Amos 8-9

Pastor Marshall Ochs | June 8, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Amos 8-9. These chapters end the book of Amos with a sobering call to repentance and a warning: Israel, having rejected God’s repeated invitations, is now ripe for judgment. God condemns Israel for their exploitation of the poor and obsession with profit over worship, showing that His lordship encompasses every aspect of life. Yet, even in judgment, Amos offers hope — a vision of restoration through Christ, inviting all nations to join God’s people.

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1. After Amos called Israel to repentance, they rejected God’s message.  The Lord’s message is that He is going to judge them.  He passed by them with an invitation to turn back to Him.  Since they refused, God says He will not pass by them again.  Has there been a time in your life that God called you to repentance or a turning away from sin and you refused?  What were the consequences of that disobedience?

2. Has the Lord called you to do something, and you ignored Him?  Have you said, “I’ll do it tomorrow…next week…next month, etc.”  What if tomorrow never comes?  What are you doing with today?

3. If we do not answer His call, He will “pass us by” and ask someone else to do the very thing He asked us to do.  Have you ever seen this happen in your life?

4. The Israelites cared more about the things the world offered them than the things of God.  (Examples – money, success, possessions, etc.)  Have you found yourself consumed by the same desires more than God?

5. The Lord is the LORD over EVERY SECOND of your life!  It is arrogant of us to think otherwise!  This kind of thinking will turn our world upside down.  Have you felt that your life has been turned upside down because you did not listen to the Lord when He spoke to you?

6. The Lord tells us that if we reject His word, then there will be chaos and evil.  The lack of His word causes a void that NOTHING can fill.  We will be starving for Him and yet there is famine.  Darkness fills the void where God does not dwell.  Have you been experiencing famine or darkness in your life?  If so – why?

7. If we continue to reject Him, judgement/consequences will come.  We will become imprisoned by our choices.  Do you feel imprisoned by any choice or choices you have made?

8. Amos ends with the good news of Hope.  Our Hope rests in Jesus!  One day we will experience a new Heaven and a new Earth!  No sorrow, no sin and no lack of anything!  Only peace.  Are you prepared?  Are you ready?  There is no future in the things of this world!  Only a future in Christ Jesus!  If you do not know Him as your Savior – make today the day that you surrender to Him.  If you have turned away from Him – make today the day you return to Him.  God has a plan for your life!  Be willing to embrace it!

Amos 6-7

Pastor Marshall Ochs | June 1, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Amos 6-7. These chapters explore a sobering message from a prophet sent to shake Israel from its spiritual slumber. At the heart of Amos' warning is a timeless truth: God will ultimately give people what they truly desire—even if it leads to their ruin. Through a raw look at Israel’s craving for comfort, status, and self-indulgence, we explore how unchecked pride and greed spiral out of control, and how God's justice is revealed not by arbitrary punishment, but by handing people over to their choices.

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Reflect

1. How can recognizing our deepest desires help us evaluate our relationship with God?

2. How do you prioritize your desires to ensure they reflect your faith in Jesus?

3. What does it mean for your life to be measured against God’s Word instead of cultural standards?

4. In what areas of your life do you see greed or pride affecting your choices?

5. How can the concept of God giving us what we want prompt us to pursue a more godly lifestyle?

6. What does it mean to be 'plumb' in your spiritual life, and how can you gauge your alignment with Christ?

7. How can understanding the concept of eternal desires reshape your daily priorities?

Amos 5

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 25, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Amos 5. This chapter confronts a prosperous yet spiritually complacent people who honored God outwardly through festivals and traditions but lacked true devotion and righteousness. Instead of seeking God, Israel placed their hope in historical places, religious rituals, and created things—leaving them vulnerable to judgment and spiritual emptiness. God's invitation is clear and urgent: "Seek Me and live" — through genuine inner faith and outward justice that reflects a life surrendered to Him.

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Reflect

1. What does the imagery of a funeral song in Amos 5 signify about the spiritual state of Israel?'

2. What does the biblical term 'seeking the Lord' mean in the context of Amos 5?

3. How can we actively seek God's presence in our daily lives?

4. In what specific areas of your life do you feel you are seeking worldly approval instead of God's approval?

5. How can we discern between healthy traditions and those that draw us away from a genuine relationship with God?

6. In what ways can we ensure our worship is centered on God rather than on traditions or rituals?

7. How does Amos 5 highlight the difference between genuine worship and mere ritual observance?

8. What practical steps can we take to focus on righteousness and justice in our interactions with others?

9. How does Matthew 7:7-8 reinforce the call to seek God found in the book of Amos?

Amos 3-4

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 18, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Amos 3-4. These chapters reveal God’s judgment against Israel’s hypocrisy—highlighting their injustice, abuse, and hollow religious rituals. Through cause-and-effect imagery, Amos shows that closeness to God brings not only privilege but also greater accountability; rebellion leads to societal collapse, and even sacred places are torn down when true worship is replaced with shallow performance. Despite dire warnings, God pleads through Amos for repentance, urging both ancient Israel and modern believers to awaken, seek revival, and live with integrity before God.

