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king. And after some time I asked leave of the king 7and came to Jerusalem, and I then discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, preparing for him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. 8And I was very angry, and I threw all the household furniture of Tobiah out of the chamber. 9Then I gave orders, and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back there the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.” (Nehemiah 13:6–9, ESV)
NEHEMIAH DIDN’T QUIT!
Three Ways To Last In Ministry:
1) SELECT who I’m really serving.
“2looking 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)
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. Hebrews 12:2 (MSG)
LIVE FOR AN AUDIENCE OF ONE - JESUS
Not Jesus AND…
2) SETTLE my past.
“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….(Philippians 3:12–13a, ESV)
One Thing – Then he says two!!
"Forgetting" is stronger in the Greek, "completely forgetting." Paul uses an illustration here of a Greek runner completely forgetting his opponents whom he is leading in the race. Just as a runner's speed is slackened should he think of those behind him, and the thud, thud of their pounding feet, so the Christian's onward progress is hindered should he dwell on the past full of failures and sins, full of heartaches and discouragements, full of disappointments and thwarted hopes and plans. As long as a Christian has made things right with God and man, he should completely forget the past.. Wuest's Word Studies .
How Can I Forget?
- MEDITATE on Christ’s work on the cross.
“13And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13–14, ESV)
- ACCEPT His Forgiveness and let go of my past.
“43To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”” (Acts 10:43, ESV)
3) SET my eyes on the right prize!
“13… and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b–14, ESV)
“11being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;” (Colossians 1:11, ESV)
We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, Colossians 1:11 (MSG)
Renewal – Life Lessons From Nehemiah, #7
Covenant– Neh. 9-10
By Louie Marsh, 10-25-2020
5 Pics as Intro.
When the wall was finished Israel renewed their COVENANT WITH GOD.
“32“Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day…38 “Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests.” (Nehemiah 9:32, 38, ESV)
WHAT IS A COVENANT?
COVENANT (Heb. berît, “cutting”). The term applied to various transactions between God and man, and man and his fellowman. In Obadiah it is rendered “allied.” In the NT the word diatheke, “disposition” or “will” respecting a person or thing, is used; sometimes it is translated “Testament”, at other times “covenant.”
Application of the Term. Properly used of a compact between man and man; either between tribes or nations or between individuals in which each party bound himself to fulfill certain conditions and was promised certain advantages.
- The New Unger's Bible Dictionary.
In The New Covenant God Has Promised…
1) A new HEART AND SOUL – Regeneration.
This would involve the giving of a new heart (a new inner control center where the issues and direction of life are determined) and the new nature (a new favorable disposition toward God consisting of the law of God in the heart).
“33For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33, ESV)
“26And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)
2) FORGIVENESS of sin.
“34And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”” (Jeremiah 31:34, ESV)
“25I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.” (Ezekiel 36:25, ESV)
3) The indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT.
“27And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” (Ezekiel 36:27, ESV)
4) The Spirit POWER.
“13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13, ESV)
5) Jesus will never LEAVE 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 28:19–20, ESV)
6) Freedom From THE LAW
“1For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you…4You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:1-2, 4–6, ESV)
7) Every SPIRITUAL BLESSING in Christ!
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Through Christ, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that heaven has to offer. Ephesians 1:3 (GW)
HOW CAN I ENTER THIS COVENANT?
B = Believe Jesus died on the Cross for me and showed He was God by coming back to life again. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (1 Cor. 15:2-4)
A = Accept Christ as Lord of My life and His free forgiveness of my sins. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- (John 1:12)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Eph. 1:7)
S = Switch to God’s Plan for my life. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15)
I = Inform others of your decision. That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
S = Submerge yourself in Christ. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)
Renewal – Life Lessons From Nehemiah
Christ-Centered– Neh. 8
By Louie Marsh, 10-18-2020
SHOW PICTURES
THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS ALL ABOUT JESUS!
“2For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2, ESV)
These things that I once considered valuable, I now consider worthless for Christ. It's far more than that! I consider everything else worthless because I'm much better off knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. It's because of him that I think of everything as worthless. I threw it all away in order to gain Christ and to have a relationship with him. This means that I didn't receive God's approval by obeying his laws. The opposite is true! I have God's approval through faith in Christ. This is the approval that comes from God and is based on faith that knows Christ. Faith knows the power that his coming back to life gives and what it means to share his suffering. In this way I'm becoming like him in his death, with the confidence that I'll come back to life from the dead. Philippians 3:7-11 (GW)
Common Christian Substitutes for Christ-Centeredness
- MORALISM
Moralism is a philosophy that arose in the 19th century that concerns itself with imbuing society with a certain set of morals, usually traditional behaviour, but also "justice, freedom, and equality". Wikipedia
Moralism is the belief that you are made right with God, forgiven, go to heaven, etc. by your high moral standards of belief and behavior.
- KNOWLEDGE CENTERED
It’s my knowledge of doctrine and the Bible that makes me spiritual and saves me.
- SELF CENTERED
Self is the center of everything in the modern world.
5 Signs I’m Christ Centered
1) I faithfully CARRY OUT my ministry.
“1And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. 2So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month.” (Nehemiah 8:1–2, ESV)
The public reading of the Scriptures was required by the law to be made every seventh year; but during the long period of the captivity this excellent practice, with many others, had fallen into neglect, till revived, on this occasion. A Commentary: Critical, Experimental, and Practical on the Old and New Testaments.
2) I ABSORB God’s Word to grow spiritually.
“3And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.” “8They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.” (Nehemiah 8:3,8, ESV)
3) I WORSHIP Jesus with a grateful heart.
“6And 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)
4) I SHARE the joy with my brothers & sisters.
“9And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.” (Nehemiah 8:9–12, ESV)
5) I TELL OTHERS about what Jesus has done for me.
“14And they found it written in the Law that the Lord had commanded by Moses that the people of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month, 15and that they should proclaim it and publish it in all their towns and in Jerusalem, “Go out to the hills and bring branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees to make booths, as it is written.”” (Nehemiah 8:14–15, ESV)
Renewal – Life Lessons From Nehemiah
Courage– Neh. 4-6
By Louie Marsh, 5-11-2008
SHOW CARTOONS ON CUE
I Need Courage when I …
1) Face my OUTWARD opposition.
VERBAL ABUSE:
When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he exploded in anger, vilifying the Jews. In the company of his Samaritan cronies and military he let loose: "What are these miserable Jews doing? Do they think they can get everything back to normal overnight? Make building stones out of make-believe?" At his side, Tobiah the Ammonite jumped in and said, "That's right! What do they think they're building? Why, if a fox climbed that wall, it would fall to pieces under his weight." Nehemiah 4:1-3 (MSG)
How I Should Respond:
- PUBLIC PRAYER
“4Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. 5Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.” (Nehemiah 4:4–5, ESV)
- Continuing the work with all MY HEART.
“6So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6, ESV)
PLANNING TO ATTACK & CONFUSE:
“7But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it.” (Nehemiah 4:7–8, ESV)
How I Should Respond:
- Response: PRAYER & ACTION
“9And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” (Nehemiah 4:9, ESV)
2) Deal with my INTERNAL opposition.
GREED:
“4And there were those who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tax on our fields and our vineyards. 5Now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children are as their children. Yet we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but it is not in our power to help it, for other men have our fields and our vineyards.”” (Nehemiah 5:4–5, ESV)
How I Should Respond:
- ANGER & REFLECTION
“6I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. 7I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them” (Nehemiah 5:6–7, ESV)
- CONFRONTATION
“7…and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them 8and said to them, “We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us!” They were silent and could not find a word to say. 9So I said, “The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies?” (Nehemiah 5:7a–9, ESV)
3) Fighting to STAY FOCUSED on the mission.
“2Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm.” (Nehemiah 6:2, ESV)
- If you get distracted you’ll say OH NO!
“3And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” 4And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner.” (Nehemiah 6:3–4, ESV)
- Refuse to get focused on SELF – stay on mission!
“5In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. 6In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king. 7And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.’ And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.” 8Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.” 9For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:5–9, ESV)
Renewal – Life Lessons From Nehemiah
Community – Neh. 2:17-3:2
By Louie Marsh, 5-4-2008
Intro: 4 slides
Nehemiah built community by
1) Helping them see their situation CLEARLY.
Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned… Nehemiah 2:17a (ESV)
2) Motivating them by being OPEN & VULNERABLE.
