Joel 3

Pastor Marshall Ochs | December 7, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Joel 3. This chapter shifts focus to the final days, where God will gather the nations for judgment. Despite the nations' preparations for war, they will be defeated by God. The passage highlights that the purpose of the Day of the Lord is for all to "know the Lord" and for the earth and His people to be holy, emphasizing that this call to know God and live holy lives is not just for the end times but for now.

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Essential Truths from the Last Chapters of Joel

As we study the final chapters of Joel, we uncover essential truths that are vital for our lives and faith journeys. Joel’s message centers on the coming day of the Lord and the importance of being prepared. He prophesies that in the later days, God will pour out His Spirit on His people. This divine outpouring means that God will communicate directly with His people through His Word, through signs and wonders, miracles, dreams, and visions.

Reflect on your own life: Have you ever felt the presence of God or sensed Him speaking to you in one or more of these ways? Consider how you responded in those moments.

Discerning God’s Voice and Responding in Obedience

When God communicates—whether through dreams, visions, or a sense of calling—we are reminded to exercise discernment. It is crucial to pray for understanding, to seek wisdom through the Scriptures, and to consult with trusted, wise counsel. Ultimately, we must also pray for the courage and obedience to act on what God reveals. When we receive a dream or vision from God, vigilance in listening and obeying is essential.

Think back to a time when God told you to do something and you obeyed. What was the outcome? Alternatively, was there a time when you sensed God instructing you not to do something, yet you chose to ignore it? Reflect on the results of that decision.

Persevering Through Persecution and Struggle

Joel’s prophecy also warns that, before Christ’s return, God’s people will face persecution for their faith. Nations will rise up against believers, and in some regions, this is already a reality. Even in our daily lives, we may feel the enemy closing in, seeking to attack and discourage us. In these challenging times, our response must be to pray fervently, cry out to Jesus, sing, worship, and praise Him. These are the weapons of our faith.

Consider: When was the last time you cried out to God and worshiped Him, even in the midst of your struggles?

Sharing the Good News and Living as Salt and Light

Joel reminds us that some will reject the Lord, while others will embrace Him. Our responsibility is to share the good news of Christ with everyone around us. We are called to be salt and light in a dark world. To be truly effective, we must genuinely know the Lord ourselves—not just know about Him.

Reflect: Have you truly accepted Christ as your Savior, or do you only possess knowledge about Him? Do you have a personal relationship with Him? If not, consider making that commitment today. Do not delay—time is of the essence. Cry out to Him, ask for forgiveness, and invite Him to be the Lord of your life. It will be the best decision you ever make.

Pursuing Holiness and Obedience

After coming to know the Lord, our next step is to live in obedience to His will. We are called to pursue a life of holiness. While perfection is unattainable, we must strive for obedience, holiness, and complete surrender in our daily lives. Examine your heart: Is there an area where you need to repent and exchange disobedience for obedience? There is no better time than today to surrender your life fully to the Lord.

Joel 1-2

Pastor Marshall Ochs | November 23, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Joel 1-2. These chapters revisit the cycle of destruction in Israel’s history and calls the people to turn back to God in repentance, warning that even greater devastation, the "Day of the Lord," is coming. He emphasizes the need for prayer, fasting, and humility, promising that God will pour out His Spirit on all people. The book reminds us that from Pentecost to the Day of the Lord, God's Spirit is actively working in the lives of His people, and the key issue today is whether we are attentive to His presence and guidance.

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Reflect

1. How has your personal history shaped your current faith journey, similar to how Israel's history influenced Joel's message?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually to respond to God's call to humility and prayer?

3. What does it mean to you personally to 'turn to the Lord' as emphasized in Joel?

4. How can we recognize and respond to the 'Day of the Lord' in our current lives?

5. What steps can we take to ensure we are listening to and paying attention to the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives?

