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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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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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?