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Amos 1-2

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 11, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Amos 1-2. Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa, delivered God’s message of judgment against nations that prioritized power over people, focusing on their cruelty, exploitation, and injustice. Each "roar" of judgment highlights the consequences of mistreating others, with God opposing human pride and valuing how we treat one another more than our worldly accomplishments.

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Read Amos 1:1-2. Amos, a shepherd and fig grower from the southern kingdom of Judah in the city of Takoa, was tasked with delivering God’s message despite his humble profession. Although shepherding is neither prestigious nor inherently spiritual, Amos was chosen to be God's messenger. This illustrates that one does not need to possess a seminary degree to understand God's word and be an instrument of His will. A willing and humble heart is sufficient for God to use individuals in significant ways to share His love and teachings.

Mount Carmel is a wealthy and prosperous area with lush pastures.  It is important to note that success and prosperity can easily lead to arrogance and self-sufficiency.  Sinful practices can become a way of life and choke out relationship/fellowship with the Lord and His will for your life.  In verse 2, a metaphor is used to show God’s judgment.  He will roar like a lion and the once lush earth will wither and dry up.  Our sin has consequences.  What you have allowed to make you feel secure can easily be taken away – “dry up” and wither.

1. Has the Lord been speaking to you about something He wants you to do?  What was your response?  He equips those He calls.  Have you allowed feelings of inadequacy to keep you from your calling?

2. Have your successes and achievements caused you to start to wander away from God?  Have you become self-reliant instead of God dependent?

Read Amos 1:3-5. The Lord tells the people that He has watched them living in sin and they have finally crossed the line – they went too far and now judgment is coming.

The first roar is against Damascus in Syria.  They are guilty of treating people with cruelty and brutality during conquests.  The judgment is described in verses 4-5.  Destruction, death and captivity are the consequences.

Read Amos 1:6-8.  The second roar is against Gaza, Philistines.  They are guilty of slave trading to the people of Edom.  Judgement – every Philistine city will be destroyed.

Read Amos 1:9-10.  The third roar is against Tyre, Phoenicia.  They are guilty of slave trading with Edom and betraying their treaty with Israel.  Judgment – the whole city will be destroyed.

Read Amos 1:11-12.  The fourth roar is against Edom.  They were guilty of raising a sword to their brother (Israelites), human trafficking, extreme anger and violence.  Judgement – their cities were destroyed.

Read Amos 1:13-15.  The fifth roar is against the Ammonites.  They were guilty of murdering children and pregnant women!  Judgement – they will be destroyed by a violent windstorm (tempest) and their king and princes will go into exile.

Read Amos 2:1-3.  The sixth roar is against the Moabites.  They were guilty of desecrating the bones of Edom’s king.  Judgment – fortresses destroyed, king and princes slaughtered.

Read Amos 2:4-5.  The seventh roar is against Judah.  They did not keep their covenant with God and His decrees.  Judgment – fortresses in Jerusalem destroyed by fire.

Read Amos 2:6-16.  The eighth and final roar is against Israel.  They were guilty of robbing the poor, selling people for silver or a pair of shoes, sexual sin, showing disrespect towards their debtors, etc.  Judgment – loss of physical strength, weakness, courage – a crushing.

1. As we read about the sins of the people and the judgments that they incurred, does it hit close to home?

2. Have you put your confidence in the things of this world (i.e., career, money, power, possessions, adoration...)? The Lord cares very little about those things, but rather a great deal about how we treat others.

3. You might not be guilty of selling people into slavery or killing people in cold blood.  However, do you struggle with your tongue, thought life, unforgiveness, jealousy or anger?

4. How can we ensure that our interactions with others reflect God's care for the marginalized and broken?

5. In what areas of our lives might we be ignoring God's call to accountability concerning our treatment of others?

6. What does it mean for us to prioritize people over accomplishments in our daily routines?

7. Can you identify a recent situation where you may have prioritized status over the well-being of others?

8. What actions can we take to ensure that our workplaces and homes reflect God's heart for justice and mercy towards others?

9. How can we actively listen for God's voice in our lives as Amos did?

10. How can we encourage each other to be more conscious of our words and actions in relationships?

Jonah 3-4

Pastor Marshall ochs | May 4, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Jonah 3-4. Although Jonah obeyed God's command to preach in Nineveh, his heart remained hardened. God's mercy on Nineveh contrasts sharply with Jonah’s lack of mercy, challenging believers to reflect on their willingness to forgive and extend grace. Ultimately, the book ends by turning the focus toward the reader, urging us to examine our hearts and how we treat others, especially those outside the faith.

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As we study Jonah 3-4, we see a story that challenges our understanding of obedience, mercy, and the heart of God.  Chapters 1 and 2 give us the backdrop: Jonah ran. But in chapter 3, God speaks again—“Arise, go to Nineveh.” Same instruction. Same calling. Jonah’s heart may not have changed, but his actions did. That’s something we can all relate to. Sometimes, we’re not feeling it… But, obedience isn’t based on how we feel.

Jonah didn’t want to go. But he went. And in just one day, the entire city began to repent—one day. The lost are hungry for God. The people of Nineveh responded faster than Jonah did. The sailors on the ship turned to God even before Jonah repented. What if the people we think are the farthest from God are actually the hungriest for Him?

