The Five Facets of The Gospel

Part One, The Gospel Events

By Louie Marsh, 8-31-2025

1) Is This Sermon Really Necessary?

·  YES!!

Many Christians don't know what they believe.

Inviting people to church is good - but it’s not sharing the Gospel.

Besides that there are two major problem areas that make this series something YOU should pay attention to.

· The world continually DISTORTS what the Gospel is.

“3But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:3–4, ESV)

Just talking about Jesus isn't enough!  We must speak the truth about the true Jesus

“2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV)

· Too often Christians get CONFUSED as well.

The Spectacular - miracles, "words of revelation knowledge," Side issues - music, abortion, politics, etc.

Psychologized Religion. This isn't an attack on all psychology - but on it's extremes. At its worst it denies the Gospel!

Robert H. Shuller, Self Esteem, The New Reformation, January 1982, Pg. 98; "The most serious sin is the one that causes me to say, 'I am unworthy.  I may have no claim to divine sonship if you examine me at my worst.'  For once a person believes he is an "unworthy sinner," it is doubtful if he can really honestly accept the saving grace God offers in Jesus Christ."

“8But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:8–11, ESV)

If that's true - and it isn't - the Gospel was never preached or accepted for nearly 2000 years!

The need for this series is clear, as the Reformers said, "Ecclesia Semper Reformanda," The church must always be reforming itself.

“19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecies, 21but test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21, ESV)

2) The First Gospel Event

“1Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” (1 Corinthians 15:1–5, ESV)

·  Jesus DIED on the cross.

“3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death…(Romans 6:3–4a, ESV)

His burial is mentioned as proof that He really died. Baptism is called burial. It's proof of our death to sin!

o Paul taught this.

“12Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15:12, ESV) [2 Cor. 5:20-21; Gal. 1:4]

o Peter taught this.

“23this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” (Acts 2:23, ESV) ] Acts 4:27-28]

“30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.” (Acts 5:30, ESV)  [Acts10:39, 13:28-29]

“22“And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance.” (Deuteronomy 21:22–23, ESV)

3) The Second Gospel Event

·  Jesus PHYSCIALLY ROSE from the dead.

“25who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” (Romans 4:25, ESV)

“23this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” (Acts 2:23–24, ESV)

· These two events should DOMINATE my conversations about Jesus.

THESE should dominate our conversations about Christ.   NOT side issues That's hard to do.  The Gospel Confronts us.

The Jesus Way

Pt. 7: Forgiveness

By Louie Marsh, 8-24-2025

Last Intro slide – Stupid!

Disciples of Jesus Forgive…

· As Jesus COMMANDED

12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12 (ESV)

Why Do We Forgive?

· Today we are told we forgive for OURSELVES.

Remember, you don't forgive someone for his or her sake - you forgive them for your sake.

Mayo Clinic - What are the benefits of forgiving someone?

Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:

· Healthier relationships

· Greater spiritual and psychological well-being

· Less anxiety, stress and hostility

· Lower blood pressure

· Fewer symptoms of depression

· Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse

What Does the New Testament Say?

·  Because GOD has forgiven me.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:30-32 (ESV)

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”  - CS Lewis

· To MODEL Jesus before the world.

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:35-36 (ESV)

The Essence of Discipleship:

·  FORSAKING self.

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)

· BECOMING LIKE Jesus.

“29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:29, ESV)

“30He must increase, but I must decrease.”” (John 3:30, ESV)

How Do We Forgive?

· I must LET GO of my pain, resentment, anger etc.

“10To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11(but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:10–11, ESV)

ἀφίημι aphiēmi; from 575 and ἵημι hiēmi (to send); to send away, leave alone, permit:—abandoned(1), allow(5), allowed(2), divorce(2), forgave(2), forgive(23), forgiven(23), forgives(1), gave … permission(1), leave(7), leaves(2), leaving(8), left(38), let(9), let … alone(6), let him have(1), neglected(1), neglecting(2), permit(6), permitted(1), permitting(1), send … away(1), tolerate(1), uttered(1), yielded(1).  -  Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).

Forgive means to let go, separate even translated divorce once.

So forgiving means I let go of my anger, resent, and all ill feelings towards those that hurt me.

· This can take a LONG TIME.

“41Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”” (Genesis 27:41, ESV)

“4But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” (Genesis 33:4, ESV)

· Forgiveness is not – agreeing or saying what happened was good, or even trusting that person again.

The Jesus Way

Pt. 6: Relationships

By Louie Marsh, 8-17-2025

1) Jesus has a deep & abiding LOVE for people.

“10And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. 11He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? 12Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. 14But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.” (Matthew 12:10–14, ESV)

· He pushes me to always LIVE OUT His love.

“14When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18And he said, “Bring them here to me.”” (Matthew 14:14–18, ESV)

2) Jesus saw inside people & knew what they REALLY WERE.

“23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.” (John 2:23–25, ESV)

· We are all CREATED in God’s Image.

