50th Anniversary

Part 2: What I’ve Learned Along the Way

By Louie Marsh, 6-22-2025

 

Intro – Last slide me preaching at ordination.

 

1) People will surprise you…

 

· In GOOD WAYS.

 

“5and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” 6So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, 7for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.” (Exodus 36:5–7, ESV)

 

On January 13, 1982, the Boeing 737-200 that executed the flight, registered as N62AF, crashed into the 14th Street Bridge over the Potomac River just after takeoff from Washington National Airport.

 

Striking the bridge, which carries Interstate 395 between Washington, D.C., and Arlington County, Virginia, it hit seven occupied vehicles and destroyed 97 feet (30 m) of guard rail  before plunging through the ice into the Potomac River. The aircraft was carrying 74 passengers and five crew members. Only four passengers and one crew member (flight attendant Kelly Duncan) were rescued from the crash and survived.

 

 Another passenger, Arland D. Williams Jr., assisted in the rescue of the survivors, but drowned before he could be rescued. Four motorists on the bridge were killed. The survivors were rescued from the icy river by civilians and professionals.

 

· & in very BAD WAYS.

 

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

 

2) God is SNEAKY

 

· He tends to take us THROUGH things, not around them.

 

“39And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.””…“42Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”” (Matthew 26:39,42, ESV)

 

 “19For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:19–21, ESV)

 

· He seems to enjoy staying HIDDEN.

 

“18The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18, ESV)

 

“15Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior.” (Isaiah 45:15, ESV)

 

3) The Gospel is PROFOUNDLY SIMPLE

 

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

 

· Our real strength is mostly found in SIMPLICITY.

 

Jesus Loves Me" is a Christian hymn written by Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). The lyrics first appeared as a poem in the context of an 1860 novel called Say and Seal, written by her older sister Susan Warner (1819–1885), in which the words were spoken as a comforting poem to a dying child. The tune was added in 1862 by William Batchelder Bradbury (1816–1868). Along with his tune, Bradbury added his own chorus "Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus Loves me..."

 

4) The Bible is the ULTIMATE TRUTH about God & His Will.

 

“16All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, ESV)

 

· Accepting this deep in my heart makes most moral decisions CLEAR.

 

“105Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

 

· Knowing the truth in advance gives me PEACE OF MIND.

 

“165Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:165, ESV)

 

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans

Pt. 8: Engaging My Culture

By Louie Marsh, 6-15-2025

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

17  Repay no one evil for evil,

19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves

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

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

 

·  RESIST the temptation to always cheer people up.

 

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

 

· I focus on lifting up others NOT MYSELF.

 

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

 

· I leave the bringing of justice to GOD.

 

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

 

2) I engage my culture by UNDERSTANDING authority.

 

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

 

· God instituted authority to stop ANARCHY.

 

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

 

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

 

· Yes, this includes NOT CHEATING on my taxes.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans

Pt. 7: More of Jesus

By Louie Marsh, 6-8-2025

 

Intro – 5 church sign pics – Holy Spirit entrance last one.

 

1) My response to the Gospel –MAKE a spiritual sacrifice.

 

1  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (ESV)

 

· Why should I do this?

 

Therefore – everything from this point forward in Romans is derived from what has come before.

 

Appeal = from (para) and (kaleo); to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) :- beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), entreat, pray.

 Basically means you are aiming at both the heart and the will.

 

Mercies of God = our motivation.

 

· How do I do this?

 

Present = a technical term for offering a sacrifice, though not in the O.T. Used of…

 

· Presenting the child Jesus in the temple: “22And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22, ESV)

 

· Of the Christian presenting himself: “13Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” (Romans 6:13, ESV)

 

· Of God presenting the saved: “27so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:27, ESV)

 

· Of Paul presenting mature believers: “28Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28, ESV)

 

Bodies – containers of our soul

 

Living Sacrifices - Not a propitiatory sacrifice, but one of praise.

 

Spiritual Worship = "Your rational (spiritual) service (worship).". Logikos is from logos, reason. The phrase means here "worship rendered by the reason (or soul)." Old word, in N.T. only here and…

 

“2Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—” (1 Peter 2:2, ESV)

 

 

to logikon gala (not logical milk, but the milk nourishing the soul

 

2) The result of my sacrifice – TRANSFORMATION.

 

2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)

 

Transformed – metamorphosis

 

18  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)

 

Renewal – It means to make new.

 

Mind – not emotions

 

Test – test & approve,  Only the transformed can really know God’s will. It does not and cannot make sense to the world.

