Zechariah 1-2

Pastor Marshall Ochs | October 5, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Zechariah 1-2. These chapters call God’s people to move beyond merely rebuilding the temple and instead reorient their hearts and lives fully around the Lord, warning against the temptation to return to comfortable, worldly ways. Through visions, Zechariah reveals God’s plan to judge oppressive nations and expand Jerusalem as a city for all who will leave behind their old allegiances and follow Him. This forward-looking plan centers on Jesus, inviting everyone to forsake “Babylon,” the corrupt city of this world, and become citizens of God’s city, Jerusalem — a place of peace, freedom, and divine rule.

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Reflect

1. What are some specific ways we can resist the temptation to return to our old ways of living?

2. In what ways can we actively participate in God's plan for our community and lives?

3. How does understanding the significance of the two cities (Babylon and Jerusalem) impact our daily choices?

4. What are some daily practices that help us remember our identity as citizens of Jerusalem?

5. What practical steps can we take to align our lives more closely with the Kingdom of God?

6. How can we help others in our community understand the invitation to leave Babylon?

7. When faced with opposition, how can we remain steadfast in our spiritual commitments?

8. What does it look like to measure our lives against the standards of the Kingdom of God?

Haggai 1-2

Pastor Marshall Ochs | September 28, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Haggai. The book addresses the Israelites’ failure to rebuild God’s temple after returning from exile, confronting their misplaced priorities and calling them to “consider their ways.” God challenges the people to stop focusing on their own homes and instead get to work on the temple — a call that now applies to us as we build up God’s kingdom within ourselves and our communities. When the people responded with obedience and reverence, God promised renewed blessing, showing that faithful “temple work” leads to fruitfulness and ultimately points us to Jesus Christ.

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Reflect

Examining Your Priorities

Take a moment to consider what matters most in your life. If you were to make a list of your current priorities, what would you put at the very top? Reflect honestly on how your time and energy are being spent.

Time with God: Is It a Priority?

Ask yourself whether spending time with God holds a significant place in your daily routine. If it does not, try to identify the reasons behind this. What excuses have you used to justify not making God a priority in your everyday life?

Investing in What Truly Satisfies

Now, pause and ask God to show you if there are areas in your life where your priorities need to shift. Take a moment to seek His guidance in identifying distractions or habits that may be keeping you from fully pursuing Him. Surrender these things to the Lord and invite Him to realign your heart and schedule according to His will.

Think about where you have been investing your resources, time, and energy. Have you noticed that investing in the things of this world often leaves you feeling unsatisfied or empty? In contrast, investing in your relationship with the Lord brings blessings and fulfillment to your heart.

Building the Lord’s Temple Within

The Lord desires to build His “temple” within each of us. At this stage in your life, reflect on whether you are constructing a temple for the enemy or for the Lord inside your heart and mind. Consider the influences and motivations driving your thoughts and actions.

Responding to God’s Call

As believers, it is essential to take action. Repent from laziness, selfishness, and complacency, and surrender your will to the Lord. Consider and list the ways you can become more productive and invested in fulfilling what the Lord is calling you to do. (Refer to Marshall’s notes for deeper insight.)

Transformation Through Spiritual Disciplines

Reading God’s word, listening to sermons, and praying are important spiritual disciplines. However, if these practices do not lead to transformation within you, they are done in vain. Reflect on whether you read God’s word simply to check it off your “to do” list, or pray without listening and acting on what God is telling you. Remember, praying without action is simply speaking empty words.

Finding Encouragement in Adversity

In the time of Haggai, the people became weary and discouraged within just a couple of months. The Lord reminded them not to fear, and encouraged them to persevere. Have you ever been in a situation where you were following God’s instructions, only to face adversity? Reflect on your response during those times.

Continuing in Faithful Obedience

The Lord calls us to persevere, reminding us that blessings are on the way. God consistently rewards obedience. Keep seeking Him and keep working for Him, knowing that the greatest blessing is a deeper relationship with Jesus—which is all that truly matters!

Obadiah

Pastor Marshall Ochs | September 21, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Obadiah. God condemns Edom for exploiting Judah’s suffering during the fall of Jerusalem. Through vivid prophetic imagery and the theme of "brother against brother," Obadiah’s message expands beyond ancient history, calling out all forms of betrayal, pride, and injustice between people. This ancient prophecy still speaks today, urging us to reject the way of Edom and embrace the way of Christ—where brothers restore, carry burdens, and sow to the Spirit.

