Galatians 2

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | MAY 3, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Galatians 2. In Galatians 2, Paul uses two contrasting scenes—Paul standing firm in Jerusalem and confronting Peter in Antioch—to show that our actions reveal the true source of our beliefs. When we draw from Christ as our source, we live with courage and consistency, but when we seek approval from others, our behavior becomes compromised and divided. Ultimately, Paul emphasizes that life in Christ means no longer living for ourselves, but allowing His life to be expressed through us.

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REFLECT

1. In what areas of your life do your actions clearly reflect your true beliefs?

2. Where might your behavior reveal that you are seeking approval from others rather than from Christ?

3. How do you typically respond to pressure to conform—do you stand firm like Paul or shift like Peter?

4. What “streams” (sources of influence) are you currently drinking from, and how are they shaping you?

5. When have you noticed your actions change based on who is around you? What does that reveal?

6. How does the desire to please others show up in your daily life (e.g., social media, conversations, decisions)?

7. In what ways might your life feel “divided” or diluted because you are trying to please too many people?

8. What would it look like for you to live more consistently “in step with the gospel” this week?

9. How does the truth that “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” challenge your current way of living?

10. If someone observed your actions closely, what would they conclude is your true source of identity and supply?

Galatians 1

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | APRIL 26, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Galatians 1. Paul opens the Epistle to the Galatians with urgency, warning that the Galatian believers are turning to a distorted gospel and emphasizing that his message comes directly from Jesus Christ, not human sources. He contrasts false teachings that add to the gospel with the true message of grace, calling believers to carefully examine both the source and supply of what shapes their faith and lives. Ultimately, Paul points to Jesus as the only pure and sustaining source, evidenced by transformed lives.

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REFLECT

1. Examining the Source of Your Beliefs – Consider where your theology and core beliefs come from. Have you taken the time to study God’s Word for yourself, or have you allowed other influences to shape your understanding? Reflect on whether your faith is grounded in Scripture or if it has been formed by external sources.

2. Seeking Guidance – When you are searching for answers or facing difficult situations, where do you turn? Do you go to others for advice, or do you seek the Lord directly? It’s important to recognize who or what you allow to guide you through life’s questions and challenges.

3. Evaluating Your Priorities – Take a moment to assess your priorities. Is your relationship with Jesus at the center of your life, or have other things taken precedence? Consider whether social media, family, career, money, or possessions are more important to you than nurturing your connection with Christ.

4. Spiritual Thirst and Its Consequences – If we choose to draw from unclean or unhealthy sources, it can leave us spiritually ill and unsatisfied. Are you currently feeling spiritually thirsty or empty? Reflect on whether you have been seeking fulfillment from places that cannot satisfy your soul’s deepest needs.

5. Struggling with Emptiness and Sin – Do you wonder why you struggle with sin and feelings of emptiness? You might be experiencing anger, depression, anxiety, insecurity, or even temptation. Remember that these struggles cannot be truly resolved by anything or anyone except Jesus Christ—the only source of genuine healing and fulfillment.

6. Pleasing People vs. Pleasing God – Do you find yourself constantly trying to please others or seeking their approval over God’s? Are you exhausted from trying to be better than everyone else, always striving for recognition and praise? Consider the toll this can take on you and whether you are seeking fulfillment in the wrong places.

7. Spiritual Fullness – We cannot give to others from a place of spiritual emptiness. The only source that truly satisfies is Jesus. Take time to pray and ask the Lord to help you draw from His well—the only well that can genuinely quench your spiritual thirst.

8. Responding to God’s Calling – Has God placed a burden on your heart for someone or a particular ministry? Pray and ask Him to reveal how He wants to use you. Trust Him to show you how to serve and minister to those for whom He has given you a spiritual concern.

Romans 16

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | APRIL 19, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 16. In this chapter, Paul concludes the Epistle to the Romans by highlighting ordinary men and women whom God used in meaningful ways, showing that the gospel is lived out through real people and everyday faithfulness. Paul the Apostle both celebrates these faithful servants and warns against those who serve themselves rather than Christ, emphasizing the need for discernment guided by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the chapter resolves this tension by pointing everyone—strong and weak, faithful and selfish alike—back to worshiping Jesus, trusting Him to build His kingdom in His way and timing.

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REFLECT

1. In what ways does seeing "ordinary people" used by God challenge how you view your own role in His kingdom?

2. Which person or example (like Phoebe, Prisca and Aquila, or others) most encourages you, and why?

3. How might God be using your current "ordinary" circumstances for His greater purposes?

4. What does it look like in your life to move from seeing faith as theory to living it out in real, practical ways?

5. How can you better support and encourage others in your church who are faithfully serving behind the scenes?

6. Where do you need the Holy Spirit to help you discern between "bearing with" someone and "avoiding" harmful influence?

7. Are there areas where you may be serving yourself through the church rather than truly serving Jesus?

8. How do you respond when following Jesus involves discomfort, inconvenience, or pain?

9. What helps you keep your focus on worshiping Jesus in the middle of tension, disagreement, or confusion?

10. What is one "small" area of your life (home, work, relationships) where you can trust Jesus more fully to build His kingdom in His way and timing?

Romans 15

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | APRIL 12, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 15. In this chapter, Paul calls believers—especially those strong in faith—to sacrificially support and welcome others, following Christ's example, in order to cultivate unity within the church. This unity is not the ultimate goal but a means to a greater end: the worship and exaltation of Jesus among all people, both Jew and Gentile. Paul concludes by reminding the church that this unity must be lived out tangibly through mission, generosity, and prayer.

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REFLECT

1. In what ways do you see yourself as "strong" in faith, and how might God be calling you to support someone who is "weak" in that area?

2. What is the difference between merely "putting up with" others and truly bearing their burdens? How can you practice the latter this week?

3. How does Jesus' example of selflessness (Romans 15:3; Philippians 2) challenge your current priorities or mindset?

4. Where might you be tempted to prioritize personal comfort or preference over the good of others in your church community?

5. Why is unity in the church important—but not the ultimate goal? How does viewing unity as a pathway to worship reshape your perspective?

6. How can you intentionally "welcome" others (especially those different from you) in a way that reflects how Christ has welcomed you?

7. Are there any relationships where you've been tempted to withdraw rather than move closer? What would it look like to pursue unity in that situation?

8. How does seeing the entire Bible point toward all people worshiping Jesus deepen your understanding of God's mission?

9. What is one practical, tangible way you can demonstrate unity this week (e.g., encouragement, service, generosity, reconciliation)?

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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REFLECT

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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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?