River Church Sermons

Lewis Marsh
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This is the place to listen to CCR's weekly Sunday morning sermons. Messages that are based on the Bible, seek to honor Jesus, are Gospel centered and filled with faith and hope.

  1. 3d ago

    05 Final Orders - Live by the Spirit

    Final Orders Pt, 5: Live By the Spirit's Power By Louie Marsh, 8-16-2026     How Do I Live By the Spirit's Power?   1) ASK Him to fill my life.   16  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17  even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.. 26  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.  John 14:16-17, 26 (ESV)   He indwells us and reminds us of Jesus words. He's given to us in addition to Jesus, He's ANOTHER friend!   "18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit," (Ephesians 5:18, ESV)   Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Eph. 5:18 (NLT)   BE BEING FILLED – literal translation. Paul admits that we need something to modify our behavior very near where you sit right now, people are filling themselves with spirits.  Unfortunately those spirits are called, Bud, Jim Beam, and Coors, not the Holy Spirit. Filled = controlled!   Five Keys To Being Filled -   ·  God COMMANDS us to be filled. - the verb is in the imperative mode -   This isn't an option - it's part of letting Jesus be your Lord! If you fail to seek this - you are disobeying God.   · It's an ongoing, CONTINUAL ACTION    - the verb is in the present tense.   When we notice that our spiritual tank is getting low, we need to get tanked up - tanked up on the Spirit that is! When asked if he was filled with the Spirit, Dwight L Moody replied, "Yes, but I leak."   · It's for EVERYBODY  -   the Verb is plural in number. Being filled with the Spirit isn't just for Elders & preachers It's for every Christian, from the oldest to the youngest.   · It's done TO US not by us –   The Verb is in the passive voice - meaning that the subject of the verb (us) is inactive but being acted upon!   You don't get filled by working for it.  No amount of crying, screaming, no amount of knowledge or degrees, will get this for you. No, you must bring a simple desire for the fullness and a complete surrender of your life to God.   · It's the FRUIT not the gifts.   22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)   The true sign you are spirit filled isn't how gifted you are but how much fruit of the Spirit you show in your life – how much of Christ's character is formed in you!   2) ALLOW  Him to comfort me.   7  Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7 (ESV)   Form: para,klhtoj   one called alongside to help; (1) as a legal t.t., as one who appears in another's behalf advocate, defender, intercessor (1J 2.1); (2) as one who gives protection, help, and security helper, comforter, counselor (JN 14.16).   The Spirit is a friend, someone who comforts, guides, challenges, helps, defends, and kicks us in the butt as needed!  THAT'S true friendship!!   3) ACCENTUATE His exposure of our hearts.     8  And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9  concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10  concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11  concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. John 16:8-11 (ESV)   Ø Sin – we must not deny the pain and sin in our hearts, we are sinners.   Always the starting point, you've got to admit you need help before you can get it!   Ø  Righteousness – thru the cross not works     Ø Judgment – God is in control, Satan defeated   The widely held notion that good and evil struggle back and forth, and that they are roughly equal, the Spirit wants us to come to trust that God is in ultimate control, and that there will be a judgment day when God's standards will be upheld!   4) ACTIVATE His guidance into truth.   13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come." (John 16:12–13, ESV)   How? o Be OPEN to my error or ignorance. o Be QUIET and listen. o Be WILLING to do the hard work. o Be CONFIDENT in Him to do what I can't do.     5) Always stay FOCUSED on Jesus!   "13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you." (John 16:13–15, ESV)   The Holy Spirit is the truth. AND He guides us deeper into what Jesus taught us. His goal is to focus on Jesus and what He did and what He taught! A truly Spirit-filled person is a person fixed on Jesus in his or her life!   What will you do with Jesus?