6. What are some practical ways we can incorporate fasting into our spiritual practices?

7. What comforts in your life might you need to disrupt in order to seek God more earnestly?

8. How can we support one another in experiencing and recognizing the Holy Spirit's activity in our lives?

Zechariah 13-14

Pastor Marshall Ochs | November 16, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Zechariah 13-14. These chapters point to the cleansing of Jerusalem and God's people from sin, the removal of idols, false prophets, and unclean spirits, and the coming of the Day of the Lord with Christ's second advent. The destruction of these corrupt influences is linked to the death of the shepherd (Jesus) and culminates in Christ's victorious return, where He defeats the Antichrist and establishes His reign. This vision is meant to offer both comfort and conviction, encouraging believers to find hope in God's ultimate justice and salvation while challenging them to grow.

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Reflect

1. How does the concept of 'Day of the Lord' bring comfort to us as believers in today's world?

2. In what ways can we identify and confront idols in our own lives?

3. How should the seriousness of sin influence our interactions with others in our community?

4. How can we prepare ourselves for the second advent of Christ and remain steadfast in our faith?

5. How can we create an environment that fosters spiritual growth through challenges as discussed?

6. What role does community play in holding each other accountable for our spiritual growth?

7. How can we strengthen our resolve against the temptations that lead us away from God?

Zechariah 11-12

Pastor Marshall Ochs | November 9, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Zechariah 11-12. These chapters continue the themes of advent, with chapter 11 focusing on the first advent, portraying Israel’s rejection of the good shepherd (Jesus), and chapter 12 depicting the second advent, where Jesus returns in glory and Israel repents. Zechariah uses vivid imagery of cleansing fire and the consequences of rejecting God’s leadership. Ultimately, the return of Christ will bring judgment on wickedness, restore His people, and reveal the truth of God’s salvation, prompting believers to live lives of holiness in anticipation of His coming.

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Reflect

1. In what ways do you think you need to prepare for the return of Jesus?

2. What does it mean for you personally to consider whether your life's structures will withstand the fire of judgment?

3. What are some areas of your life where you need to seek God's cleansing fire for renewal?

4. Reflecting on the rejection of the good shepherd, how do you see that theme play out in today's world?

5. Reflecting on the rejection of the good shepherd, how do you see that theme play out in today's world?

6. How can you apply the concept of being a good shepherd in your own personal leadership roles?

7. How can the themes of repentance and returning to Jesus encourage you in your daily life?

8. What practical habits can you make this week to ensure you are living a life of holiness and godliness?

Zechariah 9-10

Pastor Marshall Ochs | November 2, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Zechariah 9-10. These chapters reveal the coming of a humble yet victorious Messiah who will rule as both priest and king. God promises to conquer His enemies and redeem the nations, transforming former foes into His people. Through Jesus’ first coming, He establishes peace and freedom, inviting all to join His kingdom, while His second coming will bring judgment and final salvation. Believers are called to pray, serve, and live with urgency, trusting that the King is moving and His return is near.

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Zechariah 7-8

Pastor Marshall Ochs | October 26, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Zechariah 7-8. These chapters begin with a question about whether to continue fasting for the fallen temple. God’s response exposes a deeper issue — the people’s motives were ritualistic rather than devoted, showing that true restoration requires transformed hearts, not just rebuilt walls. God promises that His return to Zion and the rebuilding of the temple are only shadows of a greater gathering fulfilled in Christ, when His Spirit fills believers and spreads His presence to the nations. Fasting, therefore, remains valuable today. It is not an obligation, but a spiritual discipline to deny the flesh, deepen devotion, and realign one’s heart with Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