 

22  And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 2 Corinthians 8:22 (ESV)

 

When I’m being transformed…

 

· I have a BIBLICAL & FACTUAL view of myself

 

3  For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3 (ESV)

 

· I WELCOME the differences in the Body of Christ.

 

4  For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5  so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)

 

· I SERVE God with the gifts he’s given me.

 

6  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7  if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8  the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)

 

· I love HONESTLY & I HATE evil.

 

9  Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10  Love one another with brotherly affection... Romans 12:9-10a (ESV)

 

· I serve the Lord with EVERYTHING I’ve got!

 

9  …Outdo one another in showing honor. 11  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.13  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:10b - 13 (ESV)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans

Pt. 6: God’s Plan

By Louie Marsh, 6-1-2025

 

Opening Graphics on Planning – ends with the 3 circles

 

1) I’m NOT in charge – God is!

 

19  You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20  But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21  Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22  What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23  in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24  even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25  As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” 26  “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” Romans 9:19-26 (ESV)

 

2) I need to REACH OUT to the lost just like God does.

 

5  For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6  But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7  “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8  But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9  because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10  For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11  For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13  For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:5-13 (ESV)

 

3) God’s Plan is open to everyone who puts their FAITH in Christ.

 

17  But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18  do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19  Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20  That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21  For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22  Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23  And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. Romans 11:17-23 (ESV)

 

· The Eternal Plan of God is UNSTOPPABLE.

 

25  Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26  And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; 27  “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28  As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. Romans 11:25-28 (ESV)

 

· But I can miss God’s plan for my life if I don’t BELIEVE.

 

4) God is far wiser than I can EVER UNDERSTAND.

 

33  Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34  “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35  “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36  For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36 (ESV)

 

 

 

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans

Pt. 5: Winning the War Against Sin, Romans 7: 7-8:39

By Louie Marsh, 5-25-2025

 

3 Funny Church Signs

 

The Transformational Arc – To the bottom and then up, to the end of myself, forsaking myself, realizing I’m in Christ, trusting in Jesus to take me up!

 

1) The Law SHOWS me what sin is.

 

7  What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8  But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9  I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10  The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11  For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12  So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Romans 7:7-12 (ESV)

 

2) The Law REVEALS the true state of my heart.

 

13  Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14  For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15  For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16  Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17  So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18  For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19  For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20  Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. Romans 7:13-20 (ESV)

 

3) The Law exposes the war between my TWO SELVES.

 

21  So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22  For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23  but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Romans 7:21-23 (ESV)

 

4) The Law brings me to despair – the end of MYSELF.

 

24  Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. Romans 7:24-25 (ESV)

 

5) The Six Facets of Christ’s Victory Over Sin.

 

· Guilt & Shame are GONE because of Jesus!

1  There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2  For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3  For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4  in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4 (ESV)

 

…there is not even one bit…  Kenneth S. Wuest Translation

 

· My old nature no longer CONTROLS ME.

 

5  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6  For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7  For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8  Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9  You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10  But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11  If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 12  So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13  For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:5-13 (ESV)

 

· My relationship with Christ is CONFIRMED.

 

14  For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15  For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16  The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17  and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:14-17 (ESV)

 

· My eternal inheritance is GUARANTEED.

 

18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21  that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24  For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:18-25 (ESV)

 

· My part in God’s eternal plan is REVEALED.

 

26  Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27  And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29  For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30  And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:26-30 (ESV)

 

· In Christ alone though I suffer I am a SUPER-CONQUEROR!

 

 31  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33  Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34  Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36  As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39 (ESV)

 

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans, Pt. 4

How the Gospel Deals with Sin, Romans 6:1-7:5

By Louie Marsh, 5-18-2025

 

1) I’m UNITED with Jesus’ death & resurrection in baptism.

 

2  By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4  We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:2-4 (ESV)

 

· Death = SEPARATION

 

Sin is alive and well, but I’m part of a new Kingdom, therefore it only has power over me when I give it permission.

 

12  giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13  He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:12-14 (ESV)

 

· Baptism is a SYMBOL – and that’s powerful.

 

· God doesn’t reform our old nature He KILLS IT.

· Then He starts fresh with our NEW NATURE.

 

2) My old nature was crucified with Christ to FREE ME from slavery to sin.

 

5  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6  We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7  For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8  Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9  We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10  For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. Romans 6:5-10 (ESV)

 

3) I must realize that in Christ I’m now DEAD to sin.

 

11  So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11 (ESV)

 

·  “consider” - Direct middle imperative of logizomai 

 

Think, impute, reckon, count, account, reason, number

From logos to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literal or figurative) :- conclude, (ac-) count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).

