Finishing the Story

Pt. 5: Who's Seeking Who?

10-11-2026

1) True greatness is HUMILITY.

"1At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1–4, ESV)

· Humility isn't belittling yourself, it's FOCUSING on Jesus.

"5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5–11, ESV)

2) Like the angels, we ought to be FOCUSED on God.

"10"See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 18:10, ESV)

"1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1–2, ESV)

· Little ones are Jesus' DISCIPLES.

The "little ones" in Matthew 18:10 are Jesus's disciples—believers marked by humility—not literal children. The context is the disciples arguing over who is greatest in the kingdom, and Jesus responds by placing a child among them, then warning against despising anyone who is humble or lowly in status.

The phrase "these little ones" appears throughout Matthew 18 and consistently refers to believers, as in Matthew 18:6, where it means "those who believe in me." Early church fathers like John Chrysostom and Origen read it the same way—Chrysostom said Jesus calls "little ones" not those who are really little, but the humble and modest. Modern commentators like D.A. Carson and Leon Morris agree: the term means disciples, though it doesn't exclude actual children, since Jesus just used a child as the model.

· There are no GUARDIAN ANGELS.

The second half of the verse—"their angels always see the face of my Father"—is the most debated part. The majority view, held by the Pulpit Commentary and Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, is that these are guardian angels assigned to believers, and the highest-ranking ones at that. A minority view, argued by B.B. Warfield and Carson, is that "their angels" refers to the spirits of deceased children now in God's presence. Either way, the point is the same: the least significant believer has the highest heavenly representation.

Warfield's essay is titled "The Angels of Christ's Little Ones," His case against guardian angels runs on three fronts.

First, Scripture never teaches permanent individual guardians — angels appear on specific missions, like to Hagar or Manoah, not in unbroken attendance.

Second, the Jewish background doesn't support it either; Tobit and the Targums show temporary or general ministry, not lifelong personal guardians, and claims of a widespread first-century belief are anachronistic.

3) The humble do what's RIGHT, not what's profitable.

"12What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish." (Matthew 18:12–14, ESV)

· God is SEEKING the lost

"19We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19, ESV)

· I should be DOING SO as well.

· God REJOICES over every lost soul that's found.

40 Years of Faithfulness

By Louie Marsh, 10-4-2026

1) God was faithful from the very beginning.

3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; Isaiah 42:3 (NIV)

3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, "That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged." Romans 3:3-4 (ESV)

2) God was faithful in getting us up river.

3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3 (ESV)

4 For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. Psalm 33:4 (ESV)

3) God was faithful in helping us become debt free.

6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, Exodus 34:6 (ESV)

4 "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. Deuteronomy 32:4 (ESV)

4) God was faithful getting us through the hard times.

22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)

11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-13 (ESV)

40 Years of Faithfulness

By Louie Marsh, 10-4-2026

1) God was faithful from the very beginning.

3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; Isaiah 42:3 (NIV)

3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, "That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged." Romans 3:3-4 (ESV)

2) God was faithful in getting us up river.

3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3 (ESV)

4 For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. Psalm 33:4 (ESV)

3) God was faithful in helping us become debt free.

6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, Exodus 34:6 (ESV)

4 "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. Deuteronomy 32:4 (ESV)

4) God was faithful getting us through the hard times.

22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)

11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-13 (ESV)

Finishing the Story

Pt. 4: Who's On First?

By Louie Marsh, 9-27-2026

"44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:44–46, ESV)

1) The Kingdom of God is of SUPREME value.

"44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field…. finding one pearl of great value…(Matthew 13:44a–46a, ESV)

"19"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19–21, ESV)

"33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

2) The Kingdom of God is revealed in DIFFERENT WAYS to different people.

…which a man found and covered up… in search of fine pearls, 46who, on finding one pearl of great value… (Matthew 13:44a, 45a,46a, ESV)

"34And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions." (Mark 12:34, ESV)

3) The only real response is a JOYFUL SURRENDER.

Then in his joy he goes… went and sold…

"24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24, ESV)

4) The Kingdom of God is free but not CHEAP.

sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:44b, 46b, ESV)

· It costs me EVERYTHING.

"1I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1–2, ESV)

"When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Finishing the Story

Pt. 3 – Weak When Strong

By Louie Marsh, 9-20-2026

1) The Kingdom of God is wherever Jesus is LORD.

"18He said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? (Luke 13:18a, ESV)

The Kingdom of God in the New Testament refers to the sovereign rule, reign, or kingship of God—His active, dynamic authority exercised over creation, human lives, and history—rather than primarily a geographical territory or political state. It is the central theme of Jesus' preaching and teaching.

