01 Habitial Introduction - What Does God Want?

River Church Sermons

#Society #Philosophy #Religion #Christ's Church on the River #Lewis Marsh #Christianity #Life Lessons

51:40

Despite having a strong product idea, Reid Hoffman’s first startup collapsed, forcing him to return investors’ capital. This tough experience reshaped his approach to entrepreneurship. By embracing failure, iterating quickly, and adapting relentlessly, he went on to become a leader at PayPal and later, the co-founder of LinkedIn. In this episode, Reid shares the concept of blitzscaling, which prioritizes speed over perfection, smart strategies for taking risks, and insights on achieving rapid market dominance. In this episode, Hala and Reid will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:32) Building Impact-Driven Businesses (02:56) Why We Need More Entrepreneurs (04:31) The Vision Behind LinkedIn’s Success (06:43) Lessons from a Failed Startup (09:26) Making Quick, Intense Decisions at PayPal (12:39) Blitzscaling: Prioritizing Speed Over Efficiency (18:10) Maintaining Company Culture While Scaling (21:20) The Power of Early Market Dominance (25:01) The Five Stages of Company Growth (28:54) Strategies for Taking Intelligent Risks (31:44) Why Product Perfection Delays Success (33:25) Pivoting Early to Seize New Opportunities (36:18) Entrepreneurship as a Team Sport Reid Hoffman is an entrepreneur, investor, partner at Greylock, and co-founder of LinkedIn and Inflection AI. He was an executive at PayPal and a founding investor in several companies, including OpenAI. Reid actively supports various non-profits and has received numerous accolades, including an honorary CBE from the Queen of England and the Salute to Greatness Award from the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for his philanthropic efforts. Resources Mentioned: Reid’s Book, Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path to Building Massively Valuable Companies : amzn.to/4jnQkfQ Sponsored By: OpenPhone - Get 20% off 6 months at openphone.com/PROFITING Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at youngandprofiting.co/shopify Airbnb - Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com/host Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to rocketmoney.com/profiting Indeed - Get a $75 job credit at indeed.com/profiting RobinHood - Receive your 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap Youtube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new All Show Keywords: Entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship podcast, Business, Business podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal development, Starting a business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side hustle, Startup, mental health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth mindset. Career, Success, Entrepreneurship, Productivity, Careers, Startup, Entrepreneurs, Business Ideas, Growth Hacks, Career Development, Money Management, Opportunities, Professionals, Workplace, Career podcast, Entrepreneurship podcast…

about a year ago 29:54

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Habitual Introduction:

Pt. 1: Don’t Waste Your Life

By Louie Marsh, 1-5-2025

15 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

John Wesley taught his Methodist followers to pray each new year:

“I am no longer my own, but yours.

Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;

Put me to doing, put me to suffering;

Let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,

Exalted for you, or brought low for you;

Let me be full, Let me be empty,

Let me have all things, Let me have nothing:

I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things

To your pleasure and disposal.

And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.”

1) God wants my WHOLE life!

13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. Romans 6:13 (NIV)

12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, Deuteronomy 10:12 (NIV)

24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)

2) To give God this control takes DISCIPLINE.

7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB)

1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)

40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:40-42 (NIV)

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

“Discipline = Freedom” – Jocko Willink

3) How do I come to God? Only through the CROSS.

15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)

1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1 (NIV)

2 LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)

99 episodes

01 Habitial Introduction - What Does God Want?

River Church Sermons

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Habitual Introduction:

Pt. 1: Don’t Waste Your Life

By Louie Marsh, 1-5-2025

John Wesley taught his Methodist followers to pray each new year:

“I am no longer my own, but yours.

Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;

Put me to doing, put me to suffering;

Let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,

Exalted for you, or brought low for you;

Let me be full, Let me be empty,

Let me have all things, Let me have nothing:

I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things

To your pleasure and disposal.

And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.”

1) God wants my WHOLE life!

24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)

2) To give God this control takes DISCIPLINE.

