Romans 14

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | APRIL 5, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 14. In this chapter, Paul teaches that believers will have differing convictions on non-essential issues, and these differences should not lead to judgment or division, but to mutual respect shaped by faith. Each person must act according to their conscience, as violating it is considered sin, while also seeking not to cause others to stumble. Ultimately, this posture is grounded in the truth of the resurrection—Jesus alone is Lord, and every believer answers to Him, not to one another.

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REFLECT

1. What are some personal convictions I hold that may differ from other believers, and how were those shaped by my faith?

2. How do I typically respond when someone has a different conviction than me—do I lean toward judgment or understanding?

3. In what ways might I unintentionally cause someone else to stumble in their faith?

4. Are there areas where I feel "strong" in faith? How can I use that strength to serve rather than belittle others?

5. Are there areas where my conscience feels unsettled? How can I honor God by listening to that conviction?

6. Have I ever acted against my conscience to fit in with others? What did that reveal about my faith?

7. What does it practically look like for me to "walk in love" when disagreements arise among believers?

8. How does remembering that Jesus is Lord—not me—change the way I approach differences in the church?

Romans 13

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 29, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 13. In this chapter, Paul teaches that a Christian’s outward life should be marked by willingly submitting to governing authorities as an act of submission to God, while still prioritizing obedience to Christ above all. It emphasizes that believers carry an ongoing “debt” of love toward others, fulfilling God’s law through love rather than obligation. Finally, Paul urges Christians to live with urgency in light of Christ’s return—“putting on Christ” and rejecting sinful behavior so that their actions align with their identity in Him.

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1. What does it practically look like in your life to “order yourself under” governing authorities while still obeying Christ first?

1. How do you respond when you disagree with or feel frustrated by those in authority over you?

2. In what ways can you actively pray for and support the leaders and systems God has placed over you?

3. Paul describes love as a debt we can never fully repay—how does that perspective challenge the way you treat others daily?

4. Who in your life is hardest for you to love right now, and what would it look like to “owe them love” this week?

5. How does loving others naturally lead to fulfilling God’s commands without focusing on rules?

6. What are some “nighttime” behaviors (patterns of sin or complacency) that you may be tolerating in your life?

7. How would your daily choices change if you lived with a stronger awareness that Christ’s return is closer today than yesterday?

8. What does it mean for you personally to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” in your current season of life?

9. How can you better align your actions with your identity as a Christian, especially in moments of stress, conflict, or temptation?

Romans 12

Pastor Marshall Ochs | MARCH 22, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 12. In this chapter, Paul transitions from deep theology to practical application, urging believers to live as “living sacrifices” by allowing God to transform them from the inside out rather than conforming to the world. This transformation is expressed through using spiritual gifts to serve others and through a life marked by genuine love, humility, perseverance, and even kindness toward enemies. Ultimately, Paul emphasizes that true worship is a Spirit-led life that reflects God’s love in everyday actions.

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REFLECT

After reading Romans 12 and referring to Pastor Marshall’s notes, please reflect on the following questions this week.

1. What does worship mean to you?

2. How is God leading you to let go of the pressures and values of this world and embrace the transformation/changes He wants to make on the inside of you?

3. God’s work of transformation is a lifelong work. A transformed mind leads to a transformed life.  Are you willing to surrender to God’s transformation in your life, or do you find yourself resistant to change?

4. Do you desire to please God?  In what ways can you live a life that pleases Him?

5. What gifts has God blessed you with?  Are you using them to bless others and glorify Him?  If not, what is holding you back?  Fear of what others will say or fear of failure?  Anything that sets itself up as more important in your life than what God says about you or what He has gifted you to do becomes an idol. Dethrone it!

6. The Lord loves a genuine heart for Him. A genuine heart is characterized by sincere hospitality, hatred of evil, humility, enthusiasm for the Lord, perseverance in prayer, generosity, speaking kindly even about those who criticize you, feeling true joy for others instead of envy, showing compassion by listening without trying to fix people or their situations, and avoiding arrogance or the need to be the center of attention.  In what ways do you struggle with these attributes?

Pray and ask the Lord to transform your heart and mind to no longer desire what the world wants you to conform to, but to desire what God wants your life to look like.

Romans 11

Pastor Marshall Ochs | MARCH 15, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 11. In this chapter, Paul explains that God has not rejected Israel. A faithful remnant of believing Jews still exists, just as it has throughout history. Paul teaches that Israel’s unbelief opened the door for Gentiles to receive the Gospel, and God will ultimately use Gentile faith to stir many Jews to believe in Christ as part of His larger redemptive plan. The chapter concludes by emphasizing God’s sovereign control over history and calling believers to respond to His wisdom and mercy with humble worship.

