Ccr Sermons

The Gospel of Mark 1-8 Part 8: Lose the Leaven! By Louie Marsh, 5-26-2024   Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.   The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are.  We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.'   Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.   The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are No problem. You don't need a ticket.  I'm sure you bought one.'  

The Gospel of Mark 1-8 Part 7: Tradition! By Louie Marsh, 5-19-2024   Last Slide – defining tradition.   1) Jesus didn’t CARE for mindless tradition.   “1Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, 2they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3(For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, 4and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.)” (Mark 7:1–4, ESV)   ·       This was done to be RITUALLY clean, no germaphobes!   ·       Washing is just one of Jewish 1st Century traditions.   2) Traditions aren’t necessarily GOOD OR BAD.   “8You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” 9And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting t

The Gospel of Mark 1-8 Pt. 6: Being a Follower of Jesus By Louie Marsh, 5-12-2024   Last slide – become what they want followers to become.   1) If I want to advance I’ve got to RETREAT.   “30The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.” (Mark 6:30–32, ESV)   Divert daily, withdraw weekly, Abandon annually   2) When I have a chance to minister – I should  TAKE IT.   “33Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:33–34, ESV)   3) I must never trust in MYSELF.   “35And when it grew late, his disciples came to h

The Gospel of Mark 1-8 Part 5: It’s Never Too Late By Louie Marsh, 5-5-2024 Last Slide – God is never late   1) Above all else I must keep FOCUSED on Jesus.   “22Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him.” (Mark 5:22–24, ESV)   ·       Never be afraid to PRAY about anything!   “6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6, ESV)   ·       Staying focused on Christ isn’t EASY.   “25And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27She had heard the reports about Jesus

The Gospel of Mark 1-8 Pt 3 – Helping the Hard Hearted By Louie Marsh, 4-21-2024   Last Slide – Elvis Quote   1) When I follow Jesus I should EXPECT opposition.   “1Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. 2And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him.” (Mark 3:1–2, ESV)   The Battle between Jesus and the Religious Establishment has already begun.   ·       People should always be treated as souls who Christ DIED to save.   The man with the withered hand was             A pawn in a religious/political battle for the Pharisees and Herodians           A hurting human being, made in God’s image, who needed help to Jesus.   2) Jesus puts people FIRST.   “3And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.”” “4And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent.” (Mark 3:3-4, ESV)   Jesus puts the man front and center to force the issue, Jesus

The Gospel of Mark 1-8 Pt 2: Jesus’ Authority By Louie Marsh, 4-14-2024   1) Like Jesus I need to see every moment as a TEACHING moment.   “2And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. (Mark 2:2–4, ESV)   ·       This is what true friendship LOOKS LIKE.   In Galilee, the ancient village of Qatzrin has been excavated and reconstructed. Although it was populated centuries after Jesus' time, scholars believe that the buildings and artifacts discovered there represent the practices of the first century.   A typical Galilean home was built of basalt (a dark volcanic rock) and had either one or two stories. A stonemason (sometimes translated as a "carpenter") used a wooden scaffold as he care

The Gospel of Mark, 2024 A Gospel Centered Gospel By Louie Marsh, 4-7-2024   Last slide – understand the bad news   1) Mark’s Gospel isn’t a biography, it’s all about the GOSPEL.   “1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1, ESV)   ·       Mark says the Gospel is CENTERED on Jesus.   “8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,” (2 Timothy 2:8, NIV84)   ·       Mark unveils the identity of Jesus – the SON of God.   “9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”” (Mark 1:9–11, ESV)   2) John’s mission was to SOFTEN Israels heart.   “4John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mark 1:4, ESV)   ·       He

Easter 2024 Part 5: Best News Ever! By Louie Marsh, 3-31-2024   1) RESPONSES to Christ’s resurrection.   “18Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.” (Acts 17:18, ESV)   “31because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” 32Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”” (Acts 17:31–32, ESV)   ·       Mocked – rejected it out of hand as impossible. THIS IS BAD – TODAY! ·       Hear more – I’m not convinced but I’m open to more information. – THIS IS GOOD.   2) What if Christ is still DEAD?   ·       If you have faith, it’s a LIE   “17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile…(1 Corinthians 15:17,

Easter 2024 Pt. 4: Serving Our Deepest Needs By Louie Marsh, 3-24-2024     1) Jesus is ready to FINISH his work.   “1Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” “2During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,” (John 13:1–3, ESV)   2) Jesus chooses to serve and be MISUNDERSTOOD (again!).   “5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” “6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not

