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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How does the vision of Joshua as the high priest encourage you in moments of discouragement?
In what ways does understanding the role of the Branch deepen your appreciation for Jesus' redemptive work?
How can we ensure that we are relying on God's Spirit rather than our own strength in our spiritual practices?
What does it mean for you personally to be a 'lampstand' shining God's light in your community?
How can we be more mindful of God's presence in our lives for the work He has called us to?
What practical steps can you take to embrace the truth that God’s presence fuels your purpose?
In what specific ways can you contribute to building up your local church community in faith and action?
How does the idea of many lampstands (churches) in the world affect your understanding of the church's mission today?