In Jonah 3:6, even the king of Nineveh removed his royal robe, put on sackcloth, and called for a citywide fast. No food. No water. Complete discomfort. This wasn’t surface-level repentance—this was a heart-level, cultural shift. And God relented. It's a reminder for us: Is there someone in our lives—an enemy, a coworker, or a neighbor—who we assume is unreachable? We ought to consider how much we underestimate the work God can do in their hearts.

The king's removal of his robe, putting on sackcloth, and calling for a fast illustrates the severity and sincerity of repentance.

As we continue to chapter 4, we see Jonah's anger at God's mercy. He valued a mere plant more than human lives. This serves as an important question for us: Do we sometimes hold more compassion for our comforts than for the people around us? When we raise our hands in worship on Sunday, but does our behavior during the week reflect that same heart?

Who are the ‘Ninevehs’ in our lives? Who do we struggle to forgive or reach out to?

As believers, we are called to examine our hearts and our actions. God desires justice and mercy. He asks us to forgive as we have been forgiven. Are we walking in obedience and extending God’s mercy to others?

Reflection Questions:

1. Who is your Nineveh?  Who have you written off or decided isn’t worth the grace of God?

2. Where are you walking in obedience without allowing God to soften your heart?  Are you just going through the motions, or letting Him transform you?

3. Are the lost hungrier for God than you are right now?  What might that say about your own posture before Him?

4. Do your weekday actions reflect your Sunday worship?  Is there alignment between what you profess and how you live and treat others?

5. How well are you stewarding your relationships?  How do you treat your spouse, your kids, your co-workers, and strangers?

Jonah 1-2

Pastor Marshall ochs | April 27, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Jonah 1-2. Jonah runs from God’s command to preach to Nineveh, showing how inner rebellion creates outward turmoil. Even surrounded by praying pagans, Jonah refuses to pray until he hits rock bottom inside a fish—where he finally surrenders in prayer, leading to restoration and a second chance. The central theme is clear: no matter how far you run, the way back is always through honest, surrendered prayer.

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Reflect

Read Jonah 1:1-6.  According to the scripture, God instructed Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, and deliver a message of judgment.  Assyria was known for its extremely evil practices. However, instead of complying with God's command, Jonah fled approximately 2,000 miles to Tarshish.  He was attempting to escape from God in hopes of avoiding the challenging task he had been given.  Jonah's rebellion led him into a downward spiral, and there is NO escape from God!  His choice to rebel and run brought consequences of his actions to the sailors.  They pleaded with him to pray to God and ask for mercy.

1. Has there ever been a time when you knew God was leading you in a direction you didn’t want to go?

2. What did you do?  Did you answer His call or run from His calling?  If you ran – why?

3. Rebellion only causes chaos!  The consequences of sin not only affect you, but often affect those around you.  How has your disobedience or obedience affected you and others?  How?

Read Jonah 1:7-16.  The sailors urged Jonah to cry out to God and plead for deliverance.  Instead, Jonah tells them to throw him overboard.  The sailors prayed and then did as Jonah asked.  The storm ceased and the sailors believed in God.  It is interesting to note that the sailors prayed, but Jonah didn’t.  He was willing to die for running from God, but not willing to repent and pray!  Why?  Because praying is an act of surrender!  It is the exact opposite of pride!

1. How active is your prayer life?

2. Are you full of pride or willing to ask God for the help you need – each and every day?

3. If you are running from God for ANY reason – the only way home is through prayer.  Are you willing to turn back to God today?  Go back to the last thing God told you to do and DO IT!  He will be with you!

Read Jonah 1:17-2:10.  Jonah had spiraled down as low as he could go!  Finally at rock bottom, he prays.  He cries out to God and takes responsibility for his sin, describes the consequences and acknowledges God’s mercy.  When Jonah prayed, God gave Jonah a second chance.  Our God is the God of second chances!  Your story isn’t over if you find yourself living in sin/rebellion!  HUMBLE YOURSELF!  PRAY and COME HOME!

1. This week take the time to read Jonah’s prayer and put your name in it.  Make it your place to start in actively seeking God through prayer!

Easter 2025

Pastor Marshall ochs | April 20, 2025

Today, through Luke 24 and passages like Isaiah 8 and Daniel 7, Pastor Marshall teaches that Jesus’ resurrection fulfills God’s promise of life, exposing the futility of seeking hope in death and offering true power and new life through Him. Like the women at the tomb, we’re called to remember, believe, and boldly share this resurrection hope with others.

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1. In what areas of your life might you be "looking for the living among the dead" – seeking fulfillment in things that cannot provide true life?

2. The women at the tomb needed to be reminded of Jesus' words. What promises of God do you need to be reminded of today?

3. How does the resurrection power of Christ impact your daily life? In what ways can you "walk in newness of life" this week?

4. The women went and told others about what they had seen and heard. Who in your life needs to hear the good news of the resurrection? How might you share it with them?

5. Daniel's vision speaks of a future resurrection where believers will "shine like the stars." How does this eternal perspective change how you view your current circumstances?