River Church Sermons

Sermons from River Church in Parker AZ, Biblical messages of faith, hope and love.

06 Wise Up - Wise Endings 11/23/2025

06 Wise Up - Wise Endings 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/39142075

05 Wise Up - Wise Relationships 11/16/2025

05 Wise Up - Wise Relationships 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) 1. 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) 2. 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) 3. 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) 4. 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) 5. 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) 6. 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/39052050

04 Wise Up Wisdom in Action 11/09/2025

04 Wise Up Wisdom in Action 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! /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/38969990

03 Wise Up - SHARP Wisdom 11/02/2025

03 Wise Up - SHARP Wisdom 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!! /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/38884115

In Every Season: Trusting God's Plan 10/26/2025

In Every Season: God's Provision 10/19/2025

02 Wise Up - The Blessings of Wisdom 10/12/2025

02 Wise Up - The Blessings of Wisdom 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/38555555

01 Wise Up! - Be a Wise Guy 10/05/2025

01 Wise Up! - Be a Wise Guy 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! /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/38472095

05 The Five Facets of the Gospel - the Gospel Demands 09/28/2025

05 The Five Facets of the Gospel - the Gospel Demands 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!" /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/38384095

The Five Facets of the Gospel - the Gospel Promises 09/21/2025

The Five Facets of the Gospel - the Gospel Promises 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! /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/38298000

03 The Five Facets of the Gospel - The Gospel Affirmations 09/14/2025

03 The Five Facets of the Gospel - The Gospel Affirmations 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/38214965

02 The Five Facets of the Gospel - The Gospel Witnesses 09/07/2025

02 The Five Facets of the Gospel - The Gospel Witnesses 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/38120450

01 The Five Facets of the Gospel - The Gospel Events 08/31/2025

01 The Five Facets of the Gospel - The Gospel Events 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. /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/38036610

07 The Jesus Way - Forgiveness 08/24/2025

07 The Jesus Way - Forgiveness 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 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. /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/37939525

06 The Jesus Way - Ministry 08/17/2025

06 The Jesus Way - Ministry 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/37853890

05 The Jesus Way - Ministry 08/10/2025

05 The Jesus Way - Ministry 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: 1. lepers (Lk 5:12-16) 2. paralytics (Lk 5:17-26) 3. a centurion (Lk 7:1-10) 4. widows (Lk 7:11-17) 5. sinful women (Lk 7:36-50) 6. mothers (Lk 8:19-21) 7. children (Lk 8:40-56) 8. large crowds (Lk 9:10-17) 9. the disciples (Lk 9:18-21) 10. angry people (Lk 9:51-56) 11. Godly women (Lk 10:38-42) 12. rejected people like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9) 13. religious hypocrites (Lk 20:34-38) 14. traitors (Lk 22:47-49) 15. politicians (Lk 23:1-7) 16. a dying criminal (Lk 23:43) 17. 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/37750685

04 The Jesus Way - Prayer 08/03/2025

04 The Jesus Way - Prayer 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/37652875

03 The Jesus Way - Staying On Mission 07/27/2025

03 The Jesus Way - Staying On Mission 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/37569255

02 The Jesus Way - Choices 07/20/2025

02 The Jesus Way - Choices 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/37472945

01 The Jesus Way - Life 07/13/2025

01 The Jesus Way - Life 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 /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/37392675

10 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto-How God Cares for Me 07/06/2025

10 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto-How God Cares for Me 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/37296265

09 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto-Unity How to Get Along with One Another 06/29/2025

09 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto-Unity How to Get Along with One Another 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/37209985

02 50 Years & Counting 06/22/2025

02 50 Years & Counting 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/37106155

08 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto-Engaging My Culture 06/15/2025

08 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto-Engaging My Culture 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/37017255

07 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto-Less of Me 06/08/2025

07 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto-Less of Me 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/36908020

06 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto - God's Plan 06/01/2025

06 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto - God's Plan 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/36808345

05 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto-Winning the War Against Sin 05/25/2025

05 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto-Winning the War Against Sin 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/36705380

How the Gospel Deals with Sin 05/18/2025

How the Gospel Deals with Sin 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/36615305

03 The Book of Romans - the Gospel Manifesto - The Grace of God in the Gospel 05/11/2025

03 The Book of Romans - the Gospel Manifesto - The Grace of God in the Gospel 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 for discharging a firearm within city limits, 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 . 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/36524345

02 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto-The Bad news 05/04/2025

02 The Book of Romans-The Gospel Manifesto-The Bad news 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) /episode/index/show/christschurchontheriver/id/36427265

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