And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. Nehemiah 2:18a (ESV)
- He didn’t order them but ASKED THEM.
…Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” Nehemiah 2:17b (ESV)
3) Community was born in two actions:
And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. Nehemiah 2:18 (ESV)
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They publicly COMMITTED themselves to the work.
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They PREPARED THEMSELVES for the work.
4) Community showed because EVERYONE WORKED!
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. Nehemiah 3:1-2 (ESV)
Above the Horse Gate the priests repaired, each one opposite his own house. Nehemiah 3:28 (ESV)
5) Why all this fuss about community?
Because of the TRINITY
- The Bible Teaches that there’s only ONE GOD
“Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22 (ESV)
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Yet three persons are called God
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The FATHER
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory… Ephesians 1:17 (ESV)
- The SON
I and the Father are one.” The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” John 10:30-33 (ESV)
- THE HOLY SPIRIT
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But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit…You have not lied to men but to God.” Acts 5:3-4 (ESV)
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The Trinity means that -
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God is A COMMUNITY!
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God CREATES community
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God wants me to LIVE WITHIN
Renewal – Life Lessons From Nehemiah
Commitment – Neh. 2:11-16
By Louie Marsh, 9-27-2020
SHOW PICTURES ON CUE
My commitment shows when…
1) I make the BIG ASK.
4 Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it.” 6 And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time. Nehemiah 2:4-6 (ESV)
2) I actually GO & SHOW UP!
So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. Nehemiah 2:11 (ESV)
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46 (NIV)
3) I’m wise enough to TAKE CARE of myself.
...After I had been there three days, Nehemiah 2:11b (MSG)
When 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, John 17:1 (ESV)
4) I patiently wait for the CRITICAL MOMENT.
Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode. Nehemiah 2:12 (ESV)
The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration. Nehemiah 2:16 (NLT)
Mary treasured all these things in her heart and always thought about them. Luke 2:19 (GW)
5) I do two critical things:
- I seek to understand the FULL SCOPE of what I’m getting into.
I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but there was no room for the animal that was under me to pass. Then I went up in the night by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. Nehemiah 2:13-15 (ESV)
Marriage vows – contracts, etc all try and do the same things.
- I then make a PUBLIC COMMITMENT to that task.
The difference between conviction and commitment is that commitment isn’t an emotional response, it’s a fully informed committal to give all I have to the service of God!
6) How Can I Measure My Commitment Level?
THE THREE T’S TEST
What am I doing with my…
T IME
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)
making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16 (ESV)
T REASURE
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
T ALENT
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away… But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money…He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’
But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. Matthew 25: 14-15, 18, 24-27 (ESV)
Renewal – Life Lessons From Nehemiah
Clarity – Neh. 2:1-8
By Louie Marsh, 9-20-2020
Intro. 5 Pictures
Nehemiah served the King of Persia. His name was Artaxerxes the First, but the name he was commonly know by is Longimanus (Long-Ja-Minus) and he ruled over Persia from 464 BC to 424 BC. As all the Persian rulers Longimanus was the absolute ruler and his word was law. No one could contradict him and live.
Nehemiah held a unique position in the court of Longimanus. He was cup-bearer to the King. Yes, that means he served the King his drinks, but it means a whole lot more than that. The cup-bearer’s first duty was to taste the King’s wine (and everything he drank actually) to make sure it wasn’t poisoned. This of course was done at the risk of his life as poisoning people was one of the ancient’s favorite form of assassination. It was easily done and practically untraceable as well.
Nehemiah laid his life on the line for the King many times each day. Because of this cup-bearers developed close relationships with their Kings. They were allowed into the King’s presence when the Queen was present, something most people were not. They were often used as counselors and sounding boards as the King wrestled with various difficult issues.
So while Nehemiah was not a friend of the King and was always recognized as a commoner and slave to the King. He was never-the-less a trusted confident and regarded as the part of the King’s inner circle. He would have known the King and his moods very well, been wise about how to navigate them, and completely familiar with all the customs of the court.
This sounds strange to modern people as we have a hard time imagining being a slave at all, much less an honored slave who is – almost at any rate – considered part of the family. He is loved, trusted and relied upon while never losing his status as slave. While this may sound bizarre to you and I, it was common throughout most of human history and would have perfectly logical and normal to both Nehemiah and Longimanus.
Nehemiah is a great reminder that while human nature doesn’t change, human culture and customs do change, and radically at that. If you’re going to understand the people in the Bible, and in the Old Testament in particular, you’ve got to be willing to learn how to see the world through their eyes. This results in seeing things from a very different perspective indeed.
Nehemiah’s memoirs (that really what this book is) begins in the 20th year of Longimanus’ reign during the month of Chislev, which occurs during parts of November and December. In the ancient world they often marked time by the year of a King’s reign. For us the year is around 446 BC. All we know of Nehemiah’s past is his father’s name. Otherwise Nehemiah doesn’t waste anytime with genealogies he just jumps right into the story.
To Find Clarity I Need To…
1) Make sure I start by WAITING.
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev…In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. Nehemiah 1:1, 2:1 (ESV)
SHOW PIC OF ARTAXERXES
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalms 27:14 (NIV)
Wait – root means to bind together by twisting
2) DEVELOP A VISION of what God is calling me to do.
I do this through…
- PRAYER & FASTING
As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 (ESV)
- RESEARCH
Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, "How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?" It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time. I also said to him, "If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? Nehemiah 2:6-7 (NIV)
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WHAT I’m doing
-
PLANNING
And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king's forest, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?" And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king's letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me. Nehemiah 2:8-9 (NIV)
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WHAT I need.
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WHO can help me.
3) ACT BOLDLY on what God calls me to do.
In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before; so the king asked me, "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart." I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, "May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" The king said to me, "What is it you want?" Then I prayed to the God of heaven, Nehemiah 2:1-4 (NIV)
Nehemiah tells that he didn’t approach the King till the month of Nisan, which is three months after he received the news about Jerusalem. Three whole months? Why on earth would Nehemiah wait for so long to approach the King? Wasn’t the need pressing and the situation desperate?
Yes it was. But as the King’s Cup Bearer Nehemiah knew both the power and the moods of King Longimanus. He knew that if he didn’t handle this with the utmost skill he’d offend or upset the King and be dead mere moments afterwards. The King’s word was unquestioned law, and so he had to be approached in the right way at the right time with just the right words if Nehemiah was to succeed.
And so he waited. Nehemiah is a great example of the power of patience. No strategy can succeed without being patiently applied and that’s exactly what Nehemiah does in this situation. So what did he do during this time? He carefully planned out exactly what he would need from the King in order to successfully address the problems in Jerusalem. He knew better than to wing it so did his research and planned out and committed to memory exactly what he would ask the King for when the right moment came.
Finally the day came, and Nehemiah proceeded with his plan, once more laying his life on the line. But this time it wasn’t to protect Longimanus, it was to rescue his people and their battered capital Jerusalem. Here’s his description of how he approached the King.
1 In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. Nehemiah 2:1 (ESV)
Notice what Nehemiah does. He doesn’t say a word, he just looks sad in the presence of the King. Now you might not think this is a big deal but actually it was an incredibly brave thing for Nehemiah to do. Ancient Middle Eastern Kings were not always worshipped as gods but were treated as the next thing to them. The King was so exalted that if you were lucky enough to be in his presence you should be radiant with joy. To be sad when you were with the King would normally be considered an insult to his exalted presence and was punishable by death.
Here we can see Nehemiah reading the King’s mood and then relying on both his character and the relationship that had developed between himself and Longimanus. And it worked,
Renewal – Life Lessons From Nehemiah
Conviction – Neh. 1
By Louie Marsh, 9-13-2020
1) God’s work always begins with CONVICTION
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the capital, that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:1-4 (ESV)
- What it is:
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1: the act or process of convicting of a crime especially in a court of law. 2: a: the act of convincing a person of error or of compelling the admission of a truth b: the state of being convinced of error or compelled to admit the truth. 3: a: a strong persuasion or belief b: the state of being convinced
2) I COME TO JESUS through conviction.
And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: John 16:8 (ESV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Same word in both verses: for "proof" and then for "conviction." Both uses occur in the papyri and either makes sense here, perhaps "conviction" suiting better - Word Pictures in the New Testament.
3) I SERVE JESUS with conviction.
because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NIV)
It means the full confidence which comes from the Holy Spirit.- Word Pictures in the New Testament.