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REFLECT

1. Paul explains that God has always preserved a faithful remnant of Israel. How does this idea encourage you when it feels like faithfulness to God is rare or declining?

2. In Romans 11, Paul reminds Gentile believers not to become arrogant toward Israel. What are some ways believers today might unintentionally become prideful about their faith or spiritual position?

3. The olive tree illustration shows that believers are sustained by deep spiritual roots. What does it mean for your faith to be connected to God’s larger story throughout history?

4. Paul teaches that God used Israel’s rejection of the gospel to open the door for Gentiles. What does this teach you about how God can work through difficult or unexpected circumstances?

5. Romans 11 suggests that observing transformed lives can lead others to faith. In what ways might your life show Jesus to others?

6. Paul ultimately responds to God’s wisdom and plan with worship. Why do you think understanding God more deeply should lead to worship rather than just knowledge?

7. The conclusion emphasizes living with the mindset that everything is “from Him, through Him, and to Him.” How might your daily decisions change if you consistently lived with this perspective?

8. Great joy and contentment come from focusing less on ourselves and more on God’s purposes. What practical habits could help you cultivate this mindset?

9. After studying Romans 9–11 and God’s plan throughout history, what aspect of God’s character stands out to you the most, and why?

Romans 10

Pastor Marshall Ochs | MARCH 8, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 10. In this chapter, Paul explains that God’s promises to Israel have not failed; rather, salvation has always been based on faith, not ethnic identity or good works. Paul grieves that many Jews have rejected the Gospel even though God made His word clear and near to them, while Gentiles are coming to faith because the message is being preached and believed. The chapter emphasizes that salvation comes through hearing and believing the gospel and calls believers to pray for the lost and participate in sharing the message of Christ.

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REFLECT

In Romans 9-11, Paul covers the questions, “Did God’s promises fail, and how can we trust that Jesus won’t fail?” He is also covering the issue of who belongs to the one true Israel. Paul explains that it is not based on an ethnic or bloodline connection. The one true Israel is based on faith in Jesus Christ as the Messiah. His heart is burdened for the Jewish people and his desire to see them come to faith in Jesus.

Like the Jewish people of Paul’s day, we too can easily slip into the misguided mindset that if we are generally “good people” and we do “good works” God is pleased with us and would surely let us into heaven. This is the lie that many people in our society believe today. Good works do not get us into heaven, but we do good works because God saved us through His Son, Jesus. It is our responsibility to understand and accept that faith in Jesus is the ONLY way to salvation and eternity with God. It is also our responsibility to share our faith with others and to pray for them. Paul is grieved for his Jewish brothers and sisters that have not accepted Christ, and he takes his grief to the Lord in prayer. Prayer is essential in our lives!

• Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? (Please read Romans 10:9-10) Salvation is for everyone!

• If you have accepted Christ, who has God placed on your heart to pray for that needs to come to faith in Jesus? List them by name and begin to pray faithfully for them. Ask the Lord to show you how to share your faith with them. We can’t save anyone; however, the Holy Spirit can speak to their hearts through us.

Paul goes on to teach the people that God is close to them. He did all the work through His son, Jesus. God made the way for us. We don’t have to do anything to try and “reach” God. God reached out to us. It is up to each person to make the choice if they will receive or reject Christ. We are all accountable for that choice. The Jews struggled to accept this message of salvation because it was offered to both the Jew and the Gentile. They didn’t really like that plan. Israel rejected not only God’s plan of salvation, but also His inclusion of the Gentiles as co-heirs.

• Has there been a time in your life when you could see God working – see His plan in your life, and you didn’t like it or agree with it? We often want our own way, or for God to follow our plan. It is up to us to accept God’s plan for us and operate in His blessing, or reject His plan and suffer the consequences of our disobedience.

• What is God currently asking you to do and what is your response to Him?

We are all missionaries right where we are planted. Your ministry is what God has called YOU to do. Everywhere you go there is opportunity for ministry – at home, work, school, social gatherings, public places you frequent… Your conversations and the way you treat people is a ministry. In everything we say and do, we should be pointing others to Christ.

• In what ways do you see God calling you to minister where He has planted you? Keep praying, keep seeking, and He will equip you.

Romans 9

Pastor Marshall Ochs | MARCH 1, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 9. In this chapter, Paul starts by expressing deep sorrow over Israel’s unbelief and clarifies that God’s promises have not failed, because “true Israel” has always been defined by faith rather than ethnicity. Paul explains that God chooses nations, individuals, and roles for His purposes in history, but people are responsible for how they respond in faith. Ultimately, salvation is not about heritage but belief—anyone, Jew or Gentile, who trusts in Jesus is part of God’s true people and will not be put to shame.

