Ccr Sermons

New Years 2024 Rosh Hashanah & a Christian New Years By Louie Marsh, 12-29-2024     Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה‎, lit. 'head of the year') is the New Year in Judaism. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah (יוֹם תְּרוּעָה‎, lit. 'day of shouting/blasting'). It is the first of the High Holy Days (יָמִים נוֹרָאִים‎, Yāmīm Nōrāʾīm, 'Days of Awe"), as specified by Leviticus 23:23–25, that occur in the late summer/early autumn of the Northern Hemisphere. Rosh Hashanah begins ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur, as well as beginning the cycle of autumnal religious festivals running through Sukkot which end on Shemini Atzeret in Israel and Simchat Torah everywhere else.   “24“Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25You shall not do any ordinary work, and you shall present a food offering to the Lord.”” (Leviticus 23:24–

Christmas 2024 The Purpose of Christmas By Louie Marsh, 12-22-2024   1) Christmas is all about God’s PLAN.   4  But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,5  to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV)   2) Christmas is all about Christ’s PURPOSE.   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 12:27 (ESV)   38  And 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)   3) Christmas is all about The CROSS   33  And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34  And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35  (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts m

Jesus Calling Pt. 7 – Puking the Lukewarm By Louie Marsh, 12-15-2024   Last slide – Super Barf Bag/   1) Jesus is the TRUTH & CREATOR of everything/   “14“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.” (Revelation 3:14, ESV)   “15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:15–18, ESV)   2) APATHY not allowed.   “15“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of m

Jesus Calling Part 6: Little Power & an Open Door By Louie Marsh, 12-8-2024 Last slide – SWOT.   1) Jesus is Lord & in CONTROL.   “7“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will sh ut, who shuts and no one opens.” (Revelation 3:7, ESV)   2) He knows how WEAK I really am.   “8“ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8, ESV)   A Biblical Theme:   ·       God uses the UNSKILLED.   “32And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.”” (1 Samuel 17:32–33, ESV)   ·       God uses the WEAK.   “9But he said to

Jesus Calling Part 5: Strengthen What Is About to Die By Louie Marsh, 12-1-2024   Last slide – hypocrisy word cloud.   1) Jesus holds the Spirit of LIFE.   “1“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “(Revelation 3:1a, ESV)   Verse NOT on outline! “63It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63, ESV)   2) Jesus sees and knows their HYPOCRISY.   . “ ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” (Revelation 3:1b, ESV)   ·       When I allow APPEARANCES to be different from what really is – I’m a hypocrite.   “27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:27–28,

Jesus Calling Pt. 4 Hold Fast to What You Have By Louie Marsh, 11-24-2024   1) Jesus sees it ALL.   “18“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.” (Revelation 2:18, ESV)   2) Jesus COMMENDS them for growing their witness.   “19“ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. (Revelation 2:19, ESV)   3) Jesus will not TOLERATE sin or evil.    20But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.” “21I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.  (Revelation 2:20–21, 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(2

Jesus Calling Pt. 3: Holding Fast to His Name 11-17-2024 Last slide – Hold fast to that which is good.   1) Jesus is my JUDGE.   “12“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.” (Revelation 2:12, ESV)   ·       Two-edged sword = judgement.   “2He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.” (Isaiah 49:2, ESV)   “12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12–13, ESV)   2) Jesus sees how INTENSE my struggle is.   “13“ ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness,

Jesus Calling Pt. 2: Faithful Unto Death By Louie Marsh, 11-10-2024 Last slide – sparta.   1) Jesus is GOD.   “8“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.” (Revelation 2:8, ESV)   “58Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.” (John 8:58–59, ESV)   2) Jesus understands my STRUGGLES.   “9“ ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” (Revelation 2:9, ESV)   ·       With my ENVIRONMENT.   “8We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;” (2 Corinthians 4:8, ESV)   thlibo (θλίβω, 2346), “to suffer affliction, to be troubled,” has reference to sufferings due to the pressure of circumstances, or the antagonism of persons,,, when used of the present experience of belie

Jesus Calling Pt. 1 Ephesus: First Love Lost By Louie Marsh, 11-3-2024     1) Jesus is in CONTROL.   “1“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.” (Revelation 2:1, ESV)   ·       He can - & will – execute JUDGEMENT on the church at any moment.   2) Jesus KNOWS!   “2“ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary… “6Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Revelation 2:2–3,6 ESV)   ·       Jesus knows and UNDERSTANDS how hard it is to follow Him.   “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

True Stories Pt. 11: Not A Patch Job By Louie Marsh, 10-20-2024   Intro. Last pic wall patch   1) If I want to change I’ve got to admit that I’m BROKEN. 36  He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. Luke 5: 36 (ESV)   ·       I’m not WHOLE because I’ve got holes in my soul.   The context of this parable:   30  And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31  And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32  I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:30-32 (ESV)   ·       Doing things my way just won’t WORK.   12  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)   2) What’s the old and new?   ·       The old – robe or wineskin – is WORKS RIGHTEOUSNESS.   The issue Jesus is addressing:   33  And they said to him, “