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God wants me to be FULLY ASSURED I’m doing his will.
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Conviction isn’t just about NEW THINGS.
Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. Nehemiah 1:2 (NIV)
4) Some ways the Spirit brings conviction to me:
- It begins with a HOLY DISCONTENT.
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)
A Popeye Moment.
- I’m forced to FACE UP TO MY SINS.
And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. Nehemiah 1:5-7 (ESV)
- I’m led to trust in GOD’S WORD.
"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.' Nehemiah 1:8-9 (NIV)
- I depend on God to do WHAT I CANNOT DO.
"They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." I was cupbearer to the king. Nehemiah 1:10-11 (NIV)
- I step out of my comfort zone and INTO FAITH!
…Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." I was cupbearer to the king. Nehemiah 1:11b (NIV)
Pursuing Sex #7
How to Understand Sex Wisely
By Louie Marsh, 9-6-2020
1) Why is God so HUNG UP on sex?
1 My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; 2 keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; 3 bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend, 5 to keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words. Proverbs 7:1-5 (ESV)
Show four slides – last one “All love is equal.”
Love is love people say. Most of them don’t mean it. Is it okay for me to be in love with your 8 year old daughter? How about your beautiful dog? All love is love? NO it’s not!
- He’s not, we are. He knows what we don’t – sex is
4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Hebrews 13:4 (ESV)
5 … and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. Isaiah 62:5b (ESV)
7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. Revelation 19:7-8 (ESV)
2) Like sin, wisdom is all around me, I must PURSUE IT.
3 beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: 4 “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. 5 O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. 6 Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, 7 for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 8:3-7 (ESV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 (ESV)
14 I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; 16 by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly. 17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Proverbs 8:14-17 (ESV)
3) Real wisdom is far more PROFITABLE than gold.
10 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. Proverbs 8:10-11 (ESV)
9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Psalm 19:9-10 (ESV)
4) True wisdom comes from God ALONE.
22 “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. 23 Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. Proverbs 8:22-23 (ESV)
15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:15-17 (ESV)
4) To be wise I must engage with Scripture & Meditation DAILY.
32 “And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. 34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, 36 but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32-36 (ESV)
Pursuing Wisdom Pt. 6
Practical Wisdom
By Louie Marsh, 8-30-30-2020
Intro. 4 pictures
1) Use money wisely, don’t CO-SIGN any loans.
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger, 2 if you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth, 3 then 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. 4 Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids no slumber; 5 save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the hand of the fowler. Proverbs 6:1-5 (ESV)
26 Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. 27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you? Proverbs 22:26-27 (ESV)
- No, I don’t own 90%.
1 The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, Psalm 24:1 (ESV)
2) Give God my all by working HARD.
6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. 7 Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, 8 she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, 11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. Proverbs 6:6-11 (ESV)
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
3) I need to know how to RECOGNIZE a con man (or woman).
12 A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, 13 winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, 14 with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; 15 therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing. Proverbs 6:12-15 (ESV)
24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. John 2:24-25 (ESV)
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)
4) Seven activities I must AVOID.
16 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, 19 a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV)
The purpose of this kind of numerical pattern (x and x + 1) is not to give a complete list. Instead it is to stress the final (x + 1) item, as the culmination or product of its preceding items. - The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.
- Arrogant eyes
- Lying Tongue
- Violent, murderous hands
- A heart that plots sinful actions
- My hurrying towards sin
- Lying under oath
- A troublemaker in the family
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) Aside from tithes, offerings & charitable giving, how can I use my money to honor God?
2) Why is hard work valuable to God, what does it do for us?
3) How can I learn to discern a “worthless person” or con-person?
Pursuing Wisdom #5
Sex, Wisdom & Fidelity
By Louie Marsh, 8-23-2020
Intro. 4 slides – last one Jesus wants it all
1) A wise person LISTENS before speaking.
1 My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, 2 that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge. Proverbs 5:1-2 (ESV)
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; James 1:19 (ESV)
2) A wise person never BETRAYS a trust.
8 Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house, 9 lest you give your honor to others and your years to the merciless, 10 lest strangers take their fill of your strength, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner, 11 and at the end of your life you groan, when your flesh and body are consumed, 12 and you say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! 13 I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors. 14 I am at the brink of utter ruin in the assembled congregation.” Proverbs 5:8-14 (ESV)
a 2005 global survey estimated that 22 percent of married people worldwide admitted to having committed adultery. A 2016 survey suggested that in more than one-third of marriages, one or both spouses commit adultery.
78% of respondents worldwide suggest that extramarital affairs are morally unacceptable, ranging from 94% in Pakistan to 47% in France, reports a Pew Research Center survey that posed questions on a range of behaviors
Men are more likely to commit adultery than women. In the United States, for example, national surveys of married couples found that 25 percent of men and 15 percent of women admitted to committing adultery
3) A wise person knows what to keep PRIVATE.
15 Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. 16 Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? 17 Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you. 18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, 19 a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love. Proverbs 5:15-19 (ESV)
Show Poster
The Sundance drama “Cuties” is a coming-of-age story about a girl from Senegal, but her story is a universal one that shows that we’d all rather dance than have to grow up and face the world.
Netflix picked up the inspiring film “Cuties” out of Sundance from director and writer Maïmouna Doucouré after it won the Directing Award in the World Cinema Dramatic category at the festival earlier this year.
In “Cuties,” an 11-year-old girl from Senegal Amy tries to escape family dysfunction by joining a free-spirited dance clique named “Cuties.” The group stands in stark contrast to her mother’s traditional values, and she soon becomes aware of her own femininity well beyond her years through dance. She soon inspires the girls to embrace more sensual dance moves as part of their routine even as she begins to face the realities of growing up, and they hope to twerk their way to stardom at a local dance contest.
- There are no real relationships without
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:24-25 (ESV)
4) A wise person know God will judge EVERYONE & EVERYTHING.
21 For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths. 22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. 23 He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray. Proverbs 5:21-23 (ESV)
34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37 (ESV)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- With the rise of the internet & social media, is anything private anymore?
- How do I know what’s good to keep private & what needs to be exposed?
3) Why do so many people today seem commit-a-phobic?
Pursuing Wisdom Pt. 4
Go Get It!
By Louie Marsh, 8-16-2020
1) I need to go GET wisdom.
5 Get* wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get* insight. 8 Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. 9 She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.” Proverbs 4:5-9 (ESV)
Get = “get, acquire, create, buy.”
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
7 “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 (HCSB)
2) The wise persons guide to sin.
12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. 13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. 14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. 15 Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. Proverbs 4:12-15 (ESV)
Four Things I MUST do:
- AVOID the sinful situation;
- Pass as FAR FROM it as possible;
- TURN AWAY from the sin;
- Pass beyond or ESCAPE the sin.
29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. Matthew 5:29-30 (ESV)
9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Titus 3:9 (ESV)
3) GUARD my heart against sin & harm.
23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:18-23 (ESV)
of all guarding guard your heart because from it emanations of life Proverbs 4:23 (CBLBible)
15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. Deuteronomy 30:15 (ESV)
Guard - does not mean run away, hide, monasticism – Simon Stylites - Simeon Stylites or Symeon the Stylite was a Syriac ascetic saint who achieved notability for living 37 years on a small platform on top of a pillar near Aleppo. Had to send up food and clothes at times, he sent down in a bucket his poo – what a ministry, taking a bucket of holy man poo and burying it!
9 “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children— Deuteronomy 4:9 (ESV)
4) MEDITATE on how well I’m following Jesus.
26 Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. 27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. Proverbs 4:26-27 (ESV)
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26 (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. 14 For 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)
Pursuing Wisdom #3
Trust Towards the Lord
By Louie Marsh, 8-9-2020
1) The amazing BENEFITS of Godly Wisdom.
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:1-4 (ESV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
trust toward Yahweh with all your heart but toward your understanding do not lean Proverbs 3:5 (CBLBible)
2) Who or what will I TRUST?
5 Trust* in the LORD with all your heart*…
- Everyone trusts
Trust = to be reliant, trust, be unsuspecting." This verb, which occurs 118 times in biblical Hebrew, has a possible Arabic cognate and a cognate in late Aramaic. The word means "to trust" in Deut. 28:52: "And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land…"
Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words.
Trekking Poles
Thailand Video
- Real trust is leaning ALL my weight upon the Lord.
4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV)
- This is a HEART DEEP
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV)
3) What will I REFUSE to trust?