7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB)

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

“Discipline = Freedom” – Jocko Willink

3) How do I come to God? Only through the CROSS.

15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)

1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1 (NIV)

2 LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)

99 episodes

#Society #Philosophy #Religion #Christ's Church on the River #Lewis Marsh #Christianity #Life Lessons

All episodes

1
05 Suffering & God's Response-Choosing to Suffer 44:06

6 days ago44:06

44:06

Suffering & God’s Response Pt. 5 Choosing to Suffer By Louie Marsh, 4-6-2025 Intro – X quotes, video of man who quit believing. 1) When I accepted Christ I accepted SUFFERING in His Name. “ 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. ” (Matthew 16:24–25, ESV) 2) This suffering can impact my ENTIRE life. “ 34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. ” (Matthew 10:34–39, ESV) 3) I suffer INTERNALLY as well as physically. “ 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. ” (Luke 9:23, ESV) “ 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 loved me and gave himself for me. ” (Galatians 2:20, ESV) “ 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. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. ” (Matthew 7:13–14, ESV) 4) Why not ask WHY? “ 1 The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. ” (Judges 6:1, ESV) “ 12 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” 13 And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14 And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” ” (Judges 6:12–14, ESV) 5) Don’t ask why, ask… · WHAT can I learn from this? “ 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. ” (Hebrews 12:11, ESV) · HOW can I deal with this? “ 1 I 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. 2 Do 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) “ 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ” (Romans 8:18, ESV) · WHERE do I go with this? “ 20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. 21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. ” (Proverbs 19:20–21, ESV) “ 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. ” (1 Corinthians 12:25–26, ESV) · WHO can I help with the lessons learned? “ 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 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 1:3–4, ESV) 6) A snap shot of living by FAITH. “ 32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness , became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment . 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two , they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated — 38 of whom THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY — wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. ” (Hebrews 11:32–38, ESV)…

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04 Suffering & Gods Response-Called to Suffer 33:29

13 days ago33:29

33:29

04 Suffering & God’s Response Pt. 4 Called to Suffer By Louie Marsh, 3-30-2025 Last slide – good must suffer with them. 1) Suffering is an INTEGRAL part of following Jesus. “ 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. ” (1 Peter 2:19–21, ESV) Suffering should come as no surprise to Christians 2) There's No ESCAPE From It. “ 18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 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. 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. ” (John 15:18–20, ESV) No escape that is if we want to continue to follow Jesus 3) Suffering Can be GOOD For our Faith! “ 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ” (1 Peter 1:6–7, ESV) What These Verses Say About Suffering 1, It refines our faith - helps us to grow spiritually 2, It results in glorifying God 3, So for the Christian - suffering has a purpose! 4) The four SOURCES of suffering. · The World – culture, society “ 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. ” (Matthew 10:22–25, ESV) This includes people around us, and the systems of government and law that they create. This also includes YOU when you do things that bring suffering upon yourself! · The Flesh – Myself “ 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. ” (Galatians 5:16–17, ESV) · The Devil “ 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ” (1 Peter 5:8–9, ESV) Spiritual warfare is a reality. Satan is the driving force behind much of what we see in the world · God! “ 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. ” (Hebrews 12:7–10, ESV) This is called discipline for the purpose of helping us grow spiritually. But it still hurts and it's still suffering! 5) EMBRACE it, don’t try and erase it. “ 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. ” (Psalm 32:8–9, ESV) “ 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. ” (James 1:16–18, ESV)…

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03 Suffering & Gods Response - Why Am I Suffering 26:23