  2. Aug 9

    04 Final Orders - Handling Rejection

    Final Orders Pt. 4: Handling Rejection By Louie Marsh, 8-9-2026   1)  UNDERSTAND its source.   · The world hates me because I'm DIFFERENT.   18  "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19  If 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. John 15:18-19 (ESV)   ·  JESUS   20  Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21  But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. John 15:20-21 (ESV)   SHOW PIC – A CLEAR REJECTION IS BETTER THAN A FAKE PROMISE   The parliament of India's Gujarat state has a law that requires anyone wanting to convert from one faith to another to get prior permission from a district magistrate. The Freedom of Religion Bill aims to prevent religious conversion by force or bribery, and it provides for three-year prison terms and fines of $1,000 for law-breakers. Even for those who convert without threats or inducement, failure to get approval beforehand can result in imprisonment for a year and a small fine.   "Allurement" includes offers of gifts, material benefits, better lifestyle, or divine blessings. "Force" includes threats (including of divine displeasure or social excommunication).   · Courts treat the statutory definition as controlling. "Allurement" is not limited to cash payments; it can cover material benefits, lifestyle improvements, or spiritual inducements ("divine blessings"). · Mere preaching, sharing religious beliefs, or voluntary conversion without prohibited means is generally protected as propagation. · However, offers of money, jobs, free education, medical aid, food, housing, or promises of a better life/spiritual rewards linked to conversion can be treated as allurement, especially if complained of by the convert, family members, or others. · Some laws (including Gujarat's) reverse or place the burden of proof on the person who caused or facilitated the conversion to show it was not by allurement, force, etc. State officials insist that the law is not aimed at any particular religion, but leaders of the Christian minority are bitterly opposed to it, saying it will restrict Indians' freedom to follow their faith of choice.   · Remember – everyone is ACCOUNTABLE to God.   22  If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23  Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24  If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. John 15:22-24 (ESV)   God will judge!   2)  EXPECT rejection from the religious   1  "I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2  They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. John 16:1-2 (ESV)   They were Jesus' biggest problem – and they'll be yours too!   Why Do They Do This?   · Because they don't KNOW GOD!   3  And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4  But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. John 16:3-4 (ESV)   3) Let Christ's JOY carry me through the sorrow.   "20Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:20–24, ESV)   ·  FOCUS my mind on the facts.   "20Truly, truly, I say to you,   ·  ACCEPT that sorrow is a part of life.   you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful,   ·  BELIEVE the living Christ will end my sorrow.   . 22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice   ·  UNDERSTAND that God uses sorrow to make me like Christ.   21When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.   SHOW PIC – YOUR REJECTION IS YOUR DIRECTION   ·  HOPE to see true Joy soon.   24Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."   4)  REJOICE in our direct access to God!   26  In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27  for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28  I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father." John 16:26-28 (ESV)

  3. Aug 2

    03 Final Orders - Stay In Jesus

    Final Orders Pt. 3: Staying In Jesus Louie Marsh, 8-2-2026   Intro – August special days   1) I must REMAIN in Christ   1  "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3  Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:1-4 (ESV)   · Clean - Katharos = "free from impure mixtures...spotless, pure." As believers we start the Christian life cleaned up!   ·  Abide-Meno= "to remain in the state of being where you started, also carries the ideas of enduring and of intimate fellowship. Used 118 times in the NT: 1 Cor.13:13;  2 Tim. 2:13.   Example – building a house of cards! Bryan Berg, holds the Guinness record with a 127-story, 24-foot-high house of cards.  SHOW PICTURE!   Abiding in Christ is the KEY to living like He lived. Only then can you bear fruit, only then can the Spirit (sap) flow through you. A lack of fruit may indicate a lack of abiding.   Abiding Means:   1) I'm totally DEPENDENT on Christ.   5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (ESV)   "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. John 15:5 (Mes)   Obviously speaking of spiritual things.  This really throws us back on Grace.  You can't do anything for God - to impress Him. Only His Spirit working through you will get the job done!   2) I show my connection to Christ through GOOD WORKS.   7  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:7-8 (ESV)   We don't work to be saved, approved, accepted, forgiven, etc.  We work to give God Glory!! When We do this proves we're disciples!   DISCIPLES ARE FOCUSED AND NEARLY OBSESSED WITH GOD'S GLORY!     3) I understand that OBEDIENCE brings joy!   10  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11  These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:10-11 (ESV)   If you want the joy of the Lord, you've go to DO what he says! In effect we obey not just because it's right,  but also because we know there's a payoff down the road – pure, blissful JOY!   4) I Love SACRIFICIALLY     12  "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:12-13 (ESV)   24  But King David said to Ornan, "No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing." 1 Chronicles 21:24 (ESV)   Sacrifice must cost something or it isn't sacrifice! That's true in every area of life!   5) I pray with CONFIDENCE!   16  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 15:16 (ESV)   No, this doesn't mean that God will do anything and everything I ask. There's no way He's turning over the running of the universe to me, you or anyone else!  So why does Jesus keep saying, anything? A verse not on your outline helps!   14  And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5:14 (ESV)   There are 2 keys here –   · The more closely I abide in Christ, the more Christ centered and in God's will my prayers will be – so I can pray with confidence!   · When I do pray wrong I don't have to worry, God won't do anything outside His perfect will – so I can relax and let it all hang out when I do pray! Because I'm confident that my Father loves me and won't ever do anything improper no matter who asks Him!   6) I make Jesus a TRUE friend   14  You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15  No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:14-15 (ESV)   Last week we talked about our special relationship with Christ – this week we see it more clearly. We are to be friends with the Son of God! If that doesn't blow your mind, you aren't paying attention!   o Do I spend enough time with my friend Jesus? o How honest am I with Him? o How much do I do for Him? o Does the way I prioritize my time, talent & treasure reflect this friendship with Christ?   11  More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:11 (ESV)   It all starts by giving my life to Christ and making Him my Forgiver and Leader