… do not lean on your own understanding.
The verb בָּטַח, it acquires the meaning confidere, to lean with the whole body on something, in order to rest upon it, strengthened by עַל, if one lean wholly …to lean on anything, so as to be supported by
Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament - Volume 6: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon.
15 “‘And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15 (ESV)
3 When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD. Proverbs 19:3 (ESV)
4) This will show in who’s ON FIRST in my life.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him…
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:23-25 (ESV)
- Don’t miss God’s goal – ALL & EVERYTHING.
Discussion Questions
1) Do you think it’s true that we naturally lean towards ourselves? Why or why not?
2) What benefits of Godly wisdom can you see operating in your life today?
Pursing Wisdom #2
True Wisdom Comes from God Alone
By Louie Marsh, 8-2-2020
1) Becoming wise takes DISCIPLINE.
1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5 (ESV)
Discipline = Freedom graphic.
- I must invest the time & energy to UNDERSTAND what needs doing.
10 If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength; however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success. Ecclesiastes 10:10 (HCSB)
2) True wisdom comes God ALONE.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8 guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Proverbs 2:6-8 (ESV)
- I must seek His wisdom above ALL OTHERS.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18 (ESV)
3) Godly wisdom GUARDS & GUIDES me.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; 10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, Proverbs 2:9-11 (ESV)
- Godly wisdom goes to the HEART of the matter.
23 The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Proverbs 16:23 (ESV)
4) Godly wisdom DELIVERS me from sin.
12 delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, 13 who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, 14 who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil, 15 men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways. 16 So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words, 17 who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; 18 for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed; 19 none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life. Proverbs 2:12-19 (ESV)
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:13 (ESV)
- This delivery is
God wants us to AVOID sin, not just ask forgiveness for it!
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
5) Godly wisdom brings me great REWARDS.
20 So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it, 22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it. Proverbs 2:20-22 (ESV)
“And then came a damp, cold night in Flanders through which we marched in silence. And when the day began to emerge from the mists suddenly an iron greeting came whizzing at us over our heads. And with a sharp report sent the little pellets flying between our ranks ripping up the wet ground.
But even before the little cloud had passed from 200 throats the first Hurrah arose to greet the first messengers of death. Then a crackling and a roaring and a singing and a howling began. And with feverish eyes each one of us was drawn forward. Faster and faster until suddenly past turnip fields and hedges the fight began. The fight of man against man. And from the distance a song reached our ears, coming closer and closer, leaping from company to company just as death plunged a busy hand into our ranks.
The song reached us to and we passed it along, “Deutschland, Deutshland uber alles, over alles in der velt.” Four days later we came back, even our step had changed. 17 year old boys now looked like men. The volunteers of the list regiment may not have learned to fight properly, but they knew how to die like soldiers. This was the beginning.
Thus it went on year after year. But the romance of battle had been replaced by horror, the enthusiasm gradually cooled. And the exuberant joy was stifled by mortal fear. The time came when every man had to struggle between the instinct of self preservation and the admonitions of duty. I too was not spared by this struggle always when death was on the hunt a vague something tried to revolt. It strove to represent itself to the weak body as reason yet it was only cowardice which in such disguises tries to ensnare the individual. A grave tugging and warning set in and often it was only the last remnant of conscience which decided the issue. Yet the more this voice admonished one to caution the louder and more insistence its lures; the sharper resistance grew; until at last after a long inner struggle consciousness of duty emerged victorious.
By the winter of 1915-1916 this struggle had for me been decided. At last my will was undisputed master. If in the first days I went over the top with rejoicing and laughter, I was now calm and determined. And this was enduring. Now fate could bring on the ultimate tests without my nerves shattering or my reason failing. The young volunteer had become an old solider and this transformation had occurred in the whole Army. It had issues hard and cold from the eternal battle and for those who could not stand up under the storm – well they were broken.
Pursuing Wisdom #1
Wisdom Pursues Me, Proverbs 1
By Louie Marsh, 7-26-2020
INTRODUCING WISDOM
1) How wisdom BENEFITS Me.
1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— 5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:1-6 (ESV)
ḥokmāh is a significant term found in approximately 150 places with the dominant sense of "wisdom." Wisdom refers to knowledge coupled with an inner quality that embodies a heart and life in conformity with the purposes and character of God. ḥokmāh has this meaning throughout most of its usage in a variety of contexts.
2) Why Wisdom is SEARCHING for me
20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: 22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? 23 If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:20-23 (ESV)
The most likely reason that wisdom is personified as wisdom is that those familiar with the English language do the same. We refer to a car as “she” or ships as “she,” for example. But that does not mean that a car or a ship is a female. It is a figure of speech and nothing more. - Neverthirsty.org
Not quite. Ships, etc. began to be called she because the completely male crews relied upon their ships and loved their ships, fought for her, etc. The ship nurtures the crew on a hostile sea
In English, the word wisdom is grammatically neuter, but in Hebrew, Greek and Spanish, it is grammatically feminine.The author used the literary tool of personification to change the inanimate and abstract idea of wisdom into a virtual person. Once wisdom was personified and extolled, it became necessary to refer to “it” by the appropriate pronoun — and by appropriate, I mean that it must agree in grammatical gender.
THE PRICE OF REJECTING WISDOM
1) Things will go from bad to WORSE.
24 Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, 25 because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, 27 when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Proverbs 1:24-27 (ESV)
2) My foolish pride KEEPS ME from God.
28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, 30 would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, 31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. 32 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; Proverbs 1:28-32 (ESV)
WISDOM IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
1) sophia
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! Romans 11:33 (ESV)
Used of God, wisdom personified, human – as opposed to Godly – wisdom. You may have heard about the Hagia Sophia in Turkey
19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Matthew 11:19 (ESV)
2) phronēsis
8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight Ephesians 1:8 (ESV)
Usage Notes: akin to phroneō, "to have understanding" (phren, "the mind"), denotes "practical wisdom, prudence in the management of affairs."
3) synesis
47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2:47 (ESV)
Usage Notes: akin to syniēmi, "to set together, to understand," denotes (a) "the understanding, the mind or intelligence," Mark 12:33; (b) "understanding, reflective thought," Luke 2:47
Note: "While sophia is the insight into the true nature of things, phronēsis is the ability to discern modes of action with a view to their results; while sophia is theoretical, phronēsis is practical" (Lightfoot). Synesis, "understanding, intelligence," is the critical faculty; this and phronēsis are particular applications of sophia. - Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words.
THE RESULTS OF RECEIVING WISDOM
33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” Proverbs 1:33 (ESV)
DiscipleShift #5
From “Compartmentalized Discipleship” to “Holistic Discipleship”
By Louie Marsh, 7-12-2020
LAST PIC – BRIAN THE SEXY VEGAN!
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From come & SEE to come & DIE
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True Discipleship – giving my WHOLE LIFE over to the Lordship of Jesus.
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (ESV)
- GOD’S MERCY is my motivation to serve.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 2 Corinthians 1:3 (ESV)
- I really worship when I choose to GIVE IT ALL to God.
13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. Romans 6:13 (ESV)
22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord Luke 2:22 (ESV)
- Living for Jesus everyday is true
Which is your reasonable service (tēn logikēn humōn latreian). "Your rational (spiritual) service (worship)." For latreia, see note on §Romans 9:4. Logikos is from logos, reason. The phrase means here "worship rendered by the reason (or soul)."
Word Pictures in the New Testament.
- True discipleship results in my
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)
- Everyone conforms to
14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 1 Peter 1:14 (ESV)
Present passive imperative stop being fashioned or do not have the habit of being fashioned
- Disciples conform to Jesus and are therefore
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
Word used of Jesus’ transfiguration – that’s what should be happening to us, degree by degree.
3) As a disciple I am transformed to LIVE A LIFE of 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 12:2 (ESV)
- As I deal with life’s problems I must TEST AND SEE what God’s will is.
21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (ESV)
- As a disciple I can learn to THINK & ACT like Jesus.
16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 (ESV)
DiscipleShift 2020 #4
From Fix My Life to Christ is My Life
By Louie Marsh, 7-5-2020
CARTOONS – LAST ONE PASTOR SAYING HE LOVES PEOPLE –SORT OF!
- Fix My Life – my STARTING POINT with Jesus.
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:57-62 (ESV)
24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:24-27 (ESV)
46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:46 (ESV)
2) Mature in Christ – my next SPIRITUAL STEP with Jesus.
