Deuteronomy 27

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | OCTOBER 11, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Deuteronomy 27. In this chapter, Moses reminds the Israelites that their choices carry consequences, leading either to blessings through obedience or curses through disobedience. Through the covenant ceremony and its emphasis on sins committed in secret, we are reminded that God sees beyond our outward actions into the hidden choices of our hearts. Just as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6, the life we live when no one is watching matters to God, and choosing to honor Him in secret leads to a life of true blessing and fruitfulness.

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Deuteronomy 27

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REFLECT

This week, we are exploring how our choices – obedience or disobedience to God – lead to blessings or curses.  How carefully have you considered the impact of your choices?

1. We each have a public life – what others see us do – and a private life – what we do when no one is watching.  Does your private life align with the life others see?

2. This passage is rich in symbolism.  The two mountains represent the difference between scarcity and abundance, while the Shechem valley held deep significance for God’s people.  (Please refer to Marshall’s notes.)  Most of our choices are made in life’s valleys, not on its mountaintops.  Where do you find strength and guidance during life’s low points?

3. Like a wedding ceremony, this event was intended to leave a lasting impression on God’s people.  Moses emphasized the power of choice: each day, we decide whether to obey God and receive blessings or disobey Him and face the consequences.  What choices do you find yourself struggling with at this point in your life?

4. The enemy tempts us to follow our own way, but we must resist and choose what pleases God. We may hide our choices from others, but never from God. In light of this truth, what choices do you need to change or make moving forward?

5. Today, we see the consequences of a culture that has turned away from God and His teachings. Too often, we compromise our beliefs to fit in with those around us. Have there been times when you chose to follow the world rather than stand for God’s principles?

6. We can choose to obey God and live a blessed, fruitful life, or disobey Him and face a life marked by hardship and curses.  Let us choose wisely!  (Read Matthew 5:3–12 for Jesus’ teaching on the blessings of obedience.)

Deuteronomy 26

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | OCTOBER 4, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Deuteronomy 26, which presents giving as a posture of worship—a life marked by gratitude, remembrance, humility, obedience, and awe in response to everything God has given. The picture of the firstfruits basket expands into a vision of an entire life offered to God, ultimately pointing to Christ, the perfect Giver, who offers His people to God as evidence of His obedience and calls us to consider whether our whole lives are acceptable offerings to Him.

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Deuteronomy 26

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REFLECT

1. What does it look like for giving to be an act of worship rather than simply an obligation?

2. Why do you think God instructed Israel to give their firstfruits rather than what was left over?

3. Which posture of worship—gratitude, remembrance, humility, obedience, or awe—is most evident in your life right now? Which needs more attention?

4. God’s Word calls us to give Him our first fruits. How might this shape your attitude, finances, time, career, talents, relationships, and lifestyle moving forward?

5. Marshall outlines the basket of firstfruits as a symbol of a person’s whole life. What areas of your life are easiest to offer to God, and which are hardest?

6. How does remembering what God has given you change the way you think about what you give to Him and to others?

7. The world can easily pull us into bondage, but God offers freedom. Where do you find it most difficult to avoid becoming entangled in worldly things?

8. Moses emphasizes what God’s people should do “today.” Is there an act of obedience you have been postponing that God is calling you to respond to today?

9. God gave us His Son, Jesus, and Jesus gave His life for us. His life shows what it means to give ourselves fully to God, obeying Him even unto death. How does His example shape your desire to live in obedience and surrender to God?

10. Our lives are an offering to God, reflecting Christ’s obedience. What kind of offering do you want your life to be? Pray and ask the Lord to shape you into an offering of “choice fruit” that is pleasing to Him.

Deuteronomy 25

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Deuteronomy 25, which teaches that having the “upper hand”—whether through authority, resources, position, or power—does not give us permission to cross the line into cruelty. God calls His people to protect the dignity of others by practicing justice, caring for the vulnerable, acting honestly, and restraining power, ultimately following Jesus’ example of using His power to serve, obey, and bring reconciliation.

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Deuteronomy 25

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REFLECT

1. Where do you currently have the “upper hand” because of your position, resources, knowledge, influence, or abilities?

2. How can you use the advantages you have to protect the dignity of others rather than take advantage of them?

3. Why is it important to recognize that even justice, discipline, or punishment can cross the line into cruelty?

4. What does the command not to muzzle an ox teach you about treating people fairly and allowing them to benefit from their work?