Easter 2024 Godly Anger Draws a Line By Louie Marsh, 3-17-2024       1) From broken-hearted to Godly ANGER.   “12And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. (Matthew 21:12, ESV)   ·       Jesus DRAWS a line between good & evil.   . 13He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”” (Matthew 21:13, ESV)   2) Jesus’ anger is CONTROLLED & serves God’s will.   “15And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” 17His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”” (John 2:15–17, ESV)   ·       He prepared Himself to act DECISIVELY.   ·       He

Easter 2024 A Broken-Hearted Triumph By Louie Marsh, 3-10-2024 Last slide – get over it!   1) Jesus DELIBERATELY fulfilled prophecy.   “1Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”” “4This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ””  (Matthew 21:1–5, ESV)   ·       He knew and LOVED the Scriptures.   ·       He did this to BUILD UP the disciples faith.   “16His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been d

Easter 2024 Pt. 1: An Act of True Love By Louie Marsh, 3-3-2024   Last slide Bob Maxwell   1) True love is COSTLY.   “1Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:1–3, ESV)   ·       Am I willing to PAY the price?   “21And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:21–22, ESV)   2) True love is often MISUNDERSTOOD.   “4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), sai

Trusted & Trustworthy, a Biblical View of Stewardship Pt. 7 – Stewardship is the Core of the Christian Life By Louie Marsh, 2-25-2024   Last slide - Stewardship as a way of life.   SUMMING STEWARDSHIP UP:   1) Stewardship is the CORE of my life.   “42And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.” (Luke 12:42–44, ESV)   2) This includes but is not limited to my FINANCES.   “1A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1, ESV)   3) There’s NOTHING in my life that shouldn’t be stewarded.   “47And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will re

Trusted & Trustworthy, a Biblical View of Stewardship Pt. 6 – A Good Steward Let’s God Use Their Weaknesses By Louie Marsh, 2-18-2024 Last slide success   1) I must be a good steward of my WEAKNESSES.   “1This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1–2, ESV)   “28And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (2 Corinthians 11:28–30, ESV)   My giving story!   2) God ALLOWS my weaknesses to show His power and glory.   “8Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ

Trusted & Trustworthy Pt. 5 – A Steward Let’s God Use their Gifts By Louie Marsh, 2-11-2024     1) I can’t be a good steward and IGNORE my gifts.   “10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: (1 Peter 4:10 ESV)   ·       This doesn’t mean I use all of them all the TIME.   “15But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.” (Galatians 1:15–17, ESV)   ·       But when I’m called, I GO!   “8And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” 9And he said, “Go, and say to this people: (Isaiah 6:8–9a, ESV)   2) A Good Steward REJECTS…   ·       PERSONAL exaltation.   “17Elijah was a m

Trusted & Trustworthy Part 4: A Steward is Mission Focused By Louie Marsh, 2-4-2024 Last slide – My Mission   1) Jesus was MISSION FOCUSED.   26If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. 27“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” (John 12:26–27, ESV)   “34Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34, ESV)   “38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38, ESV)   2) What is my Mission from GOD?   “19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:19–20, ESV)   Two Major Directions   ·       Outward – “Make D

Trusted & Trustworthy A Steward is Influential By Louie Marsh, 1-28-2024   Last slide – most influential person of all time.   1) God wants me to be a good INFLUENCE on others.   “13“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13–16, ESV)   Who Am I? by Dietrich Bonhoeffer   Who am I? They often tell me I stepped from my cell’s confinement Calmly, cheerfully, firmly, Like a squire from his country-house. Who am I? They often tell me I used to speak to my warders Freely and friendly and clearly, As though it were mine to comma

Trusted & Trustworthy – Biblical Stewardship Part 2: A Steward is Faithful By Louie Marsh, 1-21-2024     1) Stewards MUST be faithful.   “1This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1–2, ESV)   Required = sought for. This is what we’re looking for when we want a Steward, someone faithful. If they aren’t faithful then they aren’t right for the job.   2) Being Faithful Means….   ·       I put Christ over CULTURE.   “1For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by

Trusted & Trustworthy – A Biblical View of Stewardship Part One: A Steward is a Servant By Louie Marsh, 1-14-2024       1) When I come to Christ I become a SERVANT.   “1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,” (Romans 1:1, ESV)   This is a radical shift in how I understand and live my life   “14For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:14–15, ESV)   I become a servant and a steward:   “1This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 4:1 ESV)   2) This makes decisions SIMPLE.   “1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1–2, ESV)   o   If