River Church Sermons

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.

40th Anniversary 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) 40th Anniversary 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!