5. Who are the vulnerable people around you that you have an opportunity or responsibility to care for?

6. Have you ever allowed a good motive or a just cause to excuse a harmful method? What might you do differently?

7. In what situations are you most tempted to “repay evil with evil” or adopt the methods of someone who has wronged you?

8. How can honesty and fairness in your everyday relationships, work, or finances demonstrate respect for the dignity of others?

9. What boundaries can help you recognize when you are approaching the line between appropriate use of authority and cruelty?

10. Jesus used His “upper hand” to serve others, obey God, and bring reconciliation. What would it look like for you to follow His example with the influence or power you have this week?

Deuteronomy 24

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | SEPTEMBER 20, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Deuteronomy 24, which reveals God’s concern for human dignity, showing that every person is worthy of respect regardless of their circumstances, status, failures, or needs. Through instructions concerning marriage, poverty, work, justice, sickness, and care for the vulnerable, God calls His people not simply to change their behavior, but to develop hearts that consistently recognize and protect the dignity of others.

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Deuteronomy 24

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1. What does it mean to recognize that every person has dignity and is “worthy of respect” because they are made in the image of God?

2. How does knowing that dignity is not earned and cannot be removed by wrongdoing change the way you view people who have made serious mistakes?

3. In what relationships or situations are you most tempted to overlook or diminish someone else’s dignity?

4. Deuteronomy 24 repeatedly protects people who are vulnerable. Who are the vulnerable people around you whose dignity you have an opportunity to protect?

5. How can you show dignity to people experiencing poverty, hunger, poor health, or financial hardship without treating them as inferior or simply as a problem to solve?

6. What do the instructions concerning workers and wages teach you about showing dignity to people who work for or serve you?

7. How might the principle of leaving some of the harvest for the hungry challenge the way you think about your own possessions and resources?

8. The notes emphasize that biblical examples of dignity involve people using their ability or position to protect the dignity of others. Where has God given you influence that you could use in this way?

9. Consider the question from the message: “If dignity is seen in the Bible, is it seen in your life?” What evidence would someone see in your everyday relationships?

10. The message concludes that showing dignity requires more than changing our habits—it requires a heart change shaped by prayer. What attitudes toward others do you need to ask God to change in you?

Deuteronomy 23

PASTOR LOGAN GEORGE | SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

In this message, Pastor Logan teaches from Deuteronomy 23, which reveals that God’s boundaries for His people were designed to create a community marked by holiness, integrity, refuge, generosity, and faithfulness in both significant and ordinary parts of life. While the chapter draws lines around who could enter Israel’s worshiping assembly, it ultimately points toward the grace of Jesus, who brings those who were once “far off” near and invites us to extend that same grace to others.

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We apologize for the poor audio quality this week. We had technical issues we are working to resolve.

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Deuteronomy 23

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REFLECT

1. Deuteronomy 23 shows that God cares about holiness in both significant and ordinary areas of life. What are some “ordinary” areas where it can be easy to forget that God is present?

2. How does knowing that we were once “far off” but have been brought near through Jesus affect the way we view people who may feel like outsiders?

3. Israel was commanded to provide refuge for a runaway slave rather than sending that person back. What would it look like for your home, church, or small group to become a place of genuine refuge for others?

4. Where in your life are you most tempted to behave differently when you think no one is watching?

5. The laws about lending and gathering food balance generosity with personal responsibility. Which is more difficult for you: generously sharing what you have or being content with what you need?

6. Why do you think God places such importance on keeping our promises? Is there a commitment you’ve made that you need to take more seriously?

7. What is the difference between healthy, God-given boundaries and boundaries that unnecessarily keep people at a distance?

8. Isaiah 56 and Acts 8 show someone once considered an outsider being fully welcomed into God’s people. What does this teach us about the reach of God’s grace?

9. Is there a person or group you have difficulty extending grace toward? How might remembering the grace Jesus extended to you change your response to them?

10. Looking at the whole chapter, which theme challenges you most right now—holiness, refuge, generosity, integrity, keeping your word, or welcoming outsiders? What is one practical step you could take this week?

Deuteronomy 22

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | SEPTEMBER 6, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Deuteronomy 22, which presents a variety of laws and scenarios that share a common theme: God is the true owner of creation, and His people are called to be faithful stewards rather than seizing what is not theirs. From caring for a neighbor’s property to honoring relationships and covenants, the chapter calls God’s people to live with restraint, responsibility, and devotion, remembering that everything entrusted to us ultimately belongs to Him.

