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.

Micah 3-4

Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 10, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Micah 3-4. These chapters cover a contrast between the corruption of Judah’s leaders—driven by greed, injustice, and a loss of true worship—and God’s future promise of restoration, justice, and peace through His exalted kingdom. While Judah’s sins may seem distant from ours, the call to confession remains deeply relevant—not just confessing outward behaviors, but inner motivations. In light of Jesus’ resurrection and promised return, this prophecy invites us to live with hope, pursue repentance, and fix our eyes on the coming kingdom, exalting Christ above all else.

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Reflect

1. How can we identify and address the motivations behind our behaviors, similar to how Micah encouraged the people of Judah to reflect on their deeper issues?

2. In what ways can we incorporate regular confession into our spiritual practices to foster deeper healing and relationship with God?

3. How does the promise of Jesus' return impact the way we live and conduct ourselves in the present time?

4. What are some practical ways we can actively 'hammer swords into farming tools' in our personal lives and community?

5. How can we create a culture in our church that encourages openness about struggles with trust and fear?

6. In what ways can we encourage one another to read more scripture and less secular content, as suggested in the sermon?

7. How can we implement systems of accountability in our lives to ensure that we are confessing our sins and supporting each other in spiritual growth?

Micah 1-2

Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 3, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Micah 1-2. These chapters cover the opening of Micah, where the prophet delivers a fiery message of judgment to both Israel and Judah for their deep-rooted corruption and hidden sins. Micah warns of coming exile — yet also offers a glimpse of hope in a future Shepherd-King who will restore His people. It's a call to not just hear God's Word, but to be moved to repentance and trust in His coming restoration.

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Reflect

1. In what ways does the imagery of mountains melting and valleys splitting resonate with our understanding of God's power and presence?

2. What aspects of Micah's prophetic vision inspire us to hope for restoration within our community and ourselves?

3. How do we recognize and address the 'wounds' or moral decay in our own lives before they spread?

4. In what specific situations have we experienced the consequences of ignoring God’s call to repentance?

5. How can we, as a community, support each other in turning from selfishness to generosity?

6. What practical actions can we take to promote justice and integrity in our personal and professional relationships?

7. How does the hope portrayed in Micah for future restoration encourage us during hard times in our lives?

Hosea 13-14

Pastor Marshall Ochs | July 27, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hosea 13-14. These chapters explore Israel’s last prophetic warning before judgment, focusing on their tragic descent into spiritual emptiness through compromise and idolatry. Hosea 13 paints a vivid picture of a nation that forgot God and chose Baal, leading to death and destruction, while Hosea 14 offers a contrasting image of repentance and restoration. The message is timeless: God's ways are right—walk in them, and let His call to repentance stir both conviction and hope in your heart.

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