28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:28-29 (ESV)
3) Hidden in Christ – moving from me to JESUS.
2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV)
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
4) Christ is my life – TRUSTING & BECOMING like Jesus.
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 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 12:7-10 (ESV)
46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:46 (ESV)
- From come & SEE to come & DIE
DiscipleShift #3,
From My Story to His Story
By Louie Marsh, 6-28-2020
Intro: 4 pics about change
1) Do I KNOW what God’s Eternal Purpose is?
9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, Ephesians 3:9-11 (ESV)
- God wants to use ALL DISCIPLES to unveil His Eternal Purpose!
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. 1 Peter 1:10-12 (ESV)
- In Jesus the Law disappears & Christ makes us ONE NEW people.
15 by 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, Ephesians 2:15 (ESV)
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 (ESV)
2) God desires to DWELL IN/WITH His people by grace.
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)
3) Do I BELIEVE this principle – God acts & I react?
19 We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (ESV)
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:9-13 (ESV)
4) I need to shift from “I” to “HE.”
- Jesus calls into His Eternal Purpose, I’m not inviting him into MINE.
17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17 (ESV)
26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26 (ESV)
27 My sheep* hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me***. John 10:27 (ESV)
22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”** John 21:22 (ESV)
I need to shift from “I invited Jesus into my life” to “Jesus called me into His Plan and I gratefully accepted!”
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Discipleship is all about living out His story – NOT MINE!
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Faith in Jesus starts as a RESPONSE to His call – His Gospel.
1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (ESV)
Live For Christ
Love People
Make Disciples
DiscipleShift #2, Living the Big Picture
By Louie Marsh, 9-29-2013
Intro. 4 pictures
1) As a Disciple of Jesus I am…
- A Follower of Jesus – My faith is
17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17 (ESV)
- A devotee of Jesus - I am focused ON JESUS.
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” John 11:25-27 (ESV)
2) My life & church are focused on FOLLOWING & BECOMING like Jesus.
10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.. Philippians 3:10-12 (ESV)
- The purpose of the church & my life are THE SAME!
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
3) The purpose of the church is to MAKE DISCIPLES.
- The foundation is JESUS & THE GOSPEL
11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NASB)
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The 5 pillars are the 5 “purposes” or 5 EXPRESSIONS of my faith.
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Worship (John 4:23-24)
- Evangelism (Romans 10:13-14)
- Ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-5)
- Fellowship (Acts 2:42)
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Discipleship (Hebrews 6:1)
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These 5 Expressions exist to support the real purpose of the church – MAKING DISCIPLES.
4) God uses everything to make me a MATURE DISCIPLE.
- Making disciples vs. discipleship.
Making Disciples - - - - - -Discipleship - - - - - Making Disciples - - - - - Discipleship
5) If I want to become like Jesus I must CHOOSE obedience over everything.
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Philippians 3:13-15 (ESV)
DiscipleShift 2020 #1
What It Really Means to Follow Jesus
By Louie Marsh, 6-14-2020
1) It all begins with Jesus CALLING ME
9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. Matthew 9:9 (ESV)
10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:10-11 (ESV)
- Jesus INITIATES the call to Discipleship.
19 We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (ESV)
- How do I answer his call?
Establish My Spiritual B.A.S.I.S.!
B = BELIEVE Jesus died on the Cross for me &showed He was God by coming back to life again. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (1 Cor. 15:2-4)
A = ACCEPT Christ as Lord of My life & His free forgiveness of my sins. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- (John 1:12)
S = SWITCH to God’s Plan for my life. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15)
I =INFORM others of your decision. That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
S = SUBMERGE yourself in Christ. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)
2) As a Disciple of Jesus I am…
- A FOLLOWER
19 And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 21 Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” Matthew 8:19-22 (ESV)
- A DEVOTEE of Jesus
66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve?... John 6:66-70a (ESV)
Meanwhile, a Pew Research Center summary of recent research spotlights the main reasons Americans don't attend church:
24% cite personal priorities—including 16% who say they are too busy.
24% mention practical difficulties—including work conflicts, health problems or transportation difficulties.
37% point to an issue directly related to religion—including disagreements with the beliefs of the religion or their church leaders, or beliefs that attending worship services is not important.
3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (ESV)
Pope Francis Interview:
“The church sometimes has locked itself up in small things, in small-minded rules. The most important thing is the first proclamation: Jesus Christ has saved you. And the ministers of the church must be ministers of mercy above all.
“We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. This is not possible. I have not spoken much about these things, and I was reprimanded for that. But when we speak about these issues, we have to talk about them in a context.
“The dogmatic and moral teachings of the church are not all equivalent. The church’s pastoral ministry cannot be obsessed with the transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently. Proclamation in a missionary style focuses on the essentials, on the necessary things: this is also what fascinates and attracts more, what makes the heart burn, as it did for the disciples at Emmaus. We have to find a new balance; otherwise even the moral edifice of the church is likely to fall like a house of cards, losing the freshness and fragrance of the Gospel. The proposal of the Gospel must be more simple, profound, radiant. It is from this proposition that the moral consequences then flow.
Need to be Gospel Centered, dangers of Moralism
- A LIFE LONG learner
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 (ESV)
- Someone seeking personal
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (ESV)
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
Authentic Spirituality Pt. 15
The Fantastic Four Eph. 6:21-24
By Louie Marsh, 7-10-2005
BUZZARD If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
BAT The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.
BUMBLEBEE A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.
PEOPLE In many ways, there are lots of people like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. They are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations, not ever realizing that all they have to do is look up.
Authentic Spirituality is…
1) PERSONAL
Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are… Ephesians 6:21-22a (NIV)
so being desirous of you, we are well-pleased to impart to you not only the good news of God, but also our own souls, because beloved ye have become to us, 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (YLT)
2) Centered in the HEART.
whom I have sent to you for this very thing, that ye may know of our affairs and that he may encourage your hearts. Ephesians 6:22 (Darby)
3) SUSTAINED by 4 Qualities
May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Ephesians 6:23-24 (NLT)
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The gift of PEACE.
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True LOVE.
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- God’s love FOR ME.
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My love FOR GOD.
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An active FAITH.
Love is faith in action – as long as your faith is in the right thing.
9/11 is an example of faith being placed in the wrong thing – and horror results. Faith in a false god results in hatred and evil. Faith in the true and living God must always result in actions of Godly love!
Godly love IS faith in action!
- The Foundation of all Authentic Spirituality – GRACE.
We are not only saved by grace, but we serve by grace, pray by grace, indeed do all that we do, feel all that we feel, know all that we know, experience whatever we experience, by, in and through grace.
For it is only by God’s grace that we are allowed to live, that we are blessed to know Christ, and to live in and serve Him.
If you’ll take the time this week to think deeply about the ramifications of grace, it will alter your entire view of life.
Taking the time to do so would be a fitting tribute to this incredible book!
To help with that – devotional!!!
Authentic Spirituality Pt. 14
Stand & Fight! Eph. 6:10-20
By Louie Marsh, 5-31-2020
Introduction – War Trivia
1) PREPARE myself.
For the rest, brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the might of his strength. Put on the panoply of God, that ye may be able to stand against the artifices of the devil: Ephesians 6:10-11 (Darby)
- STRENGTHEN myself.
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might Ephesians 1:19 (ESV)
2) KNOW my enemy.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
- My real enemy – EVIL SPIRITUAL FORCES.
They are…
- POWERFUL
- EVIL
- SCHEMERS
3) Take a STAND!
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13 (ESV)
4) SOLDIER UP!
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God… Ephesians 6:13a (ESV)
The Armor Of God:
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth… Ephesians 6:14a (ESV)
- Belt =
SINCERE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST, HONESTY IN EVERYTHING
- Breastplate –
and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Ephesians 6:14b (ESV)
BEING RIGHT WITH GOD (JUSTIFICATION) RIGHT CONDUCT
- Shoes –
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15 (ESV)
FIRMNESS THAT COMES FROM KNOWING CHRIST; READINESS TO SHARE THE FAITH –
- Shield –
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; Ephesians 6:16 (ESV)
GOD’S PROTECTION
Faith in What?
