Romans 16

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | APRIL 19, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 16. In this chapter, Paul concludes the Epistle to the Romans by highlighting ordinary men and women whom God used in meaningful ways, showing that the gospel is lived out through real people and everyday faithfulness. Paul the Apostle both celebrates these faithful servants and warns against those who serve themselves rather than Christ, emphasizing the need for discernment guided by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the chapter resolves this tension by pointing everyone—strong and weak, faithful and selfish alike—back to worshiping Jesus, trusting Him to build His kingdom in His way and timing.

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1. In what ways does seeing "ordinary people" used by God challenge how you view your own role in His kingdom?

2. Which person or example (like Phoebe, Prisca and Aquila, or others) most encourages you, and why?

3. How might God be using your current "ordinary" circumstances for His greater purposes?

4. What does it look like in your life to move from seeing faith as theory to living it out in real, practical ways?

5. How can you better support and encourage others in your church who are faithfully serving behind the scenes?

6. Where do you need the Holy Spirit to help you discern between "bearing with" someone and "avoiding" harmful influence?

7. Are there areas where you may be serving yourself through the church rather than truly serving Jesus?

8. How do you respond when following Jesus involves discomfort, inconvenience, or pain?

9. What helps you keep your focus on worshiping Jesus in the middle of tension, disagreement, or confusion?

10. What is one "small" area of your life (home, work, relationships) where you can trust Jesus more fully to build His kingdom in His way and timing?

Romans 14

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | APRIL 5, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 14. In this chapter, Paul teaches that believers will have differing convictions on non-essential issues, and these differences should not lead to judgment or division, but to mutual respect shaped by faith. Each person must act according to their conscience, as violating it is considered sin, while also seeking not to cause others to stumble. Ultimately, this posture is grounded in the truth of the resurrection—Jesus alone is Lord, and every believer answers to Him, not to one another.

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REFLECT

1. What are some personal convictions I hold that may differ from other believers, and how were those shaped by my faith?

2. How do I typically respond when someone has a different conviction than me—do I lean toward judgment or understanding?

3. In what ways might I unintentionally cause someone else to stumble in their faith?

4. Are there areas where I feel "strong" in faith? How can I use that strength to serve rather than belittle others?

5. Are there areas where my conscience feels unsettled? How can I honor God by listening to that conviction?

6. Have I ever acted against my conscience to fit in with others? What did that reveal about my faith?

7. What does it practically look like for me to "walk in love" when disagreements arise among believers?

8. How does remembering that Jesus is Lord—not me—change the way I approach differences in the church?

Romans 12

Pastor Marshall Ochs | MARCH 22, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 12. In this chapter, Paul transitions from deep theology to practical application, urging believers to live as “living sacrifices” by allowing God to transform them from the inside out rather than conforming to the world. This transformation is expressed through using spiritual gifts to serve others and through a life marked by genuine love, humility, perseverance, and even kindness toward enemies. Ultimately, Paul emphasizes that true worship is a Spirit-led life that reflects God’s love in everyday actions.

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After reading Romans 12 and referring to Pastor Marshall’s notes, please reflect on the following questions this week.

1. What does worship mean to you?

2. How is God leading you to let go of the pressures and values of this world and embrace the transformation/changes He wants to make on the inside of you?

3. God’s work of transformation is a lifelong work. A transformed mind leads to a transformed life.  Are you willing to surrender to God’s transformation in your life, or do you find yourself resistant to change?

4. Do you desire to please God?  In what ways can you live a life that pleases Him?

5. What gifts has God blessed you with?  Are you using them to bless others and glorify Him?  If not, what is holding you back?  Fear of what others will say or fear of failure?  Anything that sets itself up as more important in your life than what God says about you or what He has gifted you to do becomes an idol. Dethrone it!

6. The Lord loves a genuine heart for Him. A genuine heart is characterized by sincere hospitality, hatred of evil, humility, enthusiasm for the Lord, perseverance in prayer, generosity, speaking kindly even about those who criticize you, feeling true joy for others instead of envy, showing compassion by listening without trying to fix people or their situations, and avoiding arrogance or the need to be the center of attention.  In what ways do you struggle with these attributes?

