Ccr Sermons

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

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 t

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

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

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, an

Suffering & God’s Response Pt. 6: God Chooses to Suffer By Louie Marsh, 4-13-2025   1) God’s Response to Suffering   · He suffered WITH us.   “21From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (Matthew 16:21, ESV)   This includes the incarnation, his choosing to give up his divine power (Phil 2) etc.   · He suffered LIKE us.   “40And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:40–44, ESV)   Sweating blood, known as hematidrosis, i

Suffering & God’s Response Pt. 5 Choosing to Suffer By Louie Marsh, 4-6-2025   Intro – X quotes, video of man who quit believing.   1) When I accepted Christ I accepted SUFFERING in His Name.   “24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24–25, ESV)   2) This suffering can impact my ENTIRE life.   “34“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds

04 Suffering & God’s Response Pt. 4 Called to Suffer By Louie Marsh, 3-30-2025   Last slide – good must suffer with them.   1) Suffering is an INTEGRAL part of following Jesus.   “19For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:19–21, ESV)   Suffering should come as no surprise to Christians   2) There's No ESCAPE From It.   “18“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than hi

Suffering & God’s Response Pt. 3 Why Am I Suffering? By Louie Marsh, 3-23-2025   Last slide – Don’t know what he died of.   1) God ALLOWS  us to experience the consequences of Free Will.   “15And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”” (Joshua 24:15, ESV)   2) Why doesn’t God DESTROY evil & suffering?   · The Argument Against God.   ¨ If a good, eternal and all-powerful God exists, He could annihilate evil at will, and thus end all pain and suffering. ¨ A Being who had the power to do this, is cruel and unjust not to exercise this power and thus end all evil and its consequences. ¨ Theism (the belief in one God – Christianity is Theistic) affirms the all-powerful, loving God we have just described; Who never the less does not annihilate evil. ¨ Therefore: He is cruel and unjust, or He d

Suffering & God’s Response Pt. 2 Why Does God Allow Suffering By Louie Marsh, 3-16-2025   Big vs. Small Picture:   Today I’ll be talking about the big picture of suffering not the smaller more personal one. The Bible gives us a framework to understand how a good and loving God can allow suffering in this world. It does not explain why certain things happen to certain people. No one can answer that question, and if someone says they can – run away!!   But there are two scriptures we must rely to help us as we deal with the smaller picture and they are not on your outline so please write them down:   1  There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2  And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3  No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4  Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed t

Suffering & God’s Response Pt, 1: Who Causes Suffering? By Louie Marsh, 3-9-2025 Last slide – Buddah quote   1) We always blame GOD.   “13And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”” (Judges 6:13–14, ESV)   “2“Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! 3For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. 4For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.” (Job 6:2–4, ESV)   Philosophers say:  If an almighty, good God exists, and does not eliminate evil, then either that god is evil, or he does no

My First Half Century in the Ministry, Pt. 1 50 Years & Counting By Louie Marsh, 3-2-2025 Announce 50 years since my ordination!   What have I learned?   22Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.”” (Matthew 20:22, ESV)   1) If you want to serve God, you will have your heart BROKEN over and over again.   “16Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. 17I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because your hand was upon me, for you had filled me with indignation. 18Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail? (Jeremiah 15:16–18, ESV)   “18The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, ESV)   2) Self never DIES, ego is EVERYWHERE & the cost of

Habitual Pt. 4: Solitude By Louie Marsh, 2- 9-2025   Intro. Last slide T-Shirt.   1) The difference between solitude & loneliness is CHOICE.   “18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”” (Genesis 2:18, ESV)   · All spiritual disciplines are personal DECISIONS.   “15But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” (Luke 5:15–16, ESV)   2) Solitude helps me restore my…   ·  PEACE   “3You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3, ESV)   ·  OBJECTIVITY   “17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, ESV)   · sense of SCALE.   “6I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places; 7I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the hous

Habitual Pt. 2: Meditation By Louie Marsh, 1-26-2025   1) Biblical meditation is FOCUSED THINKING.   “34May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” (Psalm 104:34, ESV)   ·       Yes, I CAN do this!   “19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19, ESV)   2) Different kinds of biblical meditation:   ·       For spiritual GROWTH.   …2but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1–6, ESV)   ·       To SOLVE a problem.   “97Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. 99I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 100I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. 101I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order

Introduction to Habitual Pt. 2: The Power of Good Habits By Louie Marsh, 1-12-2025       “14But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)   1)    A habit is a CUSTOMARY way of doing or not doing something.   “14Do all things without grumbling or disputing,” (Philippians 2:14, ESV)   Original Word: ἔθος Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: ethos Pronunciation: EH-thos Definition: Custom, habit, manner Meaning: a custom, habit; an institute, rite. Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root ἔθω (ethō), meaning "to be accustomed" or "to be used to."   2)    I need to FORM good, godly habits.   39  Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40  On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." Luke 22:39-40 (NIV)   One popular idea suggests that it takes 21 days to solidify a habit. A three-

Habitual Introduction: Pt. 1: Don’t Waste Your Life By Louie Marsh, 1-5-2025         15  Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16  making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)   John Wesley taught his Methodist followers to pray each new year:    “I am no longer my own, but yours.  Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;  Put me to doing, put me to suffering;   Let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,  Exalted for you, or brought low for you;  Let me be full, Let me be empty,  Let me have all things, Let me have nothing: I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things To your pleasure and disposal.     And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are mine and I am yours. So be it.  And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.  Amen.”   1) God wants my WHOLE life!   13  Do not offer the par