· Different kingdoms – different RULES.

2) The Kingdom of God appears WEAK.

"31He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."" (Matthew 13:31–32, ESV)

3) The Kingdom of God is strong through WEAKNESS.

"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 may rest upon me. 10For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:8–10, ESV)

· The Kingdom is this way so that only God is GLORIFIED.

"8For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:8–9, ESV)

4) The Kingdom of God always PREVAILS in the end.

…but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."" (Matthew 13:31–32, ESV)

"18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18, ESV)

5) Where do I go from here?

· I must have faith in small BEGINNINGS.

"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)

The mustard seed symbolizes how the kingdom of heaven starts small and seemingly insignificant.

· I should prepare to be FRUSTRATED.

"1But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2And he prayed to the Lord and said, "O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. 3Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." 4And the Lord said, "Do you do well to be angry?"" (Jonah 4:1–4, ESV)

· Remember in the Kingdom I need faith and PATIENCE:.

Just as the mustard seed requires time to grow, believers are encouraged to have faith and patience as they witness the unfolding of God's kingdom in their lives and communities.

Finishing the Story

Pt. 2 – Do I Have a Hard Heart?

By Louie Marsh, 9-13-2026

"3And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:3–8, ESV)

1) The IGNORANT heart.

"18"Hear then the parable of the sower: 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. (Matthew 13:18-19, ESV)

BELOW ON PPT

Jesus doesn't use the word believe – but understand.

συνίημι suniēmi; from 4862 and ἵημι hiēmi (to send); to set together, fig. to understand:—gained … insight(1), understand(17), understanding(1), understands(2), understood(5).

Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).

Understand, perceive, comprehend; also "bring together" or "combine" (esp. intransitively, "come together, agree"). In the middle, "understand for oneself, consider"; passive is rare and typically "be understood."

That's what the Holy Spirit is helping us with:

"8And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged." (John 16:8–11, ESV)

Common misunderstandings:

· God is the sovereign JUDGE.

· I'm a sinner & deserve to go to HELL.

Gallup asks Americans whether various behaviors are "morally acceptable" or "morally wrong." In the May 1–17, 2026 survey of about 1,000 U.S. adults:

· 65% said sex between an unmarried man and woman is morally acceptable.

· 31% said it is morally wrong.

· I cannot save MYSELF.

· Jesus is the ONLY WAY to God

· Salvation isn't about ME.

Satan's most frightening power:

· He can take God's Word OUT of my heart.

2) The SHALLOW heart.

20As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. (Matthew 13:20-21, ESV)

Superficial rather than deep reception: The person responds quickly and enthusiastically (often with emotional joy), but the message does not penetrate deeply into the heart, mind, conscience, or will. There is no lasting internal foundation, firm conviction, or genuine transformation.

· Faith is more than a FEELING or mere INTELLECTUAL assent.

"30And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'"" (Mark 12:30, ESV)

3) The DISTRACTED heart.

22As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22, ESV)

Worries about health, wealth, war, etc.

Tech keeping us "connected" so we never really rest & are more stressed.

· Worry and greed will KILL you spiritually.

"5For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God." (Ephesians 5:5, ESV)

4) The WISE heart.

23As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."" (Matthew 13:23, ESV)

· The wise heart puts it all TOGETHER.

The wise heart has all of the above. Not just intellectual understanding, not just emotional/experiential and not just being focused on Jesus.

I need them ALL!

``Finishing the Story - Parables of Jesus

Part 1: One Firm Foundation

By Louie Marsh, 9-6-2026

Parables (short illustrative stories teaching a moral, ethical, or spiritual lesson, often through comparison or analogy) are extremely old—at least around 4,000–4,500 years, with roots in oral tradition that are almost certainly older.

They overlap heavily with fables (especially animal ones with morals) in ancient sources. The Hebrew term mashal (often translated as "parable," "proverb," or "comparison") covered a range of short, memorable didactic forms. Similar short narrative wisdom literature appears independently across cultures, but the earliest written examples come from ancient Mesopotamia.

Earliest known examples

The oldest attested tradition is Sumerian (southern Mesopotamia). Short fables and parable-like pieces appear in proverb collections on clay tablets, mainly from the Old Babylonian period (roughly 1900–1600 BC), used in scribal schools. These preserve material that scholars trace back into the third millennium BC (and earlier oral tradition). Scholars have identified dozens of Aesopic-style Sumerian fables and parables among the proverb collections (over 100 in some counts), featuring animals like the fox, dog, lion, or elephant acting with human traits to illustrate lessons about greed, folly, ambition, or social order.