4) I show I’m alive to God by letting Him use ALL OF ME.

 

12  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13  Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14  For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:12-14 (ESV)

 

5) What I DO shows who my Lord is, not what I SAY.

 

16  Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17  But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18  and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:16-18 (ESV)

 

20  For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21  But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22  But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:20-23 (ESV)

 

 

 

 

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans, Pt. 3

The Grace of God in the Gospel, Romans 3:21-5:21

By Louie Marsh, 5-11-2025

 

Intro: 9 slides about silly laws – last one cactus.

 

1) I’m made right with God BY FAITH not the law.  

 

21  But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22  the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24  and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25  whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26  It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26 (ESV)

 

2) I can MODEL my life after Abraham.  

 

1  What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2  For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3  For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4  Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5  And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Romans 4:1-5 (ESV)

 

· Why does Paul keep repeating this?

 

13  For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith…16  That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, Romans 4:13, 16(ESV)

 

3) Some results of being justified by faith:

 

1  Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, Romans 5:1-3a (ESV)

 

·  PEACE with God

 

A Colorado man who has been “fighting with his computer for the last several months” finally had had enough.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, officers responding last night to a 911 call about shots fired discovered that a “fed up” Lucas Hinch took his computer into a back alley and “fired 8 shots into the computer with a handgun, effectively disabling it.”

Hinch, 38, was cited for discharging a firearm within city limits, according to a police blotter entry that includes the summary description “Man Kills His Computer.”

When asked about the shooting, Hinch told TSG, “I just had it,” adding that he tired of the balky computer’s “blue screen of death.” Hinch said that he whacked the computer with a 9mm Hi-Point pistol recently purchased from a Craigslist seller. The gun was seized by police, who left the computer behind.

The late Dell XPS 410 model is survived by a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse.

·  LIVING by grace

 

· Joy in the HOPE of God’s glory.

 

4) By faith I can walk the PATHWAY OF GROWTH.

 

3 knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5  and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3b-5 (ESV)

 

· I have a REASON to rejoice in suffering

 

3 knowing that… Romans 5:3b (ESV)

 

· Suffering produces cheerful ENDURANCE

 

suffering produces endurance, Romans 5:3c (ESV)

 

· Cheerful endurance produces PROOF of character

 

4  and endurance produces character, Romans 5:4a (ESV)

 

· Character produces biblical HOPE

 

character produces hope Romans 5:4b (ESV)

 

· Biblical hope doesn’t fail because the Holy Spirit POURS God’s love into me.

 

5  and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:5 (ESV)

 

5) Where sin exists God’s Grace will OVERFLOW to me.

 

20  Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21  so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21 (ESV)

The Gospel Manifesto in the Book of Romans

Pt. 2: The Bad News, Romans 1:18-3:20

By Louie Marsh, 5-4-2025

3 Cartoons,

 

And Finally…

 

Doctor: "I have good news and bad news."  Patient: "Go with the good news first."  Doctor: "You have 24 hours to live."  Patient: "What?! How about the bad news?"  Doctor: Um... I forgot to tell you yesterday."

 

1) God wrath (anger) is stirred when I REPRESS the truth.

 

18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19  For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20  For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21  For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22  Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23  and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Romans 1:18-23 (ESV)

 

2) God honors my free will by allowing me to SIN.

 

24  Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25  because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Romans 1:24-25 (ESV)

 

26  For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; Romans 1:26 (ESV)

 

HOMOSEXUALITY IN ANCIENT ROME: The primary dichotomy of ancient Roman sexuality was active/dominant/masculine and passive/submissive/"feminized". In Roman society the freeborn male citizen possessed political liberty and the right to rule both himself and his household. "Virtue" was seen as an active quality through which a man defined himself. The conquest mentality and "cult of virility" shaped same-sex relations. Roman men were free to enjoy sex with other males without a perceived loss of masculinity or social status, as long as they took the dominant role. Acceptable male partners were slaves, prostitutes, and entertainers, Although Roman men in general seem to have preferred youths between the ages of 12 and 20 as sexual partners, freeborn male minors were strictly off-limits, and professional prostitutes and entertainers might be considerably older.

 

Same-sex relations among women are less documented. The Augustan poet Ovid takes an exceptionally keen interest, but advocates for a heterosexual lifestyle contrary to Roman sexual norms.

 

28  And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29  They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30  slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31  foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32  Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32 (ESV)

 

Ways We Suppress the Truth:

 

·  DENIAL

· No one’s PERFECT

· I was BORN that way.