Pray and ask the Lord to transform your heart and mind to no longer desire what the world wants you to conform to, but to desire what God wants your life to look like.

Romans 11

Pastor Marshall Ochs | MARCH 15, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 11. In this chapter, Paul explains that God has not rejected Israel. A faithful remnant of believing Jews still exists, just as it has throughout history. Paul teaches that Israel’s unbelief opened the door for Gentiles to receive the Gospel, and God will ultimately use Gentile faith to stir many Jews to believe in Christ as part of His larger redemptive plan. The chapter concludes by emphasizing God’s sovereign control over history and calling believers to respond to His wisdom and mercy with humble worship.

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REFLECT

1. Paul explains that God has always preserved a faithful remnant of Israel. How does this idea encourage you when it feels like faithfulness to God is rare or declining?

2. In Romans 11, Paul reminds Gentile believers not to become arrogant toward Israel. What are some ways believers today might unintentionally become prideful about their faith or spiritual position?

3. The olive tree illustration shows that believers are sustained by deep spiritual roots. What does it mean for your faith to be connected to God’s larger story throughout history?

4. Paul teaches that God used Israel’s rejection of the gospel to open the door for Gentiles. What does this teach you about how God can work through difficult or unexpected circumstances?

5. Romans 11 suggests that observing transformed lives can lead others to faith. In what ways might your life show Jesus to others?

6. Paul ultimately responds to God’s wisdom and plan with worship. Why do you think understanding God more deeply should lead to worship rather than just knowledge?

7. The conclusion emphasizes living with the mindset that everything is “from Him, through Him, and to Him.” How might your daily decisions change if you consistently lived with this perspective?

8. Great joy and contentment come from focusing less on ourselves and more on God’s purposes. What practical habits could help you cultivate this mindset?

9. After studying Romans 9–11 and God’s plan throughout history, what aspect of God’s character stands out to you the most, and why?

Romans 9

Pastor Marshall Ochs | MARCH 1, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 9. In this chapter, Paul starts by expressing deep sorrow over Israel’s unbelief and clarifies that God’s promises have not failed, because “true Israel” has always been defined by faith rather than ethnicity. Paul explains that God chooses nations, individuals, and roles for His purposes in history, but people are responsible for how they respond in faith. Ultimately, salvation is not about heritage but belief—anyone, Jew or Gentile, who trusts in Jesus is part of God’s true people and will not be put to shame.

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Paul expresses concern for his Jewish brothers and sisters who do not know Jesus. His great love for them and his desire to see them come to a saving knowledge of Jesus is of utmost importance to him.

• Have you made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior?

• If you have accepted Jesus, do you have a burden for others to know Him?

• How open are you about your faith to others?

Israel was God’s chosen people, from which He would bring the Messiah. However, they were not all followers of the one true God and accepting of Jesus as the Messiah. Those who chose to come by faith to Christ were considered the true Israel – Jew and Gentile alike. This was hard for the Jewish people to accept. They felt that heritage and good deeds were the way to God.

• Have you found yourself trying to earn your salvation through good works or because you were born into a Christian family?

The question that has been debated for centuries is: If God is all powerful and all knowing, does He pick some people to come to faith in Jesus and go to Heaven, and others to reject Him and go to hell? Paul shows us in God’s word that He does not. We all have the choice to embrace Jesus or reject Him. God certainly chooses how and through whom He will accomplish His will (see Pastor Marshall’s notes for more details).  However, we are ultimately responsible choosing to place our faith in Jesus.

Paul uses scripture to make his point to the people (see notes for references). If we are believers in Christ, we must know the Word of God! It is our greatest weapon against the enemy and our greatest resource for knowing our Savior and living according to His will.

• How much time are you investing in reading God’s word?

• Why or why not is it part of your daily routine?  If it isn’t, it’s never too late to start today!