In the Hebrew Bible, early narrative meshalim include Jotham's story of the trees seeking a king (Judges 9, often called the first biblical parable or fable, and Nathan's parable of the ewe lamb told to King David (2 Samuel 12).

Rabbinic use of parables (Hebrew mashal, plural meshalim) as a formal teaching and exegetical tool developed primarily in the late Second Temple and early post-Temple periods (roughly 1st–2nd centuries AD), becoming highly standardized and widespread from roughly 1st–6th centuries AD). Their use remains popular today, especially in traditional Orthodox, Hasidic, and educational contexts.

Q: - Why title this "Finishing the Story?" Because while Jesus finished tell these stories over 2000 years ago they aren't finished in your life and my life until apply them.

1) The most vital step in building a firm foundation – OBEDIENCE.

"46"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? 47Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: (Luke 6:46–47, ESV)

"24"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them… (Matthew 7:24a, ESV)

· Jesus was almost always focused on APPLICATION.

2) God calls me to BUILD a life rooted in Jesus.

48he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. (Luke 6:48, ESV)

will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. (Matthew 7:24b-25, ESV)

"18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18, ESV)

Building is….

· HARD WORK.

· Takes TIME.

· Follows a wise PLAN.

· Will inevitably be TESTED by trials & tribulations.

3) Failure to build on Christ has bad CONSEQUENCES.

49But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."" (Luke 6:49, ESV)

26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."" (Matthew 7:26-27, ESV)

· If I want to stand strong in life's storms, I a strong GOSPEL foundation.

4) The key to all this is acknowledge the AUTHORITY of Jesus.

"28And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes." (Matthew 7:28–29, ESV)

a fIRM f

1) I REMEMBER God is always with me.

"32Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me." (John 16:32, ESV)

Even when I don't feel Him!

Someone studied the lives of thousands of spiritual giants for a daily devotional guide he was writing, said that almost all of them climbed slopes of increasing difficulty.

"7There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities." (Isaiah 64:7, ESV)

"8O you hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night?" (Jeremiah 14:8, ESV)

Gerard Manley Hopkins:

God, though to Thee our psalm we raise

No answering voice comes from the skies;

To Thee the trembling sinner prays

But no forgiving voice replies;

Our prayer seems lost in the desert ways,

Our Hymn in the vast silence dies.

The devil Screwtape in CS Lewis's book advised his underling that at the beginning of the Christian life a believer may sense a closeness to God, a dangerous state because demons have few weapons to combat it. Later though, many opportunities against the Enemy (God) arise: "It is during such trough periods, much more than during the peak periods, that it is growing into the creature He want it to be. Hence prayers offered in the state of dryness are those that please Him best…He want them to learn to walk and must therefore take away His hand; and if only the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles. Do not be deceived Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring but still intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys"

2) I RECEIVE Christ's Peace

"33I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."" (John 16:33, ESV)

6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:6–9, ESV)

· GIVE IT ALL to God – in prayer

· Be Thankful

· Remember Christ's peace is a state of being based on the finished work of Christ.

· Focus your thoughts

· Obey

3) I pray for MYSELF!

"1When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed." (John 17:1–5, ESV)

Things I Pray for…

· ANYTHING I want too! NOT ON OUTLINE!

· That I'll SEE MYSELF as I really am.

You can't serve God or others if you're messed up! Jesus said take the log out of your own eye first, Jesus models this behavior for us.

· That I'll FINISH THE WORK God gave me.

Augustine said, "On earth we are wayfarers, always on the go. This means that we have to keep on moving forward. Therefore, be always unhappy where you are if you want to reach where you are not. If you are pleased with what you are, you have stopped already. If you say, 'It is enough,' you are lost. Keep on walking, moving forward, trying for the goal."

Martin Luther King Jr. used to tell civil rights workers, "If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl, but by all means keep moving.

4) I pray for my CHURCH.

"16They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth." (John 17:16–19, ESV)

Things I pray for…

· PROTECTION

From the world's influence – being worldly isn't a way of dressing, talking, etc. Did you know that 80% of people in America who go to church now days wear blue Jeans? Worldliness is a way of thinking, and it infects ALL of us to one degree or another!

· JOY

That we not only individually experience joy but that together we are a community of joy that touches everyone who sees it.

· SPIRITUAL GROWTH

"20"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."" (John 17:20–26, ESV)

Things I pray for…

· UNITY

Our unity is modeled after the Unity within the Trinity

Our unity comes from the unity of God – He makes it possible!

· CLOSENESS to Christ

IF we don't stay close to Him all is lost!

· BELIEVE in God's love.

Without the knowledge and experience of His love – all is lost!

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?

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)

· 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)

Final Orders

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