 

Dear Dr. Roach: I read your recent column regarding identical twins where one of the two was balding while his twin was not. Within my family, there are identical twin brothers, who also were almost impossible for family members to differentiate. If their DNA genes are “identical,” now that they are adults, how can one be homosexual, while his twin is married with children?

 

Studies have shown that in identical twins, if one twin is gay (the term “homosexual” is used in clinical studies but is considered offensive, so I won’t use it further), then 30 per cent to 66 per cent of the identical twins also will be gay. As this is much higher than the overall rate in the population, this suggests some, but not absolute, genetic influence.

 

However, an adopted sibling of a gay person is also more likely to be gay (11 per cent in one study), suggesting that the familial environment also plays a significant role.

 

Some people who are attracted to the same gender can be so afraid of, or put off by, the social stigma against same-sex couples that they marry and have children with a person of the opposite sex despite being primarily or uniquely attracted to those of the same gender.

 

Some people have found that they may be attracted to a person of either gender; their choice of life partner depends more on the partner’s personality and their unique situation than on his or her biological sex.

 

Sexual identity is not a choice. We cannot choose to whom we will be attracted. I’m afraid many people fundamentally misunderstand this point.

***

Dramatic confirmation that the sea ice in the Arctic has been stable for nearly two decades is contained in a recently published science paper from a team led by Dr Mark England from the University of Exeter. The finding is of course obvious to anyone who studies the data but it will inconvenience the activist cranks who continue to promote supposed reductions in Arctic sea ice as an important sign of their imaginary ‘tipping points’ and their fake climate crisis. Despite the data showing the ice has been stable over every month in the year since around 2007.

************

Living together before marriage increasing the changes of getting a divorce.

 

3) When I condemn others I’m really just condemning MYSELF.

 

1  Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things… 3  Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4  Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:1, 3-4 (ESV)

 

4) I must be PERFECT to be good enough for heaven.

 

12  For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13  For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. Romans 2:12-13 (ESV)

 

5) I’m just as much a sinner as EVERYONE ELSE.

 

9  What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10  as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11  no one understands; no one seeks for God…20  For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:9-11, 20 (ESV)

 

6) God’s answer to sin is FAITH in Jesus.

 

16  yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16 (ESV)

 

11  Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12  But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13  Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14  so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:11-14 (ESV)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unashamed, Undeserved, Unstoppable

Part 1: The Good News

By Louie Marsh, 4-27-2025

 

Four quotes about the book of Romans,

 

10 Little Known Facts About Ancient Rome

 

1. Gladiator blood was recommended by Roman physicians to aid various ailments, including epilepsy and infertility.

2. Purple clothing was a status symbol and reserved only for emperors or senators. To achieve the color, a dye was made from murex seashells. It was treason for anyone other than the emperor to dress completely in purple.

3. Left-handed people were considered unlucky. The word “sinister” was originally the Latin adjective “sinister”/”sinistra”/”sinistrum” that meant “left” but took on the meanings of “evil” or “unlucky” by the Classical Latin era.

4. Emperor Caligula often appeared in public dressed in women’s clothing.

5. In the first century B.C., the poet Gaius Valerius Catullus addressed two of his critics, another poet Furius and a senator Aurelius, in a poem considered so vulgar and obscene that it was not translated outside of Latin until the 20th century.

6. Romans thought the early Christians were practicing cannibalism when they heard about them eating bread and wine as symbolic representations of the body and blood of Christ.

7. People would socialize at communal toilets. Rome had over 140 public toilets. Video slide

8. While Romans were extremely hygienic, they did not use soap. Instead, to get clean they would apply perfumed oils to their skin and then scrape it off with a tool known as a strigil.

9. Not everyone wore togas. Only free-born Roman men were allowed to wear togas (as a sign of Roman citizenship), while Roman women wore stolas.

10. Urine (because of the ammonia it contains) was used to clean clothes. The urine was collected by fullones (the Ancient Roman version of dry cleaners) from around the city.

 

1) Why is the Gospel so important?

 

· The Gospel comes from GOD

 

1  Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, Romans 1:1 (ESV)

 

· The Gospel is proved by SCRIPTURE

 

2  which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, Romans 1:2 (ESV)

 

· The Gospel’s Substance is JESUS CHRIST

 

3  concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4  and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 1:3-4 (ESV)

 

· The Gospel’s purpose is OBEDIENCE BY FAITH.