  4. Jul 26

    02 Final Orders - Living with Change

    How To Live the Legacy Pt. 2: Living with Change Louie Marsh, 7-26-2026   Change graphics – show 'em   At the end of chapter 13 Jesus tells the disciples that He's leaving – this doesn't sit well with them. They've given up everything for him, left family, friends, businesses for him. The authorities know who they are and aren't happy with them either – so they are faced with a real challenge. Change always presents us with fear and challenges – and Jesus gives us some powerful clues on how to deal with it.   1)  TRUST in God's Care    1  "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2  In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? John 14:1-2 (ESV)   · He  VALUES ME!   26  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26 (ESV)   · He MEETS my needs!   19  And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (ESV)   · He COMFORTS me   4  who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV)   · He never LEAVES me.   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 8:38-39 (ESV)   2)  FOLLOW Jesus the Way.   5  Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 6  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:5-6 (ESV)   · Change is easier to deal with when the core of your life NEVER CHANGES.   · Jesus said He's the ONLY WAY to God. o What this doesn't mean: § That people in other religions are inferior, or worse than we are § That we hate other religions or look down upon them or their followers. § That everything in other religions are evil – we share much morality in common.   o What it does mean: § That Christianity is an exclusive faith! § ONLY Christianity presents the way to God AS A PERSON – Buddism has the 7 Fold Middle Way, Islam has the 5 Pillars of Islam, etc. § That the basis for our faith is different from all other religions – they are work based we are GRACE based!   A friend sent me this about a SS class – A teacher stood in front of her class and said, "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into heaven?" NO! The children answered! Well if I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into heaven?" Again the answer was NO! Well then if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children and loved my wife would that get me into heaven? Against the answer was NO! Well then how can I get into Heaven? A 5 year old boy in the back shouted out, "YOU GOTTA BE DEAD!" · In the real world there are many parallels to this – 1 + 1 = 2 everywhere – etc. · It's a truth issue, you have to deal with it on that basis, not on a feeling basis.   3) Know God THROUGH Christ.   8  Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." 9  Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10  Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11  Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. John 14:8-11 (ESV)     You don't ask for much do you Phillip? But don't we all make the same request? If only God would do this or that - then I'd believe!   Our Basis of Belief: ·  God's WORD – preferred basis – the only lasting one.   ·  God's ACTS  - okay as a starting point.   5  because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (ESV)   Yes, in the New Testament the miracles and the growth of the church have a very interesting relationship. In the book of Acts almost every time that Luke tells us the church grew, he precedes that with a story of a sign or a miracle. He does this 13 times, 2 examples:  Acts 2:1-4 - 2:41-43,47; 19:11-12 - 19:20 God offered both basis of belief in the early church   4) Rely on CHRIST'S POWER to fulfill my mission   12  "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13  Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14  If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:12-14 (ESV)   Jesus Did Four Things: 1, Formal Teaching - sermon on Mount 2, Relational Teaching - Woman at Well 3, Modeled - last week - foot washing 4, Miracles Greatest work of all – changed lives!   5) DO IT – don't just say it!   21  Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." …23  Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24  Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. John 14:21,23-24 (ESV)