SHOW PICTURES – Chamberlain, Edsel
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5 (NIV)
- Helmet –
BLESSINGS OF SALVATION,
17 and take the helmet of salvation…Ephesians 6:17a (ESV)
But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NIV)
- Sword of the Spirit –
GOD’S WORD; THE SPIRIT GIVING US THE RIGHT WORDS
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6:17b (ESV)
But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:19-20 (NIV)
5) Pray it DOWN!
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
- Pray IN THE SPIRIT.
- Use ALL TYPES OF PRAYER.
- Stay ALERT
- Pray for OTHER BELIEVERS.
Play recording of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 6th 1944
6) Pray for my SPIRITUAL LEADERS.
19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20 (ESV)
Authentic Spirituality Pt. 13
Spirit Filled Families & Work, Eph. 6:1-9
By Louie Marsh, 5-24-2020
Why I preach thru books – deal with issues I’d probably skip otherwise.
These came from Art Linkletter,
The Role of Children:
1) OBEY your parents in a way that HONORS THEM.
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Ephesians 6:1-3 (ESV)
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God will bless your OBEDIENCE.
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Your obedience has LIMITS.
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29 (ESV)
The Role of Parents:
1) DON’T PROVOKE your children.
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger... Ephesians 6:4a (ESV)
2) But teach them about CHRIST.
…but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4b (ESV)
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Training & Instruction = DISCIPLINE & LOVE.
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Discipline without love = ABUSE.
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Love without discipline = PERMISSIVENESS.
A Deeper Spiritual Perspective:
5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:5-11 (ESV)
What About Work?
A Word about Slaves & the New Testament:
1) Those who work for others should…
5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Ephesians 6:5-8 (ESV)
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I must show the boss RESPECT.
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This must come from the heart – BE SINCERE!
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I modeled this on my OBEDIENCE to Christ.
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I’m serving Christ well when I do my job WELL.
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God will reward me for everything I do FOR HIM.
2) Those who Employ or Manage Others should…
9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him. Ephesians 6:9 (ESV)
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Treat my workers WITH RESPECT.
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Do not THREATEN OR BULLY THEM.
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Don’t show any FAVORITISM.
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Remember the real Boss is JESUS.
Authentic Spirituality, #12
A Spirit-filled Marriage, Eph. 5:21-33
By Louie Marsh, 6-14-
THE BIG DISCLAIMER!
Introduction:
Based on what we’ve seen so far – Spirit filled,
Two Prerequisites:
- All believers are called upon to
21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21 (ESV)
Greek is reflexive in the middle voice – you submit yourself. True for all uses of the word in today’s passage.
- It’s really all about CHRIST & THE CHURCH!
31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:31-32 (ESV)
- How Can mutual submission be a picture of Christ and His Church?
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)
SHOW PICTURES OF THE HENDERSONS
With a combined age of 211 years, one couple in Austin, Texas, has been named the oldest living couple in the world, according to Guinness World Records.
John Henderson is 106 and his wife, Charlotte, is 105.
The Hendersons have a love story that has quite literally stood the test of time. On December 15, they will celebrate 80 years of marriage.
The Role of the Husband: LOVER
- LOVE your wife!
Husbands, love your wives…However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, Ephesians 5:25a, 33a (NIV)
- NOT RULE HER! The word authority is NOT here!
Unkind and domineering husbands ought not to pretend to be Christians, for they act clean contrary to Christ’s commands. - Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Two Role Models for the Husband to Follow:
- CHRIST
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV)
How Does the Husband Follow Christ’s Example?
- LOVE your wife!
Michael Reagan was 26 years aid when he married his first wife, Julie, who was 18. just before the wedding in Hawaii on June 13, 1971, he received this letter from his father, giving him advice on how to stay happily married. Michael's marriage lasted a year and then dissolved. He married again in 1975.
Michael Reagan Manhattan Beach, California June 21, 1971
Dear Mike:
You've heard all the jokes that have been rousted around by all the "unhappy marrieds" and cynics. Now, in case no one has suggested it, there is another view-point. You have entered into the most meaningful relationship there is in all human life. It can be whatever you decide to make it.
Some men feel their masculinity can only be proven if they play out in their own life all the locker-room stories, smugly confident that what a wife doesn't know won't hurt her. The truth is, somehow, way down inside, without her ever finding lipstick on the collar or catching a man in the flimsy excuse of where he was till three a.m., a wife does know, and with that knowing, some of the magic of this relationship disappears. There are more men griping about marriage who kicked the whole thing away themselves than there can ever be wives deserving of blame. There is an old law of physics that you can only get out of a thing as much as you put in it. The man who puts into the marriage only half of what he owns will get that out. Sure, there will be moments when you will see someone or think back on an earlier time and you will be challenged to see if you can still make the grade, but let me tell you how really great is the challenge of proving your masculinity and charm with one woman for the rest of your life. Any man can find a twerp here and there who will go along with cheating, and it doesn't take all that much manhood. It does take quite a man to remain attractive and to be loved by a woman who has heard him snore, seen him unshaven,, tended him while he was sick and washed his dirty underwear. Do that and keep her still feeling a warm glow and you will know some very beautiful music
…
Love,
Dad
P.S. You'll never get in trouble if you say "I love you" at least once a day.
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- SACRIFICE yourself & desires for her!
- Your goal: make her WHOLE
- Your Heart’s desire - for her to be all God is CALLING HER to be.
- SELF-CARE
28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. Ephesians 5:28-30 (ESV)
- I must NURTURE my wife as I do my self.
He is kind to himself who is kind to his wife. – Charles Spurgeon
- This is critical because we are ONE FLESH!
The Two Roles of the Wife: RECEIVER & RESPECTER.
- SUBMIT to your husband in the Lord.
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Ephesians 5:22-24 (ESV)
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Wives submit THEMSELVES!
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RESPECT your husband.
…and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:33b (ESV)
This Explains Biblical Morality
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Marriage is set apart by God as a model of the relationship between Christ & the church.
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Christ gives life – therefore marriage is the only God ordained place to bring new life into the world.
That Means It Must Be Based On:
- Love
- Grace
- Order
- Selflessness – both submission and Christ like loving demand nothing less than the forsaking of self and turning to Christ!
Authentic Spirituality, Pt. 11
Bearing the Fruit of Light, Eph. 5:5-21
By Louie Marsh, 5-10-2020
To Live An Authentically Spiritual Life I Must…
1) IDENTIFY & FORSAKE my idols.
5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; Ephesians 5:5-7 (ESV)
The concept of sin as idolatry is furthered in other passages, and leads us directly the conclusion of this passage, which we’ll get to in a few minutes.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5 (NIV)
How can I do this?
- Allow God’s Spirit to search my heart DEEPLY.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
“grievous way” = way of an idol. This is VERY DIFFICULT! It’s not a one time thing either, it’s actually a way of life, punctuated by periods where I’m tightly focused on it.
BUT THIS MUST BE A CONSTANT CONCERN FOR ALL BELIEVERS!
2) PRODUCE the fruit of light.
8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:8-14 (ESV)
- I was DARKNESS.
- I am LIGHT!
- I must EXPOSE DARKNESS.
3) DIRECT my choices with God’s Wisdom.
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV)
If I’m Wise I -
- Am CAREFUL = care about what you do, be accurate.
So watch your step. Use your head. Ephesians 5:15 (MSG)
It means exactly, accurately, from ἄκρος the farthest point—Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament
Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning… Luke 1:3a (NIV)
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Make the MOST OF MY TIME = redeem, buy back
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DISCERN GOD’S WILL = to really grasp and understand.
How?
- God’s WORD and God’s SPIRIT
4) Be CONTINUALLY FILLED with the Holy Spirit.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
What does that mean? To be filled with the Spirit – or anything else – is to be controlled. So being Spirit filled isn’t about emotions or experiences – it’s about volunteering to allow God the Holy Spirit guide and control my life!
Here are some important things to understand about this much talked about verse.
1, The verb is in the imperative mode - God commands us to be filled.
This isn't an option - it's part of letting Jesus be your Lord! If you fail to seek this - you are disobeying God.
2) Filled = controlled.
When you are filled with anything it controls you – booze, food, drugs, sexual thoughts or images, greed, etc.
3, The verb is in the present tense - this means it's an ongoing, continual action.
We are always to seek the Spirit's filling. When we notice that our spiritual tank is getting low, we need to get tanked up - tanked up on the Spirit that is!
4, The Verb is plural in number. Meaning - it's for everybody!!
Being filled with the Spirit isn't just for Elders & preachers it’s for every Christian, from the oldest to the youngest.