 

5  through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith , Romans 1:5a (ESV)

 

· The Gospel’s scope is all NATIONS

 

5 the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, Romans 1:5b (ESV)

 

· The Gospel’s goal is to BELONG to Jesus

 

6  including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, Romans 1:6 (ESV)

 

Slide:

Summary: The good news of the Gospel is OF God, ABOUT Christ, ACCORDING to the Scriptures, FOR the nations, UNTO obedience of faith, FOR THE SAKE of the Name!

 

2) The Gospel Builds STRONG relationships.

 

8  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10  always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11  For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12  that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13  I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. Romans 1:8-13 (ESV)

 

3) The Gospel is a DEBT I owe the world

 

14  I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15  So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. Romans 1:14-15 (ESV)

 

Two ways to be in debt – borrow from you, or carry money to you from another person. That’s our kind of debt.

 

16  For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16 (ESV)

 

4) The Gospel Reveals GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS.

 

16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)

 

· You get right with God by FAITH in Jesus Christ.

 

Some stress God’s righteousness is a divine attribute or quality.

Others stress God’s righteousness is a divine activity, his saving intervention on our behalf.

Others say it’s a divine achievement. It’s what God has done for us in Christ.

 

I say, yes to all that – it’s all three. Therefore…

 

Summary: The righteousness of God is God’s righteous initiative in putting sinners right with himself by bestowing on them a righteousness which is not their own but his. The righteousness of God is God’s just justification of the unjust, his righteous way of pronouncing the unrighteous righteous, in which he both demonstrates his righteousness and give righteousness to us. All done in and thru Jesus Christ.  

 

· The entire Christian life is lived BY FAITH.

 

 

Easter 2025

UNSTOPPABLE, 1 Cor. 15, Rom 8

By Louie Marsh, 4-20-2025

 

Intro – 5 pics – Jesus on road to Emmaus last one.

 

Easter – the HEART of the Christian faith.

 

And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.  1 Corinthians 15:14-19 (ESV)

 

If Jesus isn’t alive then as a Disciple of Jesus I’m…

 

1) Guilty of  LYING about God

 

We are even found to be misrepresenting God…. 1 Corinthians 15:15A (ESV)

 

And face it—if there’s no resurrection for Christ, everything we’ve told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you’ve staked your life on is smoke and mirrors. Not only that, but we would be guilty of telling a string of barefaced lies about God, all these affidavits we passed on to you verifying that God raised up Christ—sheer fabrications, if there’s no resurrection. Message

 

2) Guilty of  lying to EVERYONE.

 

And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 1 Corinthians 15:14, 15B (ESV)

 

3) UNFORGIVEN

 

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.  1 Corinthians 15:17 (ESV)

 

4) Not going to HEAVEN.

 

Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  1 Corinthians 15:18 (ESV)

 

5) A sad person who is LIVING a lie!

 

If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.  1 Corinthians 15:19 (ESV)

 

Because Jesus Is Alive I’m Unstoppable Because…

 

1) I know that God is FOR ME!

 

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  Romans 8:31 (ESV)

 

2) Jesus died & LIVES AGAIN for me!

 

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 (ESV)

 

3) Jesus makes me RIGHT with God.

 

Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.  Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.  Romans 8:33-34 (ESV)

 

4) Jesus will NEVER leave me!

 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:35-39 (ESV)

 

The Gospel In a Nutshell

God:

The one and only God, who is holy, made us in his image to know him. He is the creator of all things, perfect, holy and worth of our worship & obedience. He is love and in the end will judge all sin.

26  Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness… 27  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV)

 

Man:

All people, though created good, have become sinful by nature, we sin and cut ourselves off from God’s love and grace. (Gen. 3)

23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 (ESV)

8  If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8 (ESV)

Christ:

Is God in human flesh (John 1:1), lived a perfect life, died on the cross, thus fulfilling the law & taking on himself the punishment for our sins.(Mark 10:45; John 1:14; Heb. 7:26; Rom. 3:21-26, 5:12-21) He rose again from the dead, showing that God accepted his sacrifice

45  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (ESV)

8  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9  In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10  In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:8-10 (ESV)

Response -

 

How Can I Give My Life To The Living Christ?

 

Establish Your Spiritual B.A.S.I.S.!

B = Believe Jesus died on the Cross for me and showed He was God by coming back to life again.

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (1 Cor. 15:2-4)

A = Accept Christ as Lord of My life and His free forgiveness of my sins.

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- (John 1:12)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Eph. 1:7)

S = Switch to God’s Plan for my life.

"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15)

I = Inform others of your decision.

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

S = Submerge yourself in Christ.

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)