“6“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” (Genesis 9:6, ESV)

· We are all BROKEN by sin.

“9With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” (James 3:9, ESV)

·  So, TRUST, but slowly with lots of verification.

“24Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, 25lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. 26Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts.” (Proverbs 22:24–26, ESV)

3) Jesus knew WITHOUT HIM we are sheep without a shepherd.

“36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”” (Matthew 9:36–38, ESV)

· Can I obey Jesus & pray for workers if I’m not doing it myself?

4) I must TRUST GOD, not mankind.

“8It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. 9It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:8–9, ESV)

“5Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.” (Jeremiah 17:5–6, ESV)

“9Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9, ESV)

The Jesus Way

Pt. 5: Ministry

By Louie Marsh, 8-10-2025

If I’m going to follow the Jesus Way, I need to understand how He ministered to everyone.

1) Jesus deeply LOVED people and they knew it.

“7And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”” (John 8:7–11, ESV)

“13Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15And he laid his hands on them and went away.” (Matthew 19:13–15, ESV)

2) Jesus loved EVERYONE – even the Samaritans.

“33But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”” (Luke 10:33–37, ESV)

“39Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41And many more believed because of his word. 42They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” 43After the two days he departed for Galilee.” (John 4:39–43, ESV)

3) Jesus loved the sick & STIGMATIZED.

“43And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. 44She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”” (Luke 8:43–48, ESV)

4) To Jesus ministry was just a part of His life - LIFESTYLE MINISTRY.

“5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” (Luke 19:5–10, ESV)

He dealt with: 

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)

The Jesus Way

Pt. 4: Prayer

By Louie Marsh, 8-3-2025

Last slide hand illustration of prayer.

1) Prayer was one of Jesus’ TOP priorities.

“16But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” (Luke 5:16, ESV)

As far as Jesus himself (αὐτός) was concerned, two more imperfects (these periphrastic) describe what he kept doing (iterative). At every opportunity he would slip quietly and secretly (ὑπό in the participle) away from these crowds and would be praying. We catch a glimpse of the soul life of Jesus, his frequent communing with God in lonely places while men were clamoring for him.

Jesus is described as praying about 25 times in the Gospels, with the exact count varying by Gospel: Matthew (9), Mark (8), Luke (15), and John (4).

· Jesus is described as praying about 25 times in the Gospels, with the exact count varying by Gospel: Matthew (9), Mark (8), Luke (15), and John (4).

· Specific occasions of Jesus praying include His baptism, before choosing disciples, at Lazarus’s raising, at the Transfiguration, and in Gethsemane.

2) Jesus taught me to pray AUTHENTICALLY.

“5“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:5–6, ESV)

· I must pray with PERSISTENCE.

“7“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7–11, ESV)

· I must pray with FORGIVENESS.

“44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44–45, ESV)

· I must pray to be aligned with GOD’S WILL.

“14And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” (1 John 5:14–15, ESV)

3) Jesus shows me that prayer is not transactional, it’s TRANSFORMATIVE.

“11In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,” (Ephesians 1:11, ESV)

“15For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,” (Ephesians 1:15–16, ESV)

4) Jesus MODELED all this in his prayer life.

“41And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:41–44, ESV)

The Jesus Way

Pt. 3: Staying On Mission

By Louie Marsh, 7-27-2025

Last week we looked at choices, this week we look at what happens after you make the choice.

1) Jesus SET HIS FACE to go to Jerusalem.

“51When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55But he turned and rebuked them. 56And they went on to another village.” (Luke 9:51–56, ESV)

“15then hear the word of the Lord, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: If you set your faces to enter Egypt and go to live there,” (Jeremiah 42:15, ESV)

“7But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.” (Isaiah 50:7, ESV)

“17At that time Hazael king of Syria went up and fought against Gath and took it. But when Hazael set his face to go up against Jerusalem, 18Jehoash king of Judah took all the sacred gifts that Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah his fathers, the kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own sacred gifts, and all the gold that was found in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and of the king’s house, and sent these to Hazael king of Syria. Then Hazael went away from Jerusalem.” (2 Kings 12:17–18, ESV)

2) Jesus KEPT AT IT no matter the cost.

“57As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”” (Luke 9:57–62, ESV)

3)  Jesus’ mission was NOT for himself.

“41And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”” (Luke 19:41–44, ESV)

“39And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”” (Luke 22:39–42, ESV)

“18For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,” (1 Peter 3:18, ESV)

“8but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” (Romans 5:8–9, ESV)

The Jesus Way

Pt. 2: Choices

By Louie Marsh, 7-20-2025

1) Jesus gave up His right to act APART from his father.

“4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:4–7, ESV)

“19So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” (John 5:19, ESV)

2) Jesus chose to DENY his human nature

“41And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:41–44, ESV)

“32Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.” (Luke 23:32–34, ESV)

3) Jesus chose to do what GOD wanted

l Choose the HARD way.

“13“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13–14, ESV)

l Set the PROPER priorities.