20 days ago26:23

26:23

Suffering & God’s Response Pt. 3 Why Am I Suffering? By Louie Marsh, 3-23-2025 Last slide – Don’t know what he died of. 1) God ALLOWS us to experience the consequences of Free Will. “ 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” ” (Joshua 24:15, ESV) 2) Why doesn’t God DESTROY evil & suffering? · The Argument Against God. ¨ If a good, eternal and all-powerful God exists, He could annihilate evil at will, and thus end all pain and suffering. ¨ A Being who had the power to do this, is cruel and unjust not to exercise this power and thus end all evil and its consequences. ¨ Theism (the belief in one God – Christianity is Theistic) affirms the all-powerful, loving God we have just described; Who never the less does not annihilate evil. ¨ Therefore: He is cruel and unjust, or He does not exist! · What’s Wrong with the Argument? ¨ It places a restriction on the nature of God, something you can NEVER do! “ 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” ” (Daniel 4:35, ESV) ¨ It presupposes that our reasoning processes are equal or superior to God’s, and that our solution must be the right one! "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts . Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT) ¨ It doesn’t work when you try and apply it practically. Tell Dr. Walter Martin Story of being on the radio with an atheist challenging him to do this as a philosophical experiment. 3) How Then Should I Respond to Suffering? · I need to ACCEPT that suffering will happen to me and mine. 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) · I need to REMEMBER that God is active in my suffering. 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today . Genesis 50:20 (ESV) · I need to EMBRACE suffering as part of my spiritual growth. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ … 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Philippians 3:8, 10 (ESV)…

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02 Suffering & Gods Response-Why Does God Allow Sufering 26:49

27 days ago26:49

26:49

Suffering & God’s Response Pt. 2 Why Does God Allow Suffering By Louie Marsh, 3-16-2025 Big vs. Small Picture: Today I’ll be talking about the big picture of suffering not the smaller more personal one. The Bible gives us a framework to understand how a good and loving God can allow suffering in this world. It does not explain why certain things happen to certain people. No one can answer that question, and if someone says they can – run away!! But there are two scriptures we must rely to help us as we deal with the smaller picture and they are not on your outline so please write them down: 1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:1-5 (ESV) 45 so 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 5:45 (ESV) God allows suffering because … GOD IS LOVE 1) God made humans in His IMAGE. 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them . Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV) · Us = trinity · Image - Human life was created in (lit., “as,” meaning “in essence as”) the image of God ( v. 27 ). This image was imparted only to humans ( 2:7 ). “Image” ( ṣelem ) is used figuratively here, for God does not have a human form. Being in God’s image means that humans share, though imperfectly and finitely, in God’s nature, that is, in His communicable attributes (life, personality, truth, wisdom, love, holiness, justice), and so have the capacity for spiritual fellowship with Him The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty. 2) God made us to LOVE HIM. 34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV) 3) Love cannot be forced but only FREELY CHOSEN. 20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. 21 When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent . Genesis 9:20-21 (NIV) “ 1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord. ” (Jonah 1:1–3, ESV) · God gave us REAL choices in a real universe. · Therefore he HAD to allow us to choose evil over good. · Adam & Eve did and so has every one of their offspring save one – JESUS ! 4) But God will hold us accountable on JUDGMENT DAY. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37 (ESV) So, eternal love – God – allows evil to exist now to honor our sovereign free will and so that we can, if we choose, freely love Him and others. However, because He is just, there will be a judgment day where all wrongs will be righted.…

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01 Suffering & God's Response - Pt 1 Who Causes Suffering? 28:05

5 weeks ago28:05

28:05

Suffering & God’s Response Pt, 1: Who Causes Suffering? By Louie Marsh, 3-9-2025 Last slide – Buddah quote 1) We always blame GOD. “ 13And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” ” (Judges 6:13–14, ESV) “ 2“Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! 3For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. 4For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. ” (Job 6:2–4, ESV) Philosophers say: If an almighty, good God exists, and does not eliminate evil, then either that god is evil, or he does not exist. A good God must destroy evil. The Greek philosopher Epicurus (342-271 BC) claimed that the existence of evil proved there is no God. · He claimed that if God cannot stop evil then he is not all-powerful (omnipotent). · He then argued that if God can prevent evil but does not, then God is not good. · He linked these two points together, claiming that if God is all-powerful and good, then evil would not exist. · Finally, human experience is that evil does exist. Therefore Epicurus concluded that God must not exist. 2) The REAL culprits. · SATAN “ 1Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” ” (Genesis 3:1, ESV) · US. “ 4But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. ” (Genesis 3:4–6, ESV) · We brought it in, we PERPETUATE it. “ 9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? ” (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV) 3) God is pledged to ELIMINATE it eventually. “ 4He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. ” (Isaiah 2:4, ESV) “ 18And I will make for them a covenant on that day with the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety. ” (Hosea 2:18, ESV) 4) The GOSPEL of Jesus is how God will do it. “ 4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” ” (Revelation 21:4, ESV) “ 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ” (Ephesians 6:15, ESV) “ 1Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ” (Romans 5:1, ESV)…