5, The Verb is in the passive voice - meaning that the subject of the verb (us) is inactive but being acted upon!
You don't get filled by working for it. No amount of crying, screaming, no amount of knowledge or degrees, will get it. No, you must bring a simple desire for the fullness and a complete surrender of your life to God.
If I’m Spirit-filled I…
19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:19-21 (ESV)
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Let worship shape my TALK.
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Make thanksgiving CONTINUAL.
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SERVE OTHERS because you serve Christ.
Authentic Spirituality, Pt. 10
Where My Life Needs To Change, Eph. 4:25-5:4
By Louie Marsh, 5-3-2020
INTRODUCTION: 4 Cartoons, last one Managing Change
Remember the Principle –
To really change I must do two things –
- PUT OFF my old nature
- PUT ON my new nature
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
Practice the Principle -
1) Honesty
What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself. Ephesians 4:25 (MSG)
- Don’t – LIE
The Greek word is pseudos, so what we need to do is stop being pseudo Christian and pseudo people, and instead become the honest, straightforward people God wants us to be!
That means being real about my shortcomings. The old church tradition of not admitting my faults and hiding them behind a façade of pious talk hoping that sooner or later it’ll become real, is just as false and telling outright lies!
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Do – speak TRUTHFULLY
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Why - Because we are PART OF EACH OTHER.
2) Anger
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV)
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Don’t – SIN through anger.
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Do – Express RIGHTEOUS ANGER
NOT ON HANDOUT OUTLINE
So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me." John 2:15-17 (NIV)
- Why – To keep SATAN out of my life.
3) Work
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)
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Don’t –STEAL
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Do – work HARD
Some Rules that Bill Gates once gave some High School Seniors –
Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both. Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
- Why - So I can HELP others
4) Speech
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:29-30 (NIV)
- Don’t – use ROTTEN SPEECH
Notice that Paul does NOT give us a list of forbidden words like a lot of churches do! You have to figure this out in the context of your situation and the people you are dealing with.
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Do – speak GRACEFUL words.
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Why – So I won’t GRIEVE the Holy Spirit.
Why is this so important? It’s only words!
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 (NIV)
The real issues isn’t the words, it’s the attitudes and the condition of my heart! That’s why God really cares about this – rotten words are symptoms of an inner spiritual rot that I’d better be concerned with if I want to experience Authentic Spirituality!
5) Attitudes/Emotions
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 4:31 - 5:2 (NIV)
- Don’t – be BITTER OR UNKIND.
I’m not going to define all the words Paul uses here – you can visit the blog and get brief definitions if you want too. This morning I’m going to focus on Bitterness.
Bitterness is spiritual cancer, it’s a deadly poison in my heart that will kill me if I’m not very careful!
NOT ON HANDOUT OUTLINE -
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
- Do – be LOVING AND FORGIVING
VERSE 32 – Chuck Smith story of when his daughter was little, very bad and needing to be spanked, he said, What does the Scripture say? Expected to hear Obey your parents – instead she said, “Be ye kind one to another!”
What does Love mean? A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca- age 8 When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - age 4 "Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy -age 6 "Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - age 7 "Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss" Emily - age 8 "Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Bobby - age 7 "During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore." Cindy - age 8 "You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8
- Why – to IMITATE CHRIST.
6) Sexuality
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:3-4 (NIV)
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Don’t – DEGRADE OR DEBASE sexuality.
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Do – GIVE THANKS FOR IT.
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Why - because it’s God’s gift & we ARE CALLED TO BE HOLY.
Authentic Spirituality, Pt 9
Avoiding Sin’s Downward Spiral
By Louie Marsh, 4-26-2020
1) Take God’s MATURITY TEST!
14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:14-16 (ESV)
- I’m learning to be DISCERNING.
BIG ONE HERE
- I’m TRUTHING IT in love.
Do EVERYTHING in love – not just speaking! Word speaking not in the Greek!
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I’m growing CLOSER to Christ.
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I’m CO-OPERATING with Christ & His Community
2) Sin’s Downward Spiral - Evil’s adoptive process.
- A) FUTILE THINKING – empty, wrong ideas about God & Christ.
17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. Ephesians 4:17 (ESV)
SHOW PICTURE ON CUE!
The book is "Rainbow Party" by juvenile fiction author Paul Ruditis. The publisher is Simon Pulse, a kiddie lit division of the esteemed Simon & Schuster copyrighted 2008.
The main characters in the book are high school sophomores supposedly typical 14- and 15-year-olds.
A "rainbow party," you see, is a gathering of boys and girls for the purpose of engaging in group oral sex. Each girl wears a different colored lipstick and leaves a mark on each boy. At night's end, the boys proudly sport their own cosmetically-sealed rainbow you-know-where bringing a whole new meaning to the concept of "party favors."
In the end, the kids in the book abandon plans for the event and news of an epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases rocks their school.
Bethany Buck, Ruditis' editor, told USA Today
"Part of me doesn't understand why people don't want to talk about [oral sex]," he said. "Kids are having sex and they are actively engaged in oral sex and think it's not really sex. I raised questions in my book and I hope that parents and children or teachers and students can open a topic of conversation through it. Rainbow parties are such an interesting topic. It's such a childlike way to look at such an adult subject with rainbow colors."
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21 (NIV)
referring to the natural tendency of human beings to employ intellectual pride, rationalizations, and excuses —Life Application Bible Commentary
- B) Hardness of heart – MENTAL/MORAL HARDENING
18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. Ephesians 4:18 (ESV)
Lit – “the covering with a callous”
- C) Ignorance –WILLFUL moral/spiritual blindness.
ignorance that is in them…
agnoia, ignorance of divine things
- D) Darkened understanding – BLINDED MIND
They are darkened in their understanding
lit. to darken or blind the mind. This is a process – present tense.
- E) Separated from the life of God – CUT OFF from God’s Spirit & power
alienated from the life of God
estranged from God, “to shut our from one’s fellowship and intimacy.”
- F) Giving myself over – COMMITTING to a godless lifestyle.
19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. Ephesians 4:19 (ESV)
Lost all sensitivity – “being past feeling – to cease to feel pain.”
Given themselves over – “to give alongside” Today – sell down the river.
3) How I can avoid all this –
20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, Ephesians 4:20-21 (ESV)
Paul here is reminding them of things they had already been taught – remember that!
- Think RIGHT
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 (ASV)
- Keep my heart OPEN
11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also. 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (ESV)
- PUT OFF my old self
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, Ephesians 4:22 (ESV)
Take it all off – don’t play with it, or do it half way!!
- PUT ON my new self
24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 (ESV)
- Renew myself DAILY.
23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, Ephesians 4:23 (ESV)
A present infinitive – a daily inward spiritual renewal – Quiet Time vital!
ananeoō, to make new (young) again; though only here in N.T. The spirit (tōi pneumati). Not the Holy Spirit, but the human spirit. —Word Pictures in the New Testament
How do we continue to do God’s work without burning out? By letting the Lord make us young again! Now that’s a wonderful concept to aging Baby Boomers like me! Whooo Hooo – God can make me young again!
Not chronologically of course – there’s no going back on that one! You only get older not younger till the day you die or Christ returns!
BUT – your mind and your spirit CAN be renewed
He’s saying that while we all get old, we can, should and must stay young in the spirit of our minds – thinking young, being open to new things, staying excited about what God can do, and refusing to live in the past!
Divert Daily, Withdraw Weekly, Retreat Annually
Authentic Spirituality, #8
How To Live A Balanced Life, Eph. 4:1-13
By Louie Marsh, 4-19-2020
3 Slides – last one rocks balancing
1) BALANCE my talk with my walk.
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, Ephesians 4:1 (ESV)
4 Ways to do this:
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, Ephesians 4:2 (ESV)
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RECOGNIZE the worth of others.
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SUBMIT my strength to Christ’s control.
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REFUSE to strike back at others.
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PUT UP with others lovingly.
2) LIVE OUT the Spirit’s Unity.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
Every effort – strong in Greek – if you think someone is overly sensitive and are tired of dealing with them – remember it’s EVERY effort!
Remember: It’s the Spirit’s Unity – NOT ours!
3) LIVE IN the Triune Unity.
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV)
Comment on Trinity here again – then the progression of the 7 ones.
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1 SPIRIT = 1 BODY
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1 HOPE = 1 LORD = 1 FAITH = 1 BAPTISM
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1 GOD AND FATHER OVER EVERYTHING.