“25“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:25–33, ESV)

l When it comes to quitting - be UNREASONABLE - don’t!

“21Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:21–22, ESV)

The Jesus Way

Pt. 1: Life

By Louie Marsh, 7-13-2025

To Live Like Jesus Means My Life…

 1) Has MEANING & PURPOSE.

“46I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46, ESV)

“39Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.” (John 9:39–41, ESV)

“10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, ESV)

2) Is not about ME.

“38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38, ESV)

“43I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.” (John 5:43, ESV)

“42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.” (John 8:42, ESV)

3) Is FOCUSED on doing my Father’s business.

“38And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.”” (Mark 1:38, ESV)

One of the fundamentals of Close Quarters Battle (CQB) training is that the first and second person into the room (1 and 2 man) are responsible for clearing the corners on the same wall they entered before moving to their 'point of domination'.

This is called "digging your corner." It is critical because the next two people into the room (3 & 4 men) are focused on the far wall.

If either the 1 or 2 man fails to dig their respective corner, a bad guy could potentially take out the entire team.

What causes the 1 or 2 man to fail to dig their corner?

Usually, it happens when something deeper in the room catches their eye, like a threat target.

It is hard to ignore a known threat and focus on the corner of a room that is most likely empty, but that is what they have to do, because the security of the entire team depends on it.

Similarly, in life, it can be easy to get 'target fixation' and turn our energy and attention to one of the millions of bright shiny things that some TikTok influencer or social media personality tells us will help us reach our goals faster and with less effort.

“49“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! (Luke 12:49–50, ESV)

4) Reflects HARD TRUTHS to everyone.

“17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17, ESV)

“34“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34, ESV)

“35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Matthew 10:35, ESV)

51Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” (Luke 12:51, ESV

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans

Pt. 10 How God Cares for Me

By Louie Marsh, 7-6-2025

One night I had a wondrous dream,One set of footprints there was seen,The footprints of my precious Lord,But mine were not along the shore.

But then some stranger prints appeared,And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"Those prints are large and round and neat,"But Lord they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones,"For miles I carried you alone.I challenged you to walk in faith,But you refused and made me wait."

"You disobeyed, you would not grow,The walk of faith, you would not know.So I got tired, I got fed up,and there I dropped you on your butt."

"Because in life, there comes a time,when one must fight, and one must climb.When one must rise and take a stand,or leave their butt prints in the sand."

GOD CARES FOR ME

1) By constantly CHALLENGING me.

14  I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15  But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16  to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:14-16 (ESV)

· Can I be PROUD of my work for Christ?

17  In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18  For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19  by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; Romans 15:17-19 (ESV)

Proud = καύχησις - Root kauchaomai; boasting (properly the act; by implication the object), in a good or a bad sense :- boasting, whereof I may glory, glorying, rejoicing. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.

“13But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. 14For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. 15We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 16so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence. 17“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” (2 Corinthians 10:13–18, ESV)

“21…But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. 23Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death… 27in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.” (2 Corinthians 11:21–31, ESV)

2) By Calling me out of my COMFORT ZONE.

20  and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21  but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” 22  This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23  But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24  I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. Romans 15:20-24 (ESV)

· And always giving me opportunities to SERVE OTHERS.

25  At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26  For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27  For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28  When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. Romans 15:25-28 (ESV)

3) By knowing me INTIMATELY.

1  I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2  that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. 3  Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4  who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Romans 16:1-4 (ESV)

28  And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29  yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31  Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matthew 6:28-32 (ESV)

HOW SHOULD I RESPOND TO THIS?

4) By always staying focused on JESUS & HIS GOSPEL.

25  Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26  but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27  to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:25-27 (ESV)

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans

Pt. 8: Engaging My Culture

By Louie Marsh, 6-15-2025

Intro: 50 Years & Counting then 5 pictures about changing culture.

1) I engage my culture by overcoming evil by DOING GOOD.

14  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21 (ESV)

· I respond to cultural rejection by HELPING THOSE  who hurt me.

14  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

17  Repay no one evil for evil,

19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves

20  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink

21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

·  RESIST the temptation to always cheer people up.

15  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

· I focus on lifting up others NOT MYSELF.

. 16  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

· I leave the bringing of justice to GOD.

20  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

2) I engage my culture by UNDERSTANDING authority.

1  Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2  Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3  For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4  for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5  Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6  For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7  Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Romans 13:1-7 (ESV)

· God instituted authority to stop ANARCHY.

· I must obey the authorities UNTIL & UNLESS they contradict God’s Word.

18  So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19  But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20  for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20 (ESV)

· Yes, this includes NOT CHEATING on my taxes.

3) I engage my culture by living a life of LOVE.

8  Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9  For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10  Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10 (ESV)

· Get & stay out of debt ASAP so you’ll be free to serve God.

· The moral/sexual law of God is fulfilled by RESPECTING others.

4) I engage my culture by ACTING  like Jesus not them.

11  Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12  The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13  Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:11-14 (ESV)