Pastor Marshall Ochs | December 7, 2025
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Joel 3. This chapter shifts focus to the final days, where God will gather the nations for judgment. Despite the nations' preparations for war, they will be defeated by God. The passage highlights that the purpose of the Day of the Lord is for all to "know the Lord" and for the earth and His people to be holy, emphasizing that this call to know God and live holy lives is not just for the end times but for now.
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Essential Truths from the Last Chapters of Joel
As we study the final chapters of Joel, we uncover essential truths that are vital for our lives and faith journeys. Joel’s message centers on the coming day of the Lord and the importance of being prepared. He prophesies that in the later days, God will pour out His Spirit on His people. This divine outpouring means that God will communicate directly with His people through His Word, through signs and wonders, miracles, dreams, and visions.
Reflect on your own life: Have you ever felt the presence of God or sensed Him speaking to you in one or more of these ways? Consider how you responded in those moments.
Discerning God’s Voice and Responding in Obedience
When God communicates—whether through dreams, visions, or a sense of calling—we are reminded to exercise discernment. It is crucial to pray for understanding, to seek wisdom through the Scriptures, and to consult with trusted, wise counsel. Ultimately, we must also pray for the courage and obedience to act on what God reveals. When we receive a dream or vision from God, vigilance in listening and obeying is essential.
Think back to a time when God told you to do something and you obeyed. What was the outcome? Alternatively, was there a time when you sensed God instructing you not to do something, yet you chose to ignore it? Reflect on the results of that decision.
Persevering Through Persecution and Struggle
Joel’s prophecy also warns that, before Christ’s return, God’s people will face persecution for their faith. Nations will rise up against believers, and in some regions, this is already a reality. Even in our daily lives, we may feel the enemy closing in, seeking to attack and discourage us. In these challenging times, our response must be to pray fervently, cry out to Jesus, sing, worship, and praise Him. These are the weapons of our faith.
Consider: When was the last time you cried out to God and worshiped Him, even in the midst of your struggles?
Sharing the Good News and Living as Salt and Light
Joel reminds us that some will reject the Lord, while others will embrace Him. Our responsibility is to share the good news of Christ with everyone around us. We are called to be salt and light in a dark world. To be truly effective, we must genuinely know the Lord ourselves—not just know about Him.
Reflect: Have you truly accepted Christ as your Savior, or do you only possess knowledge about Him? Do you have a personal relationship with Him? If not, consider making that commitment today. Do not delay—time is of the essence. Cry out to Him, ask for forgiveness, and invite Him to be the Lord of your life. It will be the best decision you ever make.
Pursuing Holiness and Obedience
After coming to know the Lord, our next step is to live in obedience to His will. We are called to pursue a life of holiness. While perfection is unattainable, we must strive for obedience, holiness, and complete surrender in our daily lives. Examine your heart: Is there an area where you need to repent and exchange disobedience for obedience? There is no better time than today to surrender your life fully to the Lord.