True Stories Pt. 10: The God of Another Chance By Louie Marsh, 10-13-2024   Fish cartoon last one.   1) I can’t judge my spiritual life by EXTERNAL circumstances.   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 them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? Luke 13:1-4 (ESV)   ·       Problems aren’t signs of GOD’S WRATH.   1  As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2  And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3  Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed i

True Stories Pt. 9: Humble Myself Before the Lord By Louie Marsh, 10-6-2024   Intro Slides – last one think of yourself less.    1) I should never seek SELF- JUSTIFICATION.   9  He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: Luke 18:9 (ESV)   ·       The fatal flaw of self-justification is COMPARISON.   15  And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15 (ESV)   4  Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, Galatians 6:4 (NIV)   2) UNDERSTAND who these people were.   10  "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. Luke 18:10 (NIV)   ·       Pharisee = MORALLY RIGEROUS, RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVE   ·       Tax Collector = TRAITOR, THIEF, OPPRESSOR.   3) Remember prayer is n

True Stories PT. 8: God’s Not Fair – Thank God! By Louie Marsh, 8-19-2018   Pics of unfair stuff -last one workers in vineyard.   1) God’s Kingdom often works in REVERSE.   23  And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24  Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25  When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26  But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”… 30  But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Matthew 19:23-26, 30 (ESV)   30  This is the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first. Matthew 19:30 (MSG)   2) God’s call to me is different than His call to OTHERS.   1  “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborer

True Stories # 10 Pt. 7: Unworthy Service By Louie Marsh, 9-22-2024 1) ENTER into the reality of real service.   7  “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? 8  Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Luke 17:7-8 (ESV)   Not like working for someone today, not like being a butler or servant today in USA   Greek word doulos  common word for slave.   Very similar to the “servants” I’ve seen in SE Asia. They live with masters and serve until they aren’t needed anymore. Not set hours and duties are what they are told to do. Period.   9  Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? Luke 17:9 (ESV)   After working all day, clean up, change clothes, fix dinner from scratch and serve it. After Master is done then you eat.   All that and you get no special word of thank

True Stories Pt. 6: Love God Not Money By Louie Marsh, 9-15-2024   Intro slides – last one love of money kills   1) I need to BEWARE of materialism.   13  Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14  But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15  And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:13-15 (ESV)   ·       I need to actively be on my GUARD.   Steve Taylor Video    24  Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, Jude 1:24 (ESV)   ·       All forms of greed are DANGEROUS.   5  Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5 (ESV)   22  As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, b

True Stories Pt 5: Real Prayer Is Persistent By Louie Marsh, 9-8-2024    1) When I pray I must not LOSE heart.   1  And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1 (ESV)   1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 Corinthians 4:1 (ESV)   What Does This Tell Me?   ·       Praying isn’t EASY.   13  As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV)   ·       Prayerlessness is usually a HEART issue.   4  Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (ESV)   2) In prayer I should BASH ON regardless!   Ted Sutton’s saying.    2  He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3  And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4  For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5  yet because this

True Stories Pt. 4: Seeking the Lost By Louie Marsh, 9-1-2024   Intro – 4 slides, Helen Keller last one.   1) If I love the lost I’m going to be CRITICIZED.   1  Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2  And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2 (ESV)   ·       Loving the lost like Jesus means I RELATE with them.   29  And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30  And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Luke 5:29-30 (ESV)   2) I need to LEARN HOW to respond to criticism like Jesus did.   ·       I don’t take personal attacks PERSONALLY.   20  I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who l

True Stories Pt. 3 – Loving the Unlovely & Inconvenient By Louie Marsh, 8-25-2024   (2 Sam 15.23–16.14) chronicles the story of David and his followers who escaped Jerusalem along this route after David’s son Absalom had declared himself king. King Zedekiah of Judah used the road when he tried to escape the advancing Chaldeans in 586/587 B.C.   Josephus tells us that the Tenth Roman Legion used this Jericho‑Jerusalem road on their way to besiege Jerusalem in A.D. 69.   When Mark Twain traveled along the Jericho Road during his 1867 pilgrimage, his party employed "two gorgeous young Arab sheikhs" armed with cargoes of swords, guns, pistols and daggers to protect them from imaginary Beduin marauders.  Mark Twain states that during his entire pilgrimage, he had no more need for the "guards" than he had for patent leather boots or white kid gloves   SHOW PICS AND VIDEO   1) I need to PAY ATTENTION to what I’m saying.   25  And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I

True Stories Pt. 2: The Far Country At Home By Louie Marsh, 8-18-2024   Intro – 3 graphics and then what is a parable.   1) Never forget – Christianity is all about my HEART.   25  “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26  And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27  And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ Luke 15:25-27 (ESV)   Notice he was working when his younger brother came home. His type is seldom counted as lost, either by himself or others. This makes his condition all the more hopeless. He is not away in the distant land among swine as is the case with his prodigal brother, although he is just as lost. He is in an environment that is wholesome and clean. "Now the elder son was in the field." Socially he had not brought reproach upon his father. He had resisted all temptation to physical dissipation. He