  5. Jul 19

    01 Final Orders - Love Like Jesus

    Final Orders Pt. 1: Love Like Jesus Louie Marsh, 7-19-2026   Famous Last Words -   Friends applaud, the comedy is finished. ~~ Ludwig van Beethoven, composer, d. March 26, 1827   I am about to -- or I am going to -- die: either expression is correct. ~~ Dominique Bouhours, French grammarian, d. 1702   Waiting are they? Waiting are they? Well--let 'em wait. In response to an attending doctor who attempted to comfort him by saying, "General, I fear the angels are waiting for you." ~~ Ethan Allen, American Revolutionary general, d. 1789   Am I dying or is this my birthday? When she woke briefly during her last illness and found all her family around her bedside. ~~ Lady Nancy Astor, d. 1964   How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden? ~~ P. T. Barnum, entrepreneur, d. 1891   Now comes the mystery. ~~ Henry Ward Beecher, evangelist, d. March 8, 1887   I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace. ~~ Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, d.1170   See in what peace a Christian can die. ~~ Joseph Addison, writer, d. June 17, 1719   1) LOVE everyone like Christ   34  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 (ESV)   · A NEW kind of Love   Loving one another was an old command; Loving like Jesus did was NEW!   · The World Is Our JUDGE.   This was true in the early church. Minucius Felix said about Christians, "They love each other even without being acquainted with each other." Julian said, "Their master has implanted the belief in them that they are all brethren."   · This is the MARK of the Christian   In his commentary of John's letters Jerome writes that when the Apostle John was asked why he constantly said, "Little children, love one another," he replied, "Because this is the precept of the Lord, and if only this is done it is enough."   "2And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2, ESV)   APPLICATION PROJECT: Honestly examine your life and ask God to help you love more like Christ in the weak areas you find.   2) DEVELOP a servant's heart.   3  Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4  rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5  Then 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. John 13:3-5 (ESV)   · Ministry = Service = HUMILITY.   Foot Washing   The menial nature of it in Jewish eyes is shown in its inclusion among works which Jewish slaves shouldn't be required to do.  It was something only Gentile slaves, or wives or children did.   The mother of Rabbi Ishael wished to wash his feet when he returned from Synagogue, he refused, she asked court of rabbis to rebuke him!  They didn't.   The tying of the towel had meaning to Jews.  Their tradition taught that when Hagar was sent away by Abraham she took her shawl and tied it around her loins "that people should know that she was a slave."   Foot washing was a symbolic act of welcome and refreshment to a guest. Servant love does for the soul what foot washing did for the feet - it refreshes, cleans, and makes you feel welcome and accepted!   · A Servant's heart shows itself in ACTION.   APPLICATION PROJECT: Find one selfless action you can do this week to serve someone – and do it!   3) ACCEPT service from others gracefully.   6  He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" 7  Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand." 8  Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." John 13:6-8 (ESV)   · Peter's Problem – PRIDE.   He could not believe his Lord would do this! His response in Greek literally reads, "Master, you - my.." or "Master, you - me..." The impression is given of Peter sputtering in astonishment! He tried to be Lord of the Lord! never = "forever" strongest form of negation! Jesus says if he refuses he has "no part" of Him.  Word part used among the Jews as having part of an inheritance, especially in the Promised Land and the Kingdom of God. He got the message? But he didn't really understand it!   Our Problem   Pride cuts two ways, refusing to serve, or to be served.   Example of the latter - how hard it was for me to let people wash my feet in a foot washing ceremony I was in. Refusal to receive service and acts of love isn't humility - it's rooted in pride. It also kills any chance of people showing your their love.   "35In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "" (Acts 20:35, ESV)   If no one receives then no one can give.   APPLICATION PROJECT: If you have this kind of hidden pride, make it a goal this week to allow others to serve you.   ·  ALLOW God to work deeply in you.   Something deeper here as well.  This goes beyond just accepting service, as hard as that might be for some of us.   By doing something so offensive and alien to their culture I believe Jesus is trying to make them face many other issues deep inside them, to allow God to root them out and replace them with Godly responses.   13  for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 (ESV)   That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. Phil. 2:13 (Mes)   How do we do this? We have to be willing to face what we fear or hate the most and allow God to touch us in places where we don't want to be touched.   The late Mark Heard talked a bit about this in a great song, Winds of Time:   It takes more than a good intention, it takes more than a cursory line, it takes more than mortal vigor, to withstand the winds of time. It takes a saturated soul, and a faith that will never let go!   You only get a saturated soul by letting God work deep and long in your soul.   4) RELATE to others as an equal.   12  When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? 13  You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14  If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15  For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16  Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17  If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:12-17 (ESV)   First he SHOWS love. By doing the act of the lowest slave, or person.   Second He tells us to do the same.   We are ALL equals, watch out for attitudes, actions, titles, etc that raise you above others. We're all equal under God!   ·  UNDERSTAND your unique relationship with Jesus   Notice what Jesus says about His relationship with them –   1  Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1 (ESV)   You are God's Partner – IF you give your life to Christ and let Him be your Forgiver and Leader.   5) LIVE for God's Glory   "31When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once." (John 13:31–32, ESV)   How do I do this? 1) I give my life Christ, and make Him my Forgiver and Leader 2) I make Him and His Kingdom 1st place in my life 3) I allow God to work deep in me, to transform my character into Christ-likeness.