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Paul expresses concern for his Jewish brothers and sisters who do not know Jesus. His great love for them and his desire to see them come to a saving knowledge of Jesus is of utmost importance to him.

• Have you made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior?

• If you have accepted Jesus, do you have a burden for others to know Him?

• How open are you about your faith to others?

Israel was God’s chosen people, from which He would bring the Messiah. However, they were not all followers of the one true God and accepting of Jesus as the Messiah. Those who chose to come by faith to Christ were considered the true Israel – Jew and Gentile alike. This was hard for the Jewish people to accept. They felt that heritage and good deeds were the way to God.

• Have you found yourself trying to earn your salvation through good works or because you were born into a Christian family?

The question that has been debated for centuries is: If God is all powerful and all knowing, does He pick some people to come to faith in Jesus and go to Heaven, and others to reject Him and go to hell? Paul shows us in God’s word that He does not. We all have the choice to embrace Jesus or reject Him. God certainly chooses how and through whom He will accomplish His will (see Pastor Marshall’s notes for more details).  However, we are ultimately responsible choosing to place our faith in Jesus.

Paul uses scripture to make his point to the people (see notes for references). If we are believers in Christ, we must know the Word of God! It is our greatest weapon against the enemy and our greatest resource for knowing our Savior and living according to His will.

• How much time are you investing in reading God’s word?

• Why or why not is it part of your daily routine?  If it isn’t, it’s never too late to start today! 

Romans 8

Pastor Marshall Ochs | FEBRUARY 22, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 8. In this chapter, Paul contrasts the frustration of life under the law in Romans 7 with the freedom and new life found in Christ through the Holy Spirit, who dwells in believers and enables them to walk in obedience. Paul explains that believers are no longer slaves to sin but adopted children of God, called to live by the Spirit, persevere through suffering, and trust that present pain cannot compare to future glory. The chapter culminates in the assurance that God is working all things for His purposes and that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ.

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REFLECT

1. What does being guided by the Holy Spirit look like in your daily life?

2. What steps can you take to foster a Spirit mindset instead of a fleshly mindset?

3. How will you prioritize time for reflection and prayer to align your mindset with the Spirit?

4. What practical changes can you make to ensure you are spiritually nourished rather than influenced by worldly inputs?

5. In moments of temptation, what specific truths about your identity in Christ can you hold onto?

6. How does the promise of future glory impact your perspective on current suffering?

7. How can you support one another in persevering through suffering as a community?

Romans 7

Pastor Marshall Ochs | FEBRUARY 15, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 7. In this chapter, Paul teaches that believers are no longer bound to the law but are made alive in Christ, moving from slavery to sin and death into freedom through the Spirit. Paul explains that the law itself is good but exposes and even provokes sin, revealing humanity’s need for Jesus to bring true freedom and power to obey. The chapter concludes by emphasizing that Christians now live under the “law of Christ”—loving God and others—and are empowered by the Spirit rather than trapped in the cycle of sin.

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Paul’s message in Romans 7 is directed toward the Jewish believers, emphasizing that the law itself cannot save them. The law, while important, does not have the power to deliver individuals from sin. It actually condemns those trying to keep the law because they cannot live up to it.

Have you had the realization in your life that there is no way you could be “good enough” or “work your way to heaven?”

Paul uses marriage to illustrate his point.  When a spouse dies, the law of marriage no longer applies.  The living spouse is allowed to marry another.  In the same manor, when we accept Christ as our Savior, we have a life no longer bound by the law.  We now have a life united – married to Christ.  The law and the sin struggle of the inability to keep it no longer condemns us.  Christ has set us free from that condemnation.

Have you accepted Christ as your Savior and still struggle with the feelings of shame or guilt?  Jesus died to set us free from that shame and guilt!  Let today be the day that you cry out to God and lay that down!

Paul explains that the law showed people what they should not be doing and yet, it only made them want to do it more.  Sin took advantage of the law in this way.  In Romans 7:14-8:2, Paul speaks to this very issue.  The unbeliever’s life is centered around their own desires.  The Christian’s life is centered around the desire to live for and please God.  However, we cannot do this in our own power.  It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we live for Christ.  He transforms us day by day to live for Him.  Jesus sets us free from being slaves to sin.

Do you find yourself struggling with sin?  Have you asked the Lord to help you lay it down and live for Him?  Only He has the power to transform your life and set you free.  You cannot do it in your own power.

We cannot keep living by a set of rules in our own power.  We can live by the power of Christ in us which motivates us to gladly serve God and others.  God’s law is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love others as yourself.  If we make this our plea to God, He is faithful to answer.

Is this your desire?  If so, pray to the Lord to transform your mind and set your desires on Him.  Watch what He will do!