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50 Years & Counting Pt 1 39:19

6 weeks ago39:19

39:19

My First Half Century in the Ministry, Pt. 1 50 Years & Counting By Louie Marsh, 3-2-2025 Announce 50 years since my ordination! What have I learned? 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” ” (Matthew 20:22, ESV) 1) If you want to serve God, you will have your heart BROKEN over and over again. “ 16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. 17 I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because your hand was upon me, for you had filled me with indignation. 18 Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail? (Jeremiah 15:16–18, ESV) “ 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. ” (Psalm 34:18, ESV) 2) Self never DIES, ego is EVERYWHERE & the cost of serving Jesus is higher than you can possibly imagine when you begin. “ 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. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. ” (Matthew 7:13–14, ESV) “ 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. ” (Luke 9:23–24, ESV) · The ups & downs of the ministry take their TOLL. “ 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. ” (2 Corinthians 11:27–30, ESV) 3) God’s answer to this – BROKENNESS. “ 9 But 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. ” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV) · Jacob is the ultimate EXAMPLE. “ 22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip on the sinew of the thigh. ” (Genesis 32:22–32, ESV) 4) To trust in Jesus I must RELY on the Scriptures. “ 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. ” (John 5:39–40, ESV)…

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Habitual: Fellowship 23:37

7 weeks ago23:37

23:37

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Habitual: Worship 21:10

8 weeks ago21:10

21:10

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04 Habitual-Solitude 27:16

9 weeks ago27:16

27:16

Habitual Pt. 4: Solitude By Louie Marsh, 2- 9-2025 Intro. Last slide T-Shirt. 1) The difference between solitude & loneliness is CHOICE. “ 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” ” (Genesis 2:18, ESV) · All spiritual disciplines are personal DECISIONS. “ 15 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray . ” (Luke 5:15–16, ESV) 2) Solitude helps me restore my… · PEACE “ 3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. ” (Isaiah 26:3, ESV) · OBJECTIVITY “ 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. ” (James 3:17, ESV) · sense of SCALE. “ 6 I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places; 7 I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop. ” (Psalm 102:6–7, ESV) · ENERGY “ 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. ” (Isaiah 40:29, ESV) · PRIORITIES “ 12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. ” (Psalm 90:12, ESV) 3) Solitude is an indicator of my spiritual HEALTH. “ 39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw , and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, ” (Luke 22:39–45, ESV) Slides of garden The area it encompasses is flat and measures less than 57 square yards (47 1/2 square meters). The garden is located on the western foot of the Mount of Olives, beyond the brook Kidron, and is only a short distance from Jerusalem. The villages of Bethany and Bethphage are also located very near it. “ 35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. ” (Mark 1:35, ESV)…

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Habitual: Fasting 20:22

10 weeks ago20:22

20:22

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02 Habitual - Biblical Meditation 30:01