  6. Jul 12

    11 Life Lessons from Jeremiah - Great is God's Faithfulness

    Life Lessons from Jeremiah Pt. 11: Great Is Your Faithfulness By Louie Marsh, 7-12-2026     1) I need to HONESTLY assess myself & situation.   "1I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath;  (Lamentations 3:1, ESV)   Jeremiah's Life…   ·       Darkness is OVERWHELMING him.    2he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light; 3surely against me he turns his hand again and again the whole day long.  (Lamentations 3:2-3, ESV)   ·       He is deeply BITTER.    4He has made my flesh and my skin waste away; he has broken my bones; 5he has besieged and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation;  (Lamentations 3:4-5, ESV)   ·       He is TRAPPED.    6he has made me dwell in darkness like the dead of long ago. 7He has walled me about so that I cannot escape; he has made my chains heavy; (Lamentations 3:6-7 ESV)   ·       God isn't answering his PRAYERS.    8though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer; 9he has blocked my ways with blocks of stones; he has made my paths crooked.  (Lamentations 3:8-9, ESV)   ·       It feels like God is ATTACKING him.   10He is a bear lying in wait for me, a lion in hiding; 11he turned aside my steps and tore me to pieces; he has made me desolate; 12he bent his bow and set me as a target for his arrow. 13He drove into my kidneys the arrows of his quiver; (Lamentations 3:10-13, ESV)   ·       No one RESPECTS him.    14I have become the laughingstock of all my people, the object of their taunts all day long. 15He has filled me with bitterness; he has sated me with wormwood."  "16He has made my teeth grind on gravel, and made me cower in ashes; (Lamentations 3:14-16, ESV)   ·       He has no PEACE.   17my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is; 18so I say, "My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord."" (Lamentations 3:16–18, ESV)   2) But there is always HOPE!   "21But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: ·       God's love and mercy are still there in the BAD TIMES.    22The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.   ·       Even if I lose everything – I still have GOD.    24"The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." 25The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. 26It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.   ·       A little suffering is GOOD for me.    27It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth." (Lamentations 3:21–27, ESV)   3) BOTH are true, not one or the other.   "31For the Lord will not cast off forever, 32for, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; 33for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men." (Lamentations 3:31–33, ESV)

