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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Reflect

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?

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!