11 weeks ago30:01

30:01

Habitual Pt. 2: Meditation By Louie Marsh, 1-26-2025 1) Biblical meditation is FOCUSED THINKING. “ 34 May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. ” (Psalm 104:34, ESV) · Yes, I CAN do this! “ 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. ” (Luke 2:19, ESV) 2) Different kinds of biblical meditation: · For spiritual GROWTH. … 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1–6, ESV) · To SOLVE a problem. “97Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day . 98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers , for your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged , for I keep your precepts. 101 I hold back my feet from every evil way , in order to keep your word. 102 I do not turn aside from your rules , for you have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste , sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way . ” (Psalm 119:97–104, ESV) · To FIND the courage I need to obey God. ... 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous , for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ” (Joshua 1:1–9, ESV) · Courage comes when I DO what God says to do. 3) To be like Jesus I must understand & practice biblical MEDITATION. “ 148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. ” (Psalm 119:148, ESV) 4) What to do while turning the other cheek. “ 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. ” (Matthew 5:38–39, ESV) “ 23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. ” (Psalm 119:23, ESV) “ 78 Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. ” (Psalm 119:78, ESV) “ 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ” (Romans 12:19–21, ESV)…

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Habitual: Prayer 23:31

12 weeks ago23:31

23:31

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02 Habitual Introduction- the Power of Good Habits 33:00

13 weeks ago33:00

33:00

Introduction to Habitual Pt. 2: The Power of Good Habits By Louie Marsh, 1-12-2025 “ 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. ” (Hebrews 5:14, ESV) 1) A habit is a CUSTOMARY way of doing or not doing something. “ 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, ” (Philippians 2:14, ESV) Original Word: ἔθος Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: ethos Pronunciation: EH-thos Definition: Custom, habit, manner Meaning: a custom, habit; an institute, rite. Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root ἔθω (ethō), meaning "to be accustomed" or "to be used to." 2) I need to FORM good, godly habits. 39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." Luke 22:39-40 (NIV) One popular idea suggests that it takes 21 days to solidify a habit. A three-week time frame might sound easily reachable to someone making a resolution on New Year’s Day, when people tend to feel extra motivated to start a new habit or kick an old one. Yet every January 21 very few people can boast that they have kept their resolutions. One survey showed that only 9 percent of people actually stuck to their goals in 2023. The time it takes to establish a new habit varies widely depending on the individual and the complexity of the behavior. Recent studies suggest that it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form a new habit, with an average of around 66 days. Factors such as the specific habit, environmental influences, and personal consistency play significant roles in the duration of habit formation. It is important to approach habit formation with realistic expectations and patience, as it may take longer than commonly believed. Everyone has a unique habit-building timeline—and no matter how long it is for any individual, repetition is the key to making it work, 3) How habits help my SPIRITUAL GROWTH. “ 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. ” (Hebrews 5:14, ESV) Story of how I had to learn to use the clutch, once done I was a much more mature driver than I had been before. 4) Some good habits to me to ESTABLISH. “ 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. ” (1 Thessalonians 5:14, ESV) · REGULAR church attendance. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) · Actively TESTING to distinguish good from evil. “ 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. ” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV) · To be SEXUALLY pure. “ 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. ” (1 Corinthians 6:18–20, ESV) · Be FILLED with the Spirit not alcohol. “ 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, ” (Ephesians 5:18, ESV)…

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01 Habitial Introduction - What Does God Want? 29:54

14 weeks ago29:54

29:54

Habitual Introduction: Pt. 1: Don’t Waste Your Life By Louie Marsh, 1-5-2025 15 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is . Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV) John Wesley taught his Methodist followers to pray each new year: “I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; Put me to doing, put me to suffering; Let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, Exalted for you, or brought low for you; Let me be full, Let me be empty, Let me have all things, Let me have nothing: I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things To your pleasure and disposal. And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.” 1) God wants my WHOLE life! 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. Romans 6:13 (NIV) 12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul , Deuteronomy 10:12 (NIV) 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money . Matthew 6:24 (NIV) 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 (NIV) 2) To give God this control takes DISCIPLINE. 7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB) 1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:40-42 (NIV) 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (NIV) “Discipline = Freedom” – Jocko Willink 3) How do I come to God? Only through the CROSS. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV) 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace Ephesians 1:7 (NIV) 1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1 (NIV) 2 LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)…

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Rosh Hashanah & a New Approach to New Years 30:47

15 weeks ago30:47