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Reflect

1. How can we ensure our spiritual disciplines, like fasting, are motivated by devotion rather than obligation?

2. In what ways can we apply the lessons from Zechariah about heart posture in our own spiritual practices?

3. What are some practical steps you can take to refocus your relationship with God during a fasting period?

4. What specific areas in your life require a “no” to desires, and how can fasting help you achieve that?

5. What personal trials could you face with greater endurance through the practice of fasting?

6. How can you integrate fasting into your weekly routine while maintaining the right heart posture?

7. What are some other forms of fasting you might consider incorporating that could help deepen your faith?

Zechariah 5-6

Pastor Marshall Ochs | October 19, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Zechariah 5-6. In these visions, God reveals His serious stance against sin, showing wickedness will be confronted and removed. The visions also point to a cosmic struggle between rival temples and the ultimate message of Jesus — a priest and king who will build a new temple and unite all people. The key takeaway from Zechariah's experiences is the call to "lift your eyes" and recognize God's active work in the world, encouraging believers to shift their focus from earthly distractions to God's divine plan.

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Lessons from Zechariah’s Visions

Through Zechariah’s visions 6-8, we discover important teachings about sin and the impact it has on our lives. These visions remind us of the seriousness with which God views sin and the necessity for His people to approach it with the same gravity.

Examining Our Lives for Sin

God takes sin very seriously, and as His people, we are called to do the same. It is essential to regularly take inventory of our lives. Are there patterns or evidence of habitual sin present in your life? This self-examination helps us recognize areas where we may be falling short and calls us toward repentance.

The Consequences of Sinful Choices

Any continual willful sin is cursed. When we make sinful choices, we inevitably experience consequences as a result. Reflecting on your life, consider the ways in which your choices have led to hardships or difficulties, serving as reminders of the seriousness of sin.

Christ: The Standard for Measuring Sin

Christ serves as our standard—or plum line—by which we measure sin. It is not those around us who set the benchmark, but Jesus Himself. Even the sins we commit in secret will eventually be exposed and cast out. Ask yourself: Are there “secret sins” I have been hiding from others that need to be confessed and repented of before the Lord?

Worship and Desire

True worship is not only demonstrated in public but is rooted in the heart. We should reflect on who or what we truly worship. Are you wholeheartedly following Christ, or do you find yourself worshiping or longing after the things of this world? This question challenges us to evaluate our deepest desires and allegiances.

The Incompatibility of Sin and God’s Presence

The Lord cannot cohabitate with sin. When God enters our lives, sin must flee. Therefore, if we are willing to fully surrender our will and desires to Him, we cannot continue living a life marked by sin. Are you ready to let go of worldly desires and devote yourself entirely to God?

Looking Up to See God’s Plan

Just as Zechariah lifted his eyes to see the visions God revealed, we too must look up to perceive God’s plan for our lives. It is easy to look down at the things of this world and become distracted and entangled by them. However, we are encouraged to look up and rise above these distractions.

Zechariah 3-4

Pastor Marshall Ochs | October 12, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Zechariah 3-4. In 519 BC, as Judah faced opposition while rebuilding the temple, God gave Zechariah visions to encourage them, beginning with the cleansing of Joshua the high priest. This showed God’s forgiveness and restoration of His people despite their sin. These visions pointed to a greater future hope: the coming of God’s servant, the Branch. This King/Priest would remove the sin of the land in a single day and become the cornerstone of a new, Spirit-filled temple. Ultimately, Zechariah’s visions reveal that God's presence and power will fuel His people to shine His light to the nations, a mission now continued by the church.

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Reflect

1. How does the vision of Joshua as the high priest encourage you in moments of discouragement?

2. In what ways does understanding the role of the Branch deepen your appreciation for Jesus' redemptive work?

3. How can we ensure that we are relying on God's Spirit rather than our own strength in our spiritual practices?

4. What does it mean for you personally to be a 'lampstand' shining God's light in your community?

5. How can we be more mindful of God's presence in our lives for the work He has called us to?

6. What practical steps can you take to embrace the truth that God’s presence fuels your purpose?

7. In what specific ways can you contribute to building up your local church community in faith and action?

8. How does the idea of many lampstands (churches) in the world affect your understanding of the church's mission today?