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Deuteronomy 22

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1. God is the Creator of all things, and we are stewards of His creation which has been entrusted to us. To think otherwise is considered stealing from God. How does the idea that God is the true owner of creation change the way we think about the things we call our own?

2. The Israelites were instructed to wear tassels (v.12) as a daily reminder that they belonged to God. What reminders could we build into our lives to help us remember our devotion to Christ?

3. Loving our neighbors is godly obligation to live in community with one another. Deuteronomy 22:1–4 teaches that we should not ignore a neighbor who has experienced loss. What responsibilities do we have toward others simply because we are part of a community?

4. Our home belong to the Lord. We must protect and care for it and those in it from the schemes of the enemy. How does viewing your home as something entrusted to you by God affect your responsibility to protect and care for the people within it?

5. We are called to not mix common with holy. How we act should be consistent no matter where we are. Are there areas of your life that need to come in alignment with God’s will?

6. We will have to give an account one day for all that God has given us to steward. In what ways can you be a better steward of all that God has entrusted to you?

Deuteronomy 21

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | AUGUST 30, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Deuteronomy 21, which reveals God’s deep concern for protecting the vulnerable—including individuals, families, communities, and even the land—from the destructive effects of sin. These laws ultimately point to Christ, who became the curse in our place, and call God’s people to care for the vulnerable not merely from obligation, but because disciples imitate the character and compassion of God.

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Deuteronomy 21

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REFLECT

1. How does Deuteronomy 21 reveal God’s concern for people who are vulnerable or unable to protect themselves?

2. Who are the vulnerable people in your life or community that God may be calling you to notice and care for?

3. What does the idea of purging guilt rather than storing it teach you about confession, repentance, and forgiveness?

4. How can personal sin affect more than just the individual who commits it—impacting families, communities, and others around them?

5. What can the protections given to the captive woman teach us about treating people with dignity rather than taking advantage of their vulnerability?

6. How can personal preferences or conflicts within a family unintentionally cause children or other family members to become vulnerable?

7. What does the rebellious son passage teach about the consequences of persistent rebellion and refusing to repent?

8. Where in your life might God be calling you to move beyond simply recognizing vulnerability to actively protecting or caring for someone?

9. How does knowing that Christ became the curse and took your place change the way you understand the consequences of your own sin?

10. What would it look like for you to care for the vulnerable not because of moral obligation or social pressure, but because you are imitating God and following Christ?

Deuteronomy 20

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | AUGUST 23, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Deuteronomy 20, which teaches that God’s people are called to face conflict with courage, proper priorities, and confidence in God’s presence and victory. While the battlefield has changed for believers today, the spiritual war continues against sin, fear, and inward rebellion, and we fight with God’s Word, prayer, and worship—walking in the victory Christ has already won.

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Deuteronomy 20

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REFLECT

1. As we encounter conflict in our lives, one of the first instincts is to feel fearful.  Are you currently facing a conflict or trial that has caused fear to rise up in your heart and mind?

2. God promises us in His Word that He is with us, no matter what we’re facing.  How  have you felt God’s presence in your life as you have encountered struggle or conflict?

3. We face spiritual warfare daily (1 Peter 5:8).  However, we must remember that Christ has already won the war.  Take courage!  How does this truth change your perspective as you face daily challenges?

4. Taking inventory of your life, (home, work, relationships, worship, etc.) do you see  your priorities lining up with God’s Word or needing adjusting?

5. Conflict is unavoidable, but we should approach each conflict with the desire for peace.  Do you find yourself picking battles with others or searching for ways to make peace?

6. God has not called us into slavery, but rather into freedom.  Christ has come to set us free from the enemy, death and sin.  Have you surrendered your heart and life to Christ?  In what ways has that decision changed your life?  If you haven’t made that decision, would you be willing to make it today and begin your journey with Christ?

7. There is a right way and a wrong way to face the battles in our lives.  Before we enter into a battle or conflict, it is imperative that we use the weapons given to us – God’s Word, prayer and worship.  How have you incorporated these weapons into your daily life?

8. We are called to live in victory and peace because Christ has won the war for us.  Knowing this, how will this impact your walk with Him as you face this week?