  7. Jul 5

    10 Life Lessons from Jeremiah - Taking the Long View

    Life Lessons from Jeremiah Pt. 10: Playing the Long Game By Louie Marsh, 7-5-2026   The Setting…   "1The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. 2At that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the guard that was in the palace of the king of Judah. 3For Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him, saying, "Why do you prophesy and say, 'Thus says the Lord: Behold, I am giving this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall capture it; 4Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him face to face and see him eye to eye. 5And he shall take Zedekiah to Babylon, and there he shall remain until I visit him, declares the Lord. Though you fight against the Chaldeans, you shall not succeed'?"" (Jeremiah 32:1–5, ESV)   1) God's plans often seem IRRELEVANT.   "6Jeremiah said, "The word of the Lord came to me: 7Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle will come to you and say, 'Buy my field that is at Anathoth, for the right of redemption by purchase is yours.' 8Then Hanamel my cousin came to me in the court of the guard, in accordance with the word of the Lord, and said to me, 'Buy my field that is at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of possession and redemption is yours; buy it for yourself.' Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord." (Jeremiah 32:6–8, ESV)   ·  Jeremiah TESTS the Word of the Lord.   · God promises FAILURE.   · In the midst of national destruction He's looking at LAND?   2) Whether it makes sense or not – I must OBEY,   "9"And I bought the field at Anathoth from Hanamel my cousin, and weighed out the money to him, seventeen shekels of silver." (Jeremiah 32:9, ESV)   ·  Practice UNLIMITED forgiveness.   "21Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" 22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:21–22, ESV)   · Love my enemies, not just TOLERATE them.   "43"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:43–45, ESV)   3) If I don't understand it TALK to God about it.   "14'Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthenware vessel, that they may last for a long time. 15For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.'" (Jeremiah 32:14–15, ESV)   "23And they entered and took possession of it. But they did not obey your voice or walk in your law. They did nothing of all you commanded them to do. Therefore you have made all this disaster come upon them. 24Behold, the siege mounds have come up to the city to take it, and because of sword and famine and pestilence the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it. What you spoke has come to pass, and behold, you see it. 25Yet you, O Lord God, have said to me, "Buy the field for money and get witnesses"—though the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans.' "" (Jeremiah 32:23–25, ESV)   · All of God's plans are LONG TERM.   · It all comes down to TRUST.   "3Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases." (Psalm 115:3, ESV)   4) Never forget, God plays the LONG GAME.   "36"Now therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning this city of which you say, 'It is given into the hand of the king of Babylon by sword, by famine, and by pestilence': 37Behold, I will gather them from all the countries to which I drove them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation. I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety. 38And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. 39I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. 40I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me." (Jeremiah 32:36–40, ESV)   "3to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:3, ESV)

  8. Jun 28

    09 Life Lessons from Jeremiah - God's Plan

    Life Lessons from Jeremiah Pt. 9: Living God's Plan By Louie Marsh, 6-28-2026     1) The historical setting:   "1These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the eunuchs, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metal workers had departed from Jerusalem. 3The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. It said: (Jeremiah 29:1–3, ESV)   2) HOW does God want us to live?    4"Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:   · Settle down & live a PRODUCTIVE life.    5Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.   "23Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds," (Proverbs 27:23, ESV)   · Live a NORMAL life, focus on the future.    6Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.   "28And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…(Genesis 1:28, ESV)   · Be a BLESSING to your culture.    7But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.   "12so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." (1 Thessalonians 4:12, ESV)   · Don't let false prophets PROFIT off of you.    8For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, 9for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 29:1–9, ESV)   3) God's promise – for us or Israel or both?   "10"For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. 11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile." (Jeremiah 29:10–14, ESV)   · God has good plans for us- a FUTURE   11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future...   (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)   · There is hope but only in CHRIST.   11… and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)   "3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you," (1 Peter 1:3–4, ESV)   · God will hear me when I PRAY.   12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  (Jeremiah 29:12, ESV)   · I'll find God if I seek Him with ALL my heart   13You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.  (Jeremiah 29:13, ESV)   · VS 14 – ISRAEL ONLY.   14I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."   4) Summation.   "15I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." (John 17:15–16, ESV)

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This is the place to listen to CCR's weekly Sunday morning sermons. Messages that are based on the Bible, seek to honor Jesus, are Gospel centered and filled with faith and hope.

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