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Reflect

1. In what ways can we identify 'Edom' in our own lives or communities today?

2. How can we ensure that we are not exploiting others' misfortunes as Edom did to Judah?

3. What practical steps can we take to foster brotherly love and support among each other?

4. How does the message of Obadiah challenge our understanding of the 'Day of the Lord' and God's judgment?

5. What are some specific actions we can take to bear each other's burdens in our daily lives?

6. How can we recognize and combat pride in our relationships?

7. What does it mean to 'reap what you sow' in the context of our everyday interactions?

8. How can we establish accountability among ourselves, as brothers and sisters in Christ?

9. What are some ways we can practice doing good to others and especially to fellow believers?

10. How can we overcome the temptation to gloat over the failings or misfortunes of others?

Habakkuk 1-3

Pastor Marshall Ochs | September 14, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Habakkuk 1-3. The prophet begins his book asking God the same questions we wrestle with today: How long, O Lord? Why does evil thrive while the righteous suffer? Through Habakkuk’s dialogue with God, we uncover a timeless message: God sees, God hears, and His answer is not a timeline but a promise—“The just shall live by faith.” No matter how dark the world seems, our response is trust, worship, and unshakable hope.

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Background and Setting

The book of Habakkuk was written between 612 BC and 587 BC, a period marked by widespread wickedness. Evil seemed to dominate every corner of society, and everyone was affected. In response to this pervasive corruption, Habakkuk cries out to the Lord for help. He opens with a heartfelt question: “How long, oh Lord?!” This question resonates with us today.

When Doubt Creeps In

Consider what you are currently facing that may have made you doubt whether God is truly listening or aware of your situation. It is easy to echo Habakkuk’s question when we witness hardships; on the news, in the lives of our neighbors and loved ones, or in our own personal lives. You may find yourself wondering if God is really at work or if He even cares.  What are the circumstances you are going through that have you struggling with these thoughts?

God’s Response to Habakkuk

In the midst of his questioning, Habakkuk receives a response from the Lord. God reassures him that He does have a plan, and even suggests that if He explained it, Habakkuk would struggle to believe it. God’s plans do not always make sense from our perspective. Circumstances can appear bleak, hopeless, unfair, or even unjust. Doubt and fear may try to take over your heart and mind, but God invites you to trust Him. At the heart of the matter is a pressing question: “Do you trust Him?”

God’s Sovereignty and Our Faith

God used evil people to bring judgment upon other evil people. Nothing that happens in our lives or in the world around us takes God by surprise. He is using every circumstance, even the most wicked actions, to accomplish His will. God asked Habakkuk to live by faith, He asks the same of us. Reflect on the times you have chosen faith during a struggle. If you are now experiencing a season of doubt or uncertainty, bring those feelings to God. Cry out to Him and ask for help to trust Him more deeply.

God’s Assurance and Our Trust

God assures us that He knows what is happening, sees everything, hears our cries, and is actively working. His instruction is simple: trust Him fully! Trust is the cornerstone of our faith! In 2 Corinthians 5, we are reminded to walk by faith and not by sight. If we had all the answers or knowledge about what was to come, it would be impossible to live by faith. Our circumstances and those around us should not override our trust in God. In what situations do you need to trust Him more right now?

Rejoicing in God’s Faithfulness

Habakkuk’s response to God is powerful—he chooses to rejoice and to remember how God has provided for His people in the past. He recounts all that God has done and offers praise! Take time to reflect on your own life. How has God provided for you? Rejoice in those moments! Tell God you remember His faithfulness—write them down, thank Him and worship Him!

Zephaniah 1-3

Pastor Marshall Ochs | September 7, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Zephaniah 1-3. Zephaniah prophesied during King Josiah’s reign, calling out the evil rooted in Judah’s past and warning of a coming global judgment — the “Day of the Lord” — which is a future event pointing to the return of Jesus. His message moves from universal destruction to personal repentance, urging humility and faith in God as the only proper response to the coming judgment. Zephaniah ends with a powerful hope: though judgment is real, so is restoration — the same God who punishes evil will gather His people, reward their faithfulness, and reign as both conquering King and loving Shepherd.

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ReflecT

1. How does understanding the 'Day of the Lord' impact your personal relationship with Christ?

2. What does it mean for you to live with your eyes fixed on the coming of the King?

3. How can we prepare our hearts and lives for the 'Day of the Lord' in a practical sense?

4. How does the idea of God 'stretching His hand' relate to your understanding of His grace and mercy?

5. In what ways does Zephaniah's message about judgment encourage you to seek humility and repentance?

6. What are some practical steps you can take to 'turn to Jesus' in the face of life's challenges?

7. How do you interpret the concept of punishment as a means of correction in your own life?

8. In light of Zephaniah's warning, how can we ensure that our time and resources are aligned with God's kingdom priorities?