4) GRATEFULLY RECEIVE God’s gifts of grace.
7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” Ephesians 4:7-8 (ESV)
Now that we understand our unity – we turn to the diversity God builds into the church. Christian unity is ALWAYS unity in diversity – NOT uniformity!
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Grace = SALVATION & SERVICE.
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God gave us PEOPLE!
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, Ephesians 4:11 (ESV)
Briefly discuss these positions – and PEOPLE -
5) PARTICIPATE in God’s Purposes & Goals.
12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, Ephesians 4:12 (ESV)
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Their Purpose – prepare me to SERVE!
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Their Goals -
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, Ephesians 4:13 (ESV)
- Unity in the FAITH
- Unity in the KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST
- SPIRITUAL MATURITY
- ATTAINING TO Christ’s fullness
The Easter Effect, Pt. 3
The Resurrection Effect
By Louie Marsh, 4-12-2020
1) DEATH really is an irremediable problem.
- If death is the end life has no true MEANING OR PURPOSE.
5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Ecclesiastes 9:5 (ESV)
2) The road to faith in the Resurrection is different for EVERYONE.
12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. Luke 24:12 (NIV)
8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; John 20:8 (ESV)
25 …” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 26 Eight days later…Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said…to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” John 20:25-27 (ESV)
3) But they were all changed by the RESURRECTION EFFECT.
11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:11-13 (ESV)
18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20 (ESV)
20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 9:20-22 (ESV)
When Love Came To Town-Bono, B.B. King
I was there when they crucified my Lord I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword I threw the dice when they pierced his side But I've seen love conquer the great divide
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that train When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down But I did what I did before love came to town
4) I must let the Resurrection Effect IMPACT my life as well.
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)
Brendan's Testimony - I am giving this testimony because I am totally astounded at what God has done in my life! I was so fed up with life, but it just didn't occur to me that God could be real - or if he was, why he would want anything to do with someone like me.
About this time last year, I was stuck on a seemingly endless treadmill of working, getting stoned, and sleeping. This had been going on for years. I was aware that drugs had taken over my life. I had grown dissatisfied. I no longer enjoyed life as I once had. The crunch came when I lost yet another job because of my skunk-induced laziness. This time I was really angry at myself! I couldn't understand why my life was like this and other people's lives were not.
In a rare moment of self-admitted weakness, I broke, and asked God, "Oh, show me if you're real!" Unbelievably, I found an Alpha course leaflet posted through the letterbox by a complete stranger. I phoned the number and haven't looked back since. Through the Alpha course, I found out that God really is real, Jesus really is real, and the Holy Spirit is alive and well and living everywhere! Oh, and did I mention that prayer actually works, if done properly!
Cordie's Testimony –
When I was a member of the James Island Fire Department, we were called out to a house fire. After we arrived it was noted that the fire was located in the den and consumed most of the entire den before we could get it extinguished.
After putting the fire out we performed a clean up of all burned materials. This is known in fireman's lingo as salvage or overhaul. As I looked around the room, I noticed that the den had a player piano. It had gotten so intensely hot in the den that the keys on the piano were melted into one big lump. Some fires reach a thousand degrees or more.
As I was cleaning up the room I noticed a large book. I picked it up and discovered it was a family Bible. As I dusted it off it appeared to be in good shape. I took the Bible out to the lady of the house and gave her my regrets. This was the only thing to survive. As we looked at the book we noticed that the pages were not even tarnished. The Word of God had gone through the heat undamaged. This experience is one I will never forget.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you FEEL about our focus on feelings?
- Besides the resurrection, is there another reason for the Disciple’s change in behavior?
- What’s your testimony of the Resurrection Effect in your life?
Download link for Outline:
http://christschurchontheriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/03-The-Easter-Effect-The-Resurrection-Effect-Insert.pdf
The Easter Effect, Pt. 2
The Judas Effect
By Louie Marsh, 4-5-2020
Intro – 3 slides.
1) God is PREPARED for whatever comes my way.
9 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, 10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.” Matthew 27:9-10 (ESV)
2) Jesus TRUSTED God’s Plan, I should too.
- Jesus CHOSE Judas
13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:…16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Luke 6:13,16 (ESV)
- Jesus KNEW Judas would betray Him
64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) John 6:64 (ESV)
12 While 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)
"None of them perished, but the son of perishing" (Westcott). - Word Studies in the New Testament.
The word "perdition" occurs in the English Bible 8 times (John 17:12; Phil. 1:28; 2 Thes. 2:3; 1 Tim. 6:9; Hebrews 10:39; 2 Peter 3:7; Rev. 17:11, 18). In each of these cases it denotes the final state of ruin and punishment which forms the opposite to salvation. - The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:9 (ESV)
3) Jesus faced Satan & I will too.
- Satan POSSESSED Judas
3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. Luke 22:3 (ESV)
2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, John 13:2 (ESV)
- Jesus CONFRONTED Satan face to face.
25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” John 13:25-27 (ESV)
4) God’s GRACE ends the Judas Effect.
- Same Sin Different
3 Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” 5 And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5 (ESV)
74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:74-75 (ESV)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Louie talked about God having a plan for everything in your life, even the worst things. Does this encourage or discourage you? What purpose is served by allowing us to go through betrayal and pain?
2) Jesus faced Satan, in the body of Judas, over the table what do you think they both were feeling? Why didn’t Jesus just destroy him then and there?
3) When you’ve sinned in a way you never thought you would, did you ever feel the Judas Effect? Were you too ashamed to return to God and repent in tears like Peter did? Why do people feel this way?
The Easter Effect, Pt. 1
The Servant Effect, John 13
By Louie Marsh, 3-29-2020
Slides – last one IRS.
1) The root of all true service is LOVE.
1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. John 13:1 (ESV)
7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends… 1 Corinthians 13:7-8a (ESV)
2) God CALLS me to love those who hurt & betray me.
2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:2-5 (ESV)
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Jesus KNEW Judas had betrayed him.
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Jesus COMPLETELY trusted God in the midst of this.
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Jesus PREPARED Himself to serve.
3) Rejecting those who serve is rejecting GOD.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” John 13:6-8 (ESV)
18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. John 15:18-19 (NIV)
- So I should JUMP IN & let people serve me.
9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” John 13:9-10 (ESV)
4) Disciples of Jesus are SERVANTS always.
12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:12-17 (ESV)
17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:17 (ESV)
I Will Not Be Afraid
A Christian Response to the Corona Virus
By Louie Marsh, 3-22-2020
Last cartoon - Panic
FEAR OF GOD VS. FEAR
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! Psalm 111:10 (ESV)
ROOTS OF FEAR
1) SEPARATION from God.
9 But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” Genesis 3:9-10 (ESV)
2) Lack of CONTROL & FAITH.
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:28-31 (ESV)
- CHANGE
NATURE OF FEAR
1) Fear is always CONTAGIOUS.
32 So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. 33 And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.” 1 Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. Numbers 13:32-14:1 (ESV)
2) Fear leads me away from God & into SIN.
13 For this purpose he was hired, that I should be afraid and act in this way and sin, and so they could give me a bad name in order to taunt me. Nehemiah 6:13 (ESV)
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed. John 18:25-27 (ESV)
HOW TO DEAL WITH FEAR
1) REFOCUS my mind on God.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” ― Frank Herbert, Dune
14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 (ESV)
“Don’t get stuck on stupid.” - General Russel Honore
2) SUBMIT myself to the Lordship of Jesus.
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (ESV)
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
3) STEP OUT in faith – not fear!
5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. 6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:5-6 (ESV)
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 (ESV)
forparker #11
I Must Be Patient #forparker
By Louie Marsh, 3-15-2020
1) I need to be patient with MYSELF as I grow.
2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 1 Peter 2:2 (ESV)
- Big difference between being patient and COMPLACENT.
2) I need to patiently wait for God to OPEN the right doors.
4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; Acts 1:4 (ESV)
3) I must have patience in my OUTREACH.
15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:15 (ESV)
16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” John 4:16-18 (ESV)
- Waiting for people to
24 And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. 25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. Acts 7:24-25 (ESV)
- For their hearts to be
26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)
- Until they see their need for a
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 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— Ephesians 2:1-2 (ESV)
- To be willing to CHANGE EVERYTHING.
37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:37-39 (ESV)
4) I need to know where real patience BEGINS.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
9 The 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 3:9 (ESV)