9. What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from focusing on the reality of Christ's return?

10. How can gathering as a community take on new meaning when viewed through the lens of Christ's second coming?

Nahum 1-3

Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 31, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Nahum 1-3. This book announces God’s coming judgment on Assyria, the brutal superpower that once repented under Jonah but returned to violence, with Nahum proclaiming Nineveh’s total destruction as both a warning and a comfort. Theologically, the text reveals God's dual nature — slow to anger and a refuge for His friends, yet wrathful toward His enemies. Ultimately, Nahum stirs believers to reflect on global justice, personal witness, and the urgency of sharing the good news that anyone can move from being an enemy of God to His friend through Christ.

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Micah 7

Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 24, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Micah 7. This chapter explores the role of the prophet as both God's representative to the people and the people's voice before God. Micah gives voice to Judah’s spiritual collapse, likening it to a barren field, but also lifts a personal prayer of hope and trust in God amid national rebellion and moral decay. The message ends with a call to follow God’s steadfast love and forgiveness, reminding the church—despite failure and pain—that God remains faithful and His redemptive plan continues.

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Reflect

1. In what ways can we identify with Micah's expression of grief over Judah's condition in our own lives?

2. How does understanding God as a faithful and forgiving shepherd influence our approach to confession and repentance?

3. What role does intercessory prayer play in representing our community before God as outlined in the sermon?

4. How can we cultivate a heart that seeks to remain faithful like Micah amid a culture that challenges our values?

5. In what concrete ways can we embody the forgiveness and love that God demonstrates?

6. What practical steps can we take to rebuild trust within our relationships that have been affected by conflict or bitterness?

7. Reflecting on Micah's message, how can we actively resist the influence of a 'pagan culture' in our own lives?

8. How can we support one another in our efforts to live out the call to forgiveness and redemption in our daily lives?

Micah 5-6

Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 17, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Micah 5-6. These chapters cover a layered prophecy blending immediate historical context with future hope: while Assyria besieges Jerusalem, Micah foretells a coming ruler from Bethlehem—a shepherd-king who will bring peace and reign globally, which the New Testament identifies as Jesus. God promises to cut off worldly dependencies—military power, idolatry, and injustice—and calls His people to live with justice, kindness, and humility instead.

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Understanding Micah 5-6

As you study Micah chapters 5 and 6, consider the lessons they offer about obedience, suffering, hope, and God’s faithfulness. These chapters remind us that not obeying God led to suffering for the Jews. This raises an important question for personal reflection: Have you ever experienced times of great trials as a direct result of your own choices or disobedience?

Trusting God’s Timing in Deliverance

The deliverance for the Jews did not come immediately; it was delayed according to God’s timing. Similarly, when we pray for God to deliver us or to change our circumstances, sometimes His answer does not come as quickly as we would like. During these periods, do you find yourself losing confidence in God, or do you continue to trust that He will fulfill His promises in His own perfect timing?

Holding onto Hope

God’s promise in these chapters is one of hope and encouragement. Reflect on whether you have ever experienced, or are currently experiencing, a time when you are losing hope. If so, what are the reasons behind these feelings? Remember that God’s message through Micah was meant to encourage and uplift, even in difficult times.

The Power of Prayer and Surrender

If you desire freedom from sin, evil, and the attacks of the enemy, the call is clear: PRAY! Bring your struggles before God, asking Him to defeat the giants in your life and surrender fully to Him. Consider when the last time was you earnestly prayed and sought God’s deliverance from sin or the enemy’s attacks. Let today be the day you turn to Him in sincere repentance and prayer.

Addressing Feelings of Disappointment

There may be times when you feel that God has failed you. If so, reflect on the specific ways you believe this has happened. Remember, the truth is that God never fails. He is always on time, His ways are higher than ours, and He is at work even when we cannot see or feel it. Be honest with God and share your struggles with Him, knowing He understands and cares about your pain.

Freedom from Feelings of Failure

Are you troubled by feelings of failure or the belief that you have failed God? Do you think you need to do more good works for God to love you? Micah 6:8 provides the answer: God loves you and simply wants you to return to Him with all that you are and have. There is no need to earn His love—it is already freely given. (Please see Marshall’s conclusion notes for additional insight.)

Final Encouragement

Remember, God loves you! Return to Him, repent, and keep moving forward in faith. March on with the assurance of His love and blessings in your life.